Video on smart TVs: Australian channels round-up

There's a reason they call it internet TV, with television content playing a huge part in this year's range of smart TVs. But with only so many TV networks around the world, manufacturers have partnered with internet video creators to offer a massive buffet of video content delivered directly to your TV via the internet.

While some services appear on multiple brands, others are exclusive deals. Knowing which is which can help you decide what TV is best for you when you go to spend your hard-earned cash, so here's a complete rundown on the current state of TV entertainment on smart TVs.

For more on what's available through smart TV channels, see Smart TV movie and music channels in Australia and Sport on smart TVs: what's on offer in Australia.

Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, LG

The ABC has paved the way for internet television content across multiple platforms in Australia and, thanks to the network's taxpayer funding, has a mantra to be available on as many devices as possible. iView is simple to use, has a gorgeous interface and is of a high enough quality that you can enjoy content on a 55-inch television without having to cringe at low resolution streams.

Sony, LG, Panasonic

If you've ever missed an episode of one of your favourite Channel 7 shows, you'll be a big fan of Plus 7, which lets you catch up effortlessly. Exactly how many episodes of shows are available seems a little erratic, and not all Channel 7 shows are actually available, but it's still a convenient service.

Sony

SBS has a huge variety of content across its free-to-air channels, and the SBS video-on-demand service on Sony's TVs reflects this. With everything from cooking shows and documentaries to World Cup matches from 2010, you'll never want for something to watch on the SBS channel.

Samsung, LG (coming soon)

As part of the BigPond TV series of channels, BPM is a 24-hour music video service. As an alternative to paying for Foxtel, it's pretty impressive given that it's free.

Samsung, LG (coming soon)

Sure, you could get all your news from the ABC's 24-hour news channel, but if you like the cut of BigPond's jib, you might want to check out BigPond News, a 24-hour news channel courtesy of the country's largest telco.

LG

If you hate watching the CNET Pulse TV videos on your PC monitor, you can always enjoy them on gloriously large LG screens. Lexy, Joe, Ty, Derek, Michelle and Craig never looked so good!

Samsung

If you're passionate about Indian television, Yupp TV is the channel for you. With a selection of offerings from a selection of languages, there's both premium and free entertainment on offer.

LG

An internet TV channel targeting men. Sounds like a brilliant idea, although it was playing some skiing races when we checked in, which is hardly the kind of titillating content you'd expect from a channel dedicated to entertaining men.

LG

Nowhere else in smart TV land will you find a 24/7 channel dedicated to all things auto. Quality isn't great, but given it's free, who are you to complain?

LG

Geek blog Boing Boing publishes a lot of videos, so it makes sense for them to offer that content as a dedicated TV application for LG televisions. Content is as diverse as Boing Boing itself.

LG, Panasonic

If you're in need of a quick and easy laugh, Break.com is like Funniest Home Videos on demand. Except without the annoying voiceovers, thankfully.

LG

Are you ready to laugh? The kids at CollegeHumor have created a dedicated portal to their own unique brand of hilarity for LG televisions. It's free and pretty extensive, so there's plenty to watch.

Samsung

The BBC has one of the world's best global 24-hour news stations, so having it available to stream through Samsung televisions is a huge advantage for anyone interested in international breaking news.

Samsung

It's time to put on the fluoro lycra and Olivia Newton John CD and get physical. There are a wide variety of exercises available for any level of fitness, with handy video guides to help you train.

Samsung, Panasonic, Sony

Dedicated to the simple act of sharing videos via the web, Dailymotion has committed to making its content even more accessible by offering portals through Sony, Panasonic and Samsung smart TVs.

Samsung

Collating video from around the web and delivering it to your television, Viaway consists of everything from news reports to documentaries, podcasts and web videos. Premium content does require a subscription though.

Sony

Like drinking wine, eating food or sleeping in expensive hotels? Who doesn't! This video channel shares clips across all three categories, and while it may be a little US-centric, it still may offer you inspiration for your next holiday.

Sony

If you have a passion for all things tech, you'll be well versed in the land of Wired. Through a partnership with Sony, you can now watch the magazine's videos on your big screen from the comfort of your lounge.

LG

Will Ferrell's online comedy portal has made the shift to TV, with a dedicated app for LG televisions. Hours of entertainment for the whole family.

Sony

Forget MasterChef, Epicurious is one of the web's greatest sources of information for wannabe home chefs. With this collection of cooking videos available on Sony TVs, it's like having your very own private Masterclass every single day.

Sony

Dreaming of a huge international travelling adventure into the world's most luxurious and beautiful locations, but don't have the bank balance to finance it? Live vicariously through Concierge.com's internet television channel. It's not as good, but it's better than wallowing in self-pity.

Sony

Fancy clothes and fancy models call for fancy internet TV services to show them off. Enter Style.com, which showcases all the latest fashions form the world's top designers, direct to your TV.

Sony

While there's plenty of content available for smart TVs, not a lot of it is streamed in high definition. uStudio on Sony's Bravia models offers HD content in a variety of genres, from exotic locations to tips, advice and interviews.

Sony

Sitting in front of the television is so last century. With the power of the internet, you can now get up and exercise with a selection of helpful instructional videos through the LiveStrong portal on Sony's televisions.

Sony

If there's one thing the internet is particularly good for, it's learning how to do new things. eHow helps this along even further with a series of instructional videos on a huge variety of topics, available to watch for free directly on your television.

Sony

Movie trailers look terrible on a small screen. So why not watch them on your new television, with easy search options across genres, new releases, coming soon and even high definition.

Panasonic

One of the world's most popular web streaming video services, uStream offers a massive, eclectic selection of live action video from all around the globe.

Sony

There's a lot of great video content created for the web and Blip.TV shows a good chunk of it. So being able to watch those videos on your big TV just makes sense — it's generally better than reality television, that's for sure.