An intelligent guide to smart TVs
Just as phones with access to the Internet allow us to do more things with a familiar device, our televisions also become powerful multitaskers when they are connected to the Internet.
Consumers haven’t been as quick to embrace Internet-enabled TVs (commonly known as smart TVs), as they did smartphones. But several years after first hitting the market, smart TVs now have lower prices and extra features, and manufacturers are striving to make them the new standard for channel surfing.
Here’s a beginner’s primer to smart TVs: What is a smart TV?
A smart TV is a television with built-in, one-touch access to a variety of Internetbased services, without the use of a computer. These features can include video streaming (Netflix, YouTube), social media, games and apps. Some smart TVs allow smartphone connectivity and different degrees of web browsing. The exact suite of features varies with each TV manufacturer because there is no industry standard yet for the term “smart TV.” When did they first come on the market?
The first patent for smart TV technology was put out in 1994 by a company in France, but smart TVs didn’t get to the global marketplace until 2009-2010. How have they improved?
The processors of new smart TVs are faster and the interfaces are more customizable. You can personalize your television with channels you frequently watch and create shortcuts to your favourite features. More apps have been developed specifically for televisions too. Extra options in new models
Built-in USB ports make it easier than ever to upload pictures from your family vacation to the TV screen. Or you can show your pictures by linking your laptop, phone or tablet to the TV wirelessly. Voice and gesture recognition: The TV will respond to audio commands, or you can control an onscreen cursor with hand motions that the TV detects via its external camera.
Face recognition prompts your favourite options to pop up. If you want to watch a show with a friend across the country, you can Skype them on your TV set while watching your show. Degree of difficulty: No more difficult than your regular television.
The downside? Web browsing, navigating onscreen menus and searching are still fairly clumsy tasks on smart TVs, critics say.
Here are some of the top brands and some features their smart TVs offer (prices vary, and are largely dependent on the TV size).
Samsung
Device interconnectivity allows you to tether your TV to your tablet, phone, and other Samsung devices
The company’s S-Recommendation suggests other shows you may enjoy
Price: $600 to $5,500
LG
Very simple interface for navigating
Can convert your smartphone into a remote control
Comes in models that offer Cinema 3D
Price: $700 to $4,000
Panasonic
All screens include a live TV thumbnail, so you can watch while you search
Videos, MP3s and photos can be shared with your TV
Price: $800 to $7,000
Sony
Sony’s Video and Music Unlimited provides an alternative to Netflix and Apple TV streaming services
Some models feature ultra high-definition picture
Price: $600 to $12,000