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Samsung Smart TVs begin to get access to Steam Link app

by Mark Tyson on 10 July 2017, 13:31

Tags: Samsung (005935.KS), Valve

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If you fancy a spot of Steam PC library gaming on your big screen TV Valve has been selling its Steam Link since late 2015. The regular price of this gaming set top box is £39.99, but it has been on offer as low as £12 or so previously. Now, those who have bought a Samsung TV in the last couple of years might by happy to learn that they can enjoy Steam Link functionality - sans extra hardware - thanks to a (US) beta release of the Steam Link app for Samsung TVs.

To recap, the Steam Link works as follows: "Just connect your Steam Link to your TV and home network, where it will automatically discover any computer running Steam. Then grab a controller and play your collection of games from the comfort of your couch." Apparently its functionality can extend to streaming entertainment and apps not originally within the Steam ecosystem too.

VG247 reports that while Valve and Samsung announced this collaboration nearly a year ago, it has taken until now for the first beta app to appear on the Samsung Smart Hub. To get the app steer your 2016 or 2017 UHD Samsung smart TV to the hub and search for the Steam Link app (US only, beta).

As with the dedicated hardware, a wired connection is recommended to play your Steam games on the Samsung smart TV. That's pretty easy to cater for, with the PowerLine networking systems available, if you don't already have Ethernet wiring already in your abode. Wi-Fi is workable with at least 5GHz Wireless 802.11ac 2x2 (MIMO) if you really have to. The setup will be HTC Vive compatible for enjoying VR games too.

During the Beta the Steam Link app will stream at 1080p 60 fps but when it releases out of beta 4K support will be implemented, says VG247. Unfortunately the beta is US only according to the report but let's hope the final release later this summer removes such restriction.



HEXUS Forums :: 5 Comments

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Think there's a chance that any “smart” TV with Wireless/Ethernet and a USB port could also have an app developed to do the same, can't see why not. Still, if you can get a link for Ā£12 it'd probably do a much better job than an app running on a stodgy TV OS ever could.
I've used Playstation Now on my Samsung KS7000 and it's a surprisingly smooth experience. I'd say that the Steam app has the potential to be even better given that it's streaming local content. Certainly this is an app I'll be looking at very closely at it may allow me to combine my server and SteamBox at some point in the future.
Do smart tv's have the power to make it a smooth experience? It could just be my cheap smart tv but it lags like an arthritic donkey
If they can happily play Netflix 4K HDR then I can't see them having any problems with what is basically streaming video from your PC. Of course, you'll need a decent network connection.