Key Takeaways
- The operating system should suit your entertainment needs and provide easy navigation.
- Control options such as virtual assistants and remote layouts are important aspects of using a smart TV.
- Your smart TV should be able to optimize your favorite content and deliver high-quality video and audio formats.
There are several things to consider when buying a TV. Size, screen technology and price are the first and probably most influential factors when making a purchasing decision. Smart TV But once you have determined the answers to these questions, there are a few more important points to keep in mind.
Smart TV Your TV is more than just a place to watch movies and shows. It’s your central entertainment hub where you can access, organize and optimize your favorite content. Smart TVs also offer high-end gaming, video conferencing, Smart Home Not only can it control you, but it also allows for integration with your laptop, phone, sound devices, and even another TV.
Buying a TV can be a tedious task. Here are the most important things you need to know before buying a smart TV.
operating system
Central Navigation Hub
Your smart TV’s operating system is the glue that holds everything entertainment-related together. It’s the interface you use to navigate between services, apps, and titles. It specifies how and which apps you can download. It allows for a degree of customization, and even allows for integration and control of other devices in your home.
From Tizen to WebOs, Roku TV to Google TV, your OS is something you use a lot, so it’s important to enjoy it. Your OS should complement the way you watch TV and enjoy entertainment. If possible, go to a store and test the OS before you buy it. Evaluate whether it’s intuitive and easy to use, and consider your needs and wants when it comes to watching TV. If you’re looking for something simple and easy to use, Tizen or WebOS may be a good fit. Apple TV and Roku TV offer a great, engaging home page, while Google TV is highly customizable. Every OS has its pros and cons, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs.
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Control Options
Accessibility and functionality are key
You probably spend a lot of time searching for shows to watch. Whether it’s jumping to a specific streaming service or scrolling through titles, a key element of any modern smart TV is how you control it.
Most smart TVs have some sort of built-in voice control in the form of a virtual assistant like Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. Some companies, like Samsung, are working on their own assistants (Bixby is still around). Knowing which assistants are available to you can help you understand how useful they can be. If you already use a lot of Google products and programs, having a TV with Google Assistant built in can be a great idea.
The remote control is also something to keep in mind since you’ll be using it a lot. Button layout, feel of the device, and accessibility are all important factors. If you don’t like the look and feel of the remote, it might be worth considering ways to avoid using it, or even considering a different TV entirely.
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Entertainment’s bane
Commercials and ads continue to invade home entertainment, threatening to flood your TV with ads not only when you’re watching content, but also when you’re searching for content. Some say ads aren’t a big deal; they used to be part of the deal when it came to watching TV. Now, as streaming services finally realize they need to make money, the old cable model is seen as having some merit. This means ads are much more prevalent than they used to be, and they can take over your world if you’re not careful.
Advertisements don’t just appear before, during and after content within streaming services. They appear on the homepage and on so-called free channels. And they don’t just appear in 15- or 30-second videos. They can also be in the form of sponsored or promotional content. LG homepage banner can be removed, while other ads will remain in place, and promotional materials will change but not move from their location.
The general rule of thumb is that the more you pay for a TV, the less likely you are to encounter ads. That’s the trade-off. TVs from LG, Samsung, and Sony have less prominent ads than TVs made by Hisense, TCL, and Roku. Also consider brand integration. For example, Amazon Fire TV heavily promotes Amazon services and apps. How much you tolerate ads, commercials, recommendations, and deals on services will determine which TV you buy.
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Content Optimization and Compatibility
Consider formats and presets
TVs are becoming more and more specialised, offering specific settings and options for specific content. It’s important to consider what you want to watch (or play) on your TV and ensure the model you choose can give you the best look, feel and performance possible.
If you’re a movie buff who watches a lot of classic content, Filmmaker mode is the preset you’ll want to access. This setting removes a lot of the extra processing and restores the original creative instructions so you can watch movies the way the filmmakers intended. If you’re a gamer, you’ll want to explore the extent to which you can customize, control or access game settings. VRR and ALL are useful tools specifically for online play, and the HDMI 2.1 input is essential for transferring data at high speeds.
It’s also important to look at what video and audio formats your TV supports and compare and contrast that with the content you typically watch. For example, top streaming services like Amazon Prime and Disney+ offer content in Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and HDR10+. If you want to enjoy content in those formats, you’ll need the right TV.
Some TVs are better at upscaling older content than others, so investing in a TV that excels at enhancing older content can be advantageous, especially if you prefer watching syndicated comedies and dramas from the ’90s and earlier.
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Brand Integration
Similar products improve usage
It’s a pain to admit, but brands have worked hard to build ecosystems of devices that you can’t escape, so if a particular company’s product or service can improve your TV experience, it’s worth considering. There are several companies, including Sony and Samsung, that make soundbars designed to work with TVs. You can pair a smart TV and soundbar from different brands, but there are also optimized combinations.
If you use a lot of Google products, you might want to consider a model that uses Google TV as its operating system. If you’re buying LG smart appliances, an LG TV might be the best choice for you, as it allows you to better control and monitor those appliances.
Don’t miss the ways you can make your life easier by integrating your TV with other products: while it may not be a big benefit for some clients, creating a more efficient and compatible smart home can be useful for those who have a lot on their plate.
As the center of your home entertainment, a smart TV is a great investment. It can last up to five years and give you access to a wide range of content, including movies, shows, and games. Before you buy, make sure you know these important details.
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