Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

Opera runs off any device, WII, Nintendo, Mobile devices. So does Mozilla/Firefox.

I believe SAMSUNG's policy of only limiting internet@TV to just Yahoo Widgets is limiting, restrictive, and unfair. It is the same as Microsoft ANTI-TRUST violations limiting their operating system to only using or forcing to use IE vs. Netscape/Mozilla.

Has anyone figured out how to run a browser this OXYMORON "internet@TV" !!!!

Would be interested in seeing more support from other fooled tech buyers!

Reply 1 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

iduate,

To answer your initial question, there is not a way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV's, including the UNxxB7100. I have no idea if it will or not.

--HDTech

Reply 2 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

I'm with the multitude here. There should be a browser. It is a no-brainer. Nice TV otherwise - but this sucks.

Reply 3 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

You can use the TV with any browser; the TV just needs to be connected to a computer via the PC input.

Seriously, in my opinion, it would be very tedious to navigate web pages using a TV remote. It could be argued that cell phones have similar capability. But I would not be interested in viewing phone limited web pages on a HDTV.

That said, I suspect that future Samsung HDTV's will include some form of built in limited PC technology with provisions for keyboard and mouse connections.

Reply 4 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

donbuczynski,

Suggestion noted, thanks. As of now, I don't know of any mouse or keyboard that would work with the USB ports on the television. They require drivers and that wasn't the focus of this year's offering for widgets.

--HDTech

Reply 5 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

Even though I don't need half the connectivity features bundled with my 8 Series LED (I can do so much more, and do it so much easier hooking it up directly to my laptop), I bought it hoping the widgets would take off and that I'd be able to do more directly on my TV in the future.

However, I got fed up of the virtual keyboard after about 2 mins, as I suspect many people have/will. I'm now not sure about how successful widgets will be without the option of a keyboard.

As far as the browser goes - my laptop has been my complete entertainment and communication center. I'd love for my tv to take over that role, the addition of a browser would bring me a step closer.

Just my 2 cents.

Reply 6 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

Thanks I_AM_MARIA for your commentary.

Hooking up the Samsung LED to the Laptop is always a possibility but as a second monitor very cumbersome and not wireless. The wireless connectivity via Media Server is also very limited.

I'm just talking about simple Web Surfing which is something that even a WII with the Opera Browser permits without a huge baggage of overhead given it operates over a small linux OS.

You need just the same to run Widgets, so I see Samsung's limitation to only Widgets as being outright restrictive and collusionary with Yahoo.

Please open up the internet for web surfing over the LED otherwise you're taking a beautiful piece of equipment and making us use other inputs as our basis for navigation.

Reply 7 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

Add a browser widget to a Samsung TV and it would be a big seller I am sure of it!

Text entry as per mobile phone on number keys, simple Gui etc.

The feature would sell Samsung TVs! That's gotta be what they want!

TP

Reply 8 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

USB k/b & mouse are HID and built into almost all kernels known to man.

Reply 9 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

"At the CES show in Las Vegas this year, Samsung promoted its Smart Hub technology prominently throughout its monstrous booth. Close to 70 percent of the 2011 HDTV Samsung models will have the Smart Hub installed on their systems. Smart Hub is Samsung's answer to the oncoming wave of internet tv."
" Web Browser: google and start googling and you can display the full web browsing"

"Browsing the web is also possible from the TV and users can download apps from Samsung's store. Samsung was the first to bring apps to HDTVs, and operates an open-source development community for a choice of apps. Both paid and free apps are offered.

Read more: http://www.electronista.com/articles/11/01/06/samsung.brings.out.hdtvs.with.ultra.thin.bezels/#ixzz1GW996PIS

".

Reply 10 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

I just purchased a Samsung 55" LED 3D TV UN55C7100. I was so excited to get a TV that would connect to the internet because the last thing I want to do is sit in front of my PC to watch TV, when my living room where my Samsung TV is located, is much more comfortable and has a complete surround sound system. The 1st thing I did was go to the Samsung app store and was shocked that there was no internet browser app. available for this Samsung TV. I love this TV but I now feel duped.

Internet connectivity without an internet browser is like having telephone service without a telephone hand set.

Things like YouTube apps are fine and dandy, but I want access to other streaming video services besides YouTube, Netflix,etc and the way that is done is by use of a browser. It feels like I'm being forced to limit my selections of what I can watch by Samsung.

I'm guessing the SourceForge shareware programming folks share my desires, because it seems they have created firmware called SamyGO to do exactly what I described on Samsung TVs, but the last thing I want to do is hack my new TV.
See Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8T6Qd7xgW0&NR=1

I want to be able to view streaming video from websites such as Joost.com and fancast.com.

My iPhone has a web browser, my Sony PS3 has a web browser, and my PC has a web browser. So why doesn't my new Samsung TV which connects to the same internet as all these other electronic devices have a web browser? Please tell me there is a solution coming soon because the only use I've gotten from connecting my Samsung TV to the net so far is installing the latest software updates from Samsung.

Reply 11 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

I should probably quantify that.

No browser is advertised on the Samsung televisions for 2010 or before.

Interesting. I noticed that there weren't any flash player or video streaming in that youtube video, or how many websites you can visit before the internal memory is filled with website clutter (cookies, etc) so I'm not sure if you're able to view movies there either.

There was no browser advertised, nor "surf the web" marketing. The Samsung Apps are that - applications that run within the television. If you're unhappy, don't feel duped. Get something that best fits your needs while you're still within the return policy. The option to connect your PC through either the 15-pin monitor cable, or through even HDMI these days exists, so that option may or may not work as a solution for you.

I don't want anyone feeling like they got taken or have "forced limitations". Clearly, there was a different expectation than what Internet@TV is. Samsung is not "limiting your selections", but rather trying to implement Apps and work with partnerships. If you're unhappy, do what makes you happiest.

--HDTech

Reply 12 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

[Quote]I don't want anyone feeling like they got taken or have "forced limitations". Clearly, there was a different expectation than what Internet@TV is. Samsung is not "limiting your selections", but rather trying to implement Apps and work with partnerships. If you're unhappy, do what makes you happiest.[/Quote]

By creating "Partnerships" that's EXACTLY what you are doing is limiting people's selections. There is no way to separate the 2 from each other like you are describing.

My Sammy TV has a digital Tuner connection. You don't have partnerships with Comcast, Direct TV,WOW, AT&T or DISH Network which makes me have to limit my selection to only those providers, but you some how think it's ok to limit my selections to Netflix, Blockbuster,VUDU, Hulu, CinemaNow in regards to streaming video providers through the internet connection???

I currently have a work around. I have a "SONY" PS3 connected to my SAMMY TV through HDMI and that has a Web Browser and also connects to the NET. I can even install a Linux OS and install Linux supported apps of my choice on the PS3. Or I could fire up one of my Laptops and connect that with an HDMI connection to the Sammy TV. But Why should I have to???

I'll let the market push Samsung in the direction of what people want on their TVs and what they want to do with their TV. Sony TV's now have a built in Web Browser and I'm sure Panasonic will follow along. I'm pretty certain Samsung will be forced to follow along or chose to fall behind. When you fall behind you might want to consider making the folks at SammyGO one of your partners, because as can be seen in this video below, this is the type of stuff that some of us would like to do with our $2000-$3000 Samsung TV with Internet connectivity we just purchased.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io2vDG-WSVM&feature=fvw

The only reason I even know "SammyGO" exists is because I Googled "Internet Browser app for Samsung TV" after I couldn't find one in the Samsumg App store.

I'll also further add, that Apple has "Partnerships" with all these same providers as Samsung, but my iPhone has a Safari Web Browser, as well as other 3rd party Web Browser options are available through Apple's iTunes store. Apple/iTunes has the same business model that Samsung is trying to follow. If Samsung isn't there with their App Store or found a developer to create a web browser for the Samsung TV, then that's fine but it's about time Samsung does get there, because once more people start buying Samsung TVs and find out there is no web browser app available, the more people will start to get upset and be looking to purchase from alternative manufactures.

Thanks for reading.

Reply 13 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

Here's a review posted on Amazon from someone else. So it seems not only is Samsung head strong on not providing a web browser they're actively trying to keep all doors closed to prevent others from doing it also.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN40B7000-40-Inch-1080p-HDTV/product-reviews/B001UHMVEU?pageNumber=3
[Quote]I just purchased series 7000 40 HD TV and part of the hype is ability to stream video to it. Well after getting it, the software and tools samsung provides stink, but samsung in their wisdom uses open source and other third party tools lime Samygo was availble. Works great and samsung does have a good picture. Well - the firmware version on TV was 1016 and SamyGo worked fine, until another feature called auto firmware update on TV started. It asked if I wanted to update, sure why not. The TV downloaded via my network and installed 1017 firmware.

The 1017 not only blocked ability to revert back to 1016, but encrpyted all widgets and USB add on's like SamyGo. So Samsung has decided to let their developers cripple use of third party tools and enhancements. Not only have they done this, their tools don't work anymore and they WILL NOT help you if you call.

This TV is worth NO MORE than $700.oo - don;t buy this and stay away from SAMSUNG - Sorry SAMSUNG you make great TV's but your lack of support and process of stopping people from added functionality is just STUPID.[/quote]

Reply 14 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

Well, there are two sides to that, yet no matter how I respond, it doesn't change your situation.

There's no browser on the 2010 models, and I don't suspect there will be one added later.

If you're not happy, and you feel duped, don't hold onto it and be a begrudged customer. Get something that fits your needs while you're within the return policy. I'd rather you be happy with your purchase and consider us in the future than to lose you forever over this.

--HDTech

Reply 15 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

Overall, I'm happy with the TV. This is just one annoyance that I will have to learn to work around.

The end goal here is to make life simpler by offering more functionality and flexibility in one device, that would give each and every one of us options on how we would like to use our TV. My home theater includes a Harman/Kardon surround sound receiver and Infinity speakers, a Sony PS3, a Nintendo Wii and a DVD player. They're all connected together via HDMI connections except for the Wii. They are all networked on a Network switch and connect to the web via my network router. My home theater setup is already very complicated, when you think of all the Audio/Video and Network connections made between the separate devices, where I'm trying to reduce all the wires and clutter, while at the same time maintain the most flexibility and functionality. Things like not offering a web browser option on a TV which has internet connectivity makes life more complicated, in that now I have to connect 2 separate devices and power on 2 separate devices for a single functionality of being able to watch streaming video of "My Choice" from the provider of "My Choice".

This limitation either seems kind of short sighted on Samsung's part or it's an intentional design limitation driven by sales by limiting the streaming video option doors via "partnerships". Samsung seems pretty innovative and forward thinking, so I strongly believe the later is the case. I know you mentioned internal memory limitations as a concern earlier but I have a hard time believing that my new 7100 series Samsung TV which is capable of doing real-time 3D simulation video processing has less internal memory to work with than my iPhone 3GS which does offer a web browser with web based streaming video capabilities. FYI, I'm an electrical engineer....so I know better.

I won't demonstrate my disappointment by returning my Samsung TV like you suggested, but I will demonstrate it by refusing to use any of the services of all Samsung streaming media "partnership" providers which seem to include Netflix, Blockbuster,VUDU, Hulu, and CinemaNow and I will recommend to others to do the same.

Thank you for your replies. Although, they may not be what I would like to hear, they are still appreciated.

Reply 16 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

I recently bought a Samsung "Internet" TV also, and I'm debating whether and how to return it through Amazon. It's looking like Sony is the way to go. When I called Samsung customer support today, after failing to get my questions answered using live chat, I received the same runaround on the phone. It was almost as if both people were being intentionally vague and non-responsive to my questions about internet connectivity. Then I read the above response and I sensed the same attitude. I don't think your CEO would want you debating with disappointed customers over the merits of their purchases. Are you saying that Samsung has enough customers already and the rest of us should go to Sony? Here's the deal -- when you advertise "internet connectivity", you must conclude that your advertisement is disingenuous if it leads the customer to believe something different. If you had written on the box what your brand couldn't do, then we both know that you would have lost the sale. For example, you would have never put the Sony comparison on your box. I only saw it after being disappointed with my purchase. Here's the bottom line: It's your choice to limit connectivity to just the apps that you're pushing. Your company can easily update the firmware to provide better internet connectivity for little cost compared to how much more competitive you will be in the long run. It's your choice.

Reply 17 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

The more I think about it, browsers are a minefield of patent infringing problems.

I wonder if there is some patent on the browser in the HDTV?

And yes there are such patents. Maybe it's all about patents and not what is possible.
Bob

Reply 18 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

If LG can do it on their smart TV, why can't Samsung?

Whenever friends ask me for preference, I recommend LG Smart TV. It does all what Samsung do plus web enabled browser (not available in my higher end C8000 TV). It's a big deal, we're in a digital age where web browsing is part of our lifestyle.

HDTech is right, if you still have a chance to return your Samsung TV, I highly recommend you to do it with no further delay and check out LG Smart TV. It's a lot better.

Don't feel duped, get LG SmartTV

Reply 19 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

You are definitely right here. I am returning mine and going this route. I was shocked and felt "dupped." Yeah, "dupped" is the right word for it. Unless you do a lot of research and are tech savvy you would most definitely be expecting a basic Internet web browser with anything labeled "Internet." Heck, what is the Internet without a web browser? Now, if they had just used the word "Net" instead, that would be less confusing.

Reply 20 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

The whole internet@tv is a joke. Without a browser you are going to have to hook up a an external box anyway. Why they even bothered to engineer it into their TVs and BD players is beyond me.

Reply 21 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

"The whole internet@tv is a joke. Without a browser you are going to have to hook up a an external box anyway. Why they even bothered to engineer it into their TVs and BD players is beyond me."

I agree completely. After I ran an internet connection to this TV, I feel like I completely wasted my time and money doing so. Like I previously stated, the ONLY use I got from this was having the ability to update the TV with firmware revisions, which I later learned where pretty much nothing but an update to prevent other 3rd party developers from being able to run a browser on the TV.

Reply 22 : Any way to run a browser on Samsung LED TV 7100

Found this write up about Sony's latest Internet connected TVs.

"Sony's Internet TV allows you to watch TV, use Andriod Apps and Surf the Web all at the same time from the comfort of your living room sofa. The NSX series adds plenty of internet functionality to the proven Bravia LED TV platform.

Most {Cough...cough...SAMSUMG) internet connected TVs give you access to a few apps or games as well as streaming content but don't have web search or browsing built into the TV. Sony's Internet TVs are powered by Google TV and use the Andriod platform with the Chrome browser built in and an Intel Atom processor. The models feature Sony's premium streaming service "Video On Demand powered by Qriocity" as well as pre-installed apps including CNBC, Napster, NBA, Netflix streaming movies and TV shows, Pandora internet radio, Twitter, and YouTube.

The remote features a full QWERTY keyboard for easy text entry as well as an optical mouse for easy access to web pages and the interface. Sony's Internet TV operating system can download upgrades automatically so the TV can stay current long into the future. Built-in WiFi (Cough...Cough...You have to buy a separate over priced proprietary USB dongle on SAMSUNG TVs, to be able to do the same) makes connecting this TV to your home network simple and painless.

These Sony Internet TVs are the most advanced internet connected TVs we have seen yet, combining the power of Google TV and full web search/surfing capability into a sleek, well designed package."