This is ridiculous I know, but could someone explain TVs to me

[FluffyEarMuffs]

In my defence, we haven't had a tv for years.

I'd like to buy one today. I actually wanted to buy one yesterday and I think I managed to walk around the only shopping centre in the UK where there weren't any to look at 😆

This is what I want. Something not too huge that is flat and can go on the wall. I need to find someone to then put it on the wall and run a plug socket over to it. I can advertise for a local electrician for the plug socket and a handyman for the bracket.

Stupid question number one: if I buy a "smart tv" it doesn't need to plug into anything else does it? Just a power cable? Then it can get channels through wifi??

Stupid question number two: there is no way I can put anything underneath the tv. Does this mean I can't play disks? Is there a way to upload DVDs somehow? I am happy to buy movies, etc digitally, but I am thinking the kids dance shows here.

Stupid question number three: what do I do with the wires?

Stupid question number four: do I still need an Apple TV box to play Apple things or can that work online now?

I can answer a couple of your questions.

A smart TV is more for catch up TV. So if you want to watch live Freeview channels you will still need an aerial unless you have something like sky.

With regards to the dvd player, im not sure if you can download movies onto a smart TV.

Wires can be buried into the wall (it's a quite a big job), you can get cable tidies, or just left to hang.

I still think you will need an apple TV device to watch apple TV.

Smart TVs are not all they are cracked up to be. I have one and never use the extra functions as I have a Freeview recorder.

We have our DVD player on top of the wardrobe next to the TV on the walk in our bedroom. You could put a small shelf up for yours.

Wires can be buried into the wall (it's a quite a big job), you can get cable tidies, or just left to hang.

You can buy trunking that fixes close against the wall and makes the wires unobtrusive and neat.

Top tip. Don't put it on the wall. You'll never be able to move it.

Other than that, I rely heavily on DH for all things tech. I really hope he doesn't die before me.

I've just bought a new TV, my first smart one. DVD players are no longer scart connected, so you'll need one which uses usb / HDMI cables. And yes - if you want to play discs, it has to be physically connected to the TV. You can buy / download stuff to thumb drives and plug these directly into the TV, but you'll need to get the programmes from somewhere.

TVs are much lighter than they used to be - I managed to lift and manoeuvre my 50" one by myself without issue. It means that wall brackets are not such an issue to install. As I've just discovered, OLED starts at 55", so if you want something smaller, you can't have this technology. Some places (eg John Lewis) offer wall fixing / set up, which may be convenient when ordering. This should be for all TVs, but their website is apparently not updated, so doesn't show against all models - you can phone and have it added to your order.

Thank you 😊

I now have some direction in my rather random googling up to now.

John Lewis I think is my best bet.

Trying to get my head around it. One of me and my partner should have been more technical !

Smart Tv's are great. I don't need an additional box to watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon etc as they have the built in Apps. I am not in the UK so availability may be different.

What you could do is if you are set on having a wall mount tv ask the handyman to install a shelf underneath the tv to store the devices you require.

Cables showing, it's all about cable management. If you ask for the outlet to be placed behind the tv then you won't see the cables as much.

Mounting the TV on the wall, see if you can find a bracket that has an arm on it, that way you can angle the TV somewhat if required. You will need to ensure the bracket is suitable for the size of the TV.

You can get televisions with integrated DVD players.

I know how you feel OP. We've been dithering over buying a smart TV for over a year. Finally bought this Samsung TV and absolutely love it. Thought it might be too big but is just right, Ultra HD is amazing.
We got it from JL because of 5 yr guarantee, also got an expensive wall bracket so the TV can be pulled out and turned in all directions. The delivery men set it all up, fixed to the wall and tidied wiring with trunking.
It comes with Apple TV so no box needed.
There are HDMI ports so DVD player can be connected.

You say you have kids. Do you need a games console to be hooked up to this tv?

A smart TV will do everything you need. Some have Apple TV app now - get one of those and you don’t need Apple TV.

If you have a computer with DVD drive then rip the DVD to the hard disk on that, and on the very rare occasion you need to the DLNA on the TV will let you view it wirelessly.

An electrician can mount the TV for you. Don’t pay two separate people.

If it’s a dot n dab or stud wall then getting a cables up for games consoles etc is easy. Just get the spark to fit a “brush plate” behind the TV and another by a shelf or in a corner of room somewhere. Pull a draw wire in and leave it, and hey presto any cable you ever need can be installed and hidden in seconds with no ugly wires or shelves.

If solid walls then electrician will advise. Bear in mind that if it’s an external wall down the side of a house etc you can go straight outside behind the TV and trunk the cables on the outside of the house. Much easier and less messy than chasing into the wall and also allows easy cake swaps in future. Same principle applies if you are lucky enough to back onto a store cupboard, garage, utility room etc. Much easier and better on the the eye to keep the trunking out of the living room.

Bear in mind that any smart TV the apps will all start working after 3-5 years and you will end up needing some sort of external box

Yes. I have wall mounted thousands of TVs

@doritosdip no, we've never owned a game console as we haven't had a tv on and off (mostly off!) for two decades now. The teens play stuff on iPads and much as the little one and DH would probably like to play minecraft on a tv, I will resist it 😆

@Hurdygurdy24 can I marry you please?

Right, I am digesting all this...

Surely you need an aerial to get normal channels? Might be wrong though.

Apple stuff can be watched via an app also

Will you be watching broadcast tv like BBC itv as it is aired or will it be just for catch up?
Don't forget a licence if you will watch live or iPlayer.

@TheQueef I don't know really. We haven't for years now, so I am not sure.

We used to have a tv license but I stopped it as it was pointless to have one when we never watched live tv or the BBC.

If either of those things change (and I guess they will), I'll 100% buy a license 😇 , (even though I don't agree with the principle of it and think the BBC should be privately owned as it's biased anyway!)

We do also have Freesat with ours but you can watch live programmes via the app I.e. iPlayer, More 4 etc. It's I bit clunkier than via aerial or satellite but perfectly possible.

If you are considering it you may need to get the outdoor Ariel upgraded to one that picks up digital.
Best to get it done and hidden while the guy is there.

I don't have a licence and found it easy to avoid breaking the rules, I wait for it to be sold to Amazon or Netflix.
I will admit to watching Masterchef at my Dad's though

I should also add that having wall mounted literally thousands of TVs, every set in my house is on a floor stand as it just makes everything so much easier and also keeps the TV at a more comfortable viewing position.

In my humble opinion anyway

It's less of an issue now than it was with the first gen smart TVs, but do be aware that the apps they support have a finite lifespan and upgrade-ability, and after some period of time, will be unsupported and likely gradually stop working (just like how old smart phones cease working as things become optimised for new versions of apps on them).

I'm talking several years here, but if you are the sort of person to invest significant £ for the long term, just bear it in mind.

Thank you so much.

After much faffing, I have just bought this one:

www.johnlewis.com/samsung-the-frame-2019-qled-art-mode-tv-with-no-gap-wall-mount-49-the-frame-bezel-black/p238274490

Using TopCash back as well 🙌🏻

I have figured out a long cabinet it can go on near an existing plug socket for Christmas, and then I will faff around some more... and possibly be back with other questions.... about fitting it to the wall.

Thank you for being kind to a Luddite!