The vast majority of televisions currently sold are equipped with connected features, they are called Smart TVs (or connected TVs). But it’s not because you have a connected television that you know all the subtleties! Here’s what you need to know to make the most of it.
What is a smart TV for and how can you take full advantage of it?
Samsung, Sony, Philips, Panasonic, LG… all television brands have adopted Smart TVs over the years. Whether you bought your TV a few years ago or opt for a new model today (Full HD or Ultra HD), you will therefore have a connected television at home.
But in the age of Internet Boxes and other game consoles connected to the Web, what can a connected TV be used for?
The short answer: lots of things! For a more comprehensive answer, follow the guide…
1. From complement to indispensable companion
With your Internet subscription, you probably have a box to connect to your television, and you may use it to access replay services, Netflix , or other content of this type.
This use is often reflex: after all, you have this box, so why not use it?
However, it is often restrictive: it requires the use of an additional remote control, you have to remember to turn on the box at the same time as the TV.
The solution to overcome these constraints is simple: look at the connected features of your television !
Once the TV is connected via WiFi to your Internet network, you can take advantage of most of the functions present on your box directly from your Smart TV.
An interactive entertainment platform
The models sold in recent years offer access to the various replay channels , to VOD ( video on demand ) services allowing you to rent or buy films in dematerialized version, but also to SVOD ( subscription video on demand ) platforms. ) to watch streaming like Netflix , YouTube or Amazon Prime Video .
All this can only be controlled with a single remote control in a fluid and intuitive interface , which is very easy to learn. Your screen is then no longer content with live: it has become a real interactive entertainment platform !
Easy and secure payment
Smart TVs even allow you to pay for your purchases directly through this same interface.
You can subscribe to a new service or buy a movie and validate the payment with your Google account , or directly via your bank card .
Everything is obviously secure and you don’t even need to go through a computer to do it.
A real revolution, to experience from your sofa! And, of course, nothing prevents you from turning on your ISP’s box if you really need it.
2. Specific applications
An operating system: Android TV, Tizen or Web OS
Who says connected TV says personalized interface, dedicated to Internet access. Some brands, such as Philips , Sony or even TCL , have opted for Android TV .
What about other TV manufacturers? If they don’t opt for Android TV, they have their own system. At LG, the interface uses Web OS, while Samsung uses Tizen. You don’t know these interfaces? Do not panic ! They are, in any case, very ergonomic, because they are designed for use on a television. On each TV, there is a catalog of applications to download, and there is something for everyone.
A large catalog of applications
One of the undeniable advantages of Smart TVs is to have their own catalog of applications. This is the assurance of accessing content that we are not used to seeing on traditional TV channels!
This application catalog may vary slightly depending on the operating system in place, Tizen, WebOS or Android TV, but the manufacturers of connected televisions know very well that this subject is important for buyers and they therefore align themselves with a similar offer .
So you can download a very large amount of entertainment apps . Among them, we find the already named Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube, but we can also mention TF1 VOD, Arte, RedBull TV, OCS, RMC Sport, Bein Sports, Molotov and many more.
Added to this are applications related to music, such as Spotify and Deezer, but also TuneIn for listening to radio stations from all over the world: we must not forget that the latest Smart TVs benefit from good sound quality and applications allow you to take advantage of it.
Video games
Video games are also increasingly present on connected televisions , especially on models running Android TV. Indeed, Android is a very popular platform for mobile games, and developers are increasingly offering versions of their games that can be downloaded on Smart TVs.
These are then playable using the TV remote control .
If you don’t have a game console available, you can have fun this way, simply with your TV connected. We bet you didn’t know that! And to complete the experience, many connected televisions allow you to connect wireless game controllers via Bluetooth .
Did you know ?
And did you know, moreover, that your Smart TV can also be used to watch the files on your computer , directly on your television? To take advantage of this kind of functionality, you must, again, download a suitable application on your screen.
You can opt for VLC or Kodi , for example, which will allow you to very simply tap into the shared folders of your computer, series or films, for example, to enjoy them on your connected TV. It also works for music and photos… The potential is huge.
3. Functions you don’t think of!
Screen Mirroring
Do you need other examples of functions that we don’t necessarily think of?
We can cite Screen Mirroring , which allows you to display the screen of your smartphone or tablet on your television to view your photos or videos on the latter.
This can also be used to use large applications, on your television.
Today, all connected TVs offer this function, which is sometimes a little hidden in the menus and whose name may vary depending on the brand of your model and the on-board operating system. Do not hesitate to explore the user guide of your TV to find out more.
Control your smart TV by voice
Other useful features include the presence of a voice assistant to control the screen by voice .
Samsung and LG have been offering their home assistants for a few years on their television models, whose remote control has a microphone.
On the side of models under Android TV , in particular at Philips, Sony and TCL, we find Google Assistant natively embedded since the last generation of televisions. It ‘s Android TV 9 which allows you to control almost all of its interface by voice, thanks to the TV remote control.
You can change the channel, turn up the sound or even launch an application without having to press a button. Something to impress those around you and make your life easier, once again!
4. An ever-evolving TV
Technologies around televisions are constantly evolving , and manufacturers of connected TVs have fully understood that the advantage of having a screen permanently connected to the Internet also has an advantage in terms of updating .
Thus, if the manufacturer of your Smart TV wants to optimize a function, correct problems, add new features or enrich its catalog of services and applications, it can do so whenever it wishes, by offering an update to the owners of its various models.
A very attractive proposal, since it makes it possible to be sure of having a Smart TV perfectly in tune with the times, and this for many years.
5. Smart TV, in conclusion…
More than just a television, a Smart TV is a real computer capable of storing files , accessing online content , paying for your purchases without getting up from your sofa and responding to your voice .
Updates from manufacturers are an additional asset that should not be overlooked, as they allow these many features to be kept at the cutting edge of technology : do not hesitate to inquire from time to time by browsing the menus of your screen, to know if there is not an upgrade planned soon.
Thus, your Smart TV and you can go a long way together, taking full advantage of the potential of this beautiful technological friendship!