What is a Smart TV?

Smart TV or smart TV is quite popular today. So much so that there aren't any new TVs you buy now that don't advertise you're a 'smart' product.

If you are not familiar with what really makes Smart TV so smart, the following article will help you learn one of the most important TV technology developments in the past few years.

From digital TV to smart TV

When TV began to grow towards digital on a large scale in the mid-2000s, it changed the way people consumed TV products. Broadcasting and analog TV antennas do not produce clear and stable digital signals, so images and HD equipment become the new standard. CRT has been replaced by widescreen monitors, plasma flat screens, LCDs, and later on to LED and OLED TVs.

But aside from the significantly improved resolution and clearer picture, a digital TV is basically still a 'unintelligent' product. In other words, it does not support the Internet and so does not support applications.

This has been around for a few years, but with the rise of online TV and the endless potential shown by smartphone apps, manufacturers are starting to make technical TV. his number into smart products in the early 2010s.

Basically the Smart TV is a computer

The idea of ​​Smart TV is basically, it acts as a digital TV equipped with the function of a computer, supported by the same technology as what you can find on a smartphone. They come with CPU, integrated graphics chip, wireless technology such as WiFi, Bluetooth and mainly Internet connection.

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Smart TV runs several operating systems. Some operating systems, such as webOS and Android TV, are used by many manufacturers, while Samsung has created its own and very powerful Smart TV operating system called Tizen. The number of Smart TVs is increasing based on platforms from streaming companies and software such as Roku and Amazon.

Each of these operating systems supports hundreds of applications designed to work on TVs. These applications range from streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, to home media centers such as Plex, or file managers, games, game streaming applications, etc. Most Smart The TV also features voice control and can be synchronized to work with smart home hubs like Amazon Echo and Google Home.

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Like phones, TV operating systems receive wireless updates (OTA), update software features, resolve bugs, as well as improve stability and security.

And if you now start worrying that this means the TV may have the same security and privacy issues as your computer, then you're right. Although Smart TV operating systems tend to be secure, they are technically prone to crashes and security breaches just like other Internet-connected devices. These are the disadvantages of being 'smart'.

How does an old TV become 'smart'?

Nearly any TV you buy in 2019 will be a Smart TV, but if you're happy with your current regular digital TV, you don't need to buy a new Smart TV. Instead, you only have to buy gadgets and set-top boxes, plug into the HDMI port to do the same job.

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Chromecast is a cheap and lightweight way to turn a digital TV into a smart TV. Chromecast is usually the cheapest option at $ 35 (VND 815,000), allowing you to stream apps like Netflix, Amazon, YouTube and many, much more from your tablet, phone or PC. Chromecast also lets you stream photo galleries, browsers, and project smartphone screens.

The Amazon Fire Stick 4K and Roku Stick are a bit more expensive, but offer extended functionality, by not requiring you to stream from an external device.

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Meanwhile, iPhone and iPad owners will appreciate the seamless connectivity provided by Apple TV (again, with an internal operating system and a remote control, which doesn't require a phone or machine. tablet).

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If you're leaning toward Android TV, which offers the most apps, there are countless options from different companies. The Nvidia Shield TV is a great set-top box focused on gaming, allowing you to stream PC games at up to 4K resolution to the TV.

Xiaomi Mi Box S is a solid alternative at a much lower price and there are also dozens of other alternatives. One thing to note here is to make sure your Android TV box actually runs Android TV, and not use, for example, the Android tablet version, that is not designed specifically for TVs.

Previously, Smart TV was a fairly new concept, but now this has clearly become a new standard.

Don't feel pressured, though, if you're happy with your current TV, as many unintelligent TVs can still have better picture quality than similarly priced Smart TVs. Instead, consider using one of the devices mentioned above to enjoy the Smart TV revolution at a more affordable price!

Wish you find yourself a suitable choice!