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- What is a smart TV? Originally called "connected TVs," these sets were later branded as "smart TVs" by companies such as Samsung and LG. The term has come to denote any TV that can be connected to the internet to access streaming media services and that can run entertainment apps, such as on-demand video-rental services, internet music stations and web browsers.
- Which companies make smart TVs? Virtually every major TV manufacturer makes a smart TV today, with the trend toward making every set "smart". Budget sets from Chinese makers such as TCL and Hisense offer smart features, including built-in Roku services.
- How do smart TVs connect to the internet? A smart TV uses either a wired Ethernet connection or built-in Wi-Fi to connect to a home network for internet access.
- What services do smart TVs offer, and how do they differ from one another? There is no standard operating system or interface for smart TVs. Nearly every smart-TV maker uses different software and a different graphical presentation.
Jul 15, 2021 · Read on for our lowdown on smart TVs, in which we cover what a smart television is, what they can offer, the leading smart TV brands and - most importantly of all - whether you should...
Nov 19, 2023 · With a Smart TV, you can access streaming services, like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu, as well as browse the web, connect to social media, and even play games, all without needing any additional gadgets. To break it down, your Smart TV is pretty much an all-in-one entertainment hub.
- Overview
- What Is a Smart TV, Anyway?
- How Smart TVs Work
- The Benefit of Smart TVs
- Additional Smart TV Features
- A Few Things to Consider
- Can Smart TVs Spy on You?
- Smart TV Shopping Tips
- On a Budget? Try a Smart TV Alternative
- App Platforms by Smart TV Brand
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Smart televisions are made by various manufacturers, including, but not limited to, those made by LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, and Vizio.
In a nutshell, a smart TV connects directly to the internet and incorporates an operating system/platform that lets you access, manage, and view online and network-based media content like Hulu or Netflix without the need to use an additional device such as a Roku or Fire Stick.
Smart TVs access online content by connecting to the same broadband router and Ethernet or Wi-Fi network you use to connect your computer to the internet. Ethernet provides the most stable connection, but if your TV is in a different room or a long distance from your router, Wi-Fi might be more convenient.
Once your TV is connected and turned on, you'll be prompted to enter any login information required by your internet service provider. The smart TV will display an on-screen menu that includes a list of available internet channels provided as apps (similar to the apps on a smartphone). Some apps come preloaded, and you can download more to add to the TV's app library.
The main benefit of a smart TV is access to many channels that offer TV programs, movies, and music without the need to connect a TV antenna or subscribe to a cable/satellite service. Also, some smart TVs provide web browsing, gaming, and access to compatible media content stored on your computer.
Although smart TVs also can receive TV programming via antenna or cable/satellite, Vizio has actually taken the bold step of eliminating built-in tuners and antenna/cable connections on most of its sets in favor of its built-in streaming platform as an all-encompassing replacement.
In addition to internet streaming, some smart TVs provide more capabilities, such as Miracast and Screen Sharing, which allow users to view content from compatible smartphones and tablets on a TV screen. Other labels for this feature include Smart Share (LG) and Smart View (Samsung).
Some smart TVs can even do the reverse: send content from the TV to a compatible smartphone. After sending, the user can continue to view that content on the smartphone, away from the TV.
The hype surrounding smart TVs is compelling, but there are some cost considerations and limitations to consider.
Although smart TV platforms provide access to many free channels and services, many require either a monthly subscription or a pay-per-view fee. When you start adding up those costs, you could end up spending as much, or more, than a monthly cable/satellite bill. On the other hand, you will be paying only for the channels and content you want.
Using a smart TV may result in privacy issues. Smart TVs and content app providers usually track your viewing habits to provide you with viewing suggestions. For example, every time you log into Netflix, the menu shows what you've watched recently, as well as updated suggestions for related movies or programs that you might like based on your 'watched recently' list.
You might think that this type of tracking is a good thing because it cuts search time for movies or programs to watch, but a smart TV might be doing more than track your viewing habits. If your smart TV has a webcam or voice control, there is a possibility that someone could hack in and see/hear you.
When shopping for a TV, just about all brands/models offer some level of smart functionality that expands your viewing options. Be aware, however, of variations in content access, additional subscription/pay-per-view costs, possible privacy issues, and the need to balance the attractiveness of a specific smart TV with other important factors such as picture quality, sound quality, and physical connectivity.
If you want to add TV, movie, music streaming, and other smart features to your home entertainment experience but don't know if you need a smart TV, here are some guidelines:
•If you are shopping for a new TV and don't have any other devices that provide access to internet streaming content, then getting a smart TV is a good choice.
•If you already have a smart TV that doesn't provide access to the number or type of streaming channels you would like, consider adding an external media streamer, streaming stick, or internet-enabled Blu-ray disc player rather than buying a new smart TV.
•If you already own a TV without smart features but are satisfied with its picture quality and other features, you don't need to buy a smart TV. Just add a media streamer, streaming stick, or internet-enabled Blu-ray disc player to your current setup.
•If you are concerned about privacy issues, consider an external media streaming device. It won't prevent purchase or viewing habit tracking, but it does prevent direct audio/video spying.
If you recently purchased, or currently have, a TV without smart features or an older smart TV with limited options, you don't need to buy a new smart TV if your TV still works well and satisfies your picture-quality needs. You can add smart features to your current TV viewing experience at a minimal cost.
Media Streamers
•A media streamer is typically a small box that plugs into your TV's HDMI port and connects to your internet router via Ethernet/Wi-Fi. If you have an older TV without an HDMI input, your options are more limited. Older model Roku Express+ media streamers (which you might find on Amazon or other retailing sites) provide analog video audio connections for those cases.
•Another type of media streamer is a stick that is slightly larger than a USB flash drive and plugs into an available HDMI input. The stick-type media streamer provides Wi-Fi access to your TV, so make sure you have a wireless internet router. The stick also needs to connect to a USB or AC power source.
Blu-ray Disc Players
•In addition to playing physical media such as Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and CDs, almost all Blu-ray Disc players provide access to many internet streaming channels (depending on brand and model).
TV brands incorporate one or more platforms through which they offer apps. (This integrated platform is what makes a TV smart.) Here are a few of the brands and platforms you're likely to find:
•Element, Toshiba, Westinghouse: Amazon Fire TV
•Insignia, Hisense/Sharp, Hitachi, TCL, Philips, Element: Roku TV
•LG: webOS
•Samsung: Tizen, Smart Hub
•Element, LeEco, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Westinghouse: Android TV
- Robert Silva
- 2 min
In short, a smart TV is an internet enabled TV which connects to your favourite streaming platforms for endless enjoyment of your favourite content. If your TV has internet connectivity, runs on an operating system, and comes with its own app service, it’s smart!
- 1 min
- 619
Jun 21, 2022 · A smart TV refers to any TV can go online to fetch content. This type of content can be video – through over-the-top services like Netflix and Disney Plus – or audio, like Spotify...
Sep 2, 2024 · Smart TVs connect to the internet and let you access apps like BBC iPlayer, All 4 and Netflix to watch and catch up on films and TV programmes. Everything you need to know about smart TVs, including which smart TVs are actually worth your money.
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