The Your Video recommendation engine and information database is sort of an IMDB Lite. The Hub's search can find videos on Vudu, YouTube, and Facebook pages based on keywords, however. The Hub also offers video search but it's next to useless for the moment because it doesn't hit Netflix, CinemaNow, or Hulu Plus, and can't search your local cable or satellite TV listings ( Google TV can) or DVR. There's some ability to customize the Hub but we were disappointed that we couldn't remove icons for AllShare, Channel, and others we didn't want. It delivers a wealth of options, albeit on a crowded screen that's intimidating at first. The new Smart Hub is the home page for all apps and provides shortcuts to local streaming sources (music, photos, and videos via DLNA and USB), inputs, and even a schedule manager. Google Talk and Maps are notable inclusions, and we liked ESPN ScoreCenter-a simple app that runs alongside the main image and lets you check scores from a variety of sports. The app store is well-designed, breaking down offerings into categories like video and games, and the sheer number of apps available outstrips competitors like Vizio and LG. Otherwise the streaming selection is top-notch, although we could nitpick about the absence of Rhapsody since Napster gets a spot. "="" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"> Streaming and apps "=""> Other: Blockbuster, CinemaNow, Vimeo, MLB TV, ESPN ScoreCenter, Napster, Picasa, Google Maps, Google Talk, numerous games, children's books, exercise guides, moreįor 2011 Samsung has integrated all of its applications and streaming services into the Smart Hub interface, ditching Yahoo widgets (we approve) and also losing a few apps, the most important by far being Amazon Instant. Unlike midrange edge-lit models from companies like Sony and LG, the UND6400 doesn't have local dimming that extra is reserved for the high-end UND8000 series. We'd like to see wireless Internet on a TV at this level but you'll need to buy Samsung's proprietary dongle if you want to access the Internet via Wi-Fi. Bluetoothĭoes make the new glasses easier to use, and they keep sync much
The UND6400 series is incompatible with 2010 glasses models. Samsung doesn't pack the glasses in with the TV, you'll have to check Retailers may offer promotions at their discretion, but since
(rechargeable, ultralight, $150) optional Skype camera/speakerphoneĪs we mentioned above, Samsung no longer offers free 3D glasses with Digital and streaming are just making it harder to skip, keep strictly separate from content, and receive anonymously."="" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"> Key TV features "=""> Other: Optional 3D glasses include SSG-3100GB
There's never going to be a net decrease in advertising. My favorite type of advertising is traditional TV commercials that can be fast forwarded or muted and fully skipped. I wouldn't buy a TV if it required an internet connection to function.
Or is this a fundamental part of the UI for a Samsung TV that you need to interact with for daily use even if you don't want content through Samsung? Because that would be unacceptable. Of course they're tracking what you watch for advertising purposes. This screenshot looks like a streaming content interface, and data mining you has been a fundamental part of all these services for years, right? Not saying it's great, just that this isn't new or unusual. Is this a Samsung app that you would never see if you have no interest in smart apps and leave your TV off the internet? Because if so that's easily avoided, Netflix would also profile me and advertise content to me through its app, and I don't plan to ever open that one either. I didn't particularly want an OLED panel which is why I went for a Samsung LCD, and I regret that decision regularly. LG pull this shit too, but I think they're slightly less awful than Samsung. I have a laundry list of issues with this TV, which is a shame because when it's not actively trying to make me hate the company it's actually a very nice display. Block the following domains on your router or via a free OpenDNS account: If you don't have one, or don't want to give up a HDMI port.ģ. Never connect it to the internet and use a dedicated streaming box/stick instead. Unfortunately, if you're in the market for a real high-end TV, you often don't have another optionĢ.
My recommendations for how to deal with this shit, in decreasing order of effectiveness:ġ.