Smart TV platform roundup

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We've tried out all the smart TV platforms available in the market. These include offerings from key players such as LG, Samsung and Sony. Others such as Sharp are only taking their baby steps in this category for Asia (outside of Japan and the US).

social center
LG's social center app provides access to both your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

A common feature shared among the competing solutions are TV apps, which provide consumers with access to Web content ranging from video-on-demand (VOD) services to social-networking portals and games. Additional apps on top of the preloaded ones can be downloaded from an online store.

social center
You can enjoy full-length movies and dramas with SingTel Excite app available on Samsung smart TV.

Another popular function is Web browsing, though only Samsung's and LG's versions come with Adobe Flash support. Most TV manufacturers are also providing free remote apps for easier text input and Web page navigation. LG has gone one step further to include a motion-sensing remote, too.

Here's how the competing smart TV platforms stack up against each other based on content available in Singapore.

Brand LG Panasonic Philips
Name Smart TV Viera Connect Net TV
Estimated no. of apps 400 40 30
App store Yes
VOD apps Full-length anime and K-pop MTVs; short HD clips Full-length B-grade movies; short HD clips
Social-networking apps Two-in-one Facebook and Twitter app Separate Facebook and Twitter apps
Web browser Yes No Yes
Flash support Yes N.A. No
Remote apps Android and iOS devices
Other control methods Motion-sensing remote Keyboard and mouse Keyboard

Brand Samsung Sony Sharp
Name Smart Hub Bravia Internet Video / Widgets Aquos Net
Estimated no. of apps 310 20 3
App store Yes No
VOD apps Full-length movies; short HD clips; 3D documentaries Short clips Short HD clips
Social-networking apps Two-in-one Facebook and Twitter app Separate Facebook and Twitter apps Twitter
Web browser Yes
Flash support Yes No
Remote apps Android and iOS devices Android and iOS devices; Sony Vaio notebooks No
Other control methods No
Philip Wong
About the author

Philip Wong is an A/V, PC, photography and gaming enthusiast. Besides spending countless days and late nights fiddling with his home theater system and watercooled PC, he also hits the roads frequently on his iron horse to sweat it out. Now, who says geeks don't work out?

Philip Wong, Associate Editor

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