Community Forums

RonLC · 11-08-2015, 03:23 PM

The PO put a 40" Samsung Smart TV in the front of the coach. It is just out of warranty and according to Samsung it needs a firmware update to stop its annoying habit of dropping the picture but keeping the sound every 30-45 minutes. It comes back with a re boot or re start.

I have tried to get a good enough Internet signal in the last couple of CG's with no luck. Plus, I am not sure that a firmware update will solve the problem. It could be a victim of rough road, who knows? I will do the update when I get a chance.

Meanwhile, I am thinking of moving it to the bay and getting a new 40" Samsung for the front of the coach.

The question is I am wondering if anyone can come up with a convincing reason for getting another Smart TV?

I am not going to steam in an RV park, like I have seen discussed in here.

rk911 · 11-08-2015, 04:01 PM

as you've learned the typical CG wifi signal will not support streaming video unless you're the only occupant in the park and even then it would be iffy as many parks have installed anti-streaming software into their systems. in most cases CG wifi is for checking e-mail and light browsing. your smart TV is essentially useless in a CG unless you have your own secure, wifi access. I wouldn't spend the money on a smart TV. if you DO have your own wifi source I might spend the $35 ($20 for refurbished) for the google chromecast device but ONLY if you have your own wifi source.

nothermark · 11-08-2015, 04:08 PM

I would do the software update first if I could either take the unit home or find a friend with WiFi and a parking spot where I could pull in by their house and try it on their setup instead of a park with a lot more controls in the network.

Pirate · 11-08-2015, 06:14 PM

Most devices have provisions to update software online or via USB. Check yours. You could download to a stick and update that way.

FlyingDiver · 11-08-2015, 06:20 PM

You're going to have a hard time finding a good quality 40+" TV these days that isn't a "smart TV".

777 Driver · 11-08-2015, 07:30 PM

Like you've discovered, the internet speed and bandwidth in most campgrounds doesn't support video streaming. Thus, a "Smart TV" doesn't seem very useful.

However, we've booked a month this winter at a place in Florida that advertises wired internet service to each site, included in the rental fee. We haven't been there, yet, to confirm the level of service. Still, I'd expect that is should be good enough to get some benefit from a "Smart TV". We'll see.

As a possible compromise you can purchase a "Smart" Blu-ray DVD player for significantly less than a "Smart TV". Buy a reasonable quality "Dumb TV" and pair it with a "Smart DVD" player.

Take care,
Stu