Everything You Need to Know About Smart TV

We are familiar with smartphones, but smart TVs present a different scenario entirely. Grasping the concept of a smart TV is straightforward, especially if you are aware of the idea behind the ‘smart’ prefix in technology. Unlike standard televisions, or what are often referred to as “non-smart” TVs, smart TVs enable users to connect directly to a range of online content platforms without needing extra devices like smartphones, computers, or media players that are linked to the Internet.

In this article, we aim to clarify what a smart TV is and help you determine whether you should consider getting one. We have examined the advantages and disadvantages of smart TVs, as well as taken a closer look at what content is available for smart TVs in India. Continue reading to discover all the essential information regarding smart TVs.

What defines a smart TV?

A commonly accepted explanation of a smart TV is a standard television that can access the Internet for content retrieval. This functionality allows users to reach a broader range of content than what is typically available through standard devices like set-top boxes and Blu-ray players. Connectivity to the Internet can be achieved either through a wired or wireless setup; most of today’s smart TVs come equipped with an Ethernet port for wired connections and can also link to Wi-Fi networks.

After establishing an Internet connection, the TV can retrieve content from various sources such as streaming platforms, social media sites, and online pages. Streaming services are particularly suited for viewing on larger screens, facilitating the playback of movies, television shows, music videos, and other online clips. Famous streaming services including Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Hotstar can easily be accessed on a smart TV.

Smart TVs function similarly to smartphones, utilizing apps that are either pre-installed or downloadable via the interface. The primary interface enables users to browse different options and applications, while the apps provide services fine-tuned for larger displays. Typically, smart TV interfaces are made to work with standard remote controls, though many modern smart TVs also support advanced ‘air-mouse’ remotes that allow users to navigate by moving a cursor on the screen, resembling how a computer mouse operates.

What type of content is available on a smart TV?

The most desirable content on a smart TV comes from streaming services. Reliable smart TV operating systems and interfaces usually include applications for popular streaming platforms, enabling users to enjoy a diverse selection of movies, shows, and more. While many of these services operate on a subscription basis requiring payment, there are notable platforms that provide a significant amount of audio and visual content for free.
In addition to this, many smart TV systems provide audio streaming as well. This gives viewers the ability to utilize either the television’s own speakers or any connected sound system to enjoy tunes from different streaming platforms. For instance, platforms like YouTube allow for the viewing of music videos, while applications like Spotify, JioSaavn, and Hungama Music are available for numerous smart TV systems.

Moreover, you can enhance your social media experience by using a smart TV. This encompasses platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, among others, which can be accessed on widely used smart TV systems. This feature significantly improves the video-watching experience and enables you to share your enjoyment with loved ones.

Furthermore, numerous smart TVs enable you to visit websites similarly to how you would on a computer or mobile device. When using a web browser, the site loads just like it does on any other gadget, and you can explore and select links as you typically would. While using a standard directional pad on a TV remote can be somewhat challenging, this capability provides a larger display alternative to your computer or smartphone.

What distinct features do various smart TVs possess?

Much like smartphones, the various smart TVs differ in their user interfaces and functionalities based on the brand and software they employ. Major brands such as LG and Samsung offer their own comprehensive smart TV ecosystems, while other manufacturers may utilize a developer framework like Android TV or create a simpler interface derived from established open-source systems such as Android and Linux.

A significant benefit of utilizing a comprehensive interface like Android TV, webOS, or Samsung’s Tizen platform is the enhanced access and compatibility with popular applications. Major content creators tend to support fully developed apps on these leading platforms, which generally leads to a superior application experience.

In a similar vein, consumers may also discover applications for numerous smaller streaming providers along with various content services, which are often tailored for use with a television remote. While firmware upgrades might not occur frequently, leading manufacturers typically provide some level of software assistance for their smart TV interfaces, mainly to address bugs and improve functionality.

Simplistic smart TV interfaces may have a limited selection of applications available through a marketplace, or sometimes lack additional apps altogether. These interfaces are commonly found in budget-friendly smart TVs, frequently preloaded with essential applications such as YouTube and Netflix, as well as certain social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Typically, these basic interfaces don’t receive regular firmware updates, and users may start to notice that the existing software can become problematic and sluggish over time.

Is purchasing a smart TV worthwhile?

Whether you should get a smart TV largely hinges on your viewing habits. If your primary source of entertainment is cable or DTH through a set-top box, opting for a smart TV might not be necessary, and investing in a quality non-smart TV could be a better choice. However, a smart TV becomes beneficial if you frequently watch online content and preferably subscribe to a premium streaming service. Additionally, platforms like YouTube and Hotstar offer a range of free content, potentially enticing even non-streamers to explore these options with a smart TV.

Another perspective to consider is acquiring a streaming device. Quality streaming hardware can effectively replace the smart TV interface, providing similar connectivity and access to various apps and services but often with a more advanced interface. These devices typically connect to your television via an HDMI port and usually come with their own remotes. They can serve as a practical means of enhancing a standard TV’s capability or even elevate the streaming experience by offering features like 4K and HDR streaming, along with a more fluid interface.

As previously stated, a smart television is essential if you wish to enjoy streaming services without needing to invest in a separate streaming gadget. If you prefer the convenience of controlling everything with one remote and have a clear understanding of the apps and services you intend to utilize, a smart TV may be a suitable option for you.