*This is a collaborative post*
As silly as it sounds, the prospect of choosing the right Smart TV can actually scare people. Not as in gory horror movie or huge roller coaster if you don’t like heights style of scared, but more like intimidated, or at the very least daunted.
Other than recognizing the word ‘smart’ as representing something new and cutting edge, the truth is that consumers lack a true understanding of what the term means, or how it should influence their buying behaviors. Most people would broadly know that ‘smart’ refers to web connectivity of the TV, that it has a sharp and clear picture, and that their neighbor has one.
But knowing where to start when you scan the smart TV sales, trying to choose your own (aside from asking the neighbor), advice can be confusing as it’s often from manufacturers or retailers with obvious vested interest in providing certain advice! Because of that, in this article we will try to familiarize you with the key terms and jargon of the smart TV jungle!
Better connected…
Internet accessibility is very common, and is highlighted with the term “Wi-fi” and the small symbol with five small bars that represent broadcast reception strength from weak with one dot highlighted up to strong with all five bars highlighted. Look out for the same symbol that indicates the signal strength on your smartphone (there’s the term ‘smart’ again!), along with other devices that are internet accessible.
Ready to roll…
Ready-installed apps are pre-loaded software or apps that comes with the device. You’ll commonly see logos such as Amazon, YouTube, Google and Netflix, and you’ll be able to setup and save your accounts on each for quick and easy access.
Do pixels really matter?
Picture displays are measured in pixels, and the higher the number the better the picture is. Look out (and avoid) some of the earlier Smart TV models with 480 or 720p resolutions which are now effectively obsolete.
Nowadays, as a decent choice you’ll want to choose a Smart TV with high definition (HD) 1080, and you’ll want it to be compatible with Blu-Ray. If you’re trying to match or go one better than that neighbour, you’ll want a 4k Ultra Smart TV as the are the best that’s currently available.
Photo by Scheier .hr on Unsplash
The benefits of Bluetooth
If you’re trying to replicate your local cinema experience, you’ll need a surround sound system to match, and the easiest way to pair this with your TV is by Bluetooth. Bluetooth is also the easiest and most comfortable way to listen with your headphones.
Where will your TV go?
Floor-standing TVs add clutter to your room, and just look a little cumbersome nowadays. Most Smart TVs are now ready-made for wall mounting, but it’s worth checking when you make your buying choice.
HDMI Ports
A good modern Smart TV has a number of ports, the most important of which is HDMI. These enable you to quickly and tidily connect compatible devices such as games and video consoles and Blue-Ray players. Look for at least four HDMI ports when you make your choice.
Still Compatible With Aerial And Satellite Connections
Even with the changes to your smart TV, you can still hook it up to your TV aerial or satellite dish. Some models can handle both Freesat and Freeview at the same time! However, it is important to note that while your TV can accept HD channels, it is still dependent on your TV reception. When you experience poor signal, you don’t get to make the most out of your smart TV. One of the main issues that affect reception is the terrain. Mountains, hills, and even buildings and trees can make or break the picture and audio quality. Even if you live near the TV transmitter, the terrain can still affect the signal you receive. One of the main examples for this is Glasgow. Glasgow is a populated city, and it has a TV transmitter nearby. However, there are plenty of hills in the area so some homes may experience missing channels. If this is the case for you, you should look for outdoor aerial installation in Glasgow. An outdoor aerial has a better range with fewer obstructions-you can go back to watching your favourite programming on your new smart TV!
Hopefully this short article de-mystifies the daunting concept of choosing and buying a Smart TV so that you can go armed with some knowledge. Good luck, and happy viewing!
