OT: smart TV controller for internet

[bill.shitner]

We've got a couple of smart TVs and with both of them, the remote is a standard type that has numbers, x-y arrow buttons and various other function buttons. The difficulty we have is when internet access is required (e.g. channel 4 on demand), when you need to search for a service/site on the www and enter login details. Using a standard remote with x-y arrow buttons to move the cursor and select keys to type is just painful.

Do any smart TVs come with a proper mouse pad type controller with physical/electronic keyboard built in? If not, can anyone recommend an aftermarket solution?

I've tried apps for the phone, but they seem flaky/shit.

Thanks.

Bill.

[Andy Burns]

Recent LG TVs can use their "magic remote" which operates like a scroll mouse, it makes typing in search words from an on-screen keyboard reasonably bearable.

[Richard]

I can use a wireless keyboard with my LG TV. Simply plug the usb dongle into a spare usb on the TV.

[TimW]

What is a Smart TV? TW

[David Wade]

Apart from the fact the phrase is an oxymoron, its just about any TV you can buy....

Dave

[Graham Harrison]

Yup. Me too except my set includes a mouse.

[The Natural Philosopher]

Some TVS will take a keyboard and mouse down ther USB port and you can buy an integral radio mouse and keyboard for small money

Ajnpther option is to set up a domestic webserver and popukated it with links to the places you want the TV to go

[The Natural Philosopher]

A TV equipped with network access either via an Ethernet port or a wifi connection.

They are usually capable of using DLNA servers on your network to play stored videos and mp3 encoded audio.

They usually have internet capability to allow them to seamlessly watch internet based maaterial from e.g. Iplayer, Netflix and the like

[Harry Bloomfield, Esq.]

They also support a bluetooth keyboard.

[AnthonyL]

Recent LG TVs have an app available for your smartphone* which in turn can toggle the type of interface as well has having the benefit of a sensible keyboard entry.

*if all these device were really smart we wouldn't need this thread!

[Jeff Layman]

Mini keyboards are fine for short amounts of text. This sort of thing:

[Richard]

Thanks, that looks handy.