Smart TV is a versatile media center. In addition to displaying television programs, the device performs a large number of other useful functions due to the presence of integrated Internet services. An intelligent smart platform allows you to turn a standard TV into a full-fledged computer with a large plasma monitor and attractive remote control capability.
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The history of the emergence and development of Smart TV
Smart TV technology, formerly called Connected TV, originated in 1997. Due to the low-speed modem connection that was widespread among the general population of that time, the idea did not receive mass development.
Two years later, services appeared in the form of digital video recorders, on the hard disk of which were recorded the selected television programs for later viewing by users. The year 2000 was marked by the advent of devices called Set Top Box, allowing to expand the functionality of standard television.
Since 2009, certification of smart TVs by The Digital Living Network Alliance began, which confirmed their stable operation in conjunction with other devices. Since then, Smart TV technology has gradually begun to be introduced into the production of an increasing number of televisions by various manufacturers and has reached 90% by 2011. Currently, high data transfer rates have become commonplace for most Internet users, and therefore the purchase of smart TVs has become affordable and popular.
The principle of operation of Smart TV
Smart TV is a platform based on the operating system (Linux, Android, Unix or another), consisting of a set of programs. Internet access is provided in two ways:
- wired connection via LAN port using a cable;
- via wireless connection (Wi-Fi).
DNLA technology allows you to combine a TV with a computer, laptop, mobile phone or other device in your home digital network to share the necessary content.
Specially created applications, called widgets, perform important management tasks, facilitating access to various services. The main modules are displayed on the TV screen and are built into the shell by the developer. Depending on the user's preferences, the missing widgets can be downloaded from the official app stores.
Basic TV features with Smart TV
Smart TV has the following features:
- providing users with an unlimited amount of useful and relevant information from the Internet. A few clicks of the buttons on the control panel are enough to find out the weather, get acquainted with the current exchange rate or the presence of traffic jams, view a poster of the city's cultural events or read personal e-mails;
- the ability to order various goods and services: food delivery from a restaurant, goods from a store or pharmaceuticals from a pharmacy, taxi call;
- Internet TV (IP TV). On specialized sites, popular television channels online in excellent quality are available for viewing without interruption in advertising. Using one button of the remote control, you can switch to the streaming service of Youtube videos, quickly and conveniently switching between them while watching;
- connecting to any radio stations around the world and listening to your favorite hits;
- the ability to watch copyright programs, documentaries and directorial versions of films not previously broadcast on television;
- playback of recording from USB flash drives, which provides an absolute replacement for a DVD player;
- communication through the Skype service, which allows not only to hear the interlocutor, but also to see him on the screen;
- downloading movies, TV shows, educational and educational programs, music videos for their subsequent viewing at a convenient time, available on TV models equipped with an additional built-in torrent client;
- the presence of popular social networks. Depending on the firmware on the TV, there may be “Facebook”, “Twitter”, “Classmates” and “Vkontakte”;
- 3D function, which favorably complements individual TV models with the Smart TV function, allows you to get a three-dimensional image on the screen. It is necessary to use special glasses and download films in the appropriate format;
- the ability to recognize faces. The user can register his face in the account for further identification.
Smart TV Control Methods
To ensure maximum user convenience, manufacturers are constantly improving ways to control a television device. The following features of the TV set command are currently known:
- remote control: standard;
- using the virtual keyboard on the TV screen;
- using a wireless keyboard and mouse connected to the TV;
- using voice commands;
- gestures;
- through the use of an additional remote control with a gyroscope, creating an analog cursor. The remote device must be held in the hand and moved in the right direction according to the principle of controlling a computer mouse;
- from the screen of a smartphone or tablet through an installed application (for example, LG Remote App).
Popular TV manufacturers with Smart TV
Many manufacturers offer a wide range of smart TVs. Each of them has a number of differences from the rest.
- LG: smart tv devices are equipped with a convenient Magic Motion control panel that works like a computer mouse.
- Samsung: smart tv models complemented by innovative gesture and voice control technology.
- Sony: TVs have a well-designed menu with a convenient heading.
- Panasonic: a new powerful chip has been introduced in the devices, image quality has been improved, and there is 3D support.
- Toshiba: Smart TVs that are easy to manage.
- Philips: Provides additional protection against hacking and unauthorized use.
Smart TVs are designed in such a way that you don’t really need to think during their operation. Thanks to the convenient management capabilities of Smart TV, you can find the information you need on the Internet without even getting out from under the covers.
