How does a smart TV work?
Are you ready to replace your standard television with a smart TV? You will be surprised at how much TVs have advanced. Understanding how smart TV works is essential before choosing one.
This is a television that works by connecting to the internet without using a streaming device. A smart TV can help you access to on-demand content from the internet and boost your entertainment level. A smart TV works by connecting to the internet either wirelessly or through an Ethernet cable. Here is more!
Table of Contents
Introduction to a smart TV
Some of the key features that many people focus on when looking for televisions are the picture quality and screen size. Smart televisions offer not only such qualities but also a good video experience. This device is equipped with an operating system that gives you the chance to access media content easily. You can use a smart TV without necessarily getting an extra box like Roku.
Investing in a smart TV can allow you to start streaming all your favorite TV shows and movies. It differs from regular television due to internet connectivity and support for numerous apps. Having a smart TV in your home can help you enjoy different streaming services such a Hulu, Pandora, Vudu, and Netflix. You can even use it to access social media such as Facebook and YouTube, play games, or control different gadgets in your home.
Different companies make all kinds of smart TVs that have various functionalities. As you begin your search for a smart TV, you should choose from reputable manufacturers such as LG, Sony, Samsung, TCL, or Phillips.
How smart TV works
One of the essentials of using a smart TV is a fast internet connection. Having a strong internet connection can help you enjoy excellent streaming performance. A smart TV can access online content once you have connected it to the internet. Since a smart TV comes with built-in wifi, you can connect it to your wireless network. Though current smart TVs support the 802.11 ac wifi, you can still get a model that supports the 802.11n standard.
Use the network settings to set up a new smart TV in your home. Once you have connected the smart TV and turned it on, you have to enter your ISP’s login details. If you experience an unstable internet connection, you should consider getting a mesh router as you connect the smart TV wirelessly to enjoy a good streaming experience.
If you don’t want to connect a smart TV wirelessly, you should consider a wired connection using an Ethernet cable. Though this option leads to clutter, it is more stable than a wireless connection. After the connection and set up is complete, the smart TV will display an on-screen menu that shows a list of all the available internet channels offered in as apps.
The manufacturers of different smart TVs sometimes preload specific models with apps. How you manage the apps and navigate through the menu depends on the specific model you have. While some smart TV models are simple to navigate, others have confusing interfaces. Ensure you find out this information before choosing any smart TV.
A smart TV can give you access to numerous channels with so many TV programs and movies that can keep you entertained. Though you have to subscribe to some of the services, you can still choose free streaming services such as Tubi, Crackle, and PlutoTV. Most smart TVs also allow you to stream music through the internet of services such as Pandora.
With this device, you don’t have to subscribe to a cable service or use a TV antenna to access such content. It is, therefore, a convenient streaming device that you should consider buying. The specific model you choose determines the types of services you can access.
What features should you expect from a smart TV?
Many people choose smart TVs due to the features available. Apart from internet streaming, most modern smart TVs have screen sharing and Miracast capabilities. Choosing such a model can allow you to share content from a tablet or smartphone to the TV screen. You can even find a smart TV that will enable you to send content from the TV to a smartphone.
Most advanced smart TVs also have voice recognition tools such as Google Assistant and Alexa. Instead of always relying on a regular remote, such smart TVs allows you to search for programs and switch channels through voice commands. If you don’t get a smart TV that comes with a built-in voice tool, you can still choose one that works well with a smart speaker in your home.
Technology has also made it possible for smart TVs to work with different smart home devices. For instance, specific smart TV models can work with smart locks, smart lights, and smart thermostats. Since every smart TV uses a different operating system, you may not find all these features in each smart TV model. During shopping, you should check the offerings of the smart TV you intend to purchase so that you can choose the one with all the features you need. Start by doing your search online. Here are some of the smart TV models you can check out.
Name |
Connections |
Resolution |
Call to action |
Sony 32 inch |
Wifi |
720p |
|
Samsung 32 inch |
Wifi |
1080P |
|
TCL 32 inch |
Wifi, HDMI, USB |
720P |
|
Hisense 40 inch |
Wifi, Ethernet, Bluetooth |
1080P |
Conclusion
Ditch your regular TV for a smart one. A smart television connects to the internet and helps you access thousands of apps. You can either connect it wirelessly to your network or rely on a wired connection through an Ethernet cable. Owning a smart TV can transform your viewing experience.
FAQs
Are there any disadvantages to a smart TV?
Yes. Though this device is quite useful, it may sometimes hang or crash like a computer.
Can I use a smart TV without an internet connection?
Yes. Though this is possible, it can prevent you from accessing advanced features.
