Sony forum: Sony TV - wireless keyboard and mouse

Thank you, Bob. Yes, I was surprised no one from Sony answered anything, especially given that their TVs are the most expensive. I was waiting for a reply. The Samsung forums on CNET have instant replies from their own staff.

1. Can I take any wireless keyboard and mouse (e. g. Logitech, Microsoft) and get it to work with the TV? I have a computer at home that has a wireless keyboard and mouse, and I'd like to use those with the TV to browse the Internet.

That's multiple questions. Many of the units work but makers are loath to tell you which one for many reasons. I can't tell if you know why but it's so they don't show favoritism and don't want to be beat up if one that did work before doesn't anymore.

-> This is why I think using generic USB keyboards has backfired on the makers and they should have their own product for those folk that won't try the usual USB keyboard and mouse.

As to the browse the Internet. Here I've yet to see Hulu.com work along with a lot of other sites so you can only expect less than what you can get on your PC.

-> Point? Folk are expecting the PC Web experience and Smart TVs fall quite short.


2. Can I resize the screen to whatever size I want? What about when using the Internet?

I think you are thinking it's like Windows. But no. There is no Windows features or tabs on the browser as I've seen it.

3. Does the WiFi dongle use up one USB port?

Yes.

4. I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (Android 4). Can I use it in any way with the TV? As in, render what is on the tab onto the TV screen, while sitting about 12 feet away?

Yes (with the usual 12 foot HDMI cable.)

5. I saw this product: http://www.iogear.com/product/GUWAVKIT2/. It helps convert a TV into a computer monitor. Will I be able to use that product with the Sony TV?

Should be fine. I find most folk are upset over lag issues in GAMES or video so be sure to know the product limitations. For most web, email, office work, it's OK but only 720p.

6. What popular format of files will the TV be unable to play (e. g. .mkv)?

That should be in the product manual but you should discover quickly it's a single digit percentage point of what folk play on their PC. Again, these are not PCs.

7. Related to above - if an external DVD player is able to play the formats, will they render onto the TV?

Same issue and more. MPEG2 and many other encodings are copyrighted and more. So not all will play. There are folk new to this and are oblivious to the encoding minefield of patents and copyrights. On the PC there were ways around that as you can install something like VLC PLAYER which is written in a country that does not recognize those patents. This may have contributed to why folk are not aware why a TV maker can't include all those decoders.
Bob