Smart TVs access online content by connecting to the same broadband router and Ethernet or Wi-Fi network that you use to connect your computer to the internet. Ethernet provides the most stable connection, but if your TV is in a different room or a long distance from your router, Wi-Fi might be more convenient.
Once your TV is connected and turned on, you can connect it to your internet. The smart TV will display an on-screen menu that includes a list of available internet channels provided in the form of apps (similar to the apps on a smartphone). Some apps come preloaded, and you can download more to add to the TV's app library.
When you click on the icon for a specific channel/app, you are taken to its content offerings, which you can select and view.
Exactly how you navigate through the smart TV menu and manage your apps varies with the brand and model.
The Benefit of Smart TVs
The main benefit of a smart TV is access to many apps that offer TV programs, movies, and music without the need to connect a TV antenna or subscribe to a cable/satellite service. Also, some smart TVs provide web browsing, gaming, and access to compatible media content stored on your computer.
Additional Smart TV Features
In addition to internet streaming, some smart TVs provide more capabilities, such as Miracast and Screen Sharing, which allow users to view content from compatible smartphones and tablets on a TV screen.
Some smart TVs are even able to do the reverse: send content from the TV to a compatible smartphone. After sending, the user can continue to view that content on the smartphone, away from the TV.
FAQS:
- Are smart TVs hard to set up?
Most of them guide you easily through the process - How do I know if the one I am buying is a smart TV?
It should say it on the box or packaging. It also should have USB ports - Can I have cable TV and streaming sites on the same TV?
Yes - Do I need the Internet to use a smart TV?
Yes. Unless your TV supports antenna or cable/satellite television, you need an internet connection to watch TV. That said, you can still connect game consoles and DVD players, although you don't need a smart TV to use those devices.
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