Smart TV: What Is It? How Do I Use A Smart TV? What Is It For? How Does He Work?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

What is Smart TV, what is it for, how it works - such questions arise among potential owners, despite the fact that this technology is widespread. Depending on the brand and model of equipment, advanced functionality can be implemented on the basis of different platforms. Before deciding on a purchase, it is worth learning in more detail how to use a "smart" TV, what are its main advantages and disadvantages.

What it is?

Smart TV or "smart" TV is equipment that combines the functions of a multimedia device and a classic TV receiver … Modern models, to one degree or another, are equipped with such options. The original name of this technology is Connected TV, which means “connected television”. This is due to the fact that the connection was carried out using an Internet cable without using an external antenna.

Smart TV literally means "smart TV", it provides for the use of the function of the Internet connection … The equipment package includes its own operating system that allows you to search the Internet, manage media services, watch videos on YouTube and in online cinemas. Modern TVs use a Wi-Fi signal to connect, sometimes they are equipped with Bluetooth modules.

Such equipment can hardly be called ordinary TV, it rather belongs to the category of complex multimedia equipment that can become a full-fledged entertainment center for the whole family.

What is this technology for?

Smart TV capabilities are constantly being improved. The main purpose of this function is to bring the TV set of options closer to modern smartphones and tablet PCs.

Built-in artificial intelligence allows a lot

• Access the internet … The connection is made through a router, connected to a home Wi-Fi network or via cable. The device does not require complex and time-consuming setup, re-pairing is established automatically, it is enough to connect once.
• Communicate and go out on social networks … Not all models support this mode, for example, video calls require a built-in camera in the smart TV case or its additional connection.
• Directly connect removable drives and memory cards … Viewing family photos or videos in this case becomes as exciting as possible.
• Operate functions without a remote control … The use of gestures or voice commands is possible. It all depends on the type of operating system. By installing a special application on a smartphone, even a mobile phone can be easily turned into a universal remote control.
• Record programs, use deferred viewing … An external storage device may be required to save data.
• Connect game consoles … Modern multimedia features in many models allow you to run games that, on "weaker" devices, show frame lags or do not support the full range of available features.

In addition, the presence of Smart TV makes it possible to use all the capabilities of browsers, video hosting sites, search for data, view large-scale maps and even work with documents using wireless keyboards without restrictions.

Advantages and disadvantages

Smart TVs have their own advantages and disadvantages. They allow you to do without additional set-top boxes equipped with a full range of multimedia functions. There are other obvious benefits as well.

• No need to connect terrestrial and cable antennas … Channels can be accessed through special applications, there is also a function for watching live broadcasts and recorded programs.
• Wider selection of available content … You can use without restrictions all the functionality of video hosting, online cinemas and other media storages.
• High quality playback … Both radio and recorded audio or video files sound clear and beautiful.
• Support for external devices … Keyboard, mouse, joystick can significantly increase the range of capabilities of the TV. It is convenient to connect external wireless and wired acoustics, headphones, "smart" speakers to it.
• High speed internet access … Browsing sites becomes as comfortable as possible, regardless of their purpose and font features. You can search for information in an encyclopedia or study movie ratings without restrictions.
• No need to purchase an additional set-top box … All the necessary technologies are already included in the kit.
• The ability to run games on a high-resolution screen … App stores with compatible content work for Smart TV.

The disadvantages are also quite obvious. Smart TVs do not read all formats when playing files from external media … Running games on the screen with remote control is not very convenient. We have to use additional accessories.

The main disadvantage of Smart TVs is their cost, for advanced functionality you have to pay more, sometimes significantly increasing the purchase budget.

What operating systems are used?

Every Smart TV has something that makes it truly smart. It is an integrated operating system that is installed at the choice of the hardware manufacturer. It is this element that defines the set of functionality and appearance of the "shell". To better understand the issue, it is worthwhile to study in more detail all the available options for the installed OS.

Android

This operating system is not much different from the one installed in most tablets and smartphones. Intuitive interface, many available applications, easy integration with the Chrome browser and other Google services. All these advantages are already used in their TVs by such well-known companies as Sony, TLC, Sharp … The operating system is quite simple, does not take up too much space, and supports multitasking. Both an elderly person and a schoolchild can easily understand Smart TV on Android.

Tizen

A proprietary operating system found only in Samsung Smart TVs. The company is constantly updating, improving and improving the electronic stuffing of its "smart" TVs. Firmware update is performed when there is access to the Network or through a flash drive from an external source. The brand is trying to simplify the interface as much as possible, working on navigation and integration of technology with smart home systems. It is not possible to replace the OS on Samsung TVs.

WebOS

Another mono-brand operating system. It is used in LG smart TVs. WebOS is considered a fairly reliable operating system with advanced functionality .… For example, the Magic Mobile Connection option allows you to quickly connect your smartphone and TV for collaboration. And you can also enlarge specific areas of the screen using the Magic Zoom option.

WebOS was first used in 2014. During this time, 3 firmware updates were released, updating all the necessary functions to the requirements of modern electronics.

Firefox OS

Popular operating system integrated into Panasonic TVs. Firefox browsers are well known to PC and mobile users. The operating system supports this Internet application, and also opens up other possibilities for surfing the web or viewing media content.

There are no updates for Firefox at this time, no official support

Roku TV

Operating system found in selected TV models TLC, Sharp, Hisense. Its distinctive feature is support for iOS and Android applications. With this operating system, you can run Apple TV content, Chromecast. Due to its versatility, this system is considered one of the best, but it is quite rare.

The best manufacturers of smart TVs

The modern market is incredibly saturated with offers. In the Smart TV category, there are both budget models from 24 inches and medium ones at 28 or 32 inches. Large smart TVs can be found in the lines of well-known and major brands. LG, Samsung offer to choose equipment with a diagonal of 55 inches in the UHD category and without 4K support. Cheap TVs in this class are also represented, but they cannot compete with the leaders.

We offer a list of the best Smart TV manufacturers

Samsung … Smart TV from this brand has a browser with support for flash technologies, the installation of YouTube, Skype, Facebook, Twitter applications is supported. There is support for 3D video, the interface is similar to a desktop on a PC.

Lg … Russified TVs of the brand are equipped with a search engine from Yandex, a store of branded applications. "Smart" models support the video format in 3D, with stereo glasses, you can easily enjoy a three-dimensional picture.

Sony … Brand TVs with Smart functionality work on the basis of Sony Internet TV, they are better than others compatible with PSP consoles and smartphones of the same brand, the latter can even work as a remote control.

Philips … Once this company was among the market leaders. Today, her TVs can no longer compete with them. Among their advantages are the proprietary Ambilight lighting, fairly fast Firefox OS and sufficient functionality for communication and viewing media content.

And also brands such as Xiaomi, Toshiba, Haier, Thomson are of interest in the Smart TV market. They are presented in the budget category and run on Android OS.

How do I know if there is a Smart TV?

How to understand if there are Smart TV functions in a specific TV model or not. "Smart" TV differs from the usual one in the presence of an operating system. Usually you can find a dedicated button on the TV remote … In addition, such data must be indicated in the technical documentation for each such device. If the "passport" is lost, you can find a mark or sticker with the model name on the case and refine the data by searching the Internet.

The presence of the operating system "on board" can also be seen in the TV menu … It is enough to open the item with information about the device or pay attention to the boot screen: the name of the OS is often reproduced on it.

The home button on the remote control is a sure sign that your TV has Smart TV features. In addition, a key with a corresponding inscription can be responsible for calling the operating system.

Selection Tips

When choosing devices in the Smart TV category, be sure to pay attention to several important points.

• OS type … For home use, the Android system may seem more convenient and familiar. But the owners of TVs on Tizen OS are also quite satisfied with their devices, highly appreciate their functionality.
• Supported Apps … The main set includes a software store, online cinemas and video hosting sites, social networks, Skype and other messengers.
• Peripheral support … An air mouse in the kit, instead of a conventional remote control, or at least the ability to connect it significantly expands the functionality of the equipment. In addition, wireless acoustics, headphones, external hard drives, joysticks are connected to some TV models. Smartphone compatibility can also be important.
• Supported communication protocols … Wired LAN access, wireless Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB and HDMI ports allows you to use different types of connection with different devices.

These are the main parameters that are important when choosing a Smart TV. In addition, you can pay attention to the technical characteristics of the TV itself.

How to use?

The first connection and setup of Smart TV is not difficult for most people. First, you need to establish all the necessary wiring connections. Search for channels. Then go to the settings section of the menu and connect to an available home network. It will be optimal to set automatic selection of the signal source. If necessary, the password is entered using the remote control or virtual keyboard.

The firmware will update itself when connected … If the router is not visible, it is worthwhile to search again, making sure that there is a signal. All Smart functions work only with wired or wireless Internet access. After establishing a connection, you can go to the application store and update your existing software products to the latest versions … Here you can also install Skype or download games, find online cinemas with which you can watch movies.

A remote control is usually included. Some models of equipment also support control from a telephone, joystick, air mouse. For operation, the control element must be connected as an external device.

You can connect to a laptop or view documents on a computer or smartphone directly from the Smart TV screen via HDMI or wirelessly through special programs. In this way, you can broadcast a video or broadcast a screen image of the game. You need to use a USB connection to view media from flash drives.

Review overview

According to the majority of buyers, the presence of Smart TV in the list of available television functions is, indeed, a significant advantage. The most popular are models based on the Android operating system - the most intuitive to operate and affordable … The operating system from Google allows you to integrate the functionality of most of the company's services into the TV, provide access to media storage, search, and work with a voice assistant.

Many buyers are delighted with the number of possibilities that Smart TV is opening up to. The pre-installed gaming apps are fully adapted for use on large screens. Convenient integration with a smartphone and the ability to connect various additional equipment are noted.

The disadvantages of Smart TV, according to buyers, include strong heating of the case . - it is simply not designed for a large amount of electronic "filling". In addition, even well-known brands have the cheapest models with weak processors and little RAM. Instead of the expected fast Internet access, the user gets constant freezes, crashes and other problems. This is especially noticeable when watching streaming video in broadcast mode.

The disadvantages on Smart TV Samsung include the blocking of many codecs that worked in early firmware … This is how the company fights torrents and pirated content. For TV owners, such measures have turned video viewing into a lottery - one can only guess whether a file will be played from an external medium or not.

For more information on Smart TV, see below.