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Post by chris on Jan 7, 2013 9:21:16 GMT -5
I am thinking of getting a Blu Ray DVD Player since most DVD's are switching but since I don't have a flat screen TV and was looking at some models a few questions arose. I understand I can run a blu ray on my tv except I probably would not get the HD reception (no problem). The one I was looking at is a Blu Ray Wifi model that has apps to stream movies from Netflix FB etc. Would this work on my TV. I don't have a cable box but have cable service and did not need to add the black box to get reception on my TV that was required last year. (I think it was a year ago when all switched)
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Post by corner on Jan 7, 2013 11:14:33 GMT -5
you would need to hook it up to a computer modem for those features to work
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Post by chris on Jan 7, 2013 11:16:43 GMT -5
Corner I have a wireless modem so I'm guessing the hookup/setup would be same as my wireless printer.....yes? Just add device to modem.
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Post by clarencebunsen on Jan 7, 2013 12:56:42 GMT -5
I have done a total of one installation of a Wifi capable Blue Ray DVD so I can't claim extensive experience. The connection to went easily, open the book and follow the steps. I checked it out enough to know that some free stuff could be streamed & that I really didn't like the browser or entering URLs using a DVD remote. It was a SONY device.
In order to get benefit from a Blue Ray you really need a TV set capable of displaying a high resolution picture. However if you are considering replacing the TV it makes sense to go a modern DVD. To use Netflix you need an account but either Netflix or Hulu+ are inexpensive, $8/month.
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Post by chris on Jan 7, 2013 13:14:03 GMT -5
CB that is what I was thinking of getting a Sony(Best Buy for $89.00). I read the reviews from customers that said set up and controls were easy. The Wifi was just an extra bonus if I could use them but my main question is can I use the player to play a Blu Ray DVD movie I rent or borrow from the library with the TV I have now. Later down the line if I replace my TV it would be more compatible with the player (if I still have it) The library is getting more current movies in Blu Ray and that leaves me out of the picture right now. Rentals still come in both DVD and Blu but wonder how long before we see the end as in the VHS tapes. ...........or maybe I can just sit on the whole idea and use what I have. I prefer watching a movie on the Big screen anyways. I think there is free stuff from Hulu. I have Tum tiki that came with my Frontier where I have occassionally watched a free movie on my netbook.
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Post by clarencebunsen on Jan 7, 2013 14:24:45 GMT -5
Probably the easiest way to determine compatibility is to look at the back of each device. TVs have changed a lot over the last few years regarding what inputs they will accept. Many older TVs have the screw on type cable input but a Blue Ray DVD may not have that output. Other TVs may also have RCA (phono) connectors & a Blue Ray will generally have those. The most modern connections are HDMI. They are simple, one connector no way to get it wrong, but don't pay $30 for a cable you can order online for $3.
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Post by corner on Jan 7, 2013 15:31:57 GMT -5
if your blu ray palyers has wifi capability great ive got mine firewired to the modem
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Post by virgilgal on Jan 7, 2013 17:45:42 GMT -5
Well I am usually the last person in the world with any experience on anything electronic but I just purchased my first TV in 20 years and a Blu-Ray to go with it. I did some research on both and looked for 2 months at prices all through the holiday shopping season. I ended up getting this Blu-Ray on Amazon (but only paid $58.00 for it). It had very good reviews. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004N85YAQ/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00The concept with the Blu-Ray as it was explained to me is that is basically turns your TV into a SmartTV but it is the Blu-Ray that is doing it all. It does have to interface with a modem as Corner says. Most of them came with WiFii capabilities but not wireless ready; you would have to buy that wireless interface to do that. I connected my modem and the Blu-Ray because the phone company left me a cord to do that when I got the high speed internet. I then ran an HDMI cable between the Blu-Ray and the TV. The Samsung has a lot of services available to choose from that are already programmed in and can be downloaded. I do not have cable TV so I will not get any television but can watch Netflix (and many more paid movie sources) DVD's and Blu-Ray movies, play CD's and there is a Pandora radio program on it too that lets you set up a "radio station" with your own favorite types of music. I may get a Roku and connect that and then I can stream any of the online TV stations that Roku carries. |
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Post by chris on Jan 8, 2013 1:53:03 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. I have to digest all this input.
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Post by Ralph on Jan 8, 2013 3:41:56 GMT -5
It's not the Blu Ray player that is "smart", but the embedded "Ruko style" wifi receiver inside it. Most up until now didn't come with it. Now they have been adding them as an extra added attraction.
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Post by virgilgal on Jan 8, 2013 9:11:07 GMT -5
From what I have read the Roku is the piece that can be added to allow for actual internet TV through the Blu-Ray. The Blu-Ray will not pick up any TV channels on its own and since I don't have cable it won't allow access. The Roku as a separate device will bring in hundreds of internet channels. So the Blu-Ray is smart in the sense that it does access the internet but you can't surf the internet. I can download an ap to access Facebook but it won't allow FB games to be played. I am trying to find a way to run the PBS website through it to watch their videos and shows but can't seem to do that.
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Post by chris on Jan 8, 2013 9:35:29 GMT -5
VG looks like you can watch them on your computer though. (if you really want o watch something you missed) I've watched a few Downton Abbey epeisodes but not from the start. I'll have to see about catching up. (appears thers is a conflict of interest at that time and "Revenge" wins...sorry PBS)
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Post by virgilgal on Jan 8, 2013 14:35:28 GMT -5
I have watched a few things on my laptop Chris but it's a small screen and it has occasionally overheated if I try to watch a full length movie. I did just find the first season of Downton Abbey on Netflix so have added that to my incredibly long list of TV series that I haven't seen in 20 years LOL! I have watched 20 episodes of Glee so far and am loving that!
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Post by Ralph on Jan 8, 2013 14:36:06 GMT -5
Ruko is the way to go. We have one for each of our TV's.
Check them out on their website though, you can usually get some good deals instead of getting them from a big box store.
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Post by virgilgal on Jan 9, 2013 21:56:10 GMT -5
Great Ralph; thanks for that confirmation. I think that will be my next purchase and then I need never move from my couch again! (Except to take care of the shovelling, the chickens, the gardens and all the general stuff indoors LOL)
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