Having a Smart TV at home is the best way to enjoy all your favorite streaming content easily and comfortably. First of all, a Smart TV allows you to access a wide variety of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, among others, directly from your television without the need for an additional device.
In addition, modern Smart TVs also offer features like 4K and HDR support, which means you can enjoy your movies and shows in stunning picture quality. Plus, many Smart TVs also offer access to music and game apps, making them a great choice for the whole family.
Another advantage is that you can easily control your Smart TV with your smartphone or by voice, allowing you to find and watch your favorite programs quickly and easily.
What is a smart TV and how does it work?
Have you ever been to a mall and been mesmerized by Smart TVs? Would you like to buy one, but still have doubts about the real usefulness of the functions they offer? Don’t worry, if you want I can help you shed some light on the subject and better understand what Smart TVs are and how they work.
You should know that TV technology has changed a lot over time: if before the only purpose of TV was to show what the different broadcasters were transmitting, today, thanks to Smart TVs, you can do things that just a decade ago were pure science fiction. Firstly, Smart TV can connect to the Internet and allow access to content taken directly from the Network (and this already shows how much the concept of television has changed over time). So, some of them behave as if they were an extension of smartphones, tablets or even computers, allowing the use of applications, communication through social networks and playing games.
Would you like to know more? Well then, take a few minutes of your free time and read my article dedicated to Smart TVs. Together we will see what makes Smart TVs so special, we will analyze in detail their most important functions and we will try to understand whether or not it is worth spending a few dollars s more on their purchase compared to non-Smart TVs. I just want to wish you a good reading and enjoy!
What is a Smart TV
As I mentioned earlier, a Smart TV is a television that can connect to the Internet; the first Smart TVs could do it via network cable but, for several years now, all the ones in circulation have been equipped with a Wi-Fi card and can easily connect to wireless networks.
I know it may surprise you, but these devices are real computers equipped with applications of different types and complete operating systems, such as Android TV (TV version of the famous operating system for smartphones and tablets). If you want, therefore, by purchasing a Smart TV you will be able to install applications such as Netflix and YouTube and enjoy all their contents, access the photos and videos that you have shared on your Wi-Fi network and, in some cases, even play or interface with your cell phone.
How to choose a Smart TV
How do you say? Were you impressed with the potential of Smart TVs and now you are even more curious to know their features in detail? Well, let me give you some information that will help you choose the Smart TV that’s right for you.
After all, a smart TV is, first and foremost, a TV. And above all, you need to be aware of how the chosen model fits your needs and the room in which it will work. But there are specific features and let’s understand them.
Price
The smart TV market is highly segmented in terms of cost. For example, the most affordable smart TVs for 10-13 thousand rubles are very similar to each other – these are 32-inch matrices with a resolution of 720p, and not the latest version of Android on board. This segment is dominated by the most famous Chinese brands. In the region of 40 thousand rubles, you can buy a 55-inch smart TV with a good IPS matrix and proprietary software platforms. But large models with OLED matrices can cost from 100 thousand rubles.
Frame
In 2023, most of the best smart TVs look pretty similar from the outside, but that’s just at first glance. Firstly, fashionable narrow frames in different models have different widths. Those that are more expensive have a more elegant screen frame. Secondly, no one has canceled the build quality. You are unlikely to like a TV that, due to insufficient rigidity, gives streaks on the screen when hanging it on the wall. Also, some models are waterproof to work, for example, in the bathroom.
Smart TV picture quality
While the resolution is an important factor to consider, it’s not the only thing that determines good image quality. Contrast ratio, high dynamic range (HDR) performance and color fidelity all contribute to a better picture.
The contrast ratio is the ratio between the brightest and darkest a TV can be, while many manufacturers don’t display the contrast ratio anymore, the wider the contrast range, the better the picture is.
TVs that support high dynamic range (HDR) have extended color, contrast, and brightness levels. HDR can significantly improve image quality over conventional standard dynamic range (SDR). HDR TVs have a wider color gamut and contrast range for brighter brights and darker darks, which means a more impactful picture.
4K HDR TVs are the best choice for most homes as they combine high resolution with great picture quality.
Size and resolution
Even if there are many aspects of a Smart TV, the first things that you will have to consider, before a new purchase, are certainly the dimensions and the resolution.
- Dimensions – Decide where you want to place your new Smart TV and consider its size based on the available space. The screen width of a Smart TV is measured in inches (a small number followed by two quotation marks; for example, 55″ means fifty-five inches): the more, the bigger the screen. An inch is about two and a half centimeters; if you are already measuring the space available to you, consider that many meters also report dimensions in inches: you will find them with the words inches or inches. Almost all modern Smart TVs have either a very small bezel (i.e. a border that wraps around the screen) or some don’t; however, if you’re designing your space to the millimeter, keep that in mind as well.
- Resolution – now that you’ve chosen the size of your TV, let’s move on to its resolution; this word indicates how many pixels the screen can contain: in simple words, the higher the Smart TV resolution, the better the image quality. Currently on the market you can find mainly three types of resolution: HD Ready (1280×720 pixels, that is, 1280 pixels vertically and 720 horizontally), Full HD or FHD (1920×1080 pixels) and Ultra HD or UHD that are available in 4K (3840 × 2160 pixels) or 8K (7680 × 4320 pixels). In general, Smart TVs with Ultra HD resolution are the best, although a little expensive. However, keep in mind that if you have very fast ADSL, a 4K streaming subscription (either Netflix, TIMVision or otherwise) or a gaming device capable of 4K playback (like PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox One X for example ), opt for this type of Smart TV will be a pleasure for the eyes. Instead, I would advise against HD Ready resolution, which is quite outdated and only costs slightly less than Full HD. 8K, on the other hand, is still too advanced and expensive a technology to justify buying such a television (unless you have very specific needs and a big budget.
Display
Of course, the main thing in TV is the screen. In 2023, the main trend of the best smart TVs is the introduction of 4K resolution. In fact, it’s four times bigger than regular FullHD. True, high-definition television in Russia is not being introduced very quickly, but the ability to access the Internet through smart TV eliminates this shortcoming. In addition, advanced TVs can provide a frequency of 100 Hz or more, thereby reducing image blurring at the edges.
A separate topic is die manufacturing technology. There are two main options in modern TVs – LCD and OLED. The first is the well-known liquid crystal screens, which have only advanced in terms of quality. Therefore, IPS matrices provide good color reproduction and a viewing angle of up to 180 degrees. OLED screens replaced the “plasma”, so popular at zero. Its main advantages are excellent brightness and true black color, which is achieved by turning off the pixels responsible for this in the image. But the technology also has disadvantages – burn-in with a long-term static image and flickering.
Smart TV platform
So we come to the features that make the best smart TVs stand out. There are many platforms that have endowed TV with “mind” now, but not all are created equal. The most flexible in terms of installing third-party software is believed to be Android in its non-touch screen adapted form. However, there are often problems with management and optimization. Large manufacturers prefer to use proprietary platforms, for example, LG has webOS Smart TV. Usually, in them, each application is optimized for a specific TV, but variety is often lacking. For example, installing a third-party video viewer is unlikely to work.
Interfaces
In recent years, many manufacturers of the best smart TVs have shown a shift towards wireless interfaces, reducing the number of ports from model to model. By the way, it is unlikely to find a “tulip” for a retro prefix on modern TV. Therefore, if you need a lot of HDMI or USB, pay attention to their number in a particular model. Some companies add a wired Internet port to their top smart TVs, which can come in handy with no or unstable Wi-Fi. Most smart TVs now support Bluetooth, which comes in handy when connecting keyboards, joysticks, and other peripherals wirelessly.
To control
And the last important feature of any smart TV is the ability to control it. The fact is that classic remotes were not suitable for controlling smart TVs that had Internet access and worked with third-party applications. Each manufacturer solved the adaptation problem in its own way. For example, some have increased the number of buttons. Other TVs have a touch pad on the remote control. The most advanced models even received original joysticks that can control the screen by moving in space. However, you can also connect a third-party remote via Bluetooth to your smart TV.
Panel type
Have you noticed terms like OLED, LCD or Quantum Dot in the description of several Smart TVs and you got scared? Don’t worry: they are simply the technologies with which the panels of the various televisions are built. Below I will briefly explain the characteristics of each of them.
- Plasma – is one of the first technologies used for “flat” screens. It heats up the TV a lot and consumes a lot of energy. I advise you not to focus on this purchase: today there are better ones on the market at a great price.
- LCD and LED – are the two most used technologies. They are very similar and differ only in the type of backlight used: LCDs use fluorescent lamps, LED TVs are LCDs that replace these small lamps with LEDs. Because of this, LED screens are much thinner than LCD screens and consume less power.
- OLED – is the evolution of LED technology, these panels are optimized for energy saving: instead of “creating” the black color using the backlight, OLEDs can turn off the pixels. In this way, even darker blacks are obtained and energy consumption will be lower.
- Quantum Dot – is a technology used by some manufacturers, for example, Samsung, for medium-high range Smart TVs: it uses small crystals to define colors even better. When these crystals are illuminated, they can recreate more shades of color than traditional panels, approaching the flexibility of OLEDs.
- Curved Display – You may have noticed that some Smart TVs have a literally “crooked” panel. This type of screen makes the Smart TV look bigger (exploiting some defects of human vision) and more immersive. But be careful: to make the most of a curved screen, you need to position yourself exactly in the center. Before deciding on this purchase, try it on an electronics network.
Connectivity and compatibility with Smart TV
All smart TVs can connect to the internet and run an operating platform with apps to access online content, but some connectivity features vary from TV to TV. Operating platforms also vary depending on the TV, so keep that in mind. Common smart TV operating systems include webOS, Tizen, Android TV, Roku TV, and more.
Make sure the TV is adequate for most common tasks, including web browsing, playing games, accessing computer content or screen sharing. Consider voice control features and smart home compatibility as needed, as well as physical connectivity options (like enough HDMI ports) to connect game consoles, DVD players, and other devices.
Virtually all smart TVs will have access to major streaming apps like Netflix, but some may not have access to niche apps or channels. If you plan to use certain apps or content, check compatibility before buying a smart TV.
Internet connectivity
First-generation Smart TVs only had an Ethernet cable input; however, most televisions in circulation today are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity. Pay close attention to this detail and choose the device that best suits your needs: if you don’t want a lot of wires around the house, I suggest you check out this wireless connection. Otherwise, if you want even more performance from your network, you have a way to keep the wires tidy and you have the option of running an ethernet cable or using a ready-made one, you can save a few dollars by buying a Smart TV without wifi .
Other features
Just like computers and smartphones, there are a number of other features you can look for in a Smart TV. Below I will list the most important ones.
- CI+ slot (Common Interface Plus) – is the slot where you can insert the CAM, that is, the device that allows you to read smart cards to access services such as Mediaset Premium. Be careful, some budget Smart TVs do not have this interface.
- HDR – Many high-end TVs support this type of technology. It lets you see more nuanced shadows and highlights on the screen than TVs without it.
- Inputs – Before you buy a new Smart TV, think carefully about the type of devices you want to connect to it and make sure you have enough inputs. For example, to connect a Blu-Ray player and a TV Box at the same time, you need at least 2 HDMI inputs. Also consider the presence of USB ports, which you can use to connect disks and pendrives. Finally, if you want to equip your TV with a high-end home theater or other type of audio system, make sure it has an optical audio output.
- Energy Consumption – TVs are often left on for a long time, so having an energy efficient TV helps to reduce the electricity bill. The consumption of TVs currently on the market ranges from class A+++ (the best) to class D (the worst).
- DLNA, Miracast, Google Cast and AirPlay – if you’ve read my guide on how to connect your phone to your TV, you know that in order to connect your phone to your TV wirelessly and stream content, your Smart TV must support at least one of the Miracast protocols. DLNA, Google Cast or AirPlay. These last two protocols are only built into the most modern Smart TVs, especially the latest generation ones. If not, you can still pair a Chromecast or an Apple TV respectively to make these two protocols available on your Smart TV.
Operating systems for Smart TVs
As I said in the introductory chapter, you can consider a Smart TV as if it were a computer. On new generation TVs there is an operating system ready to perform the necessary tasks.
Not all Smart TVs have the same operating system: it depends on the choices made by the manufacturer and the price range of the TV itself. In order to have a wide range of applications and functions, you need to choose a complete and, possibly, widely distributed operating system. Below you will find a list of the most interesting ones currently available on the market.
- Android TV – does the name sound familiar? It’s just like you think: Google has customized Android to work on TVs too! Android TV is an operating system very similar to that found on smartphones and tablets. Despite this, this system has been simplified and made more “comfortable” to use with the remote control. On Android TV it is possible to install Android apps and updates via Google Play, the system is configured to use voice commands and offers the possibility to control the TV via Android smartphone or tablet. In addition, Android TV fully supports the Google Cast protocol: this means that the TV has the same functionality and potential as Chromecast (if you have never heard of it, I suggest you read my guide on how Chromecast works). Compared to others, Android TV is certainly the most complete, flexible and customizable television platform. You can find Android TV on many high-end TVs (mainly Sony).
- Samsung Smart Hub – You will find this operating system on some Samsung Smart TVs. This platform is very complete, supports many applications, is updated frequently and is fully compatible with both Samsung smartphones and Samsung products aimed at the home video market (e.g. Blu-Ray players), as well as high-end smartphones and tablets. all major brands.
- Tizen – this operating system has a very long and complicated history: it is based on Linux and was designed for smartphones, but things did not go well. After being developed by several companies, Tizen passed into the hands of Samsung and is already present in part of its televisions (but also in some Samsung smartwatches and the Z4 smartphone). Tizen is an all-in-one platform that offers a very rich app store and the ability to take advantage of the Miracast protocol.
- LG webOS – after Android TV and Samsung systems, WebOS is one of the most complete systems for LG Smart TVs. It has a large application store (which includes names like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Video, Infinity and others), it is very practical to use via remote control and above all it is extremely fast.
- Other Operating Systems – Some TVs come with a proprietary operating system that can run apps and better configure your TV.
How to use a Smart TV
I’ve given you some useful information so far, but now it’s time to get your hands on the remote and find out how to perform some simple operations (connecting to the Internet, installing applications and accessing files over the network) on a Smart TELEVISION. For this part I’m going to use a TV with LG’s proprietary operating system controlled with its remote control, but don’t worry: the mechanisms are also similar in Smart TVs from other brands with other operating systems. I guarantee you will have no problem repeating the processes on a different operating system.
Smart TV WiFi: how it works
Connecting Smart TV to the Internet is very simple. First, press the Settings button on the remote control (on LG TVs it’s shaped like a gear). Then, using the arrows, go to the All Settings item and press the OK button on the remote control.
Now choose the item related to network connection (e.g. Network) from the panel and select Wi-Fi Connection option. At this point, press the Enable button to start scanning for nearby available networks. What you need to do is simply select your home network and enter your password to access it.
After a few seconds, you will finally be connected to the Internet and can access all the smart content supported by your TV, including applications and multimedia files hosted on computers, NAS and other devices connected to the local network.
Smart TV: how it works without WiFi
If your Smart TV doesn’t have Wi-Fi or you simply don’t have a wireless network available to connect to, you can still use your TV. I remind you, however, that all Smart features such as installing or operating applications, web browsing and all tools that require an active Internet connection will not work.
For this reason, a Smart TV without an Internet connection will allow you to access TV channels, as the signal is received by the antenna, and perform some local functions, such as playing files on a USB stick.
Instead of wireless connection, you can still use Ethernet, using a LAN cable. In general, you don’t need to do any specific configuration on the Smart TV other than simply plugging one end of the LAN cable into the appropriate input port on the back of the panel and the other end into the modem/router port.
If the latter is located next to the Smart TV, then you can make a direct connection. If, on the other hand, it is located in another room, you can consider using Powerlines , devices that allow you to extend the Internet connection from one room to another, using the domestic electrical system. Some of these devices even allow you to take the Wi-Fi signal to areas of the house where the modem/router does not reach.
Smart TV: how to use the internet
When your Smart TV is connected to the Internet, it can perform many functions. For example, if you’ve installed apps (which I’ll talk about in the next chapter) that let you watch multimedia content such as YouTube, Netflix or Prime Video, just launch them from your TV’s home screen, which usually hosts all installed apps and the standard Smart TV features.
You can also use Smart TV to browse the web, using the pre-installed app to browse the internet – all you need to do is select the browser icon on the home screen, wait for the home screen to load and use the top bar to search the web or enter the URL of the website you want to visit.
An active Internet connection is also important to keep your Smart TV and apps up to date. In fact, the moment you launch an app, it notifies you of a new update if available. By pressing the appropriate button that appears on the screen, you will be directed to your file in the digital store, through which you can update it.
Even TV operating system updates are notified to you whenever they become available as long as your Smart TV is always connected to the internet. In this case, by pressing the appropriate notification that will be displayed on the TV screen, you will be able to access the appropriate section to carry out system updates that, in most cases, require a restart of the TV.
Install apps
As pointed out in previous chapters, app support is one of the most important features of Smart TVs. Applications are those that give access to services like Netflix, Infinity, etc., allow you to communicate on social networks and allow you to access information of various types (for example, weather forecasts or the latest news).
To access the menu with apps installed on the TV, just press the Home button (usually marked with a house icon) or the Smart TV button (which can have several “icons”, depending on the model). To install new apps, on the Smart TV main screen, you must access the icon (or tab) of the virtual store. For example, LG Content Store is the official store for LG Smart TVs with WebOS.
To download an application, such as Netflix or YouTube, just select the icon of the one you want to install, to open its detailed profile. Alternatively, you can use the appropriate search engine to type the name of the app and check if it is present in the store. Then just press the Install button to start the automatic application download and installation procedure.
At this time, to launch the newly installed application, on the Smart TV home screen, select the application icon in question and that’s it! Not sure which apps you can download for your Smart TV? You will find many ideas in my article dedicated to Smart TV apps.
How Smart TV works without an antenna
If you have problems receiving the television signal via antenna, you can still watch your favorite TV channels with your Smart TV. As? Using IPTV. If you are new to this technology, you should know that it consists of watching television using the TCP/IP protocol.
That is, the content of television channels is transmitted over the Internet and, through a special client installed on Smart TV, can be viewed in real time. If you want to know more about IPTV, which can also be used on other electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers, I suggest reading this guide dedicated to the subject.
If, on the other hand, you want more details about using IPTV on Smart TVs, just install a special app. I talked about this in detail in my guide on how to install IPTV on Smart TV.
Access files over the network
To access files over the network, a DLNA server will need to be installed and configured on your computer or NAS. You do not know what it is? I advise you to carefully read my article on connecting smartphones to TVs : I explained it in detail. Have you configured your server? Excellent. Now, to view files on your TV’s network, simply press the Sources button on your remote repeatedly until the Network icon is selected.
Wait a few seconds and you will see the list of shared files on your network, which you can play or view directly from your TV.
On other types of Smart TVs, you can achieve the same result by accessing the device’s main menu (Home key) and accessing the multimedia files menu.
Which Smart TV to buy
Now that you understand what Smart TVs are and how they work, it’s time to think about buying one. If you’re still feeling undecided and need some advice, you can take a look at my guide to the best TVs to buy: here you’ll find a selection of good quality Smart TVs, as well as lots of other information that can help you make your choice. .
Turn your TV into Smart TV
Are you telling me that you don’t want to spend a lot of money on this purchase, but would like to turn a “simple” TV (which costs less and that you may already own) into a “smart” one? No problem – you can use a Chromecast adapter, Apple TV, Miracast or even a TV Box. These are all appliances that certainly cost less than a new Smart TV!
Don’t know them and don’t know which one to buy? No problem: follow my guide on how to turn a TV into a Smart TV and you’re sure to find the solution that suits you best, complete with a step-by-step guide on how to install and configure it.
FAQs
Before buying a smart television, we answer some of the most common questions.
What’s the most important thing on a Smart TV?
The most important thing in a Smart TV depends on the user’s needs and preferences. Some important features are: image quality, screen size, compatibility with various applications and streaming services, operating system ease of use, internet connectivity and availability of HDMI and USB ports. It is also important to consider the sound quality and the possibility of connectivity with other devices.
What are the advantages of a Smart TV?
One of the main advantages is the ability to connect to the internet and access a wide variety of apps and streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+. Smart TVs also often have HDMI and USB ports to connect other devices like video games or Blu-ray players. Additionally, some models offer voice control capabilities, making it easier to navigate and find content.
How long does a Smart TV last?
The lifespan of a Smart TV depends on many factors such as brand and model, usage and maintenance. In general, a Smart TV is expected to last between five and ten years. However, this can vary significantly. It’s important to note that older TVs may not be compatible with the latest apps and streaming services, which can limit their usefulness.
Which Smart TV brand is better?
The choice of Smart TV brand depends on the needs and preferences of the user. Some popular brands are Samsung, LG, Sony. Samsung is known for its high-quality televisions and its wide range of size and price options. LG is known for its OLED TVs, which offer exceptional picture quality. Sony is known for its advanced image processing technology and state-of-the-art televisions.
Which smart TV has the highest rating?
With so many great options to choose from, as well as different rating systems, it’s nearly impossible to choose a top-rated smart TV. Not to mention, the TV that’s best for a home might not be right for you.
To find the best smart TV for your needs, start with the ideal screen size, features and budget, then find smart TVs with high ratings and good reviews.
Remember, watching TV with your own eyes will give you a much better idea than online reviews; so if you can test the TV in person, do it.
QLED vs OLED – which one to choose?
OLED TVs offer better picture quality than QLED TVs, but they tend to be much more expensive. Most televisions are LCD televisions.
QLED (Quantum Light Emitting Diode) TVs are a type of LED LCD that uses quantum dots to improve brightness and color.
OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode and is a completely different technology. Unlike LCD and QLED TVs, which have LED backlighting, each pixel in an OLED TV emits its own light. This results in more impressive picture quality and the ability to make thinner TVs and even flexible screens.
If you don’t want to spend a lot on an OLED TV but want to try one of these technologies, QLED TVs are a more affordable option with great picture quality.
How much does SmartTV cost?
Expect to pay upwards of Rs 50,000 for a decent 55-inch 4K smart TV. That price can easily go up into the hundreds of thousands for larger sizes, better picture and sound quality, and other premium features.
Smaller, lower-resolution smart TVs are cheaper and better suited for people on a budget.
Can I recycle my old TV?
Yes, old televisions can be disposed of at a recycling facility. Before you decide to recycle your TV, consider donating or selling it if it’s still working.
If the TV no longer works, it’s best to check if there are local electronics recycling facilities in your area to ensure the TV is being treated properly. Some large retailers also offer recycling services.