TV REFERENCE

Smart TVs: Everything

You Need to Know
by JOHN R. QUAIN Dec 15, 2016, 8:24 AM

Wondering whether all those so-called smart TVs are really that smart?
Or perhaps you're skeptical about dozens of apps littering the screen
when all you want to do is watch TV. Not to worry we've got the
answers to the most frequently asked questions about smart TVs.


Photo: Nick Bush/Tom's Guide, Guteksk7/Shutterstock

1. What is a smart TV?

Originally called "connected TVs," these sets were later branded by
companies such as Samsung and LG as "smart TVs." The term has come
to denote any television that can be connected to the Internet to access
streaming media services and that can run entertainment apps, such as
on-demand video-rental services, Internet music stations and Web
browsers.

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2. Which companies make smart TVs?

Virtually every major TV manufacturer makes a smart TV today, with
the trend toward making every set "smart." Budget sets from Chinese
makers such as TCL and Hisense offer smart features, including built-in
Roku services, while high-end models from Samsung have built-in
microphones, and voice and gesture recognition. A partial list of the
biggest smart TV makers includes Hisense, LG, Panasonic, Philips,
Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TCL, Toshiba and Vizio.

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to the Internet?
Smart TVs use either a direct, wired Ethernet connection or built-in Wi-
Fi to connect to a home network for Internet access. Most models today
have built-in Wi-Fi, but check before you buy. For streaming movies,
some sets support the latest and fastest 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard. If you
plan on cutting the cord, the faster Wi-Fi hookup will help.

Photo: Nick Bush/Tom's Guide, ABB Photo/Shutterstock

People with larger homes should also double-check their Wi-Fi coverage.
If the Wi-Fi router is on the second floor and the smart TV is going to be
in the basement, the set may not be able to stream video from Netflix or
other providers without experiencing hiccups. Furthermore, in our
testing, most Wi-Fi receivers in TVs are not as sensitive as those in set-
top boxes, such as Roku. (More about set-top boxes in a bit.)

If your smart TV isn't getting a strong enough wireless signal, you have
a few options to remedy the problem. When your router is more than
three years old, a new Wi-Fi router that supports 802.11ac could do the
trick. There are also Wi-Fi range extenders available from companies
such as Netgear, but these devices require some time and patience to set
up and install.

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4. What services do smart TVs offer, and how do

they differ from one another?
There is no standard operating system or interface for smart TVs.
Nearly every smart-TV maker uses different software and a different
graphical presentation. Some companies install different operating
systems and interfaces on their low-end versus their high-end sets. The
manufacturers also offer different assortments of online services and
apps.

Samsung's Smart TV int

Most smart TVs support such popular services as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon
Instant Video and Pandora. However, some sets offer only a handful of
apps that rarely change, while others deliver several screens of offerings
ranging from MLB to Facebook to Stitcher. The lower-priced models of
some manufacturers offer only the most popular apps, while higher-
priced sets get a complete array of services.

The arrangement of the apps also varies. Some smart TVs use scrolling
screens of icons to display options; others use tabbed windows or scroll
bars along the bottom of the screen. Still others use a 3D-style carousel
of screens to sort and arrange all the available services.

TCL's Roku TV inte

There are hints that manufacturers may be headed toward a Microsoft-

versus-Applestyle duopoly, but in this case it will be Roku versus
Android TV. Models from Sharp, Insignia, Hisense and TCL have opted
to incorporate Roku's easy-to-use interface and access to thousands of
streaming services. On the other hand, Google has received a major
endorsement from Sony, which decided to offer Android TV in its sets,
with scores of apps available and the not insignificant support of Google
going forward.

Upshot: Spend a little time at the store flipping through the set's smart
offerings to make sure you and your family will be comfortable with it.

5. Will my smart-TV maker regularly update the

software with new features?
That depends. For the most part, TV manufacturers are adding and
customizing apps on their own. Some TV companies are quicker than
others at fixing the occasional bug or working with developers to
improve their apps. Sets that are powered by such platforms as Roku
and Android TV see fairly regular updates.

Nevertheless, most major manufacturers perform software updates

periodically, including updates to the set's own internal firmware (often
downloaded automatically late at night). And if one company adds an
additional popular service, such as Twitter, the rest generally follow suit.

MORE: Best Devices to Sling Your Phone or Tablet to a TV

Screen

6. Can a smart TV crash or hang like a PC?

Definitely, and they do. Smart TVs require computer chips to juggle
video processing, upscaling, multiple screens and an Internet connection.
They also use memory to buffer streaming video and music, and need
additional processing power to deal with graphics. Just as phones have
become computers, so, too, have smart TVs.

We've seen particular apps crash or freeze a smart TV. We've witnessed
upgrades that have caused sets to power off unpredictably, along with a
raft of other glitches. However, the sets are getting better, with quad-
core processors that can better handle the tasks that are becoming
common. On the other hand, simply turning a set off and then on usually
resolves these issues.
7. Aside from apps, do smart TVs have other
benefits?
Smart TVs do offer other potential advantages. Because these TVs have
built-in computers and an online connection, manufacturers can add
other features. Casual games, such as Angry Birds, are now quite
common on smart sets. The games are nowhere near as sophisticated or
as compelling as those available on a PlayStation or Xbox console, but
they can be addictive.

Skype's video-calling service comes built-in to some sm

Using a built-in camera or optional video-camera accessory, some high-

end smart TVs offer video-calling services, such as Skype. With more-
powerful processors, other sets include basic voice recognition for
searches and gesture recognition for switching between screens.

Samsung's smart TVs also integrate with its SmartThings smart home
devices, allowing you to control your lights, locks, and other connected
devices from your TV.

MORE: Best Smart Home Hub

8. How does a smart TV compare to set-top boxes

like Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast or Fire TV?
You do not need a smart TV to get streaming Netflix movies or YouTube
videos on your screen. Many set-top boxes can stream those services
and more to an HDTV. The leading models are from Amazon, Apple,
Google and Roku.

As an example, the Roku Streaming Stick, just $50, delivers thousands

of channels and apps. That includes nearly every major service, as well
as hundreds of more-obscure channels, ranging from Kung Fu Theater
to Victory Westerns. In fact, Roku offers more options than any other
set-top box or any smart TV on the market. So if you don't need to buy
a new TV but want smart-TV services, a separate, inexpensive
streaming-media player is the prudent choice.

In addition, set top-boxes, such as the $129 Roku 4, are beginning to

offer 4K content.

If you're an Apple household and want your iTunes collection on the big
screen, only the Apple TV can deliver that. No smart TVs have an app
for iTunes. The latest iteration of Apple TV is $149 and includes Siri
support for finding programs. However, it does not offer 4K ultra-HD
support and has a limited number of streaming services.

Apple TV and Siri Remote (Photo: Jeremy Lips/Tom's G

Google's $35 Chromecast lets you stream content from your computer's
Web browser but doesn't include a separate remote. Amazon's $100 Fire
TV doubles as a basic gaming console, offers 4K content and works well
with Amazon account holder accounts.
9. Is it better to buy a smart TV or get a cheaper TV
and a set-top box?
A smart TV costs around $100 more than a comparable set that lacks
smart services. However, that price difference is quickly evaporating,
and soon most sets will have smart services built in.

The price difference can also be deceiving, because connected services

are often just one aspect of higher-end TVs. Usually, smart TVs also
include better video processing in other words, better picture quality
and expanded features, such as more HDMI ports on the back. That
means you get more for your money than just an Internet connection
and apps.

MORE: Our Favorite Streaming Media Players and Sticks

10. Can my smart TV get hacked or contract a

virus?
In theory, the answer is clearly yes. So-called white-hat hackers have
brought attention to the issue by demonstrating ways to break into a
smart TV connected to the Internet and do things like steal passwords
and change channels.

At the moment, such hacks are theoretical and have not yet appeared in
the real world. Although smart TVs have a variety of interfaces, most
run some version of Linux underneath, a popular operating system that
hackers know how to manipulate well.
To be safe, avoid doing anything sensitive on a smart TV, such as online
banking or shopping with a credit card. Smart TVs are simply not as safe
as computers.

11. Can a smart TV watch you?

Yes, it can. Information you share on a Facebook app on a TV or when
ordering on Amazon or Netflix on the big screen is shared in the same
way as when you conduct such business on a PC or a smartphone.

In 2012, computer researchers demonstrated ways to break into

particular smart TVs that had built-in video cameras and microphones
to eavesdrop on people in their living rooms.

In addition, companies can collect private information about you and

your viewing habits from a smart TV. Late in 2013, for example, LG
admitted to receiving information about what channels owners were
watching even after those users turned on the privacy setting. (LG said
that was due to a software bug that has since been corrected.)

12. Can you surf the Web on a smart TV?

Some, but not all smart TVs will let you go online. It requires a special
browser that's not only compatible with all the HTML standards that
websites use, but that can also convert and display those sites properly
on a big screen.

Some smart TVs allow you to surf the internet. (Photo: Sa

 Some smart TVs allow you to surf the internet. (Photo: Sa

If you want to surf the Web on your TV, make sure your set has its own
browser. Also, ask if there's a wireless-keyboard option.

13. Can a smart TV get local channels?

Smart TV services and features don't affect a TV's ability to get local
stations. If you have cable or satellite service, you will continue to
receive the same stations. If you don't have either of those services,
you'll still need some sort of Internet connection (DSL or cable) for the
smart services, and then an HDTV antenna to pull in local, over-the-air
broadcasts for free. At least for now, televisions stations have not
followed the lead of radio stations, which stream their live broadcasts
online.

14. Can a smart TV replace cable?

Much has been made of "cord cutting," which refers to terminating cable
or satellite TV service in favor of paid online services such as Hulu Plus
and Netflix. Some networks, such as PBS, also let you watch a limited
number of shows for free using an app. Additionally, you can use your
smart TV to take advantage of these services and cut the cord, with
certain limitations.

For example, there are no a la carte options for subscribing to individual

TV stations online (yet). So although HBO Go has apps that let
subscribers watch the network's shows on different devices wherever
they are, customers still have to have a cable or satellite subscription to
HBO. Other networks make the same requirements.

MORE: The Best Streaming Video Services for Cord Cutters

However, the biggest reason to maintain a cable or satellite TV

subscription is so you can watch live sporting events. (There are some
apps, such as MLB.com, that stream live sports, but these services cost
extra and don't include all games.) Otherwise, if your household mainly
watches movies, news and the occasional series, a smart TV could help
you cut the cord.

Two exceptions are Dish Network's Sling TV and Sony's PlayStation Vue
packages that bundle network and some sports channels in one Web-
streaming service. (See Tom's Guide reviews of Sling TV and
PlayStation Vue.)

The other option, particularly in urban environments, is to add an

inexpensive HDTV antenna to pull in free local broadcasts to supplement
online streaming services. (See Tom's Guide review of HDTV antennae.)

15. Does a smart TV need a cable box or

broadband?
If you want to continue receiving your current lineup of stations and
channels, and make us#e of the smart-TV streaming services, the
answer is yes. You still need a cable or satellite box to decrypt the
stations that TV providers scramble to prevent pirating.

For streaming movies from Netflix or Amazon Prime Instant Video onto
a smart TV, a broadband connection is necessary. In fact, slower DSL
speeds can stymie video services like Netflix, although these speeds can
be sufficient for streaming music from the likes of Pandora and Spotify.

16. Does a smart TV have a better picture?

Not necessarily. Built-in Wi-Fi and a processor for decompressing video
do not directly affect picture quality. However, since manufacturers
initially added smart TV features to more-expensive, higher-end (and
better-performing) HDTVs, shoppers will find that the picture quality on
some smart TVs beats that of lower-priced models that lack the smarts.

See Also : Six Cheap TVs Under $500, Ranked from

Best to Worst
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sebulan!

JOHN R. QUAIN @jqontech

John R. Quain has been rev iewing and testing v ideo and audio
equipment for more than 20 y ears. He is currently a
contributor to The New Y ork Times and the CBS News
telev ision program.

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10 COMMENTS


MINISTER OF TRUTH Apr 16, 2014, 2:00 PM

Ty. that explained a lot.

but what's the minimum connection speed needed for Netflix?

ALLANJONES Jul 23, 2014, 5:40 PM

Great article John. For those who live outside US like me, you can access
Netflix, Hulu and similar media stations on your Smart TV by using UnoTelly or
similar tools.
0

SWEETCHICKERS Jan 11, 2015, 8:37 PM

I have what is called Mifi in my home which I pay for data usage for wifi
capability on my iPhone and PC. I bought a smart tv a proscan and will it require
the usage of my data plan to make use of the wifi services as it gets expensive to
use if you use a lot of data?

SWEETCHICKERS Jan 11, 2015, 8:40 PM

Is it possible to download tv shows and watch them later on my smart tv ? And

will doing it this way save me on my data plan?

0
0

HZ Jan 28, 2015, 12:28 PM

I don't care too much about hulu/netflix etc. How do I know if a smartTV allows
you to install an app (such as XBMC) from a usb drive? I googled around and
could not find much info...

WHAT12 Feb 7, 2015, 4:06 PM

I live in the country and Netflix worked with my DSL (1.5 Mb/sec....150 kB/sec)
without much interruption. Even with others on the internet at the same time.

DARUDE1 Feb 19, 2015, 1:18 PM

why bother with a smart TV? i just use a computer and stream all my tv series, if
the title isnt available i just torrent it, same goes for movies.
i also have all the music i need + any application there ever is

VERTULUS Dec 16, 2015, 10:21 PM

Excellent article! You answered all my questions and then some!

 Excellent article! You answered all my questions and then some!
0

DOCDISH Jan 2, 2016, 1:21 PM

Excellent except can you turn off the smart features and use the 4k UHD tv with
a streaming device (Apple). Finding i cant buy a 4k UHD tv without it being
smart, all smart browsing platform are pc based, ie, virus and hack porous.
0

ALSTANTON Nov 24, 2016, 9:11 AM

Can you use a smart TV in an RV and connect to WIFI while traveling? Is there
any other equipment needed?
0

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