Smart TVs have become the norm, offering features beyond the basic TVs of old. But finding a TV that doesn’t connect to the internet, stream video content, and respond to voice commands is actually challenging these days. Built-in apps and widgets provide everything from gaming to video calling to smart home integration functionalities, making older TVs seem obsolete.
But this begs the question: what exactly defines a “smart” TV? Is it merely an internet connection and an operating system? Does this integrated approach offer a significant advantage over dedicated streaming devices like Apple TV or Roku? And with many manufacturers, does the brand truly influence the experience? Let’s explore these questions and delve into the world of smart TVs to help you make informed decisions, regardless of the size of the television you select.
What makes a TV smart?
Your old TV was a loner, isolated from the world beyond its antenna, cable box, or AV source like a DVD player for all its content needs. Unlike its more modern counterparts, it relied heavily on a limited selection of broadcast channels and physical media, making its viewing experience somewhat restrictive and static.
The major feature that separates smart TVs from their not-so-smart counterparts is an internet connection, which opens the door to a world of possibilities. With an internet connection, users can stream movies and TV shows from popular platforms and even access live broadcasts through apps. Nearly all modern smart TVs come equipped with either an Ethernet port, built-in Wi-Fi, or both, providing flexibility in how you connect to your home network.
Additionally, the latest sets are powered by a range of sophisticated and powerful operating systems that enable smart TVs to provide personalized recommendations, help you find content across different services, and even integrate with smart home devices for a seamless experience.
Moreover, current TVs boast advanced processors and enhanced graphics capabilities, allowing for high-definition and 4K resolution content, as well as features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) for improved color and contrast. Voice control functionalities, often integrated with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, further improve user interaction, making it easier than ever to search for content or control other devices in your home.
In essence, today’s smart TVs are much more like smartphones or computers than ever, serving as multifunctional entertainment hubs that not only provide traditional viewing experiences but also transform how we consume media, interact with technology, and enjoy our favorite content.
What can I do with a smart TV?
Watch TV
While today’s TVs are indeed smart, the primary use for a smart TV is still, you know, watching TV. But the way that’s done now is vastly different from the past. With the rise to prominence of streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+, most of our movies and shows are streamed over the internet to our TVs either through set-top boxes or streaming sticks, like the Apple TV, Roku Ultra, and Amazon Fire TV Stick. However, over the years, most smart TVs made by everyone from Samsung, LG, and Sony to TCL, Hisense, and Panasonic now come with these streaming service apps built right in. There are some advantages to this, including the fact that you don’t have to shell out for a separate device, and there’s no need for additional HDMI and power cables, network connections, or setups — the TV setup process is streamlined and simplified.
However, it’s worth considering that unlike smartphones or computers (and even set-top boxes), TVs don’t focus as much on processing power, meaning that even with regular software and firmware updates, over time your TV will get slower, laggy in its navigation, and show a decline in performance as image and audio quality continues to improve. Your TV’s processor can’t be replaced or upgraded, but an aging set-top box or streaming stick can. Both options have their advantages, and many people use a combination of the two.
Smart home, voice assistants, and more
For many, the TV is a central meeting point for the home — we arrange our furniture around them and mount them on the wall (but never over a fireplace, please) as a focal point of the decor. But they’ve never been as functional as they are today, beyond just staring at them for entertainment.
With today’s smart TVs, you can do all sorts of things, like controlling and accessing all your smart home devices such as lights, robot vacuums, security cameras, and thermostats; streaming music and podcasts; making video calls for work (with some TVs from Sony, TCL, and Amazon offering support for Google Duo and even Zoom); working out (with apps such as Peloton installed); and more.
Most smart TVs also come with Google Assistant or Alexa smart assistants built-in, allowing you to control much of this with your voice (more on that below). Add to that the ability to cast apps and content from smartphones and tablets, mirroring their screens to a smart TV, and the possibilities are kind of endless.
Smart TV operating systems
Even though all smart TVs are built with the same goal — helping you access your favorite content without a middle man (in this case, a set-top box or streaming stick) — they don’t all work the same way. Each manufacturer employs a different operating system, leading to various user experiences.
Two of the biggest operating systems are LG’s webOS and Samsung’s Tizen. WebOS is known for its simple and intuitive interface, offering features like a customizable launcher and the ability to run multiple apps side by side. On the other hand, Tizen is praised for its smooth performance and ability to integrate smart home devices directly into the TV interface.
Most TV makers, including Samsung, LG, TCL, Hisense, and Sony, also provide models that run popular operating systems like Roku, Android TV, and its successor, Google TV. Roku is often lauded for its straightforward navigation and vast app selection, making it ideal for users who prefer a no-frills experience. Meanwhile, Android TV and Google TV offer a more personalized experience with Google Assistant integration, allowing voice commands, smart home control, and seamless compatibility with Android devices.
These operating systems enhance functionality and provide access to a wider range of streaming services and apps. They facilitate connections with smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices, allowing users to cast content effortlessly or control the TV through their mobile devices.
Ultimately, the best TV operating system depends on your specific needs and preferences. When choosing, consider your value of user interface, app availability, and smart home integration. The right operating system can significantly enhance your viewing experience, making it easier to enjoy the content you love.
Voice search
For the most part, smart TV interfaces are designed to be simple and easy enough for anyone to use without training or tutorials (after all, lots of people check out display TVs before buying). Still, sometimes you just don’t want to hunt and peck — and that’s where voice search comes in.
As a fairly common feature in newer smart TV remotes, voice search turns navigation into an easy, one-click task, no matter what you’re looking for. But be aware that certain platforms — like Roku — offer more robust search tools than others, and remote microphones aren’t always great at understanding your voice, so patience is important.
But what kind of commands can they handle? Here’s a brief look:
- “Play the latest episode of Stranger Things on Netflix.”
- “Open Amazon Prime Video.”
- “Switch over to HDMI 3.”
- “Mute the volume.”
- “Turn off after this episode of Friends.”
Some higher-end models come with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant built-in, which offer access to a much larger knowledge database. Using one of them, you’ll not only be able to tell the television what to do but also to search the internet for answers to questions and scour through your connected accounts for contextual information, such as calendar events.
If your TV doesn’t come with a voice remote in the box, you may also be able to access voice search via a smartphone app or by hooking up an Amazon Echo or Google Home.
Privacy of user data
A good rule of thumb with all web-connected devices is that any user data you enter is always somewhat at risk. Smart TVs are no exception to this rule, as they often have various features that connect to the internet, allowing for convenient streaming and app usage but also increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. When subscribing to services or making purchases through your smart TV, we recommend keeping your transactions confined to your TV’s official app store.
TV web browsers, in contrast, tend to be clunky and outdated tools that may not provide the necessary security to safeguard your sensitive information. These browsers can be susceptible to manipulation by hackers who can exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to your data.
Additionally, consider using your home computer or smartphone for online shopping, especially for transactions on larger platforms like Amazon. This approach not only reduces the risk of exposing your financial information but also offers a more user-friendly experience for browsing and purchasing items. Always ensure that your devices, including your smart TV, are updated with the latest security patches and features to help protect your data from potential breaches.
Alternatives
Not all smart TVs are created equal. Perhaps the TV you like doesn’t have the best operating system, or maybe you just don’t have the cash to pony up hundreds for a shiny new screen. If that sounds all too true, set-top boxes and streaming sticks are great alternatives that offer nearly all the functionality of a high-end smart TV at an affordable price. Roku’s products do a great job of turning existing dumb TVs into smart ones, as do Google’s streaming devices like its latest Google TV Streamer, and Amazon’s Fire TV devices. New models of these devices are always being churned out, and their operating systems frequently get updates that add new features. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive, making them an appealing alternative.
