It’s only been 12 years since the first Smart TV was introduced to the market, but their development journey has been rapid in that time. In this article we explore this evolution, and highlight some of the advantages Smart TVs offer.
Internet-enabled
Smart TVs take advantage of internet connectivity to carry out functions such as streaming videos on Netflix or YouTube, playing games with other gamers from all over the world, and discussing hot topics on social media. More modern Smart TVs also integrate speech recognition tools including Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant to carry out all kinds of functions on voice command from changing the channel to searching for inspiration of what to watch.
App-etite is increasing
Many good cheap Smart TVs now come with popular applications and software pre-installed. This allows the viewer to seamlessly log in and access a variety of content on their device through home screen icons. As the rise in application usage has grown, Smart TVs have grown with them and pre-installed apps now offer everything from movies to games all ready-to-use on devices.
What about Bluetooth?
Connecting peripheral devices such as headphones, speakers or game consoles without the need for cables can only be a good thing. In recent years, Bluetooth technology has enabled the sharing of data and media between connected devices without the need to physically connect them.
Resolving resolution
TV picture quality all comes down to the number of pixels and resolution each device has. But there are a number of resolution options for Smart TVs, and it’s not always simply down to the number of pixels. Smart TVs with higher dynamic range performance, color and contrast ratios provide a greater picture quality than models that simply have higher numbers of pixels. As a rule, look for 4K Ultra HD models for the best possible viewing experiences, or an HD1080 option if your budget is tighter.
The low down
The evolution of Smart TVs has been rapid since 2008, and there is no end in sight to their development. As features and quality continue to increase with each passing year, it’s down to you to prioritize which features matter the most to you, and do your homework accordingly. I hope this article has give you a little more insight into the main things to look out for in your new Smart TV.
