What is smart tv on tv

Recently, televisions with the Smart TV function have appeared in stores selling consumer electronics and appliances. Such models are more expensive than LED models, but look exactly the same. What is the function of "smart" (from the English "smart" - smart), and is it worth it to overpay for its presence on the TV?

What is smart tv on tv

In smart models, the manufacturer integrates a special software platform that, when connected to the Internet, expands the capabilities of the TV and turns it into a kind of smartphone with a huge screen or laptop. In addition to broadcasting programs, he is able to access the Internet without a browser, enter social networks, allows you to view videos, install various applications and games.

IMPORTANT! Manufacturers release special services that allow you to go online. But if they are not, you can exit using a regular browser.

Smart TV Benefits

Progress does not stand still and a new smart function in the TV is designed to make life easier for the consumer, to make the necessary services simpler and more accessible. The advantages of Smart technology include:

• Internet access;
• the ability to play games on the big screen;
• the ability to record past shows, films or football matches both on the internal memory and on an external drive (flash card or disk) - you can view the recording only on the same TV, it will not work on the computer or laptop;
• access to social networks, YouTube channels;
• You can communicate via Skype - you have to buy a webcam additionally, usually it is not included in the package;
• You can connect your smartphone or laptop and watch files on the big screen;
• smartphone can be used as a control panel;
• it is possible to control using gestures or voice commands.

REFERENCE! Consumers say that controlling a TV is easier with a phone or remote control. Gesture management is not so convenient.

Disadvantages of smart tv

The undeniable advantages of smart TVs are evident. But they also have disadvantages, which are also worth mentioning:

1. You can access the Internet using the remote control. Difficulties are a set of letters on the on-screen keyboard.
2. Games installed on the TV are not convenient to control from the remote control. They quickly become obsolete and require the installation of more modern ones. This function is easily replaced by a regular game console on the Android platform with game control panels.
3. Sometimes, even with the Internet, it just doesn't turn on. This may be due to an insufficient router signal. You have to buy an additional Wi-Fi router.
4. Some sites may not open due to the TV.
5. TV may not recognize many formats, or there will be problems with sound or video recognition. Downloading additional programs is not always possible.
6. For communication on Skype, most likely, you will have to additionally purchase a webcam.
7. Price. Such devices are much more expensive than conventional ones.

IMPORTANT! It is worth remembering that the entire set of TV functions, except for the large screen, easily replaces a simple laptop.

Features of the operation of such a device

Using a TV with smart TV support has its own characteristics. They also need to be considered when choosing a model:

1. Internet connection is possible via Wi-Fi or cable. When you turn on the TV itself searches for a wireless network and performs the setup, it does not cause difficulties. The main thing is that the house already has wireless Internet. If the Internet is fed through the cable, the connection will not cause problems either.
2. For video communication, in addition to buying a webcam, if it is not included, you need to download the necessary application on TV.
3. A standard USB port allows you to connect a tablet, USB flash drive, hard drive or laptop. Some models have ports for SD cards. Despite this, many video and audio formats may not be supported by TV.
4. To control the TV without using the remote control, you need to download a special application on it and synchronize it with your phone or tablet. The latest models respond to voice or gestures, which can be either convenient or inconvenient, depending on the needs of the consumer.

IMPORTANT! Built-in multimedia files will not start without the presence of a person, since the TV is equipped with a motion sensor.

In order to connect a TV, regardless of model, you need:

• enter the menu;
• select the "Network" button;
• choose the type of connection - cable or Wi-Fi;
• in the list that appears, select your own;
• A message about connecting to the network appears on the screen.

After the connection with the Internet is established, you need to register in the system:

• in the menu, select "Profile Entry";
• select "Registration";
• enter email address and password;
• follow the link that will come to the email to activate the record;
• get access to settings and applications.

IMPORTANT! Registration in the system is saved automatically, you have to enter data only once.

Do I need a smart function on the TV

Despite all the advantages and disadvantages of this smart function, it’s hard to say unambiguously whether it is needed on the TV. On the one hand, all these features are easily duplicated by a computer or laptop. They have even more technical capabilities. The need to independently equip TV with missing programs and files can be inconvenient.

On the other hand, the ability to view videos, films, pages in social networks in good quality on a large screen can save eyesight for those people who have problems with it. Children will also like to watch their favorite cartoons on the big screen in high quality again and again.

Control without a keyboard using special buttons can also be an argument in favor of such a TV. One of the indisputable advantages is the ability not to watch television. It is enough at this time to include any desired video.

Each consumer must decide for himself, to purchase a more expensive Smart TV or ordinary LED.

What is the difference between the smart TV function of different manufacturers

Smart TV features may vary by manufacturer. The first Smart TVs went on sale 9 years ago and since then the companies have staged a technology race, each of them has developed its own features and production secrets.

Samsung

Recognized leader in the technology race. The manufacturer includes a similar function in both expensive and budget models. To control Smart TV, they have a special operating system - Tizen. Controlled by TV via the Smart Hub menu. You can download any application, but only from the official store of the company. YouTube is already embedded in the TV, it is possible to view social networks, video files, skype. An ordinary TV can be upgraded to smart if you purchase a special Evolution Kit for it, which is installed on the back of the TV.

IMPORTANT! Remember that when buying additional software on TV, you need to choose only Samsung, it does not work with programs and devices of other brands of TV.

LG

TVs of this manufacturer have no less popularity than Samsung. They also provide visits to social networks, browsing the Internet. The necessary software can be downloaded from the Internet from the pages of the LG store. A great advantage is the control panel. It is convenient for both ordinary use and games.

IMPORTANT! It is LG-TVs that have the function of simultaneously watching multiple videos!

Philips and Sony

They have a much larger range of available applications due to work on the Android platform. File sharing between other android devices is facilitated. They have voice input commands. The gamepad is well suited to them.

Panasonic

TVs of this brand operate on the platform of the operating system Firefox or My Home Screen 2.0. Despite some additional features, they are inferior in quality and capabilities to the technology leaders - Samsung and LG.