5 of the Best Internet TVs

Even when you've decided to buy a TV that provides online access, there's a huge choice out there
Here’s the list of top 5 best internet TVs.

Philips 32PFL9606T: Best internet Tv for 3D viewing

Part of the acclaimed 9000 Series, this 32-inch LED TV offers full HD and 3D. All Philips Smart TVs have Net TV, an interactive onscreen platform for selecting programmes and accessing apps. Net TV connects to online video stores, so you can choose, pay for and watch premium movies, all via the TV. A Freeview HD tuner is built-in too. Online applications also include access to Facebook and Twitter.
You can control the TV using an Apple or Android-based smartphone or tablet by downloading the Philips app - this comes in handy when you're using online applications and need to key in text, which can be fiddly using a TV remote.
This Wi-Fi equipped TV can communicate with all your Wi-Fi-enabled gadgets, including phones, laptops, tablets and home computers. You can display photos and play video from these devices on the TV's big screen, and set up music playlists to be streamed directly from your own digital collection. Audio can also be streamed from the internet.
Price: £tbc
URL: philips.com/tv


Panasonic TX-P50VT30B: Best internet Tv for cloud storage

This 50-inch plasma from Panasonic is a bit unusual - as well as a built-in HD Freeview tuner it also has Freesat. HD programmes on Freeview aren't available in all areas just yet, whereas HD channels on Freesat are. There are no subscription fees to pay for Freesat but you will have to pay a one-off charge for dish installation.
Another difference is the way this set delivers online applications. Rather than connecting to the public internet, it hooks up to a cloud-based internet service using Panasonic's 'Viera Connect' system. This offers online video and video on demand, music, sports, games, lifestyle content, and internet shopping. It includes Skype and there's an optional HD camera from Panasonic which lets you make Skype-to-Skype video calls via the TV.
Other online services include YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, BBC iPlayer, Picasa web albums, and Eurosport. The set features a local area network connection and a wireless adaptor is included.
Price: £2199
WEB: panasonic.co.uk

Sony KDL-26EX320: Best internet Tv for a budget

If you're buying a new TV, bigger isn't always better. Whether you're after a second set for a bedroom or just don't fancy filling your lounge with a big fat telly, this 26-inch LED screen should do just the job. It would be unfair to expect full HD and 3D at this price, but the set is HD-ready and has built-in Wi-Fi. You can use it to watch videos from YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Love Film, and others. The TV also lets you use Facebook and offers dedicated applications and content from Sony's BRAVIA online service.
Earlier this year, Sony issued a firmware update for all of its 2011 range of BRAVIA TVs. Any set connected to the internet was automatically updated with new features including Skype, Facebook, Twitter, and the fvledia Remote function. When you download a free app onto Android or Apple-based devices, Media Remote lets you control the TV using a smartphone or an iPad. You can also use this feature with a Sony VAIO notebook PC.
Price: £399
WEB: sony.co.uk

LC 55LW650T: Best internet Tv for big-screen viewing

For big screen internet action, this 55-inch LED TV from LG is worth investigating. It has a built-in HD Freeview tuner and also delivers 3D. Online access includes BBC iPlayer, Facebook, YouTube, and there's even an onboard web browser to surf the internet.
The '650T features a LAN connection so you can plug in an Ethernet cable from your router. An LG Wi-Fi dongle is also available for wireless connectivity.
You can transfer content from a computer or smartphone wirelessly if your devices are compatible with the DLNA protocol (most are), or by using the TV's USB port.
LG even has its own apps store which lets you download a variety of applications to help you customise your TV. The store also features interactive games designed for individual and family entertainment.
£2300
WEB: lg.com/uk

Samsung D6530: Best internet Tv for web browsing

With an ultra flat screen that's just a couple of centimetres thick, it's hard not to get mesmerised by this luscious-looking LED TV. Full HD and 3D are now standard features even in such a comparatively small screen model (37-inch). And the D6530 also features Samsung's 'AHShare' system, which lets you wirelessly connect compatible devices to the TV so you can watch videos, photos and access music stored elsewhere - your PC or smartphone and the like. But the TV itself doesn't feature Wi-Fi, so you'll need to connect it to a router via an Ethernet cable to go online.
Like the Panasonic, this Samsung also offers Skype and has dedicated online applications for social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Google Talk. It has a built-in a web browser that is said to be optimised for the D6530, which means that you can enjoy full internet services on a large-screen telly.

Cost: £999