Simple ways how can you tell if you have a smart TV on your TV set

In recent decades, mobile communication and the World Wide Web have evolved beyond just computers. It has effortlessly penetrated cell phones, watches, televisions, and other devices. As for televisions, Smart TV function has appeared, which has significantly “diluted” the dullness of cable TV.

Now, the TV is not only a means of leisure, but also an interactive and intellect-enhancing device. In this article, we will take a closer look at the issue of Smart TVs, and provide information about one of the most frequent question sounds like: “How can you tell if you have a Smart tvs?”.

How can you tell if you have a smart TV, and what is a smart TV in general?

In simple words, a Smart TV is a modern digital TV with a built-in computer module that supports some computer functions and applications. With it, you can watch most modern programs online and use services and applications such as YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, and other streaming services.

Many modern televisions are controlled by a smart speaker, among other things, to help people with hearing or visual impairments use the device.

Many modern TVs that support the Smart TV function have in their asset Wi-Fi function and HDMI port supporting cables for a laptop or computer. In addition to this, many devices have a feature of remote control to your TV set.

Developers often write about the presence of Smart TV functions in the instruction manual or on the box. Otherwise, if you own the original TV, you can find out about the necessary functions by the serial number, scan code or on the manufacturer’s website.

Smart TV features

There’s a reason modern TVs with this feature are called interactive computers because the TV performs several functions: entertainment, education, and work. Here’s a comprehensive list of features that have most Smart TVs:

1. Watch videos, movies, and shows on apps like Netflix, YouTube, Peacock and other streaming services.
2. Watch DVB-T smart television without an antenna or cable.
3. Surf the Internet using popular browsers such as Chrome, Opera, and others.
4. Using voice assistants to give commands to the TV. Many smart TVs have built-in voice assistants. Some of the best known is Google Assistant, but there are many others, such as Samsung’s Bixby.
5. Using social networks, such as Facebook, and LinkedIn. With app downloads, you can also use your favorite social networks on your Smart TV.
6. Control your music via services like YouTube Music or Spotify.
7. Notifications about news, weather or scheduled events.
8. Recording your favorite programs.
9. Smart TV set also make it easy to record any TV program if you can’t watch it in person and want to save it for later.
10. The ability to play casual games adapted to your smartphone.
11. Video calls with friends or work calls. With numerous apps like Skype, you can make video calls with work colleagues, friends or family in a very easy way.
12. Watch your phone or computer screen on a big-screen TV, using a port similar to a computer or laptop. Thus, you can, for example, watch photos or family videos on the big screen.

This is not all the possible functions of Smart TV set, as in each model the developer can add a special feature for Smart TV. This is done to make the model more recognizable and marketable.

How do you know if you own a Smart TV according to several specifications

To know if your TV screen is Smart, it must have certain characteristics, in addition to the ability to transmit clear images in HD color, it must have the ability to transmit 3D images. Most modern TVs can take orders with hand movements and even speech, Smart TVs are rapidly evolving, they can transmit audio and video in real-time.

To be sure your TV is Smart, you need to connect your TV in the right place and position all of its cables and connectors, and when you turn it on, first set the Wi-Fi connection type.

Then you need to customize the system to your preferences and explore custom options for a more personalized experience, and that’s it. The new smart TV set is similar to computer operating systems, so understanding how they work isn’t difficult if you’re well-versed in technology.

How to turn your old TV into a Smart TV

An ordinary TV is not one of those devices that we usually replace lightly. Many choose to replace it only when the equipment starts to fail or when looking for a new place for it in the house.

The downside to keeping your previous TV is that you won’t get the Smart TV functionality everyone is talking about.

Fortunately, there are quite a few add-ons that can be used to make any old TV work with the latest technology.

Here’s a list demonstrating us either dongle or Smart TV converter box available for the last transformation of your dumb TV and turn it into a modern device.

Google Chromecast device

The most popular accessory and, at the same time, one of those with the longest history in this functionality is Google Chromecast. There are several generations of this device, in which certain improvements have been implemented to make the user experience more enjoyable.

A very handy device that syncs with all Google services: Gmail, Google Maps, Duo and others and one of the best support services in the world.

Nvidia Shield device

This is a device that was originally designed for those who love video games. Thanks to Nvidia’s proprietary processor, you can enjoy more video games on the GeForce Now platform. You can also buy a complete package including a gamepad for this device if you want to enjoy the best gaming experience.

In addition, Nvidia Shield TV is a powerful media player with Android TV function.

So, we will be able to take full advantage of this system, install apps from Google Play or watch series from Sling TV, and much more.

Xiaomi Mi Box

If you’re not into video games and want to enjoy all the features of a Smart device at a lower price point, one of the best options would be the Xiaomi Mi Box. With this device, you can install apps from Google Play and enjoy all the multimedia content from YouTube, Hulu and the rest of the major platforms, as well as thousands of other apps from the store.

However, if you want to choose something simpler and, above all, cheaper, you can buy the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick. A product that aesthetically ordinary TV stick, but this time with an Android TV operating system.

Apple TV

Finally, Apple also has its device for turning any screen into a smart one, and it is called Apple TV. Many apps from the iOS store are available on this gadget. We can even play games directly on it using the Apple Arcade streaming game service.

And just like we can do with Android TVs devices using Google Assistant, we can control Apple TV with voice commands using Siri.

Apple TV is also the TV device that best complements the iPhone because you can use it both to share your cell phone screen and to watch and access the many Apple services you’re already subscribed to. They are also very powerful devices with a very good user interface, very similar to what you have on any iOS device.

Not every flat-screen TV is a Smart TV

Is any flat-screen TV considered a Smart TV? The answer is no. So, what makes a TV smart. We can use the difference between feature phones and smartphones to distinguish Smart TVs from regular screens. Basic phones mostly make calls and text. Smartphones do a little more than that.

They are more advanced in terms of hardware and software specifications. Smartphones have more connectivity, allowing them to connect to other devices and the Internet. Their capabilities can be enhanced with apps. The same is true for TVs.

Smart TVs have an operating system and more connectivity options. That means you can connect them to the Internet and other devices like mobile phones, tablets or laptops using a TV’s HDMI port or wireless connection.

Smart TV vs. a regular LED TV

If you need a device that works with the Internet, Smart TV is by far the best choice. Unlike a regular TV, Smart TV comes with an operating system and is preloaded with some popular apps. LCD TVs very rarely come with Smart TV feature.

Regular LED TVs, which are also gradually being replaced by their “smarter brothers” are in less and less demand among buyers.

Advantages and owning Smart TV

• comes with built-in Wi-Fi;
• can be used as a means of communication;
• comes preloaded with apps;
• some smart TVs work with virtual assistants;
• some models can even be used to control smart devices.

In general, we can say that smart TVs are now the main link in the global market.

Features of LED TVs

An LED TV is a more advanced form of LCD TV. Unlike a conventional LCD with a fluorescent bulb, an LED TV uses light-emitting diodes. LEDs fall into two categories: edge-lit LEDs and full-array LEDs.

With Edge-Lit LEDs, the diodes are placed around the edges of the panel, while with Full-Array LEDs, you should notice rows of LEDs behind the panel.

If you want an LED TV with excellent picture quality, you should choose the Full-Array LED type. While Edge-Lit LED TVs don’t offer the best picture quality, they have a slim design, so they are easier to transport. An LED TV can even be connected to a Blu-ray DVD player if a higher resolution is required.

Advantages of LED TVs

• comes in a variety of sizes;
• can provide excellent picture quality;
• provides a wide viewing angle and enhanced brightness;
• durable.

Some models do not have an internet connection, so their features are more limited.

Streaming apps are software applications that allow users to watch or listen to various types of digital media, such as movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts, over the internet, without downloading the content. There are many popular streaming apps available today, including:

1. Netflix: A subscription-based streaming service that offers a wide variety of movies, TV shows, and documentaries.
2. Hulu: A streaming service that offers a mix of current and classic TV shows, movies, and original content.
3. Amazon Prime Video: A streaming service that is included with an Amazon Prime membership and offers a wide selection of movies and TV shows.
4. Disney+: A subscription-based streaming service that offers content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
5. Spotify: A popular music streaming service that allows users to stream millions of songs, create playlists, and discover new music.
6. Apple Music: A music streaming service offered by Apple that allows users to access a vast music library, listen to live radio, and discover new artists.
7. Tidal: A music streaming service that focuses on high-quality sound and exclusive content, including concerts and music videos.

These are just a few examples of the many streaming apps available today, and new ones are constantly being introduced to the market.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a streaming device that allows users to access various online streaming services and content on their TV. It is a small stick-shaped device that plugs into the HDMI port on a TV and connects to the internet via Wi-Fi. The Fire TV Stick is powered by a quad-core processor and comes with a remote control that allows users to navigate through the various apps and content.

The Fire TV Stick provides access to popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube, as well as many other apps and games. Users can also use the Fire TV Stick to access live TV and sports content through apps like Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, and ESPN+.

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Final thought: Smart TV and regular TV

Of course, smart television are the latest branch of technological evolution at the moment. They combine the features of a computer, phone and laptop. However, if you also operate on a tight budget and can’t afford a new TV, you can easily change your past TV by making it smart.

Yes, it probably won’t have as many features, but you will definitely benefit from it. Regular TVs are becoming more and more useless every year.

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• How can you tell if you have a smart tv