Today Major TV Screen producers are running big ads telling consumers that they can have internet@TV on their nrw flatscreen TV´s . 

Digital media Consult have taken a closer look at the market and it current offerings.

Box or TV

If you are in the market for a new flat screen TV and want to have one with internet capabilities, you have choice between many TV but actually very little differentiation between the TV brands. You want to look after if the TV offers your favorites picture viewer, mail app and Facebook and Twitter access.

If you have just recently bought a TV you might not buy a new one with internet capabilities. Instead you can opt for some of the alternatives for internet surfing that some of the little media players or game consoles offer.

Availability

Interneton  TV is what WAP was for mobile phones some time back, you only get what the producer put in the device for you, not the full internet experience. For example Sony and Samsung only offers you access to Youtube, Facebook and a few other sites made for their  TV interface. If you want to access you favorite forum homepage or news site, you are out of luck.

Navigation

It is still difficult to navigate the web with a remote control. The best option for user navigation is still a mini-size keyboard like Logitech Dinovo mini or a  good alternative is the Wii motion controller together with on the Opera browser. More apps and a better user interface is needed before real Internet couch surfing will be enjoyed. For now users are best served by having a separate computer or tablet nearby when then want to surf the net and watch TV at the same time.

Let’s look at the current offerings and see what is in the store for the next 2 years.