As I mentioned earlier, the main reason to switch to a separate streaming player is because your smart TV’s software is slow, out of date, or lacking in app support.

Samsung’s smart TV app selection still can’t rival some other streaming platforms such as Roku and Fire TV. But if you have an iPhone, you can use AirPlay to fill in the gaps.

Samsung's D8000 was our TV of choice back in 2011, and the company is hoping to repeat its success with the new 2012 flagship, the Samsung UN55ES8000.A 55-inch behemoth, though with strikingly ...