So far we’ve looked at the basics of Smart TVs and examined what you can expect from each of the major vendor’s App stores. But which models should you be getting excited by? Let’s take a look at the top of the range from each Smart TV vendor.
Gizmodo’s Smart TV Buying Guide
- Part 1: Basics You Need To Know
- Part 2: App Stores Compared
- Part 3: Latest Models Roundup
- Part 4: Smart TV Tips And Tricks
Samsung
Model Name: UA60D8000
RRP: $5,999
Key features: The D8000 is a 60 inch panel with a slim design philosophy. Don’t be put off by the asking price; we’ve seen it on sale cheaper in a number of online and real world stores. It’s LED backlit, 3D compatible, WiFi ready and features a neat design with virtually no bezel; what you’re looking at is just display screen and nothing else. With an optional Skype camera it’s also possible to use it for large scale video conferencing duties.
Sony
Model Name: KDL65HX925
RRP: $9999
Key features: Sony’s top-end TV at the time of writing is the heftily priced (and all but impossible to pronounce) KDL65HX925. The price is high, although at the time of writing that also bundled a Sony Tablet S 32GB with it, giving you (amongst other things) a neat way of remote controlling it. It’s a 65 inch LED backlit panel with access to Sony’s range of very entertainment-centric Smart TV services.
Panasonic
Model Name: VT30
RRP:$5299
Key features: Panasonic’s VT30 is a 65 inch plasma panel; while people will debate Plasma or LCD endlessly, it’s much more a matter of personal display choice these days. The VT30 is 3D capable and can handle 2D to 3D conversion if that appeals to you. It’s also THX certified if you’re keen on using its inbuilt speakers, and with the addition of any USB hard drive also performs PVR duty.
LG
Model Name: LW6500
RRP: $4999
Key features: The LW6500 isn’t quite like the other 3D capable panels we’ve looked at here, because it’s a user of passive rather than active glasses; these are cheaper (if you ignore the $159.95 Oakley models) The LW6500 also uses LG’s “Magic Motion” remote, a Wii-esque device that uses waggle style controls for simple TV operation. It sounds gimmicky, but it’s not too hard to learn, and a lot easier than trying to find a remote button in the dark when you should be concentrating on enjoying your movie.
Elize
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 6:56 PMin less than 5 years, these expensive gems would be worth less than 2k :D
Fred
Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 6:28 AMVery doubtful you’d see half of that amount.
np
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 9:23 PMWell worth waiting until next year for LG’s new LM9600 LED. Great features and stunning design. http://goo.gl/B6gmH
PB12IN
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 10:51 PMI have the UA60D8000. It’s a great TV, although I couldn’t care about the “Smart TV’ functionality as I only use it as a monitor for my media centre machine.
In saying that, I do have the optional Skype camera hooked up. The Skype integration is great! I frequently use it to talk to my wife and daughter when I’m travelling for work.
I picked mine up for about $3500. The Skype cameras are available online for about $90; the RRP is $199!
DarthDVD
Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 6:46 AMwhat no kogan models?
Dan
Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 9:32 AMIt stands to reason the more expensive tv’s are best who in their right mind is going to pay 10grand for a tv that’s probably outdated in a number of years. We are not all mega rich. How about a sub $1000-$2000 review for the entry level models.
L0wey
Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 12:02 PMHere here – 10K for a TV pft…
Kevin
Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 5:24 PM“It’s also THX certified if you’re keen on using its inbuilt speakers”
The THX certification is for the display, not the panel. There is a lot that gets tested for a TV to get a THX certified, things like gamma, colour accuracy, etc.
The inbuilt speakers have nothing to do with it.
Kevin
Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 5:25 PMAH, meant to say ‘certification is for the display, not the SPEAKERS’