It seems as though every second electronic appliance falls into the “smart” category these days, but what is it that makes it smart? Smart gadgets are able to process commands and intuitively respond, without manual input. In general, they are also heavily reliant on the internet, and form part of an interactive environment of data portability and shared data.

The good news is, if you have a smart TV, you can access all these features! Many people find the world of Smart TV’s a bit overwhelming and confusing, so let’s break it down and make it easier to understand.

How do I know my TV can access the internet?

An easy way to tell if your Smart TV is internet-compatible is to check if certain symbols appear on the machine. The word “Wi-Fi” or the Wi-Fi symbol, 5 curved lines that ripple outwards, might be present. You will easily recognize these symbols from your smartphone, and the communication is universal across devices. This means that wherever you see these symbols, internet compatibility is possible.

A new resolution

Smart TVs are set apart from their predecessors by the unprecedented quality of the screen display. The excellent picture quality is rated across a scale, and as with everything else, the highest quality comes at the highest price. The display quality is rated according the amount of pixels that are present in the display unit. Here is a rough guide to make it a bit easier to understand:

• HD – High Definition 780p (1,280×720 pixels)
• FHD – Full High Definition 1080p (1,920×1,080 pixels)
• UHD (4K) – Ultra High Definition (3,840×2,160 pixels)
• UHD (8K) – Ultra High Definition (7,680×4,320 pixels)

If it can access the internet, can my TV use apps?

Let’s be clear about one thing – your TV is very far removed from just being a TV, of the kind you grew up with. Smart TV’s come with access to several streaming services, many of which are often preloaded onto the unit before purchase. Some commonly found apps include YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and others. The packaging that the TV comes in often shows what preloaded apps the TV comes with.

What about Bluetooth and ports?

Generally, Smart TVs will have Bluetooth capability, which makes pairing your TV to other devices a breeze. Anything from headphones and speakers can be connected via Bluetooth, giving you an easy way to expand upon your initial setup.

You can also look forward to using HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) ports on your Smart TV. This useful addition will allow you to expand your system into including projectors, gaming consoles and other devices to a screen with superior display quality.

What is the best place for a smart TV?

If space in your home is at a premium, wall-mounting your Smart TV will save you space. It also offers a better viewing experience, thanks to the extended angle.

I hope to have shed some light on the topic of Smart TVs for you, and that your next purchase will be an easy one!