Smart TV Major Assignment Research Project: What Smart TV services are available? Company comparisons?

Sony

Sony offer a GoogleTV package that is supported by the android operating system. On the Smart TV section of their website they enlist the features available. They offer 'entertainment at your fingertips' with unlimited music and video streaming for a fee, as well as BBC and channel 5 on-demand services. A YouTube app is also available as well as daily motion and social interaction via the likes of Facebook & Twitter. The social networking integration they offer has recently been updated with the ability to watch TV and Tweet or use Facebook at the same time as viewing your favorite TV show. One final selling point for Sony is its connectivity; the available Skype app allows users to call relatives/friends directly from the sofa (at a small extra cost for a hardware extension).

Price range

£799-£1399

Pros

Reliable software, regular updates.
Good integration, ability to stream TV & use apps e.g. Facebook
Ability to video call

Cons

Poor web browser- very incompatible and slow according to customer reviews.
Lack of choice when it comes to apps- restricted to small selection from Sony app store.
Compatibility with non-Sony devices poor- e.g. keyboard compatibility.
On-demand choice very poor, only BBC and channel 5 on-demand services. No ITV or Channel 4 apps.

LG offer a smart TV package run on their own operating system. It is a simple platform with many features including a point-and-click style remote, app Store, Internet browser, BBCi player and social networking integration. The interface is quite simialar to what is available on Nintendo's Wii console, they have taken on board the concept and adpated it. Click here for a demonstration of how the system works. As you can see from the link, it is very user friendly and easy to use. Much simpler than other smart TV platforms available, this is a good selling point for LG, they are particularly concentrated on the family market.

Price range

£439-£699

Pros

User friendly interface- family appeal.
Extensive app store- lots of choice.
Competitive prices.

Cons

Poor web browser- incompatable with flash 9/10 and many websites (Click here for customer reviews)
Basic apps- even paid apps fall short of many customers expectations.

Panasonic

Panasonic, like LG, run their own operating system for their smart TVs. They offer on demand services such as; BBCi player, Viewster and Acetrax. They also have social networking integration with the likes of Facebook and Twitter. As well as video/photo clients like YouTube and Flicker. Unlike many other smart TVs on the market, doesn't offer a web browser at all. As a user you are limited to the apps that are available on the app store.