An Introduction to Smart TVs
Commonly known as a ‘connected’ or ‘hybrid’ TV, a smart television has become a need of the internet-savvy generation. This television set is integrated with the Internet and interactive Web 2.0 features. In this sense, the Smart TV works as a combination of ‘computers’ and ‘flat screens.’ That is where it gets the name ‘the hybrid television’ from. It also combines television sets and set-top boxes, thus making it a complete package of entertainment.
Apart from the traditional functions of tv sets and set top boxes that are provided through broadcasting media in the traditional sense, these smart TV devices can also be enabled to provide internet surfing, online entertainment, and interactive programs.
It is important to understand that Smart TV cannot be confused with Web TV, Internet TV or even with IPTV (Internet Protocol Television).
Internet TV: Gets TV content over the Internet
IPTV: Used by television broadcasters
Web tv: Programs created for showcasing on the Internet
So, what exactly is the difference here? In the case of a Smart TV, the operating system (OS) is available via a set-top box. The software applications that are to be used with the Smart TV can be preloaded into this set-top box. These can also be further updated or installed on-demand. Any relevant app marketplace can be used to acquire the required updates. It works just the way apps work in the environment of our smartphones.
The technology that helps smart TVs to work is also aligned with other external devices such as set-top boxes, gaming consoles, home theatres, Blu-ray players and more. In this sense, the Smart TV can provide complete entertainment to the end user.
Smart TVs can also be connected to intra television systems, digital media players, smartphones, and other connected devices.
An obvious question as a result of these features is the concern over the security and restriction services of Smart TVs. The good news is that internet websites can block the content on smart TV. They are also able to tailor the content received by every platform and make sure that it suits the environment of the Smart TV.
