What is a Smart TV?

A Smart TV is a television that can connect to the internet via a home broadband router and access various online streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney , and more. It also features a range of ports for connecting other source devices like DVD/Blu-ray players, game consoles, etc. Almost all TVs sold today come with these features, making them a very popular choice for home entertainment.

The Latest in Smart TV App Management

Google has just introduced a groundbreaking feature on the Play Store called Android TV OneTap App Installer. This means you can now install apps on your Android TV directly from your smartphone, eliminating the need for remote controls or TV menus. Follow these steps:

Open the Google Play Store on your smartphone. Search for the app you want to install. Choose your Android TV as the installation destination. Enjoy the simplicity!

This feature is currently exclusive to Android TV, but stay tuned for updates from Apple TV users. For a detailed guide, check out our latest article here.

Affordable Smart TV Brands

If you're looking for affordable smart TVs, consider brands like TCL and Hisense. However, screen size also affects the price. Here are some tips to help you choose the right smart TV:

Brand Considerations

Don’t focus solely on the brand. All major brands have their pros and cons, and with mass production, there’s always a risk of receiving a defective unit. Risk and Tier: Major brands are divided into tiers:

Tier 1

Samsung Sony Panasonic (not widely available in the U.S.)

Tier 2

TCL Hisense Vizio

Tier 3

Toshiba Sharp (U.S. models) Insignia and other store brands.

Tier 4

Sceptre and others.

Most modern TVs are referred to as LED TVs, which use LED backlighting. MiniLED TVs also use LED backlighting but with much smaller light bulbs for more precise control. QLED TVs, manufactured by Samsung and TCL, use LED backlights with a layer of Quantum Dots for improved color. Neo QLED TVs are a variation of QLED that uses mini-LED backlighting. OLED TVs use Organic LEDs which are self-emitting and do not require a blacklight. QD-OLED TVs, offered by Samsung and Sony, combine a blue OLED backlight with a layer of Quantum Dots to produce red and green light.

Choosing the Right Smart TV

Brightness: QLED TVs are generally brighter than OLED TVs. Resolution: 4K UHD TVs have 8.2 million pixels, while 8K UHD TVs have 33.3 million pixels. HDR Capability: If considering 4K or 8K, ensure the TV has HDR capability. Viewing Angle: QLED TVs typically have narrower viewing angles compared to OLED TVs. Black Levels: OLED TVs are the only TVs that can display absolute black. Glare: Check for any screen glare that might reflect objects in the room. Distance: Consider how the TV looks from the distance you will be viewing it from. Inputs: Ensure the TV has the number of HDMI and other inputs you need. Gamer Features: Look for Game Mode, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Remote and Menu System: A user-friendly remote and on-screen menu system are important. Screen Size: Choose a screen size that fits your space. Standard sizes include 43”, 49”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, and 80”. Sound: Most TVs have thin built-in speakers, so consider a soundbar or home theater audio system for better sound quality.

By following these tips and considering these aspects, you can choose the perfect smart TV that fits your needs and budget.