First TV in 20 years...where do we start?

[SwitchingOn]

We haven't owned a television in 20 years. We'd now like to get one for family movie nights but we don't know how TV works any more!

We know we want 43" maximum size-wise, budget up to £500 but would prefer to stay well below that, if possible.

Can we simply connect a telly to our internet to watch iPlayer and sign up to and stream Netflix, Disney, etc? Could we also watch the free channels that way? Or do we have to get a TV package with our broadband provider?

Can we go with Freely or do we need Freeview to get the most out of it?

Do we need any special subscriptions or accounts to get a specific TV to work?

So far we've been looking at the Sony Bravia and some of the Samsungs and I think I saw something about needing a Samsung account for their TVs.

Any help bringing us into the 21st century is appreciated!

Why don't you want to go any bigger? First tv in 20 years is special, 43" is quite small x

I have a Samsung tv - it has all of the apps you'd use, such as netflix and now tv, which is what I'd recommend

I have a Samsung TV and did sign up to a Samsung account, iirc I had to, to get the cashback which was offered when I bought the TV. I think you need it if you want to download additional apps to the usual ones that are already on there. It's just so you can use extra things to get the most out of your TV but I don't think I have ever had to actually use it apart from getting the cashback.

Thanks both.

@mumofoneAlonebutokay The space we have won't fit bigger than 43" and we dont want it to completely dominate the room.

Do these connect to the internet through broadband without an extra service package? I'm just so clueless!

Yes get a “smart Tv” it has the apps for all the popular streaming services you add your WiFi details and it connects. You then log in on the TV to you iplayer or Netflix account etc.

You only need a “box” like Sky or now if your Tv doesn’t come with in built access. We got our TV from Argos a couple of years ago

Yes, modern televisions connect to the Internet, either via WiFi or a cable. That allows access to streaming services. The aerial lead allows access to digital channels (essentially the modern version of BBC, ITV etc, although there are now 200 channels of nothing to watch).

I have found that smart TVs get software updates that make the whole thing slower long before the unit would have otherwise reached the end of its life, so you could also consider a non smart TV which would be cheaper, and use a dongle (chrome cast, Amazon firestorm etc) to access streaming content.

By streaming content, I mean Netflix, YouTube etc.

No need for an extra service package, just connect your TV to the WiFi then you can start to create accounts or log in to current accounts you might already hold. BBC iplayer for example.
It's very straightforward if you already are familiar with using devices such as ipad or laptop.
We have Samsung TV and for the account required all they need is an email address, there's no subscription to pay.

Smart tv, has apps, bbc player, you tube, channel 4 catch up then you can subscribe to Netflix, prime etc

TVs used to be measured diagonally across the screen so check size if you are buying online.

iplayer is a good start, and it is free, no need for a smart tv, you can get a firestick

If you are watching iPlayer or any live TV you will need a TV licence.