The emergence of the Smart TV as a television option constitutes nothing short of a revolution in the way users interact with their television sets. Similar to the Smart Phone revolution, these high end devices focus on the integration of Internet features, such as streaming from Netflix, into televisions themselves. Moreover, in order to accommodate this new web based feature set, TVs now come equipped with built in computer components. The following is an authoritative summary of the new development in television technology related to Smart TVs.
The Introduction of New Capabilities
Similar to the Internet ready TV, a Smart TV brings added features to a user’s television experience. Not only does it provide standard broadcast programming, it also enables viewers to watch content from a wide variety of Internet, as well as network, sources. From your Smart TV, you could watch home movies stored on your computer’s hard drive, stream media from online sources including Youtube, Hbogo, Netflix and Hulu or you could simply watch the evening news.
Moreover, it is possible to browse the web with a Smart TV. You can check your email, visit your favorite web sites and watch embedded Flash and HTML 5 video content on a high definition TV screen from the comfort of your couch. Many modern TVs also come prepackaged with social networking components that allow you to check and update Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and a variety of other social network services. Newer models employ voice recognition technology to make browsing the web hands free and easy. Things you can do with a Smart TV that have not been mentioned include, but are not limited to:
*Skype on models with built in cameras,
*Exercise with an exercise app,
*Chat with friends using Google Talk,
*Order pizza,
*Convert movies to 3D,
*Trade stocks online,
*Play games
Options to Consider When Choosing Between Smart TVs
While there are a number of popular Smart TVs available for purchase, the various availabilities differ in price and features. For examples, users who want to watch 3D TV without glasses need to buy a Smart television designed specifically for this purpose. Perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing a Smart TV model is the bundled software. Each TV comes equipped with a manufacturer provided operating system. Most of these operating systems are based in Linux or Unix to some capacity, however, not each is equally user friendly or intuitive.
Also, the apps available for Smart TVs are most often manufacturer specific. This means that what your TV will be able to do is determined by the quality of the manufacturer offered applications. In general, LG and Samsung have the most well populated app stores, with Sony and Panasonic not too far behind. It is important to ensure the manufacturer from which you are considering buying a Smart television provides the apps and services you require before making a decision.
Popular Models
One popular Smart TV option is the Samsung UN46D6000. This 46 inch 1080p television exceeds Energy Star standards and syncs seamlessly to the Samsung television app store in which users can download apps for a variety of purposes from a quickly growing app database. The Samsung UN46D6000 also comes equipped with Auto Motion Plus 120Hz, a motion blur elimination technology which makes motion in video content clearer and more life-like.
Another popular model is the LG Infinia. This 1080P LED-LCD HDTV comes in three sizes: 42 inch, 47 inch and 52 inch. The LG Infinia has a unique, motion sensing remote which works much like the Nintendo Wii. Users need simply to point and click. LG has a large app store, and their Infinia models come equipped with a 120Hz refresh to eliminate blur to provide a crisp, clear picture.
One last model that runs considerably cheaper than the former two mentioned is the Sony Vizio XVT323SV. At 32 inches, Sony’s middle range model is 1080p, provides user access to Sony’s app store and comes with a Bluetooth remote with a slide out keyboard.
The proliferation of Internet technology has made its way into television services. Known as Smart TVs, these web-based televisions provide users with services that extend far beyond the previous capacities of broadcast television, which include watching Internet and network content, browsing the web and playing games. A Smart TV is a great choice for any TV buff or casual TV watcher.
