If you have purchased a television in recent years or are currently looking for a model that could meet your needs, you probably already know that the majority of televisions today are "smart". ".
But how smart are these devices? Why choose a smart TV? Can you make a TV smart? This is why our Fillion experts have decided to share with you some of their knowledge about smart TVs.
Brief definition of “smart TV”
A smart television integrates electronic components and an operating system allowing you to use software and access multimedia content (video, audio, photos, etc.) available on the Web and on your home network without having to connect to an additional box.
To summarize, it's a TV capable of connecting to the Internet and acting a bit like a smartphone or a giant tablet. So, there are smart TVs with LED, QLED and OLED displays.
That said, not all connected TVs offer the same functions and possibilities. Indeed, the exact way to navigate a smart TV's menu and manage your apps varies by manufacturer and model. Even several brands (Samsung and Sony for example) have their own operating system.
Typically, some apps come preloaded, and you can download others to add them to the TV's app library. When you click on the icon of a specific channel or application, you access its content offering, which you can select and view.
How does a smart TV connect to the internet?
Smart TVs access content available online by connecting to the same broadband router and Ethernet or Wi-Fi network that you use to connect your home computer to the Internet. It is therefore possible to choose a wired or wireless connection.
Once the smart TV turns on, you will be prompted to enter the required login information, usually a network name and password. A menu will then appear on the screen, similar to the home page of a smartphone or computer.
The benefits of smart TVs
The benefits of smart TVs are numerous. We therefore present to you those which we consider to be the most important.
Direct access to a host of types of audio and video content
With a smart TV, you can literally navigate an ocean of content. Even if you don't have a cable subscription, you can access a huge amount of videos and music available for free on the Internet.
There is even a YouTube app designed for televisions that works very similarly to the website and smartphone app of the same name.
And if you subscribe to streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ or Spotify, you can easily link your account to your television to have direct access to the films, series or shows you want to watch.
Practical and fun applications
Much like you can do on your smartphone or tablet, you can download an impressive variety of apps to a smart TV. Games, tools, social networks, instant messaging, videoconferencing, you are spoiled for choice.
Before choosing a smart TV, however, it's worth doing a little research to determine the types of apps you plan to use so you can choose a TV model that actually supports them.
The screen mirroring function
With most smart TVs, it is possible to project movies and music from a mobile device. This can be very practical for sharing good times. After all, it's more convivial to gather around a television than a telephone!
Some manufacturers take this function even further. For example, when you touch a Samsung QN900 series TV with a compatible Galaxy mobile phone, the TV detects the touch and automatically mirrors the screen. It is therefore easy and quick to switch from cell phone to television and continue enjoying your favorite content without interruption.
The ability to use voice control
One of the latest trends in smart TVs is the inclusion of voice assistants, like Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant. So, these TVs offer the same functionality as most smart speakers, and can be used with a microphone built into the remote control or the TV itself that picks up sounds coming from the room.
This means you can ask your favorite assistant to find a title or give you personalized recommendations. You'll get your answers on screen and can start reading from there.
Total control of your connected home
Finally, a smart TV can also become the central control panel for your home filled with connected devices, from doorbells with video cameras to remotely controlled thermostats to smart lighting.
Alternatives to smart TVs
Many people wonder if it is possible to make a TV smart. The answer to this question is yes, but this usually involves using an additional device that will be connected to the “non-smart” TV.
For example, you could connect an Apple TV or Roku module to your television to have access to the same types of functions offered by the majority of smart televisions: access to streaming platforms, applications, etc.
There are also many video game consoles or Blu-Ray players that have the ability to connect to the Internet and whose interface allows access to various online content and applications. Connect them to your standard TV and it will become “smart” in a way.
Questions about smart TVs? Ask our experts
In short, smart TVs are devices capable of connecting to the Internet in order to allow you to enjoy varied visual and audio content, and interesting and practical applications.
If you ever want to learn even more about them or if you have questions about the intelligent functions of a particular model, do not hesitate to ask our experts. Competent and available, they will answer all your questions, online or in store!
