TV has long been a necessary itemappliances in the home. However, the modern buyer is spoiled, he needs not only a huge screen, clarity and saturation of the image, but also a lot of other functions. Therefore, smart TVs appeared on the market. What is it, what are the best models, how to connect and configure them? In this article you will find detailed answers to all these questions.
Smart TVs - what is it?
Translated from English smart - it's "smart","savvy". But, of course, in itself such a device can not learn to think, before this technique has not yet reached. Smart TV is a TV with built-in internet. That allows you to access a number of Internet services, including video on demand, radio stations, online games broadcasts, social networks and instant messaging. Many models have a full-featured web browser that provides access to websites. With the 3D format, smart TVs are also working successfully. They came to replace the technology of 3D TV, which never got accustomed, because at the time of its release there was little relevant content.
Which model to choose?
The best smart TVs produced by well-known electronics giants. Which manufacturers were the most popular in 2014?
- LG has released a number of models thatFavorite users due to their concise design and simplicity of the interface. They easily allow you to simultaneously display multiple video sources on one screen. A program SmartShare opens any photos, audio, video files that are stored on a computer connected to the network (both with Windows and Mac OS), on a hard disk or flash drive. In addition, the manufacturer offers a number of useful applications, both paid and free. Among them, 3D World deserves special attention for access to 3D content of various categories.
- Panasonic launches a line of TVs undercalled Smart Viera. The company in its models uses an ultra-modern interface, which has a very high level of personal settings. Experts note that for the average user their number is even excessive. But in any case, the flexibility of Smart Viera does not hold. Also, models easily share files with smartphones, which for many users is a big plus.
- Samsung introduces Smart Hub models,which has five different screens for each type of task: watching TV shows, video on demand, social networks, applications, or reading files from connected devices. And between the Samsung devices running a wireless connection. In addition, based on your browsing history, the S Recommendation service will offer you suitable content. Remote controls from this manufacturer are considered the best. In addition to the standard features, they contain a microphone and even a gesture recognition system in order to control the menu using voice or movement.
What models will be popular in 2015?
Many experts agree that curved55-inch LG 55EC9300 OLED, which preserves the quality of color and contrast from different viewing angles, will be a hit of the season. Although this model does not support the ultra-high-definition television standard, the juicy picture and the moderate price for this category of goods (about $ 3000) make it the best choice of 2015 at the moment.
Но если для вас принципиально важно соответствие standard 4K / Ultra HD TV, then pay attention to the Samsung UN65HU8550F. At a cost of about 2,800 dollars and a diagonal of 65 inches, it offers to fully enjoy the benefits of HD television. The menu is rich in a variety of functions.
Well, in the middle price category deservesattention 50-inch Sony KDL-50W800B. Excellent picture clarity even in dark areas (LCD-TVs do not always cope with this task), concise design, 3D support, the ability to play cloud-based versions of PS3 games, and all this for about $ 900. Of course, this model is a good choice, but the Sony interface is considered somewhat complicated and confusing.
Network access
Obviously, in order to use all the features of Smart TV, you will need the Internet. Connecting a smart TV is possible in two ways:
- Ethernet wired connection.
- Through the built-in Wi-Fi adapter to connect tohome network for internet access. Most modern models have built-in Wi-Fi module, but make sure it is available before you make a purchase. Otherwise, you will have to purchase it separately.
- You can try to move your Wi-Fi router closer to the new technology.
- If the router is more than 4 years old, then buying a new one can eliminate the problem. The latest models have a wider signal range.
- If none of these solutions come up, then you just have to buy a Wi-Fi repeater - a device for signal amplification.
How to set up a smart TV?
First of all, the answer to this question depends on the manufacturer of your model. The process can be summarized as three steps:
- Connecting cables.
- Custom settings.
- Internet connection.
Also for comfortable use you needinstall widgets on all smart tvs. What it is? Applications that allow you to receive video on demand, interactive TV, gaming services and perform many other functions. As a rule, they are downloaded from the official stores of the manufacturer.
Let us dwell on these steps for the most popular manufacturers.
How to start using models from LG
Setting up a smart TV firstinvolves the connection of power cables and receiver (placement of connectors should be found in the instructions). Then you need to insert the batteries into the remote and turn on the TV with it or the button on the device itself. The following is a fairly simple step-by-step setting, where you select the language, type of work (home / in the store), location and time zone.
Then follows the screen to select the connection tothe internet. If it is wired, insert the Ethernet cable into its connector and select “Start Connection”. You may need to enter the subscriber password. If you need a wireless connection, then select "Find new" and search for and select a network.
Now connect the antenna cable and carry outAuto channel search by clicking "Start". Then agree or abandon the function of energy saving and 3D-viewing (in order for it to be comfortable, you will need special glasses). Click Finish to save the settings.
Как настроить смарт-телевизор LG для наиболее productive work? Install the widgets you need. This can be done either from the official store LG Apps TV, or using a USB-drive. For what you need to download the archive with the application in the root directory and then insert the flash memory into the TV. Information about the connection of the device will appear on the screen, by clicking on it, you can select and install the widget.
Getting Started with Samsung
How to set up a smart TV with smart technologyHub? This is also quite simple due to the fact that the manufacturer made a series of video tutorials, and also created a separate button on the control panel that calls up a detailed electronic user manual.
When you first turn on you need to enter yourlogin and password using numbers on the remote. This is not very convenient, but do not worry, the system remembers the data, and each time you will not need to type them again.
Going to the Settings menu in the upper left corner, you can change the language, location and time zone. If you install it incorrectly, the program guide will not be displayed correctly.
Internet connection is carried out in the menu"Network Setup", where you need to select its type - "cable" or "wireless." If your router automatically assigns an IP address, you only need to enter a password. If he does not have such a function, you will have to manually fill in the IP address, gateway, subnet mask, and DNS server.
Security
In this article, we looked at many aspectson the subject of "Smart TVs": what it is, who makes them, how to connect and install them. But if you plan to become the happy owner of this type of technology, then do not forget: where there is an Internet connection, there are also hackers and viruses. So far, smart TVs are not widespread, and there have been no real cases of hacking or infection. However, cybersecurity experts have demonstrated that this is quite possible. Therefore, do not go from the TV to your bank offices and do not make electronic payments. So far, the computer for this purpose is safer.
