Should I buy a smart TV? SMART TV vs. Regular TV. games and apps

Today you will see only “smart” appliances of a new generation on store shelves. A wide assortment is presented in this series and Smart TV.

What is Smart TV?

Smart TV is the integration of interactive digital services and various Internet resources into televisions, as well as a kind of symbiosis between a computer and a TV. Smart systems can replace the home computer to some extent.

Smart TV capabilities

A TV using Smart TV is nothing more than a smartphone with a giant display and a significant set of functions. The main feature of this technique is the connection to the Internet, which determines the capabilities of these systems:

• installation of various games and applications;
• recording to internal memory or removable media of any programs for later viewing at a convenient time on this device;
• access to Internet resources and the ability to work with various applications;
• in the presence of a built-in webcam, full use of Skype for video communication with friends;
• using the device to listen to audio files, view photos and videos from other media.

The technology also provides a set of additional features:

• unlimited access to multimedia Internet resources;
• the ability to download games;
• the choice and time of viewing programs does not depend on the broadcast schedule;
• tVs can be controlled by voice and gesture.

Disadvantages of TVs

Despite the various possibilities of this technique, it is required to pay attention to the following disadvantages:

• Cost. The price of a Smart TV is 25-30% higher than a conventional LCD TV.
• Cursor control.The remote control cannot provide the cursor mobility necessary for games; for this purpose it is better to use special manipulators. Gesture and voice control is not yet used in most models.
• The format of the stored information. In the future, the files will be recognized only by the Smart TV. Other devices, including computers, do not currently accept such a display format.
• Limited access to sites... Due to the programs installed in the basic configuration, there are restrictions on access to some sites.

Buying a Smart TV is advisable when you plan to actively use Internet resources.

Criterias of choice

When purchasing a Smart TV, you should clearly determine the required parameters.

The distance from the screen to the viewer is of paramount importance. Below is a table summarizing the recommended distances:

You should also optimally select the following important indicators:

1. Screen

• Screen resolution. The detail and quality of the image depends on this indicator. There are three options: 720p, 1080p, 2160p. With a screen size of 40 ”, visually, this difference is weak, but with an increase in diagonal it becomes more noticeable, since with an increase in image size, grain inevitably increases.
• Matrix view. The most common and reliable are three main types of panels: LCD, plasma or LED backlight technology.
• Viewing angle. This parameter shows at what maximum angle in relation to the plane of the screen you can watch TV without losing image quality. When evaluating this point, the maximum value should be chosen, ideally 180 0.
• Sweep frequency. This is the rate of change of frames per unit of time. A good indicator can be considered 200-400 Hz.

1. Interface

The presence of a Russian-language interface is required - this increases its accessibility and intuitive perception.

When buying, pay attention to the reliability, functionality and convenience of the remote control as the main way to control the smart system. The functions of voice and gesture control are present only in the equipment of the highest price category.

1. Internet connection

For the TV to work properly, a stable Internet connection is required, which can be carried out either using a cable or using WiFi. The wireless connection allows you to ensure the mobility of the device, and also does not require laying an Internet cable, which negatively affects the interior of the apartment.

Currently, both functional and quality parameters of a fixed connection and WiFi practically do not differ, so the use of the latter seems preferable.

1. Availability of USB ports

The TV has special USB ports for connecting external devices: hard drive, flash card, computer mouse, keyboard. In this case, their recognition should occur immediately, the delay / ignoring indicates the presence of malfunctions.

1. HDMI ports quantity

The HDMI port is for connecting peripheral equipment. The ability to simultaneously integrate a game console, external speaker system and other equipment is due to the number of free HDMI ports. Consider the HDMI version when choosing, the latest version is 2.0.

1. Supported formats

The most commonly used formats are currently: MP4, WMV, MKV, WMA, DivX. There are others that are less common. If the TV does not support any format, this means that you will not be able to view or listen to a file located on external media.

1. The most common platforms for the device

Now the following operating platforms for Smart TV are especially popular:

• Tizen platform used by Samsung since early 2015, it is built on the Linux kernel. The Tizen interface uses large buttons at the bottom of the screen, where you can easily select the required Internet resource or signal source. A remote control is used as a pointer, which is responsible for the implementation of basic functions and cursor control. Also, a special microphone is built into the remote control, which allows you to give voice commands.

Tizen is an open source platform, so users can not only improve existing ones, but also create their own applications. It is also possible to use wireless protocols to connect peripheral devices. The most successful Tizen platform is implemented in the Samsung UE55K6500BUXUA model.

• The Web OS is mainly used by LG. The hallmark of this platform is the display of possible options in the form of a map layout. As with Tizen, the main control is the remote control, which has the ability to support gesture control mode.

Recent system improvements have improved not only the look of the search engine. Now the result of the search engine's work will be only the query selected by the search engine.

The Web OS platform is very well integrated into the LG OLED55C6V model.

• Platform Android TV differs in ease of use and user-friendly interface. The start page looks like a series of columns, each of which has a certain strictly regulated purpose:

• list of recently viewed resources;
• available applications;
• list of games;
• settings menu.

The only major flaw is that the start screen appears to completely obscure the image.

Philips 55PUS6401 combines all the advantages of the Android TV platform:

• voice control using a microphone built into the remote control;
• the ability to install games from the licensed online application store Google;
• chromecast technology is supported, with which you can transfer information from smartphones, tablets and other external media.

1. Basic and additional applications

Regardless of the platform used, there is a certain basic set of applications. They are necessary to ensure the correct operation of the system and cannot be deleted. You can only delete extensions and add-ons that were installed independently during the operation of the device. Because the platforms are open source, you can build and install applications yourself. Competition between leading smart tech makers such as Samsung, LG and Phillips has resulted in applications that are not universal across systems.

1. 3D technology

One of the additional features of the Smart TV is 3D technology. However, at present there is no technical possibility of providing a full-fledged spatial perception. In addition, given the insignificant amount of high-quality Russian-language 3D video, this function loses its attractiveness somewhat.

1. Smartphone control

The ability to control the TV using various devices not provided for in the basic package is essential.

Cursor control is one of the most vulnerable spots of smart TVs. Using the standard remote control is not always convenient, and the multimedia remote control is not provided on all models. Then the use of a tablet or phone as a control allows you to somewhat simplify the process of moving the cursor. This may be possible if the manufacturer of the smartphone and TV is the same, then the devices will be compatible.

About the necessary and unused functions, about the advantages and disadvantages of the Smart TV in a detailed review of a real user:

Set-top box or TV

In some cases, buying a Smart TV can be unprofitable as there is an excellent LCD TV available. A special set-top box will help turn such a TV into a "smart" one. Each set-top box has an individual set of functions, which you can choose according to your needs.

The average cost of a set-top box is about 3000 rubles.

A comparative overview of the advantages of a TV and set-top box on Android will be useful for those looking for cheaper options:

TOP 3 best smart TVs 2018

To get a more complete picture of the Smart TV market, let's take a look at the top three:

• Third place confidently takes Philips 55PUS6401. This model is based on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) platform. The basic configuration provides for the installation of Google services, the presence of a convenient browser and game service. The disadvantages include the high cost.

• Second place belongs to LG OLED55C6V. The redesigned Web OS 3.0 operating system has an intuitive interface that provides easy access to all media resources. Multifunctional remote control with gesture control allows you to move the cursor around the screen. The sound and picture parameters are top notch. With an average cost of 120,000 rubles. the price / quality ratio is not optimal.

• First place occupies Samsung UE49MU6100U, due to its low price and the following set of functions: simple control using the Smart Hub interface, a special panel provides quick access to frequently used resources and functions, the ability to use a smartphone as a remote control.

Which brand and model should you choose?

Apart from the three models that have been reviewed, there are many other Smart TVs. Here is a rating of some of them:

When choosing a Smart TV model, you should pay attention:

• the convenience and information content of the remote control;
• evaluate how accessible and intuitive the platform interface is;
• make sure that the set of basic applications matches your wishes;
• do not buy a product with functions that you will not use in the future;
• special attention should be paid to the number of ports for connecting peripheral devices.

The advent of Smart-TV has transformed TVs familiar to every home into smart devices with functions normally performed by a computer. But Smart TVs are not limited to one passive broadcast.

They allow you to choose deferred viewing of TV programs and films, broadcasting videos from video hosting sites, go to social networks, view and send messages by e-mail, and if you have an office suite and equipment, you can work with text documents.

Smart-TV combines the capabilities of a conventional TV and a personal computer. For a successful purchase, you need to carefully select the technical parameters of the device.

The comfortable experience of a TV panel with Smart-TV functions depends on:

• screen size;
• permissions;
• viewing angles;
• sweep frequency;
• type of matrix.

To fully use a TV set with this technology, you need a reliable Internet. It should also provide for the ability to read different formats, software with a user-friendly interface and transfer 3D images.

Screen size

Among the variety, there are models with the smallest 17 inch displays up to wall-to-wall panels. This is a matter of buyer's preference and the size of the room in which the TV will be installed. For normal perception, the distance from the screen to the viewer should be three times the diagonal of the TV. In a small city apartment or an ordinary private house, there is not always so much space. Therefore, calculate in advance the area of \u200b\u200bthe room for plasma.

Resolution

This characteristic is measured by the number of pixels and affects the clarity and detail of the picture. The more of them, the higher the quality of the image, the easier and more comfortable its perception. The optimal TV resolution for home is HD with 1280x720 or Full HD with 1920x1080. Both formats are used on television.

Diagonal, picture quality and distance to TV

Viewing angle

Until recently, an unpleasant feature of flat panels was a narrow view, which caused the picture to be distorted. In order for the image to be clearly viewed from any point, the viewing angle should be as wide as possible and ideally reach 180 °.

Sweep frequency

Especially important for a flat screen TV without a ray tube. The minimum frequency of 50-100 Hz makes it impossible to view the picture, because the screen flickers, objects move in jerks, the integrity of the image is violated. To avoid these defects, you need to choose a display with a frequency of 200-400 Hz.

Matrix type

There are TVs with such matrices: LCD (LCD), plasma and LED. They have different imaging technologies and different prices.

A popular affordable option is devices with LCD matrixwhich gives a good picture and a large viewing angle. But these models are not resistant to physical influences.

Plasma TV sets more durable. They have better color rendering, but they are more expensive, consume more power and fade faster.

Smart-TV c LED matrix the most compromise option - it produces a better image quality than LCD matrices, while being cheaper than plasma.

Which type of matrix to choose depends not so much on user preferences as on budget. Even the cheapest model can have the optimal combination of picture quality and smart TV capabilities.

Interfaces

For the full implementation of Smart technology, the TV must be equipped with interfaces that allow the connection of external devices. It is better if there are as many such inputs-outputs as possible.

To correctly determine their optimal number, you need to figure out which connector is intended for what:

• standard antenna input for coaxial TV cable;
• connector for satellite TV dish (DVB-S or DVB-S2);
• multimedia interface for receiving high definition TV signal (HDMI);
• multi-pin combined input for image and sound input-output (SCART);
• VGA connector for video signal transmission from a computer;
• 3-piece analog video jack (D-SUB);
• USB connector for connecting external media.

Internet connection

There are two ways to connect Smart-TV to the network: cable connection via Ethernet port and Wi-Fi connection via router. Which one to choose depends on the specific conditions. Better when the TV provides both connectivity options.

The Ethernet cable allows you to load Full HD movies faster, slows down less, and gives a more stable signal. With Wi-Fi connection, Smart-TV saves money and time for connection.

File formats

When purchasing, you should choose a TV receiver that supports most file formats such as MP4, WMV, MKV, WMA, DivX and others. Some models do not work with these formats, which limits their capabilities.

Software

The benefits of Smart-TV for the user are revealed in a variety of applications. Always find out which applications are included in the basic installation kit, as well as whether there is a Russified and paid software.

The variety of applications depends on the TV operating system:

1. Android OS - more applications as it used to be used for smart TV.
2. Windows OS is relatively recently used for this purpose.

Smart-TV software is constantly updated, so you can always add or improve existing functions.

3D technology

This is a 3D image transmission technology. It can be passive or active. Today, more and more high-quality 3D videos and films with Russian voice acting are released. Therefore, with this technology it will be possible to diversify the watching of movies at home.

Smart TVs, like smartphones already familiar to us, have rich functionality, mostly based on Internet connections. Let's find out what a modern Smart TV can offer us and how to use it.

Modern TVs have many useful features

Thanks to Smart TV technology, the TV turns into a whole multimedia center with great opportunities for watching videos and working with the Internet.

Viewing video files and playing from storage devices

In modern smart TV devices, you can play videos of almost all existing formats, you do not need to worry about whether you will be able to watch a movie or series downloaded from a torrent. In addition, almost all models from different manufacturers have a USB input for connecting external drives.

Most Smart TVs provide a function to exchange files between devices over a local network, which makes viewing multimedia files even more convenient.

Recording programs

If you can't watch a movie or TV show at the time specified in the program, you can record it and watch it later, at any time convenient for you. In addition, you will always know about upcoming programs, because Smart TV has built-in programs for TV channels with descriptions of films and programs.

Internet connection

There are several following ways to connect your Smart TV to the Internet:

• through a network cable connection;
• wireless connection thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi module.

The ability to use the Internet significantly expands the functionality of your Smart TV device. When connected to a network, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• watching videos from popular resources (for example, YouTube) online;
• work in a browser, surf the Internet and full-fledged web browsing via Wi-Fi or a network connection;
• access to social networks;
• support for the Skype service, thanks to which you can display the image of the call (but in order for the interlocutor to see you, you need a built-in webcam);
• radio broadcast support.

An additional advantage of connecting your TV to the Internet is that you can watch a large number of channels for free, so you don't have to spend money on cable TV connections.

games and apps

You can download games and a variety of applications to your Smart TV to make it even more enjoyable to use. You will choose the games to your taste, and from the applications you should pay attention to the following services:

• Ministry of Sound, Spotify - programs for comfortable listening to music;
• Netflix - watching movies in high quality;
• All Share is a handy utility for quickly sharing files between local devices.

3D function

If you have a Smart TV, you can not only watch high quality movies on the big screen, but you also have access to 3D technology. On its availability in the device, immediately check the information with the seller, because it is not presented in all models.

Usually, several pairs of glasses are supplied with the equipment, which will immerse you in the world of a three-dimensional image, without forcing you to leave the house. Just remember that so far a relatively small number of films are released in this format, so weigh the pros and cons when deciding whether you need this function or not.

TV control

As Smart TV is developing rapidly as a technology, new ideas are constantly emerging on how to make it easier and more comfortable to use. One of these ideas is control not through the remote control, but with the help of gestures - it was brought to life by Samsung.

In models with this function, the built-in camera can recognize the following gestures:

• Use your palm to move the pointer to the desired part of the screen.
• To select a specific function, clenching the hand into a fist is used.

Do not be afraid that the control will constantly work and you mistakenly enable or disable the program - until you make a short wave of your hand that activates the function, it will not start working.

"Air mouse" - another analogue of the standard controls. Along with the usual remote control in all the most advanced Smart TV models, a remote control with a gyroscope is supplied, which creates an analogue of the cursor on the screen. To control, you just need to hold the remote control in your hand and move the mouse icon across the screen with movements. This way you can open menus, change channels, use the browser and adjust the volume - in general, do whatever you need to.

How to make the right purchase?

If you decide to purchase Smart TV, pay attention to the following selection criteria:

• Screen - its diagonal, resolution and other parameters. It's not enough just to choose a large and beautiful Smart TV - you need it to fit well with the size of the room.
• Support for high quality video playback - Full HD mode.
• Video Formats - To watch movies from external drives, make sure your device supports all of the current file types.
• For comfortable use, you need a USB port and playback from.
• To connect to the Internet, you need a LAN port or built-in Wi-Fi module.
• The online recording function comes in handy to save the broadcast and watch it later.
• Depending on your needs, pay attention to the presence of a webcam (for chatting via Skype) and the ability to watch movies in 3D.

Do not forget that, unlike computers and other technology, Smart TV cannot be updated or improved. Therefore, carefully consider all the pros and cons if you decide to buy such a TV, and do not spare money to buy the most relevant device for you.

Smart TV technology allows you to use your TV as a separate multimedia center with Internet access even via Wi-Fi and is undoubtedly attractive and convenient. Now you know what the advantages of this technique are, and you can choose the model that best suits you in terms of functionality.

In this article, you will find the answer to a popular question from netizens: how is an ice TV different from a smart TV? Progress, as they say, does not stand still, new gadgets and devices with interesting, useful functions appear. Many of them have become indispensable, indispensable helpers in the everyday life of ordinary people. An honorable place among various types of household appliances is occupied by televisions. At the TV, we gather with our family to watch an interesting movie together or cheer with friends for our favorite team. In addition, few people do not like to lie on their favorite couch watching TV on their day off to watch their favorite channel.

The first wave-to-image devices were large boxes with a small black-and-white screen and were considered a luxury since not everyone could afford such an expensive device. Now in every family there is a representative of this kind of devices, and sometimes several. And these devices are absolutely different from their predecessors, modern TVs are screens that differ in size, which can be hung on a wall or installed on a cabinet.

A large number of representatives of different types of devices have appeared, which may differ from each other in the set of functions, in the way of transferring pictures and sound. The so-called LED TVs have become widespread, and not so long ago new Smart models have appeared. Let's try to figure out how ice TV differs from smart TV.

Features of LED TVs

In this chapter, we will consider the features of an LED TV and see how it differs from ordinary representatives of this type of technology.

Ice devices are a type of liquid crystal televisions in which the backlight of the screen is carried out by diodes. A diode is a semiconductor that emits a glow when an electric current passes. What is the reason for the high quality of the picture in devices with LED? Thanks to the large number of LEDs, dimming or changing the brightness of different sides of the screen occurs evenly, which provides good color reproduction, excellent image quality.

By the number of colors, diodes are:

• monochrome - such devices use white backlighting. This type of backlight is the most budget-friendly and provides an image quality similar to LCD;
• three-color - to transmit the image in such devices, diodes of red, blue, green colors are used. This method improves color reproduction, image palette. For efficient operation of such a device, a powerful processor is required, which increases power consumption;
• mixed - this type combines the above two methods, when a layer of a special film with red and green dots is applied to a monochrome blue diode. With this method, the color transfer is carried out in the highest quality, the viewer can enjoy the entire palette of shades. At the same time, the electricity consumption of such a TV is minimal.

The quality of image or color transmission also depends on the location of the diode backlight. There are two backlight placement technologies, Direct and Edge.

1. Direct - a way of arranging LEDs over the entire surface of the back side of the screen. The presented type of arrangement provides a high level of contrast transmission. The body of such a TV is much thicker than that of other LED representatives, but the low cost and high image quality overcome this drawback.
2. Edge - technology for placing the backlight around the back of the screen. Moreover, the diodes can be located at the bottom, on two opposite sides or along the entire perimeter of the screen. This method allows the production of models with a slim body that can be less than one centimeter. The models of these devices are more expensive than the representatives with direct illumination, since diffusing and reflecting devices are additionally used in the structure for a uniform distribution of light. Although Edge LEDs have a higher cost, the image quality is much lower and there are glare at the locations of the LEDs.

LED technology is the most widely used among TV and digital equipment manufacturers. The models presented by Samsung, Phillips, LG, SONY and many other manufacturers are very diverse both in the number of functions, in the diagonal of the screens, and in the price policy. A user with any income can purchase a suitable LED TV model with good image quality.