Unlike conventional television sets, Smart TVs allow users do a number of things—such as browse the internet, stream content from entertainment sources like Netflix or Hulu, and check social media—directly from the Smart TV without having any additional hardware.
Day by day, the Smart TV is gaining popularity because of its exclusively unique features and high-end graphics. About a decade ago, in 2011, 52 million smart TVs were sold across the globe right after its launch. By the year 2015, that number rose more than double – around 141 million and was further projected to earn 173 million by 2016.
For some of us, it’s better to keep our old TV and invest in a third-party device with the same smart features, which can help us save money—and the atmosphere—by recycling our perfectly fine television. This is a great solution for you if you want to buy additional TVs, like, one for your bedroom or workplace, and make them smart. But what about your living room television? Most probably, you would like to keep that one on the cutting edge. Here’s how, and why.
What is a smart TV?
A smart TV is not entirely different than a regular one, but it has two exceptions: Smart TVs can use the internet via Wi-Fi and their system can be connected with different apps—just like a tablet or smartphone.
Like old-school TVs, smart TVs also come in various sizes, shapes, qualities, and forms. For example, you can get a Plasma, LCD or even projection TV, etc.
Traditionally, you might need to connect a laptop or computer to your television to access internet-based films and content. But thanks to modern technology, that’s no more necessary. Now, the TVs themselves have pre-installed Wi-Fi receivers and they can access your home network without the need for any additional hardware.
What Can You Do with A Smart TV?
The most interesting thing you can do with a smart TV is to access numerous streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon Instant Video, etc.
Although some of these companies require an active subscription, still they are an ideal setup for cord-cutters or the ones who don’t like to pay for cable. Almost every content that’s accessible is considered “on-demand,” which indicates you can begin or end it at your leisure, and you can enjoy pretty much whatever you want on Smart TVs, with few commercials (if any).
This is specifically convenient if you do not want to surf through thousands of channels (and who does, really?). Moreover, apps available for these Smart TVs can allow access to other services, like online shopping, social networks, music, internet browsers, and media playback, etc.
App Platforms by Smart TV Brand
TV brands tend to incorporate one or more platforms through which they offer various apps. (This platform is something that makes a TV smart.) Here are some of the brands/platforms you’re most likely to find:
- Element, Toshiba, Westinghouse: Amazon Fire TV
- LG: WebOS
- Insignia, Hisense/Sharp, Hitachi, TCL, Philips, Element: Roku TV
- Samsung: Tizen Smart Hub
- Haier, JVC, LeECO, Philips, Polaroid, Sharp, Skyworth, Soniq, Sony, Toshiba: Chromecast
- Element, LeECO, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Westinghouse: Android TV
- Sharp: VEWD
- Philips: NetTV
- Vizio: SmartCast or Internet Apps Plus
Additional Smart TV Features
In addition to flawless internet streaming, some smart TVs also provide more capabilities, such as Screen Sharing and Miracast which enables users to view content from their smartphones or tablets on a TV screen. Some other labels for this specific feature include SmartView (Samsung) and SmartShare (LG).
There are some particular smart TVs that are even able to carry out the reverse: send content from the television to a compatible smartphone. Once it sends the data, the user can easily continue to view it on the smartphone, which is of course from the TV.
Besides this, we all know that Smart TVs need a stable internet connection and cable network to stream our favorite shows. Therefore, before you purchase your Smart TV, do not forget to search for the most reliable internet and cable providers in your area. For your convenience, you can always trust high-speed internet connections like Spectrum to facilitate your browsing, surfing, and streaming process. It would help you to enjoy all your web series and movies without any excessive lag-time or buffering. Dial Spectrum phone number now to get more information about their incredibly affordable and secure internet packages. The best part is that Spectrum also provides high-coverage cable networks to all its users. Simply reach out to Spectrum Select TV to avail their wonderful TV packages, starting from $44.99 only per month. Moreover, Spectrum doesn’t bound you with any monthly or yearly contracts. Instead, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on their cable packages! That sounds like a win-win deal. Doesn’t it?
The Bottom-line
When shopping for a smart TV, you will observe out how most of the brands offer the almost same level of smart functionality that enhances your viewing options. However, there is a significant difference in their qualities, according to each brand and its specifications. A smart TV is possibly a way to enjoy internet streaming and other features on your TV for entertainment purposes. However, use the guidelines given above to decide whether or not it is the best choice for you.
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