Do you need an HD TV with Internet capabilities?

Photo: AsiaOne File

With the competition getting tough, manufacturers are adding more tech candy in the form of extra functions into their HDTVs.

One of the most common add-ons is the ability for screens to connect to the Internet. Some models are Wi-fi enabled and can even connect to popular photo and social networking sites and services like Facebook, Flickr and Twitter.

If you find yourself having to decide between paying more for an Internet-ready TV and getting one that doesn't have those functions for a little less, consider the amount of time you would spend on such services while fiddling with the remote.

Most of these online services can be accessed through the computer, and most DVD or media players can display digital photos and home videos on your screen without too much trouble.

Online services and Internet functions are still in a relatively early stage of development, so the general advice is to save a couple of hundred dollars and drop those for now.