Panasonic's top of the line TVs are the latest in a growing number, including some from Sony, Samsung and Sharp, that allow you to get online directly from your TV set.
But all are similar to Panasonic's so-called VIERACast application in that it's not the full internet like on your computer, but rather select applications like YouTube, Picasa pictures, Weather, stocks, stuff developers think you want in your living room.
“It literally looks, as you'll see, like another television channel,” says Vic Carlson of Panasonic. “So let's say you're watching CNN and want to check out some content, see some photographs or check out some videos, you'll see on the remote control there's a dedicated Vieracast button. Just click on that button, the Vieracast menu will come up and you'll see all the applications. Then using just the remote control, you will be able to toggle through the application that you like and dive into the content.”
TVs are just the latest device trying to get you online from your couch. Next generation video game consoles have been doing it for years. There's little doubt your cable box will go online soon and then there are devices like the Apple TV, with the sole purpose of letting you enjoy your favorite content from the internet on your TV.
Panasonic's top of the line TVs are the latest in a growing number, including some from Sony, Samsung and Sharp, that allow you to get online directly from your TV set. Adam Balkin has more.
“For the most part, the boxes do offer you more today. You have broader options with some of them,” says Greg Tarr of TWICE Magazine. “You can go to a wider variety of websites for instance. The services aren't necessarily pushed on you as they are with some of the internet TVs out now. In time that’s all going to change. Integrating it into the TV makes it a simpler solution for someone who might not want to have a lot of clutter around the house.”
Again, for the most part, you are paying more for a set with an internet connection because developers are generally only including the feature on their premier models, sets that go for between $3,000 and $8,000. Those manufacturers do though have the ability to update your system and add online applications as they strike new deals.