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Smart TVs
This guide covers all you need to know about smart TVs.
Stuck in on a rainy day? A smart TV means you’ll never be far away from finding something great to watch. Most TVs these days are smart, offering all sorts of catch up and streaming apps. Our handy guide will take you through exactly what a smart TV is, and all the benefits of having one.
What does a smart TV do?
In a nutshell, a smart TV gives you access to all sorts of streaming and catch up apps using your internet. You can link them up using either your WiFi or an Ethernet cable and have a menu – usually called a smart hub – to help you browse and find something to watch. Some of the top models come with voice control, and can even connect to other smart devices around the house to make everyday life that little bit easier.
What are the benefits of a smart TV?
Movies and shows at your fingertips
You won’t have to go searching through that pile of DVDs again with a smart TV. That’s because they have plenty of catch up and streaming apps available with tons of movies and shows to watch. Whether it’s rediscovering an old favourite or finally cracking and jumping on the bandwagon of that new series, those evenings and weekends will fly by.
Watch what you want when you want
Forget waiting a week for the next episode of your favourite series – lots of catch-up apps have full boxsets ready to enjoy. That means you can watch as many episodes as you want in one go, without having to avoid spoilers all week. So, grab the snacks, get comfortable, and settle in for an evening’s entertainment.
Control your home from your sofa
Some of the top smart TVs can be controlled with voice commands too, which means you only have to say the word to use them. Not only will changing channels or upping the volume be a doddle, but they can team up with other smart devices around your home too, so you’ll know exactly when dinner’s ready or your pizza’s on the way.
Say goodbye to set top boxes
A smart TV means you don’t have to put up with a clunky and costly set top box cluttering up your home. You won’t find every channel on every model, but when it comes to Freeview, catch-up and streaming apps, smart TVs still have tons of entertainment built-in and ready to go.
Which brands offer smart TVs?
Samsung TIZEN
Samsung’s smart TV powered by Tizen has streaming apps like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Disney+ and BT Sport, as well as other social and wellbeing features to explore. This includes the Samsung Health app, so you can start your morning with some yoga, and end the day with a movie.
LG webOS
The clever webOS platform makes it easy to browse streaming and catch-up services. Fancy a classic? Head over to Disney+ and relive your childhood. Or check out Netflix’s latest boxset. If that’s not enough, there’s also Prime Video, NOW TV and Freeview Play to choose from.
Hisense VIDAA U
Hisense’s very own VIDAA U interface has a simple design which is really easy to navigate. You can switch between your favourite apps like Netflix, Prime Video and BBC iPlayer, and connect to devices in a flash.
Android TV
Easily access all of your catch up TV and movies with Android TV, which you’ll find on Philips, Sony and some TCL smart models. It lets you access endless content, launch apps like Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+, and play videos at the touch of a button. You can also control it with your Android smartphone by simply downloading the mobile app.
TVs with voice control
If your home is packed full of clever voice-controlled gadgets that make life easier, then you’re in luck, because some smart TVs come with the same tech. How each one works will be slightly different, but with a few simple commands, you can change channels, find shows and movies, open apps, and much more.
Compatible with a smart speaker
Already got a smart speaker at home? Great, some smart TVs can be linked up with it, so you can add it to your other gadgets that already work with voice commands.
Voice control built in
If you’re after the smartest of smart TVs, then you’ll love ones that come with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant built in. Forget forking out for additional devices – your TV’s already good to go with voice control, and you can even use it to use other devices in your home. Now that really is smart.
FAQs
- How does a smart TV connect to the internet?
There are two ways you can link a smart TV to your internet – either connect it to your hub with an Ethernet cable, or you can use your WiFi for a wireless connection.
- How do you watch Netflix on tv without a computer?
Most smart TVs will have Netflix ready to go. Another option is to use the latest Xbox and PlayStation consoles, or you can watch it on a compatible smartphone.
