Recently, Samsung TV manufacturers have been delighting their users with the release of various models that allow the use of Smart TV technologies. With Smart TV, people can use their TV to access the Internet. If we compare modern TVs with Internet access with cable TV, then in the first case, great opportunities open up for users.
Now it has become much easier to watch high-quality movies, series and various TV shows. Today there are no problems with the number of channels and access to your favorite Internet resources. Despite the time of innovative technologies and technical progress, many do not know how to use Smart TV on Samsung TVs.
To begin with, having such technologies at your disposal, you will get free access to various entertainment and information sites, as well as popular social networks. The manufacturer tried and thought out quite competently the functional interface that every Samsung smart TV has, so you can master it as soon as possible. To use this system, the user must connect to the Internet, provided that its speed is not less than ten to twenty Mbps. You can connect via:
- WIFI,
- cable (router),
- technology "One Foot Connection",
- Plug&Access.
You can configure the Internet in the "Network settings" item. Before telling how everything happens, you should know that TV is cable and terrestrial. The first option is connected to the TV via a special cable, and to connect the on-air, you need to use an antenna. It is possible that your TV will not have a built-in digital receiver, in which case you need to buy one separately. Now about how to set up Smart TV on a Samsung TV.
It only takes ten minutes to set up your TV. Just do the following steps:
- press the green button on your remote control, turn on the "Menu",
- select the "Channel" submenu (it is indicated in the list with an icon),
- go to "Auto Settings"
- select the signal source "Antenna",
- from the proposed options, click on "Digital",
- submit the change with the "OK" button,
- press the "Start" button.
That's basically all the steps you need to take to connect your smart TV. By the way, anyone can view all programs and resources using IPTV. This feature will help you choose any program or movie to watch, leave reviews on websites, and much more. To set up this feature, you need to download and install the application on your TV from Samsung Apps. To control the programs, you can use the remote control or tablet, whichever is more convenient for you.
Any user can watch movies and programs on free digital channels. To do this, you must find out which broadcast standard your device supports: DVB-T or DBV-C. We talked about how to use Smart TV on Samsung TVs, now let's talk about options for setting up free channels. This can be done automatically or manually.
For the first case, you should use the remote control. You need to press the "Menu" key on it, then press "Settings" - "Automatic settings". After searching, a list of digital channels will appear on the screen.
Manual tuning is not as fast as automatic tuning. To set up channels manually, you need the initial data:
- frequency value,
- channel speed,
- channel modulation.
If all this is there, take the remote control in hand, select the "Menu" item so that the context menu appears on the screen. Next, select "Settings" - "Manual settings". After that, you will need to enter the values of digital channels specified by the provider in the cells. Click the "Save" button. So you save the desired channel to watch your favorite movies and shows. But, the user will not be able to view free channels if:
- broadcasting standards of channels and broadcasting support by this device do not match,
- they are completely absent from the television network,
- channels are encrypted.
In fact, a smart TV replaces a computer. It has many additional features that make it convenient and practical to use. The main feature of modern technology is the ability of television to interact with the worldwide Internet. But the possibilities of smart TV are not limited to this.
In addition to the standard viewing of broadcasts, the TV receiver has the following functions:
Even the most common Smart TV set displays an image in three-dimensional format. Smart devices come with up to 4 pairs of 3D glasses. In fact, this technology is simple and does not cost the manufacturer too much.
Disadvantages of smart TV
The ability to access the Internet and other useful features do not affect the operation of the device itself, yet Smart TV has drawbacks. These include:
- High price. Not everyone can afford to use a device with smart TV technology due to the high cost.
- Inconvenient management. Playing applications with the remote control is very inconvenient. For this, it is better to choose set-top boxes based on Android.
- Reading formats. Not every device model can read the desired video or audio format.
- Site access. It is impossible to get to some services due to access restrictions by the program.
Features of popular brands
- Smart TV support appeared in 20010. Buyers began to actively acquire the latest technology, and already in 2013 the number of "smart" TVs on the market was 50%. Now every company that produces devices with this function regularly updates the package. Smart TV from different manufacturers has its own characteristics:
- LG. has all the standard features, from Internet access to watching videos from a flash drive. The devices of this company have special services that allow you to watch your favorite TV shows, programs, find out the weather, news and even a horoscope. Most of the programs are installed in Russian and are easy to use.
- Samsung. This company was one of the first to combine television with the Internet. Modern brand devices Samsung allow you to download different applications, communicate via video communication on social networks, without looking up from watching your favorite shows. Often the camcorder is not included in the kit, and you have to buy it separately.
After reviewing the capabilities of smart TV, you can conclude whether you need this system. Of course, with the latest features you can access high-level television, and how much they are needed in your life remains to be decided.
It has long been no secret that inexpensive TVs can provide more than just broadcasting TV channels or playing video through all sorts of receivers, etc. We are talking about the additional function of Smart TV on the TV - what is it? In technical language, this function is translated as "smart TV", which implies a separate interface on a modern premium LED TV. It is crammed with a variety of applications that integrate entertainment into the device. Thanks to the built-in browser, the user can fully surf the World Wide Web. Thousands of programs tailored for Smart TV allow you to adapt the device to the individual preferences of each user. If you have already purchased a budget TV with no extra bells and whistles, and the Smart TV function is missing, do not despair. You can buy a separate set-top box that connects via an HDMI port and, using Wi-fi, will provide you with a full-fledged Internet interface.
Features and principle of operation
The principle of operation of this function is quite simple. You press the button on the remote control, which is marked with the corresponding inscription, and you get into the special Smart TV menu. Next, by selecting a specific program or simply by going to the browser, enter the information you are interested in in the search box. Entering letters and numbers is carried out using a virtual keyboard, and the cursor is controlled using a joystick on the remote control or a mini-touchpad on it (depending on the model). There are also more familiar ways for many people to control the TV - connect a wireless keyboard or mouse via the USB port.
The way to connect the TV to the Internet also has several options, depending on the manufacturer:
- Connecting a network cable to the LAN port on the rear panel;
- Connecting a special wifi router to a usb port that receives a signal from a home router;
- Built-in wifi receiver, receiving the Internet without a wire directly;
As for the filling of the operating system itself, on the basis of which “smart television” operates, in most cases the programs have already been installed. These can be online cinemas, widgets for individual TV shows, TV channel packages, and more. Most of them are freely available, while others have a trial period of 7 to 30 days and, in the future, require a subscription (Megogo cinemas, Netflix, and so on). In fact, everything is not so sad. You can easily download free programs for every taste through a browser or application market. Also, Youtube and popular social networks will be available to you. Even the use of video calls using Skype can be implemented on a large screen by purchasing an additional webcam. In addition to the above, Smart TV can record programs or movies from digital channels to external media, display the contents of flash drives or other similar devices, and allows the user to play games.
Advice! If you do not know, it is worth shoveling a bunch of information on functions. Among them, there must be Smart TV, especially if there are teenagers in the family.
The amount of content, the appearance of the menu and the name of the browser with the market depends on the OC on which the device is running. There are several types of them. We offer to consider the most popular of them:
Features of using webOC 2.0
This platform is an exclusive development of LG. The manufacturer installs the shell on all modern TV models of its line. A feature of WebOC 2.0 is that the desktop interface includes all the functionality of Smart TV. This operating system is designed specifically for the most convenient and simplified use. At the bottom of the main screen are animated tabs of all available programs and services.
You can watch some of them without breaking away from the main TV channel. Navigation is designed so that opening, for example, a Youtube channel, will not cause the previous program to close, but will transfer the display to a small window. Simplified use of external drives. The TV instantly recognizes the device, shows its icon on the main screen. All content is sorted by file type, in alphabetical order (the sorting method is customizable for any preferences). The Magic Remote deserves special praise. It is equipped with a convenient joystick, scroll wheel and supports voice control.
Features of using OC Tizen
The creator of this operating system is Samsung. She did a good job to ensure that the user with increased comfort can use all the features of Smart TV on the TV. When calling the interface with the corresponding button on the remote control, the TV channel being viewed is not closed. A menu ribbon appears at the bottom of the screen. The feed has two categories by default, Popular Apps and Recently Viewed. You can customize your display if you wish.
For real, you can find out what Smart TV is on a TV with this platform. The operating system is multi-window, which allows you to open several programs at the same time, while the screen will be divided into the desired number of cells, the size of which can be customized. New widgets or entertainment can be downloaded through the market, and what is remarkable, in the case when you download games, they are saved in a separate interface called "game library". All popular "social networks" and channels are already preinstalled. The remote control is equipped with a laser pointer, a gyroscope (moving the cursor by moving your hand on the remote control), voice control and standard buttons.
Features of working with Android TV
This operating system is used by Philips and Sony. But do not confuse the familiar Android interface in smartphones and tablets with Android TV. This shell is specially adapted to the characteristics of the TV and has a bright, dynamic interface with large icons for all services, games and applications. The developers took as a basis the use of a Google account for a single synchronization between all applications on Smart TV on the TV.
Content storage provides a standard Google Play Market, although not all files can be installed, only suitable for display on TV. However, the famous range of games and programs for android is huge. Unlike other operating systems that are stingy with games, here you can safely buy a gamepad and enjoy the game on the big screen. As for the control, there are different remotes for different models of TVs. There are just push-buttons and navigation is carried out only with arrows, there are remotes with a touchpad and a gyroscope. But in any case, you can always connect the peripheral device you need via the USB port and use it without problems.
"Smart TV" based on Firefox OS
I liked Panasonic's FireFox platform, which began to massively install the OS in their new mid-range TVs. The work of Smart TV with the platform starts from the main screen, on which there are three large icons: access to TV channels, access to installed applications and an interface for external devices. Further, in each of the icons there are subsections leading to other functions.
You can download new applications and games through the Firefox market, although the number of offers is much more modest than in Google's Play Market. The installed Firefox browser is quite nimble and easily copes with all types of sites and video playback on them. The navigation remote control has a touchpad and a built-in microphone that allows voice control. By the way, voice search gives out the found options not only from the OS, but also from external devices.
An interesting video will tell in more detail:
Conclusion
The operating system will help you understand the Smart TV function on the TV and what it is. The popular types of OC given in this article are used by giant manufacturers in the world market. This means only one thing, that whatever option you choose, it will be of high quality and productive. The only difference is which interface and functionality is more suitable.
Smart TV is a technology that allows the TV to work with various digital and interactive services via the Internet. Consider why the Smart TV function is on the TV and how it makes life easier for the viewer.
SMART (translated into Russian as “smart”) TV is not just a screen and a decoder, but a full-fledged computer based on an operating system. Similar functions have SMART set-top boxes. They add the capabilities of SMART TVs to devices that did not originally have them.
Smart TVs and set-top boxes have a number of advantages:
- Ability to install third-party software. These are players or media centers for viewing content, application software, games, social networking clients, VoIP clients, etc. Popular platforms are: Android, highly specialized Linux distributions, tvOS (only on Apple devices). This means that users get access to the application stores of the largest manufacturers with thousands of games and hundreds of interactive services.
- Even older generations of SMART TVs have a built-in browser that opens up wide possibilities for accessing any type of content on the Internet.
- There is no connection to the provider or TV provider. The resulting content is delivered by Internet services. Therefore, in the event of a move or change of provider for another reason, it is enough to install a new application on a smart TV.
- Various devices are connected to the TV for easy operation. This can be a keyboard and mouse, as well as spatial pointers such as air mice.
Disadvantages:
- Without the Internet, a SMART TV remains a regular TV or media player.
- To get a good image, you need a stable high-speed Internet. And these are additional costs, choice of provider and other problems.
- The set of software depends on the current platform. Lack of support for legacy operating systems reduces the number of available services and applications. So, it reduces the freedom of choice of the owner of a SMART TV.
The main functions of the TV will help you understand what Smart TV is:
- Internet access - two options are used to access the network: Wi-Fi or LAN-port.
- Skype - some TV models have a built-in camera, if the model is not equipped with a camera, then you can purchase it yourself.
- Reading USB media - also the smart TV option allows you to connect to the TV: computer, phone, tablet. Some models read SD cards.
- Remote control. Modern models have the ability to control using gestures or voice.
- Recording programs and films - interesting programs are recorded during the broadcast on a USB flash drive.
- Games - The smart TV has several built-in applications for games. Devices running on the Android system allow the user to download any games and programs of excellent quality. Therefore, the device serves as an excellent alternative to a game console.
- Starting in 2013, the production of TVs began, to which a keyboard and mouse are connected.
Which TV model to choose
You need to give preference to the most popular and well-known brands. To date, the list of the most smart TV options is headed by brands: Samsung, LG, Philips.
Samsung
This Korean brand is the leader in the production of smart TVs. The company produces models of various price categories, the main difference is the functionality of the device. The more expensive the model, the more possibilities. The operating system is equipped with a built-in global search - this is the main advantage over other manufacturers. Thanks to the global search, the user can, without going online, type the desired request in the search bar - the system will independently connect to the Internet, process the request and display information.
The company is also introducing the Social TV application to its TVs, which allows you to simultaneously chat with friends and watch a movie or program.
LG
Like Samsung, LG brand TVs have great features that include ONLINE TV, Internet access and social networks. Many applications that can be used without downloading a browser, for example: Twitter, Facebook. The 3D WORLD service is also available to LG brand users, which allows viewing in three-dimensional mode.
You can control the TV, as a conventional remote control, and a special one. The menu has an official application store, where more than 200 different programs and games are presented.
Philips
The brand is successfully developing its operating system, as a result of which the model range has increased. One of the advantages is versatility even in budget models. In addition, the pluses of the brand include built-in access to the films of the Megogo application and to some Russian video portals, for example, STS.
How to set up a Smart TV
A prerequisite for the operation of Smart TV is Internet access. It is important to know that the settings schemes differ depending on the brand, model.
Main stages:
- connection of connecting cables;
- user settings;
- Internet connection.
Prefix SMART
It should be noted that in addition to TVs with a built-in smart option, you can purchase a special set-top box, install it on your TV, and get full access to all smart services. The range of set-top boxes is diverse, some resemble a DVD player or receiver, others resemble a USB flash drive.
The price depends on the manufacturer, functionality, model, the average cost of the set-top box is 3000 - 5000 thousand rubles.
Principle of operation
There are two main principles of operation of consoles:
- Applications are contained on the memory card of the set-top box, and all information is read from there when turned on. This means that in order to use the application, you need to download and install it on your device.
- All program files are stored in the cloud, which means that when the application is launched, it first downloads from virtual storage, and then starts working.
How to connect
The device connects to the Internet using Wi-Fi or in the classic way using a cable. To operate the set-top box via Wi-Fi, you need a router, which is recommended to be installed near the set-top box, this will ensure good signal reception. For cable connection, it is required that the set-top box has the same connector. If the connector does not fit, then this problem is solved by purchasing a LAN-USB adapter. The connection is made through the HDMI port, which supports high-quality signal transmission. If the TV model is already quite old and it does not have an HDMI port, in such cases it is recommended to buy set-top boxes with VGA and AV ports.
Equally important is the size of the device:
- Small set-top boxes the size of a USB flash drive - equipped only with WI-FI and USB - input.
- Large set-top boxes similar in shape to a DVD player have additional connectors, for example: VGA, Optical.
The first thing you need to pay attention to when buying a set-top box is what kind of processor it has, it is recommended to buy dual-core (Dual-core). Today, in the smart set-top box market, you can already find quad-core processors (Quad Core). Such prefixes provide high-quality signal processing.
The set of equipment should include:
- prefix;
- Remote Control;
- more modern models are sold complete with a keyboard;
- connecting elements.
You should also find out how much RAM the RAM has, this parameter plays an important role in the speed of information processing. Experts recommend purchasing set-top boxes with a volume of at least 1-2 GB.
Consider how the device is powered, usually through the power supply, by connecting to the mains. But on some models, power is supplied via a USB cable, which is less convenient.
On TVs? No matter how different some types of “smarts” are from others, they, in fact, perform the same roles - they give the user access to the Internet, thereby expanding the capabilities of the device we are used to on the nightstand.
There are not so many brands involved in the production of this kind of equipment, and everyone probably knows their names: LG, Samsung, Sony, etc. The platforms on which these devices work are slightly different from each other , but the principles and methods of presenting information to the user are very similar.
So, let's figure out what smart TV is on TVs, and what new features this functionality provides. Consider the main advantages and disadvantages of household appliances with such a set of add-ons, as well as the initial setup of the equipment.
What is it?
What is smart TV in TVs? The same as in phones. The principle is the same as the prefix "smart". Smartphones, in addition to functions such as call and send SMS, have a lot of other, more attractive and interesting features than a regular phone: work with various applications, including games, access to the World Wide Web, video communication, etc. etc. .
Roughly the same can be said about smart TVs. They provide their user with not only TV shows and movies, but also Internet access - the ability to use multimedia online content: news, weather, search, and more. That is, what is smart TV in TVs? These are YouTube, Google with Yandex, Skype communication and other delights of the World Wide Web. In other words, this kind of technology plays the role of both a TV and a computer.
Consider the main features that an ordinary smart TV has.
Internet connection
The first and most important advantage of this kind of technology is the ability to access the World Wide Web. There are two ways to get into the network: using a cable (LAN port) or using a Wi-Fi wireless protocol.
Some models of past generations connect to the Internet using a special set-top box. New devices already have all the necessary functionality inside, that is, in a built-in module that provides communication via wireless protocols. The only thing the user needs to take care of is a smart Wi-Fi router.
Depending on which smart TV you have, the basic functionality will differ. But almost all modern models have their own (usually borrowed computer analogue) browser, which is activated by a separate button on the remote control. Sometimes the platform is equipped with additional widgets like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Vkontakte, etc. (Samsung TVs (smart TVs) were especially distinguished by this). User feedback on this matter is ambiguous: someone likes this whole set of "utilities", while someone considers additional widgets and "chips" garbage, preferring their own desktop design.
Communication
Some devices have a built-in front camera, which allows you to fully use special software for communication, like the same Skype. If you have a 32-inch TV (smart TV) or with a smaller diagonal, then it most likely does not have such functionality. But in most cases, the existing platform allows you to install a third-party application like Skype, and you can buy and connect a webcam separately.
Some brands equip their products with their own communication utilities, but sometimes this can be a double-edged sword. That is, on the one hand, it seems like there is a camera and a program for communication, but on the other hand, it will conflict with a competing platform at the other end. Therefore, most manufacturers have made it possible to install third-party applications on their TV - smart TV. User reviews on this matter fully support such an initiative, because some are used to Skype, someone likes Facetime, and someone cannot live without Viber.
Working with external drives
Almost any device with “smart” functionality can easily work with third-party gadgets, be it a tablet, phone or computer. But, besides this, such TVs can read external drives, that is, flash drives, SD cards and hard drives.
For example, a brand new LG TV (smart TV) can easily be synchronized with all external storage media as Plug and Play (insert and work). The only nuance that you definitely need to pay attention to is the perceived formats. Some particularly fastidious smart models cannot play, say, mp4 formats or flac videos. Keep this point in mind before setting up smart TV on your TV. Also, it will not be superfluous to focus on this nuance before buying a device. This kind of equipment is not cheap, so everything needs to be weighed.
Remote Control
If you connect, for example, a 40 ”TV (smart TV) and a tablet via a Wi-Fi wireless protocol, the latter can be easily used as a remote control. Moreover, you have the opportunity to display a picture from any mobile gadget (supporting Wi-Fi) directly on the big screen.
To synchronize both devices, you will need to install special software for a particular platform (Android or iOS). Some models, for example, an LG TV (smart TV) already have such a set of utilities in the basic firmware, so you will only need to install the application on a tablet or smartphone (from the same Google Play or Apple store).
In addition, some devices support the ability to voice control the main functionality. The same "Samsung" does an excellent job with commands like "next channel", "next", "second channel", etc. Some models, especially for small diagonals (32 ”TV (smart TV) and less) are not always respond correctly to voice commands, so alternative control methods are not as good for them, unlike more expensive devices with a larger screen size. The latter have gesture recognition systems, gadgets with a gyroscope, and many other interesting features.
Broadcast recording
The functionality of any "smart" allows you to record TV shows on an external drive, be it a flash drive or a hard drive. This is convenient when you are at work or busy with something at the time of the broadcast.
If the channel does not have such a plan to be protected from scanning, then you can set a timer for recording at the right time and save all the data for later viewing. So you can watch an interesting movie or a TV show you like at any time convenient for you. Such functionality is intuitively simple, clear and somewhat similar to the usability of a simple alarm clock.
Games
Almost all models that are presented on the domestic market have a set of gaming applications in the basic firmware. Moreover, some particularly powerful devices that run on the Android platform allow you to install very “heavy” toys that are in no way inferior in visual quality to modern consoles and even a computer.
The owners have especially welcomed this feature of smart devices. If you have a small or "large" child in your family, then many hours of peace or entertainment are provided to you. Using this functionality is extremely simple - turn it on, select it and play, so there should be no problems with settings or adaptation.
Disadvantages of Smart TVs
Despite not a weighty list of advantages, this technology has its drawbacks. This may include pickiness to video formats. For example, if you have a mkv file, then some devices will not be able to output sound correctly. It's all about codecs. And if you can install the necessary software decoder in the same smartphones or tablets, then not all smart TVs have such an opportunity.
In addition, despite the rather wide selection of gaming applications in the environment, most of them are primitive and are at the level of five or even ten years ago (irrelevant for premium segment models and Android platforms). And the remote control is not the best option as a joystick.
The use of the browser and Internet surfing in general may be limited both by the utilities themselves and by the capabilities of the TV. Moreover, today's price tags for smart devices are quite "biting", so most consumers (the average buyer of household appliances) prefer to take a smart big-screen TV, and leave all sorts of smart "gadgets" for the computer in the next room.
Smart Services
Almost all venerable brands that are engaged in the production of household appliances and TVs in particular are closely involved in the smart direction. Here we are talking not only about some functionality built into the firmware for certain models, but also about special Internet services for a single manufacturer.
Setting up services of this kind, as well as connecting, are intuitive and should not cause serious problems. In any case, every self-respecting brand has provided its platform with a special master assistant who will step by step help you set up not only the smart TV itself, but also access to services, and at the same time tell you about the intricacies of using it in a learning form.
"Samsung"
The Korean company can be called a leader in this area. The main merit of the brand is a chic price range of models and product quality. On the "Samsung" shelves you can always find exactly the option that suits you.
Smart functionality is clear and simple. To configure, you can either use an assistant, or figure it out yourself. The firmware has the service "YouTube", "Skype" and social networks. You can surf the net on a proprietary browser (also simple and intuitive) and view all the information you are interested in.
Separately, it is worth noting that most of the brand's models do not have a built-in camera (even expensive devices) for video communication, so you have to buy it separately.
LG
LG smart TVs run on their own NetCast platform. The functionality will also be simple and understandable to any user. The platform includes online broadcasts, a wide range of social networks, as well as regular Internet surfing. And the network works, as they say, in both directions. That is, you can not only read incoming messages, but also send them.
In addition, the company has taken care of high-quality services that will significantly expand the basic capabilities of your device. Here we can mention 3D World, which, albeit to a small extent, can still compensate for the lack of 3D television from domestic providers. Also, LG smart TV users have access to the application store (some free ones), where you can choose your favorite software from more than 200 educational, entertainment and gaming programs.
Other brands, like Sony, Philips or Toshiba, have similar service functionality and differ from each other only visually, while the main stuffing (capabilities) remains almost unchanged.
