The future of TV

The modern TV is now a powerhouse machine that can connect to the internet for extra content, record programmes, and show crystal-clear images even in 3D. The number one change in television is that it’s no longer limited to what the TV channels can offer you.

More and more people have been connecting computers to their TVs and surfing the internet, watching legally downloaded movies and TV shows, and creating a new kind of media centre.

Media centre PCs can be used as digital video recorders too. With downloadable on-screen guides and timetables, you can make yourself a nice little system to take the place of a set-top box. And with more computers having HDMI outputs it only makes sense to connect the computer to your TV.

TV manufacturers know that new TVs are basically giant computer monitors and so they've taken the next step: your TV is now a computer too.

Truly the global village

The future of TV won’t be constrained by broadcasters and what they want to show you. Instead it’ll give you almost limitless access to the world. Many of the sets we've tested are WiFi capable, which means they can connect to your home network and also the internet.

Most of the manufacturers now have their own menu systems and mini-applications that allow you to browse the web, get content from sites like YouTube and Facebook, or video-chat with friends and family through Skype. And a few companies have unique content streams such as music channels.

With more TVs being able to record and play from USB devices, soon you may not need a recording device – although extra boxes like Apple TV, Play TV and other media devices that sell and stream content might still survive. (Apple TV also works with your iPhone and iPad to display photos and videos and play music.)