So many companies are trying to bring internet to TV, but as you point out, none have it right. But beyond that, why do we want this? TV is supposed to be relaxing and passive, internet is more active. Even if I REALLY need internet on my TV, the choice is obvious: i just plug my computer's display output into my TV.
During today's visit to Best Buy, I noticed that there were more display centers in various departments in the store, and many of the displays had useful and informative content. The Kinect demo was up and running, too.
Within the store, I noticed a strong emphasis on HDTVs with internet capabilities. I was hoping that the new Internet HDTVs would come with user-friendly touch-screen controllers, or at least an app for use on touch-screen smartphones, iPads, or other touch-screen tablets.
[Image]What I found was disappointing. On display were traditional-looking multi-button remote controllers, controllers that looked like PC keyboards, and of course, Sony's confusing multi-featured contribution to the Internet TV scene.
None of the controllers seemed to be easy-to-use, or capable of supporting web-navigation and other web interactions on HDTVs from a distance, especially when the goal is to watch movies and video from a recliner in a darkened family room.
Below is a partially annotated slideshow of pictures I took of some of the displays and other things I encountered at Best Buy. Enjoy!
Close Encounter with Kinect Bowling
It wasn't easy trying to bowl and take video with a phone at the same time!
(Please excuse the shaky video effects and the view of my fingers.)
posted by Lynn Marentette at 10:09 PM on Feb 6, 2011
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Close this window Jump to comment formSo many companies are trying to bring internet to TV, but as you point out, none have it right. But beyond that, why do we want this? TV is supposed to be relaxing and passive, internet is more active. Even if I REALLY need internet on my TV, the choice is obvious: i just plug my computer's display output into my TV.
7:19 PM