By Clarelina Williams
Back then, the only things you had to consider when buying a TV were screen
size, picture quality, and audio quality. Nowadays, you also have to
consider whether you should purchase a smart TV or not. A lot of
manufacturers call their TVs “smart” but sometimes, this only means that it
has a few smart features. So how do you know if you’re truly getting a smart
TV?
Below, we answer some questions about smart TVs, their functionalities, and
other important things you need to know before buying one.
What is a Smart TV?
A smart TV is essentially a TV that can connect directly to the internet. In
contrast, a “dumb TV” can only receive a signal from an antenna or a cable.
This means you’re limited in your channel choices. With a smart TV, you have
access to more entertainment options. Aside from watching your favorite
shows and movies from various streaming services, you can also check your
social media feeds and browse the web. Your smart TV can also help you
manage other smart appliances and gadgets that are linked to your home
network.
How Does a Smart TV Connect to the Internet?
Just like your computer, there are two ways that you can connect your smart
TV to the internet. The first is through WiFi. This is built-in to all smart
TVs, although do note that not all models have 802.11ac WiFi (which is the
latest standard). Ask your dealer or check the owner’s manual to check which
version you have.
The second way is through wired ethernet by attaching a cable to the
corresponding port on your smart TV and then connecting it straight to the
modem. This method usually results in a faster connection because it doesn’t
rely on signal strength. Of course, you can optimize your Wi-Fi connection
to result in faster speeds. You can relocate your router, for example, or
use signal boosters or repeaters.
What Are the Features of a Smart TV?
Aside from internet connectivity, many smart TVs nowadays come with virtual
assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Google’s Google
Assistant. Some smart TVs use their proprietary technology for voice
recognition. You can use these virtual assistants to operate the TV, as well
as control other compatible smart home devices. Indeed, many smart TVs are
compatible with smart locks, lights, and even aircon thermostats. Depending
on the brand and model of your smart TV, you can also use it to manage your
smartphone. (It’s usually the smart TV manufacturers who also make
smartphones that have this feature.)
There are also smart TVs that allow you to view the content from compatible
smartphones or tablets without disrupting the usage of the gadget. Some
models even have a reverse functionality. That is, you can share the content
on your TV screen with another device. This is perfect if someone wants to
watch the same program in another room in the house.
What Are the Programs Available on a Smart TV?
Smart TVs allow you to watch standard, free-TV channels. In addition, you
also have access to a wide range of streaming services. There are a lot of
paid options, which usually offer free trials for one month. There are also
a lot of free streaming services where you can watch TV shows, movies, and
exclusive content.
What Are the Limitations of Smart TVs?
The primary limitation of a smart TV is that many streaming services require
monthly subscriptions or pay-per-view fees. If you’re watching multiple
programs from different networks, then you have to shell out quite a big
amount to watch the shows you want. You may also be limited to the services
and features you can access, depending on the model of the TV you have.
Indeed, there are plenty of niche channels that some smart TV platforms may
not have.
There’s also the issue of certain TV shows and movies that are only
partially available or even completely inaccessible to Philippine-based IP
addresses. This is easily circumvented through the use of VPNs or virtual
private networks, but do note that the best ones often require subscription
fees, too. In addition, using VPNs doesn’t always guarantee that you can
access the complete array of shows.
Another disadvantage is particular to iTunes users since there are a limited
number of TVs as of the moment that are compatible with Apple TV. In many
cases, you may need to purchase a separate Apple TV box to be able to use
iTunes to stream audio and video content.
Are There Downsides to Owning a Smart TV?
The downside of owning a smart TV is that there are a lot of features that
you may not be able to use. If you don’t have other smart devices at home,
for example, you won’t be able to maximize the networking features of your
smart TV. In addition, there’s also the risk of hanging or crashing.
Remember that smart TVs are essentially computers, so they may also suffer
from the same issues.
Another set of risks associated with having a smart TV involve security
risks. Indeed, smart TVs and content providers collect and use your viewing
information. This is helpful in a sense because you can easily find programs
that you like. However, your details can also be used for unethical
purposes. Make sure to keep this in mind before making a final decision.
Much like buying any other appliance, you need to do your research before
getting a smart TV. Aside from specifications like the picture and audio
quality, you also need to consider your connectivity needs. Think of your
viewing habits as well. This way, you can be sure that you can get the most
of your investment in a smart TV.
