Crazy Smart TV Sets made in Thailand, or Smart TV's worth to buy?

[lostinisaan]

i just came back from Big-C and a sort of fell in love with a 10 K TV with great features. It's made in Thailand brand ( sorry, forgot the name) comes with a 3 year warranty and seems to be what i'm really looking for.( Well, I might be wrong !!!1)

It's a so called smart TV with 4.4 Android technology. it's got a LAN connector, but the wireless connection seems to work fine as well. It comes with a keyboard? a mouse and I tried my 16 GB memory stick and it immediately read all sorts of file formats.

Okay, i could connect an external HD, watch ordinary TV ( got a Sat dish, no idea if I still need a receiver as it has the normal TV coaxial connector, but also the one that's usually coming from a Satellite dish.

Any input would be deeply appreciated and awarded with a like....

[Valentine]

Is it Coocaa TV. I saw a 43" on promotion at Big C a couple of months ago for about 7,000 Baht & it seemed to tick all the boxes. Have not seen them since then.

[wpcoe]

If it has Android 4.4, does it have access to the Play Store, meaning you could download & use any app like you could with a mobile phone? If so, that might be nice, especially if you could use the ILikeHD app. What screen size? Was the brand "TCL"? I'm assuming "10 K" was the price?

[lostinisaan]

If it has Android 4.4, does it have access to the Play Store, meaning you could download & use any app like you could with a mobile phone? If so, that might be nice, especially if you could use the ILikeHD app. What screen size? Was the brand "TCL"? I'm assuming "10 K" was the price?

It's not a TCL,..it's a brand I hen't seen before, made in Thailand) I think it does have access to Play Store. HDMI, VGA and two USB connectors. I'll stop there on mt way home and make a photo.Different sizes from 9 K to 14 K.

I just don't want to buy something that turns out to be crap.

Edited May 19, 2016 by lostinisaan

[catman20]

If it has Android 4.4, does it have access to the Play Store, meaning you could download & use any app like you could with a mobile phone? If so, that might be nice, especially if you could use the ILikeHD app. What screen size? Was the brand "TCL"? I'm assuming "10 K" was the price?

It's not a TCL,..it's a brand I hen't seen before, made in Thailand) I think it does have access to Play Store. HDMI, VGA and two USB connectors. I'll stop there on mt way home and make a photo.Different sizes from 9 K to 14 K.

I just don't want to buy something that turns out to be crap.

you get what you pay for

[wump]

Is this really made in Thailand or is this just a relabeled Haier/TCL/Hisense sold under the Big C store brand?

[wump]

If it has Android 4.4, does it have access to the Play Store, meaning you could download & use any app like you could with a mobile phone? If so, that might be nice, especially if you could use the ILikeHD app. What screen size? Was the brand "TCL"? I'm assuming "10 K" was the price?

It's not a TCL,..it's a brand I hen't seen before, made in Thailand) I think it does have access to Play Store. HDMI, VGA and two USB connectors. I'll stop there on mt way home and make a photo.Different sizes from 9 K to 14 K.

I just don't want to buy something that turns out to be crap.

you get what you pay for

No, you don't. I doubt that a Sony is 6 to 7 times better than the 55" Jaytech Ultra HD TV (Samsung panel) that I bought this week in Europe for 351 euros.

[sumrit]

If it has Android 4.4, does it have access to the Play Store, meaning you could download & use any app like you could with a mobile phone? If so, that might be nice, especially if you could use the ILikeHD app. What screen size? Was the brand "TCL"? I'm assuming "10 K" was the price?

It's not a TCL,..it's a brand I hen't seen before, made in Thailand) I think it does have access to Play Store. HDMI, VGA and two USB connectors. I'll stop there on mt way home and make a photo.Different sizes from 9 K to 14 K.

I just don't want to buy something that turns out to be crap.

you get what you pay for

Not true. With major manufacturers you simply charge a premium price because of their name while the product is the same as the 'unbranded' TV's etc sold in supermarkets, etc.

As an example, I was an engineer working for Granada TV in the UK. When they went into the retail market they had three identical TV's on display. One was labeled as an Hitachi, priced at £299.00, the second was labeled as a GEC and priced at £249.00 while the third was Granada's 'own brand' and sold for just £199.00. All three sets were not just identical, they were manufactured in the same factory and on the same production line.

More recently I worked for a Taiwanese manufacturer called Tatung. They made several different models of TV for several different major brands. We'd have orders for the same model from different companies, have one production line running then just change the brand name badge as we completed the orders. We'd label say the first 1000 as Hitachi, the next 1000 as Panasonic and the third 2000 as Matsui (Currys own brand name) etc, etc. The Matsui was usually about two thirds of the price of the Hitachi and Panasonic even though they were from the same production line. If we made a mistake and labeled too many of one brand we'd simply change the label and sticky label on the back to get the numbers right.

I've been in the manufacture and repair of domestic electronic equipment since the late 1960's and this has always gone on.

The only Manufacturer that doesn't do this is Sony. They have all their products made in their own (suppliers) factories and don't make anything under a different brand name. Their products are still way overpriced though.

[does]

Are you talking about a TV that has WiFi capabilities, allowing you to watch, say, Youtube movies without first putting them on a USB? Isn't that what "smart" means in smart TVs?

[chilli42]

If it has Android 4.4, does it have access to the Play Store, meaning you could download & use any app like you could with a mobile phone? If so, that might be nice, especially if you could use the ILikeHD app. What screen size? Was the brand "TCL"? I'm assuming "10 K" was the price?

It's not a TCL,..it's a brand I hen't seen before, made in Thailand) I think it does have access to Play Store. HDMI, VGA and two USB connectors. I'll stop there on mt way home and make a photo.Different sizes from 9 K to 14 K.

I just don't want to buy something that turns out to be crap.

you get what you pay for

Not true. With major manufacturers you simply charge a premium price because of their name while the product is the same as the 'unbranded' TV's etc sold in supermarkets, etc.

As an example, I was an engineer working for Granada TV in the UK. When they went into the retail market they had three identical TV's on display. One was labeled as an Hitachi, priced at £299.00, the second was labeled as a GEC and priced at £249.00 while the third was Granada's 'own brand' and sold for just £199.00. All three sets were not just identical, they were manufactured in the same factory and on the same production line.

More recently I worked for a Taiwanese manufacturer called Tatung. They made several different models of TV for several different major brands. We'd have orders for the same model from different companies, have one production line running then just change the brand name badge as we completed the orders. We'd label say the first 1000 as Hitachi, the next 1000 as Panasonic and the third 2000 as Matsui (Currys own brand name) etc, etc. The Matsui was usually about two thirds of the price of the Hitachi and Panasonic even though they were from the same production line. If we made a mistake and labeled too many of one brand we'd simply change the label and sticky label on the back to get the numbers right.

I've been in the manufacture and repair of domestic electronic equipment since the late 1960's and this has always gone on.

The only Manufacturer that doesn't do this is Sony. They have all their products made in their own (suppliers) factories and don't make anything under a different brand name. Their products are still way overpriced though.

Sony buys their screens from the Koreans.

[bangkapi]

Check it closely for a small camera aimed at the one watching the TV.

That's a feature of all these new "smart" gadgets.

I mean how can they take care of you if they can't see you?

[amykat]

I recently read that it is better to buy NON-smart TVs, because they are cheaper, and you can add the "smart" part yourself (in my case adding apple TV) because the TV companies are not on top of updating software and some other problems. I think the best thing is to Google "smart vs not smart TV" and you can get the list of pros/cons and reasons.

It has worked out well for me.

[sumrit]

Sony buy parts from a lot of different companies. The point I was making was that most TV manufacturers products are made by third parties and you will see the same completed product under a variety of different brand names. Sony products might buy in parts from a variety of companies but the completed product is exclusively for Sony and will never be sold under another brand name.

[lostinisaan]

Are you talking about a TV that has WiFi capabilities, allowing you to watch, say, Youtube movies without first putting them on a USB? Isn't that what "smart" means in smart TVs?

Of course does the thingy have WIFI, ( not sure about Bluetooth and if a dongle would work) There's a connection for a LAN cable, or you can use the wireless function.

[Pinot]

I recently read that it is better to buy NON-smart TVs, because they are cheaper, and you can add the "smart" part yourself (in my case adding apple TV) because the TV companies are not on top of updating software and some other problems. I think the best thing is to Google "smart vs not smart TV" and you can get the list of pros/cons and reasons.

It has worked out well for me.

I agree. I have both Apple TV and Chromecast. I see no use for a smart TV. Chromecast cost under 1500 baht and is the one I favor.

Edited May 19, 2016 by Pinot

[wump]

I recently read that it is better to buy NON-smart TVs, because they are cheaper, and you can add the "smart" part yourself (in my case adding apple TV) because the TV companies are not on top of updating software and some other problems. I think the best thing is to Google "smart vs not smart TV" and you can get the list of pros/cons and reasons.

It has worked out well for me.

Non-smart TVs are not really cheaper. Most of the computing power of a TV goes to encoding highly compressed formats like HEVC or even 4K material (and even a normal HD signal is highly compressed) and to computing intermediate pictures for motion smoothness. What difference does a bit of extra software make to display some apps (I'm not talking about gaming like on the Amazon Fire box here)? Sure they wouldn't have to add any extra or better hardware for this.

Have you ever looked at a TV with a highly convenient OS like LG's WebOS 2.0? It's just awesome being able to switch between apps with the TV program still running and not deal with more than one remote. Even comes with speech recognition so you don't have to type anything in Youtube/Netflix etc. I got one of these TVs and back then it was the cheapest 65" on the market so I don't know where you get your info that non-smart is any cheaper.

Edited May 19, 2016 by wump

[sniffdog]

Correct wump. People who prefer a dumb tv with a chromecast or Apple TV have never experienced owning a smart tv. I have a high end LG and it works great. It won't take long before all Tvs (except those cheap Chinese ones) are smart. I believe that LG includes Web 2.0 on their cheapest Tvs.

[mike324]

Correct wump. People who prefer a dumb tv with a chromecast or Apple TV have never experienced owning a smart tv. I have a high end LG and it works great. It won't take long before all Tvs (except those cheap Chinese ones) are smart. I believe that LG includes Web 2.0 on their cheapest Tvs.

I have both, don't see why smart TV is so much better over an android box + dumb tv? For someone who just casually watches tv and stream stuff online, it functions the same. But perhaps you make full use of all the features of your high end LG tv?

[wump]

Well for one thing, apart from the new Amazon box none of these sticks can handle 4K. Check out some 4K drone videos on Youtube... absolutely spectacular. Netflix has built up quite a collection of 4K content as well.

The old Chromecast only does 720p I think? That's less than half of the FullHD resolution.

Also, I find it very convenient to be able to quickly switch to Youtube during an ad break (in Germany they last 7 to 11 minutes) or just browse through Netflix.

LG has a nice pointer remote that lets you point at any part of the screen, just like a Wiimote and I would hate having to use a second one.

Edited May 19, 2016 by wump

[sniffdog]

No need for a extra hdmi, USB port or power outlet. All in one. Just one LG remote as wump described.

To be honest, I don't have any experience with 4K yet (my 16mbit connection is not sufficient). But I believe that YouTube or Netflix will be able to do that on a true/3bb 30 up connection to a local server. Try to do that on a dumb tv.

I've used android boxes and Apple TV but it's a bitch to input text if you want to enter login details or search.Not so with the point system of LG Web 2.0

I am getting 3bb 100mbit next week so I will report.

Edited May 19, 2016 by sniffdog

[anfh]

I have Smart Toshiba , this , as above has Android etc, wi-fi, hdmi etc etc

I have various apps loaded directly onto tv, -.showbox, netflix, now tv etc. These are used in conjunction with TOT Fibre optic broadband.

I have Kodi loaded directly onto tv as well. Therefore i dont need to watch any cable or "free to air" stations, i can get virtually anything, and download movies or tv shows etc. The tv has USB so can copy downloaded shows to external source if the built in tv hard drive is full etc.

I have Apple TV 4 as well, but i find this somewhat redundant now i have the Smart tv. Apple restrict apps due to danger of copyright infringement etc.

I also dont need to use Netflix etc .

[wump]

No need for a extra hdmi, USB port or power outlet. All in one. Just one LG remote as wump described.

To be honest, I don't have any experience with 4K yet (my 16mbit connection is not sufficient). But I believe that YouTube or Netflix will be able to do that on a true/3bb 30 up connection to a local server. Try to do that on a dumb tv.

I've used android boxes and Apple TV but it's a bitch to input text if you want to enter login details or search.Not so with the point system of LG Web 2.0

I am getting 3bb 100mbit next week so I will report.

My connection back home is 16 Mbit as well and I streamed the whole series of Breaking Bad in 4k on Netflix with no issues at all. I guess they are using some really good compression. Youtube in 4k works fine as well. I can't speak for Netflix but I'm pretty sure stuff on Youtube gets mirrored to Thai servers first so why not give it a go? If my thinking is correct this should work just fine.

[sniffdog]

I have only Netflix HD. But YouTube shows the 4K in hd only.

[slipperylobster]

There are two types of TV that have wifi/lan capability.

I have a Sony Bravia 48xxxxx. It has wifi/lan but no operating system. I am limited to Mircast, Youtube, Netflix and opening media from my Network.

There are a few Apps they provide, and they update it occasionally. Good news is that AIS Fibre gives you a free Android box with your purchase subscription. You can then use a wireless keyboard/mouse and have all the capabilities that a Smart TV would give you.

There are also "Smart" TV's with full android operating system. If you don't have an Android Box..or don't want to use AIS Fibre, or plug your laptop into the hdmi...then this is nice.

Third option is just buy a tv with hdmi and plug your laptop in the back. BAM .... smart.

dollarwise...cheapest and best option is just get AIS Fibre with Playbox and get a dumb tv.

Edited May 19, 2016 by slipperylobster

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I just recently spent a lot of time shopping for a new TV, and there's a separate thread running on making new TV purchases these days:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/850754-buying-a-new-tv/

From my research, the only major local brand that comes with a 3-year warranty is Panasonic. All the others -- Samsung, LG, Toshiba, Sony, TCL -- only come with 1-year in Thailand.

After concluding I really didn't need or want a 4K TV right now (because of the international bandwidth limitations on the content I primarily stream from the U.S.), I opted for a straight full HD TV that came with built-in wifi and a LAN port as well. I bought a 43 inch TCL "Smart TV" for about 12,000 baht at PowerBuy at Central World.

I like the TV because it has the built-in wifi and LAN, as well as 3 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports and a VGA port, so I've got all the connectivity boxes checked. However, TCL uses some unspecified version of Android, has its own crippled Android app store, and doesn't appear to support Google Play/Google Services, even if attempted thru sideloading. The picture is quite good for the price, but the lack of Google support is a disappointment. Fortunately, the TV works fine with plug-in devices like Roku, Chromecast, etc.

In my case, I decided to just get a budget bigger screen TV right now (replacing an older 32 inch TV), and save my baht for a future purchase in the 2016 or thereafter model years when I'll likely get a TV with HDR and 4K support. HDR was very rare in 2015 model TVs, which are the ones mostly on the shelves now, but should become more common in the 2016 models that soon should begin arriving on Thai shelves. How the pricing will be for those, and whether they'll be at a premium compared to the 2015 models, remains to be seen.

So, the TCL works for me as a budget, interim TV solution. But I can't recommend the brand for a long-term purchase. Apart from the lack of Google Play support, too many little niggling annoyances and lackings in the UI (at least for their "Smart" TVs). The problem that I found, however, was most of the non-smart TV models seemed to be very stingy on HDMI and USB ports, sometimes only one of each, whereas you almost had to get into the Smart TV realm in order to get 2+2, 3+2 or better for HDMI/USB.

[SoiBiker]

Correct wump. People who prefer a dumb tv with a chromecast or Apple TV have never experienced owning a smart tv. I have a high end LG and it works great. It won't take long before all Tvs (except those cheap Chinese ones) are smart. I believe that LG includes Web 2.0 on their cheapest Tvs.

People who think poking away at a tv interface using a remote is great have never experienced how well Chromecast integrates with your other devices. Scrolling through Netflix or YouTube on a laptop or phone and having your chosen video cast to your tv is a much more pleasant user experience in my opinion. Smart TVs are an intermediate step in the technology, but integrated devices are the future.

[sniffdog]

Read the thread again ... Especially the posts about restriction put on by chromecast of 720p.

[SoiBiker]

Chromecast isn't restricted to 720p

[Bantex]

Not true. With major manufacturers you simply charge a premium price because of their name while the product is the same as the 'unbranded' TV's etc sold in supermarkets, etc.

As an example, I was an engineer working for Granada TV in the UK. When they went into the retail market they had three identical TV's on display. One was labeled as an Hitachi, priced at £299.00, the second was labeled as a GEC and priced at £249.00 while the third was Granada's 'own brand' and sold for just £199.00. All three sets were not just identical, they were manufactured in the same factory and on the same production line.

One reason for manufacturers using several brand names on the same product was due to import restrictions in some countries like the UK.

For example each model of an Hitachi television had an annual restriction of 50,000 units allowed into the country but by the use of another brand name they could import an additional 50,000 units. The lesser known branded names were normally sold cheaper. A lot of companies used three brand names.

[lostinisaan]

I just came back from Big-C and will buy the thingy tomorrow morning. I couldn't believe that a company like Big-C are obviously not capable to connect the device to the internet to try certain things i wanted to know.

It took about an hour and a lot of bla bla to have it connected, switched into English and it seems to be worth the money.

I'm very sorry, but i wasn't asking about "normal TV's and the Smart TV is made in Thailand under the brand "Skyworth". 32' monitor is okay for me, don't have more space where AI'm planing to put it in.

It comes with a three year warranty and all provinces seem to have shops that can fix it if something goes wrong.

It's great to watch CNN, BBC and other programs, YouTube, movies and of course TV. No idea how that thingy works with my satellite receiver, but i guess that won't be a problem.

A keyboard comes with it, which will immediately be replaced with a wireless one. Haven't thought about if that's possible or not. It not, they can keep their Smart ass TV.

9 K isn't that much for what it offers and yes you can download applications, similar to a mobile phone.

If I buy it I'll attach an external hd, even when a 16 GB memory stick will be enough for some movies. Need to get a switch at my amplifier fixed and will have a great sound as well.

...

.

Edited May 19, 2016 by lostinisaan