Vizio Smartcast

[thestrangebrew1]

Anyone own a Vizio that uses the smartcast tablet? Do I *need* to use the tablet if I have a comcast box and remote? I'm in the market for a new 70" tv and looking at the m70-d3. The tablet seems pretty gimmicky but I like the features on the set. I also don't use chromecast. Thoughts?

 

[Eug]

I don't have one but I know you can just use a regular IR remote for the basic functions.

 

[tnt118]

From what I understand (do not own, but have read up a bit) the tablet is mostly a "gateway" into the cast protocol and apps. As Eug said, the basics of turning the TV on and changing inputs should be possible with basic IR.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Thanks. I went to BB today and they didn't have a model on the floor to play with. I might just pick one up from the local costco and see how it works. I haven't looked for a new tv in about 10 years and can't believe the selection and all the different models/specs that are available now!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[npaladin-2000]

Doesn't hurt anything to have the casting capability there. You never know, you might actually use it. But if all you want to use it as is a "dumb TV" then no, you don't need to involve casting at all, you'll just need an IR remote. The casting part i (and the tablet) are what turn it into a "smart TV." Though it's the simplest of SmartTVs.

 

[boomhower]

You can use the regular remote for basic functions. Only need to use the tablet to cast content other TV's have built in apps for. Basic remote does on/off, volume, source select etc. Tablet is for netflix, vudu, etc. I have the P65 and absolutely love it.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Just an update in case anyone is interested. I picked up the tv on Friday and I love it so far. First tv I've purchased since 07 and I feel like I made a solid purchase. The cast is actually pretty cool. I don't use the tablet hardly at all except to tweak my settings. Otherwise it's just another tablet that my kid messes around with. I haven't had time to really sit down and enjoy the display, but I was able to mess around casting some youtube vids in 4k and it looked awesome! I also messed around with casting some compressed movies off my plex server. I did run into an issue with audio when casting. We have an ac unit in this room and it's pretty loud so I'm running sound out of my receiver and surround. When I cast, the video would switch, but I'd get audio from the cast coming out of the tv and audio coming from the receiver at the same time. I was able to fix it setting my receiver to audio return channel(?) (ARC). Now I'm getting delayed responses adjusting volume from my remote when casting, but at least I can get the audio coming out correctly.