Smart TVS have changed the way we watch Television. It is no longer enough to channel surf. The smart TVs of today come loaded with internet connectivity, apps that are baked into the TV, voice control, and other features. But what are the unique features of a smart TV that make it an essential in modern-day homes?
Here are the most important features you need to know the next time you go shopping for a TV.
Connectivity (Wi-Fi and Ethernet)
The key feature of a smart TV is it has the capability to connect to the internet. Via both Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, access to the internet allows you to utilize most of the smart features such as streaming content, downloading and installing apps and surfing the web.
Built-in Streaming Apps
Smart TVs are loaded with popular apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube and hundreds of other apps like ESPN, AllRecipes, and Yelp. Many sets also let you download more apps from their app stores, giving you even more viewing options with no need for additional devices like streaming sticks.
The Contenders: Voice Control and Virtual Assistants
Smart TVs today usually support voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or house-grown products like Samsung’s Bixby. So get started in 60 seconds or less and easily search, control and personalize your viewing experience.
Screen Mirroring and Casting
By screen mirroring or casting, you can share the screen of the device on your phone, tablet or computer with the TV screen. Whether its a slideshow of vacation pictures or a YouTube video, the whole is viewable in full-screen glory on your smart TV.
Smart Home Integration
Smart TVs are becoming a base for home automation. You can manage smart lights, thermostats, cameras and other internet-connected things from your TV screen. It’s that depth of integration that makes them key in a connected smart home.
Regular Firmware Updates
Companies often send software updates to smart TVs to refine their performance, update their security and support new app and feature developments moving forward. This ensures that your TV is keeping up with potential improvements many months after you first brought it home.
HD Resolution with HDR Support
Not restricted to smart TVs, many of these donning 4K or even 8K resolution, with HDR (High Dynamic Range) support. Together they create a better, more upright image and richer color.
Multiple Connectivity Options
Smart TVs are rich with features like HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and SD card slots. These make connecting to gaming consoles, sound bars, external hard drives and wireless headphones a breeze.
Tune Those Content Recommendations To YOU
Through your viewing habits, many smart TVs are able to recommend shows, movies and channels that you might like. The machine-learning-powered feature aims to save these users from decision fatigue.
Parental Control and privacy settings
And for families, built-in parental controls make it easier to control what younger viewers can watch. You can see and manage data sharing and app and voice assistant permissions via privacy settings also.
FAQ: Smart TV Features
Q1: Do you need Internet to use a smart TV?
A: Yes, you can still watch regular cable or use HDMI inputs without internet, but the range of smart features, such as streaming and app downloads, is limited without an internet connection.
Q2: Can you download more apps on a smart TV?
A: Yes, most smart TVs have an app that lets you connect your television to a Wi-Fi network. Also, many smart TVs — and some devices that aren’t sets, such as the Apple TV, Roku and Google’s Chromecast — can act as a sort of wireless access point, which you can use to connect your device to the internet.
Q3: Can you pair any smart home devices with smart TVs?
A: Not always. Compatibility will vary depending on the brand of TV you have and the smart home system you use. As always, check compatibility with Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit before buying.
Q4: Are smart TV’s spying on you?
A: Some smart TVs may collect data to enhance your experience or for targeted advertising. But you can control privacy settings and turn off some features to keep your data out of the wrong hands.
Q5: Do smart and regular TVs last the same amount of time?
A: Yes, smart TVs are estimated to last just as long as traditional TVs — roughly 7–10 years — but the apps are more of a wild card.
Final Thoughts
If so, knowing what a smart TV can do can help guide your decision to fit your viewing habits and your lifestyle. From voice control to the streaming apps you love and smart home integration that make everything easy, these 4K and 8K sets have more convenience and entertainment versatility than the old-fashioned monitors ever had.
