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Rant

Using a keyboard with SmartTV

Oct 8, 2012 10:30AM PDT

I recently purchased the Samsung UN40ES6100 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz Slim LED HDTV. It is allegedly a "SmartTV" but is not compatible with any keyboard. In order to fill in text boxes on websites (or even enter my email address to get into my Netflix account) I must use the tv remote control and move the cursor around on the virtual keyboard on the screen to pick out each letter individually, one at a time. And heaven help you if you accidentally hit the wrong key on the remote and have to start over. This is highly aggravating! Samsung customer service did not help at all, nor will the company allow me to upgrade to a better model that is compatible with a keyboard. And there is nothing that can be done to my tv, apparently, to make it compatible. I used to be a Samsung fan but am now angry that I am stuck with a tv that is so user-unfriendly. Any thoughts are welcome!

Discussion is locked

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What helped someone else.
Oct 8, 2012 10:43AM PDT

They found out they could add a bluray player that had that feature. I will not discuss or write a word about research of the products before purchase.

At the risk of upsetting the maker, it's not that Smart ( http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444327204577617382797405446.html ) and given what I've seen it's not a feature I'd pay a dime for. I know that the Samsung folk I talked with at a developer's conference were working hard but it's quite the challenge they have there.

Nod to adding a Roku, Apple TV, BD player with a keyboard next time. And be sure you are not expect a Windows PC Browser. Folk are a little burned or bummed about that.
Bob

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(NT) Oops. I meant "expecting."
Oct 8, 2012 10:46AM PDT
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Keyboards
Oct 8, 2012 11:05AM PDT

I have the same TV. Bought a Logitech K400 keyboard for it. Works good.

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Keyboards
Oct 8, 2012 11:21AM PDT

Wow! That would be great if it works. As it is, I'm using the lan port on the back of the tv for a powerline adapter to create a wired connection because my home wireless won't reach into the tv room. Does the keyboard require the lan port, or would it work with usb? Thanks, TechHiker!

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(NT) USB
Oct 8, 2012 11:25AM PDT
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Keyboards
Oct 8, 2012 11:55AM PDT

It's wireless usb.

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keyboard
Oct 8, 2012 11:32AM PDT

Mr. Proffitt, who are "they"? I don't have a dvd player but would be glad to buy one if it would overcome the problem. And that was a good WSJ article. I subscribe but was on vacation that week and hadn't seen it. Mossberg is always so up-to-speeed on everything. Thanks for your reply.

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They are us.
Oct 8, 2012 11:35AM PDT

I will not call out a member by name on this one. It could upset them. For now let's stick to they and them.

While the usual USB keyboard may or may not work I accepted your claim none worked. If you were upset because the store and Samsung will not reveal a list I can understand why you wrote that.
Bob

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Keyboard Issue
Dec 10, 2012 3:33AM PST

My TV came with a Samsung Keyboard. My issue is that the Tab Key doesn't work in the browser window when trying to enter data into a form. You must click in each field to allow the keyboard to start typing in that field. It takes forever to enter data into a form like on Amazon.com. Do I just not have something set correctly?

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Move fast. Make those calls.
Dec 10, 2012 4:20AM PST

If these issues are not called in, they don't know to fix them.

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How do I Call Issues IN?
Dec 10, 2012 5:41AM PST

I saw your post saying to call these issues in. How do I do this? Is there a phone number or web site to use for this?

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In the USA it's
Dec 10, 2012 5:48AM PST