Ten... smart TVs

Net set and catch up

Samsung UE55D8000

Arguably, the jewel in Samsung’s current thinscreen crown, this 55in edge-lit LED set combines dual Freeview HD/Freesat tuners, Active Shutter 3D and USB timeshifting with Amy Pond looks. It’s quite a potent combination.

The brand’s smart portal is also running ahead of the pack. Samsung has invested a ton of Won in app development and there’s no shortage of IPTV services, including BBC iPlayer, YouTube, DailyMotion, Explore 3D and Vimeo. Local file playback from USB is excellent, with MKV, AVI and other favourites all playing. 

DLNA support over a LAN is a little more demanding, as the set doesn’t play ball with all media servers. But then it had to have an Achilles' heel, right?

Reg Rating 90%
Price £1999
More info Samsung

Samsung SyncMaster TA950 27 3D TV/PC Monitor

This Samsung small-screen is something of a curiosity, as it’s both an S-RGB compliant PC monitor and a net-connected Freeview HD 3D TV. The design is refreshingly wacky, with the screen effectively suspended above its pedestal by an angled bracket; the sound system is built into the pedestal itself. Image quality in both TV and monitor guise is sharp and responsive. 

Network performance is the same as that found on the brand’s full-size TVs. There’re apps aplenty, as well as BBC iPlayer YouTube, LoveFilm and the like. Local USB file playback is comprehensive. Of course, if you’re using the TA950 as a monitor, this functionality will be readily available from the PC. So is a net connected TV/PC hybrid a good idea? Answers on a postcard, please.

Reg Rating 80%
Price £650
More info Samsung