What is a Smart TV?

Smart TVs dominate store shelves, but do you really need them? To find out, read on:

Simply put, a smart TV incorporates an operating system / platform that allows you to access, manage and view online and internet-based multimedia content without the need to connect with an additional box (such as a Roku, Chromecast or Firestick).

Smart TVs access online content by connecting to the same broadband router and the same Ethernet or Wi-Fi network used to connect your computer to the Internet. Ethernet offers the most stable connection, but if the TV is in a different room or distant from the router, Wi-Fi may be the most convenient method.

Once the TV is connected and turned on, you will be asked to enter all the login information required by your ISP (Internet Service Provider). The smart TV will display an on-screen menu that includes a list of available Internet channels provided in the form of apps (similar to apps on a smartphone). Some apps come pre-loaded and you can download others to add to your TV’s app library.

When you click on the icon for a specific channel / app, you are taken to its content offerings, which you can select and view.

The exact way you navigate through the Smart TV menu and manage your apps varies by brand and model.

TV brands incorporate one or more platforms through which they offer apps. (This built-in platform is what makes a TV smart.) Here are some of the brands / platforms you are likely to know or find in stores:

• Element, Toshiba, Westinghouse: Amazon Fire TV
• Insegne, Hisense / Sharp, Hitachi, TCL, Philips, Elemento: Roku TV
• LG: WebOS
• Samsung: Tizen Smart Hub
• Element, LeECO, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Westinghouse: Android TV
• Haier, JVC, LeECO, Philips, Polaroid, Sharp, Skyworth, Soniq, Sony, Toshiba: Chromecast
• Philips: NetTV
• Sharp: VEWD
• Vizio: SmartCast o Internet Apps Plus

The main benefit of a smart TV is access to a large number of channels offering TV shows, movies and music without the need to connect a TV antenna or subscribe to a cable / satellite service. Additionally, some smart TVs offer web browsing, gaming, and access to compatible media content stored on your computer.

While you can also view antenna or cable / satellite channels on smart TVs, Vizio has actually taken the bold step of eliminating built-in tuners and antenna / cable connections on most of its TVs in favor of its integrated streaming platform as a whole. – replacement component.

In addition to streaming over the internet, some smart TVs offer more features, such as Miracast and Screen Sharing, which allow users to view content from compatible smartphones and tablets on a TV screen. Other labels for this feature include SmartShare (LG) and SmartView (Samsung).

Some smart TVs are also capable of doing the opposite: send content from the TV to a compatible smartphone. After sending, the user can continue to view that content on their smartphone, away from the TV.

The hype surrounding smart TVs is compelling, but there are some cost considerations and limitations to consider.

• Although smart TV platforms provide access to many free channels and services, many require a monthly subscription or pay-per-view fee. When you start adding up these costs, you may end up spending a lot or a lot more to watch cable / satellite TV. On the other hand, you will only pay for the channels and content you want.
• The make / model smart TV determines the services and features you have access to. While all smart TVs access many of the same core services (Netflix, Vudu, Hulu, Pandora), many additional and niche channels may not be accessible on some smart TV platforms. Also, for those who use iTunes to access streaming audio and video content, no TV as of 2018 has this capability – so even if you have a smart TV, you still need to buy an Apple TV box.

Using a smart TV can cause privacy issues. Smart TVs and / or content app providers usually keep track of your habits of what you watch on TV to give you tips and advice based on what you like best.

For example, every time you log into Netflix, the menu shows what you’ve watched recently, as well as updated suggestions for related movies or shows you might like based on the “recently watched” list.

You might think this type of tracking is a good thing because it cuts down on the time it takes to search for movies or shows to watch, but a smart TV could do more than just track your habits.

If your smart TV has a webcam or voice control, there is a chance that someone can come in and see / hear you.

Additionally, any credit card purchases made through the TV may be traceable by third parties. If voice control or webcam is on, don’t say or do anything you wouldn’t do or say in public – and be cautious with online credit card purchases.

If you have recently purchased or currently have a TV without smart features or an older smart TV with limited options, there is no need to buy a new smart TV if the TV still works well and meets your picture quality needs. You can add smart features to your current experience for a small fee.

• A media streamer is typically a small box that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and connects to your internet router via Ethernet / Wi-Fi. If you have an older TV that doesn’t have an HDMI input, your options are more limited, but the Roku Express + media streamer provides analog audio video connections in this case.
• Another type of media streamer is a thumb drive slightly larger than a USB flash drive and plugs into an available HDMI input. The stick-type media streamer provides Wi-Fi access to your TV, so make sure you have a wireless internet router. The key must also be connected to a USB or AC power source.

When you buy a TV, almost all brands / models offer some level of smart features to expand the functionality. Keep in mind, however, variations in access to content, additional subscription / pay-per-view costs, possible privacy concerns, and the need to balance the attractiveness of a specific Smart TV with other important factors such as image quality, sound quality and physical connectivity.

If you want to add TV, movies, music streaming, and other smart features to your home entertainment experience but don’t know if you need a smart TV, here are some guidelines:

• If you’re buying a new TV and don’t have any other devices that provide access to internet streaming content, then buying a smart TV is a good idea.
• If you already have a smart TV that doesn’t provide access to the number or type of streaming channels you want, you can add an external media streamer, streaming stick, or internet-enabled Blu-ray Disc player instead of buying a new smart TV.
• If you already own a TV without smart features but are happy with its picture quality and other features, it is not necessary to buy a smart TV. Just add a media streamer, streaming stick, or internet-enabled Blu-ray Disc player to your current setup.
• If you are concerned about privacy issues, consider an external media streaming device. It does not prevent buying or viewing habit detection, but it does prevent live audio / video spying.
• If you are interested in audio-only streaming, an internet-enabled stereo or home theater receiver will provide better sound quality for listening to music than a smart TV.

A smart TV is just one way to add internet streaming and related features to your TV viewing experience. Use the guidelines above to decide if it’s the best choice for you.