A Smart TV

The offspring of computers and televisions, smart TVs combine gorgeous pictures and multifaceted functions, including internet capabilities. A smart TV, sometimes referred to as connected TV or hybrid TV, (not to be confused with IPTV, Internet TV, or with Web TV), describes a trend of integration of the Internet and Web 2.0 features into television sets and set-top boxes, as well as the technological convergence between computers and these television sets / set-top boxes. The devices have a higher focus on online interactive media, Internet TV, over-the-top content, as well as on-demand streaming media, and less focus on traditional broadcast media than traditional television sets and set-top boxes.

Processor:

Go in for at least a dual-core one. Quad-core processors will be even faster.

Built-in functions

Integrated Wi-Fi enables connectivity to any and all nearby digital devices (computers, smart phones), creating a home network. A built-in web browser means direct internet access. You can use the AllShare function to share music, films and other multimedia from your TV. AllShare Play allows you to stream content from other devices and enjoy it on the big screen. And you can also Skype.  

All the smart televisions have the capacity to do chromecast or miracast, i.e., the ability to cast to the television from your smartphone or laptop. Some televisions even have the ability to cast without wifi or Bluetooth.

Note of caution: Please check whether the wireless LAN adaptor required for using Wi-fi is included in the purchase or is to be separately bought. If it is not included, it means the TV is only Wi-fi “ready” and not Wi-fi TV.

System:

Most Televisions are android TVs. LG has WebOS and Thinq systems.

Others:

Bluetooth is one of the important things for connecting devices. Further, the ability to connect to speakers through Bluetooth or wifi is also important.

Further, it is also important for the Television to have the main ports on the side of the TV as opposed to all ports on the backside. In case of wall mount, accessing ports on the back side is difficult.

Control:

Forget the remote control. You can interact with your set using your smart phone, and it can be directed by your voice and hand motions as well. This requires the use of mobile apps. Wireless key board is required to use the TV as a computer. You can attach a wireless keyboard through a USB port. That lets you enter text more easily than you can with the on-screen keyboard. Further, you also require Wireless mouse also.

You can also use the smart remote-control option whereby the pointer is displayed on the screen. On waving of the remote control, the pointer will go to some of the menu options and by clicking the remote, the pointer will activate that menu option.

Interaction

The most advanced TVs are capable of identifying the viewer by face recognition, so it isn’t necessary to ‘sign in,’ as the TV immediately switches to the viewer’s favourite channel or opens his own Face book page, book-marks or e-mail.

Social TV

It groups Online TV entertainment choices: You can get educational and entertainment content for kids, as well as fitness programs that guide adults through exercise at home.

You Want:

Wifi

Browser

AllShare

Motion/Voice Control

Bluetooth

Chromecast/Miracast

Extras:

App store: Hundreds of useful programs like

Youtube

Amazon Prime

Netflix

Facebook

Twitter

Hotstar

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