Virtually every TV sold these days is a ‘ sassy TV ’ . It ’s rare you ’ll come across a boob tube that does n’t boast smarts in some means , even cheaper ones .
And smart tv set systems have number on a foresightful way from clunky web web web browser to the sophisticated television banner most citizenry now consider essential .
What do you take to know about smart television receiver , and what are you getting for your money ?
What is a smart TV?
A impertinent TV refers to any TV can go online to get substance . This type of content can be video – through over - the - top services like Netflix and Disney Plus – or audio , like Spotify and Tidal .
A smart TV can connect to the internet via an ethernet port or its build - in Wi - Fi , and the image of extra features that add up with an internet - enable connecter let in voice control with digital assistants , on-line search , connect to other devices wirelessly ( like a wireless loudspeaker or another voguish IoT twist ) , and casting / cyclosis to the TV from another machine .
As a sassy TV is qualified on the internet , feature can be on a regular basis update allowing for security measure topic to be fixed or new features sum up over clock time ( such as newfangled apps ) or remove if there is an issue or out of date .
What makes a good smart TV?
A smart TV should admit as comprehensive a readiness of streaming provider as potential . Not just the likes of Netflix , Amazon Prime Video and YouTube , but UK TV catch - up services , such as BBC iPlayer , ITV Hub , and All4 , too .
Even better if it include other subscription service such as NOW , BT Sport and Apple TV+ . The more options a television set can stockpile , the less probable you ’ll postulate to spend on a video cyclosis reefer to access your best-loved films and shows .
Another feature that every smart TV should have is an electronic programme guide ( EPG ) . If you miss something there ’s always catch - up Robert William Service , but with so much choice these days , a smart platform that can collate , commend , and serve that subject to you is essential .
The ability to get at your house web and flow contentedness ( like videos , euphony and photos ) from other connected devices such as smartphones , tablets or NAS drive , is also important , extending a smart TV ’s contact into other areas and allowing it to become a hub for your personal mental object .
Finally , part control condition has become a democratic feature on tatty telecasting as much as premium one . get at a digital supporter such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant is an easier and quicker method than using a remote .
How do I access apps on a smart TV?
you’re able to access apps through a smart TV ’s app store . bid the ‘ home ’ button on your remote and that will take you to the primary bright interface where you ’ll be able to appear up apps and services for your TV .
Some apps such as Netflix or Prime Video come pre - installed , but if you ’re looking for something else then heading to the app computer storage or ask a digital helper to locate an app is your in effect stakes for encounter more options .
What smart TV systems are available?
There are impertinent goggle box systems from every TV sword , but which is the near ? Each has its strengths and weaknesses , so it ’s about what ’s right for you .
Some opt for a fairly basic approaching ; others are more advanced . We ’ll take you through the major impudent TV systems , describing their layout and cardinal features .
So , in alphabetical order , here are the various TV organisation .
1. Android TV
The bulk of voguish TV system are developed in - house butPhilips , Sharp , TCL and a few others bank on Android TV for their smarts .
The most up to day of the month version of the Android TV platform is group into four section : Search , Home , Discover , Apps , and preferences . you could scroll across these sections and scroll down to find something that occupy you .
Search is ego - explanatory , but on the Android telecasting platform it can also mean voice lookup in using Google Assistant to find out subject matter . agitate the Google Assistant push on the remote control or address via built - in voice control ( not all television backup manpower - destitute voice surgical operation ) .
Home features a hub of curated content , and if you sign into those apps , the selection is individualize to your reckon habit . Discover uses an algorithm to monitor your viewing habits in sure apps – the UK version of Android video supports Netflix , Prime Video , Apple TV+and Rakuten Viki – and paint a picture content ground upon the event . The Apps section is where you find apps with over 5,000 apps available .
TV producer tote up their own menus to go with the Android boob tube interface . To utilize Philips ’ TVs as an example , in their setting you could tweak everything from the telecasting ’s Ambilight , to picture , sound , and package update .
Android allows memory access to any connected equipment , supports DLNA ( Digital Living connection Alliance ) to get at to message such as videos , music and photos on a place meshwork . Any weapons platform that corroborate Android boob tube benefits from build - in Chromecast , allowing content from mobile gimmick to be diddle on the tv set .
2. Google TV
Google introduced itslatest TV platformwhen it launched itsGoogle Chromecast with Google TV . It presents a exploiter interface that curates all the contentedness from your subscriptions in one place . And with profile added in a late update , the service can personalise content for each drug user rather than just one person .
It ’s essentially Android TV with a unlike skin , personalising the exploiter experience that do it easy for content to be describe . Sony has converted to Google TV from Android TV , as has TCL but only with its US - based TVs so far .
The interface is grouped into six section : ‘ Search ’ , ‘ For you ’ , ‘ pic ’ , ‘ show ’ , ‘ Apps ’ and ‘ Library ’ . On Sony TVs there ’s another incision just pronounce ‘ Sony ’ where you ’ll find accession to features such asBravia Core . Head to your visibility pictorial matter in the top right - paw niche and waiting for you are general configurations , inputs , word picture configurations and notifications .
movie and display bring out down the content into , well , movies and display . It ’s laid out into rows of titles , each words focusing on a special earned run average or literary genre . Content span renting , purchasing , and streaming ( where potential ) , with Rotten Tomatoes icon to prod you in the direction of a well - received film or aside from a so-and-so .
All the apps useable on Android goggle box are available here , with the common suspects have in Netflix , Prime Video , iPlayer , Disney+ , BT Sport , Spotify , Tidal , NOW , Discovery+ and many more . Where 4 cat valium HDR is stomach , Google TV generally supports content for that app at its highest timbre .
The UK catch - up apps are integrated with YouView TV system of rules that fundamentally does the same thing as Freeview Play in offering broadcast depicted object alongside on - demand contentedness .
Google Assistant is built in , and it ’ll bring home the bacon personalized search results if you log into Google . depend on the Sony TV model , you ’ll either have to use the microphone in the remote control to startle voice hunt or you could mouth immediately to the tv set ’s microphones and it ’ll pick up your inquiry .
The organization provide accession to any machine-accessible equipment , forcible or wireless , and there is support for DLNA to view content such as videos , music and photos from your home web . Not all Sony TV support DLNA but from what we can surmise , Sony ’s Google TVs should .
As an experience the Google TV interface is quite simple and much more informatory than Android TV . It ’s quick enough and unchanging too , although some of the recommendation do n’t seem to be the most personal so that could expend some improvement .
3. Hisense VIDAA
The VIDAA OS was founded by Chinese manufacturing business Hisense but is usable on some Toshiba lot in certain regions . The interface is a comparatively simple in - house chopine that gets the job done .
Navigation is square and app survival of the fittest is solid . All the big apps are include along with the UK catch - up apps , and Disney+ joined the servicing in 2021 . On the most up to date version of the VIDAA interface , there ’s a selection of free subject ( Facebook Watch , Plex , VEVO , etc ) and a choice of voice assistants that includes Alexa , Google and VIDAA Voice .
Freeview Playhas its own EPG that tolerate you to go backward in time if you ’ve missed one of your favourite show . There ’s also a lineament that allows you to clock time - shift program by recording them on a connect drive , turning your TV into a personal video recording recorder ( PVR ) .
The homepage also provide verbatim accession to all the inputs , including any connected devices . These could be physical or wireless , and the ‘ Media ’ alternative support DLNA for accessing content such as videos , music and pic on a home internet . This is a chic TV system that keeps things comparatively dim-witted , but in doing so it ’s very easy to use .
4. LG webOS
LG ’s webOS smart TV system go far in the mid-2010s and has been updated each twelvemonth with unexampled feature and smarts . After reaching version 6.0 , LG now just have-to doe with to it as just webOS .
LG ’s webOS treats everything as if it were an app , whether it ’s a video streaming service , or connected IoT ( net of Things ) equipment . These apps can be access through the domicile screen ( or catapult bar that appear at the bottom of the screen ) .
When it comes to the video streaming service , webOS is one of the most comprehensive available . All the UK catch - up services are provided thanks to Freeview drama , as well as the likes of NOW , Netflix , Prime Video , Rakuten TV , Disney+ , Apple TV and YouTube .
fundamental interaction is done with an onscreen pointer controlled by LG ’s Magic Remote , as well as the pick of spokesperson mastery . Options for voice ascendance include Amazon Alexa , Google Assistant and LG ’s ThinQ AI . ThinQ AI is a proprietary artificial intelligence technology based on the IoT and uses the ThinQ open - standard control protocols to enable communication with other supporting machine .
link , wireless sources and IoT gimmick can be access and managed the Home Dashboard , where you may unite to devices and access videos , music or picture on your house internet through DLNA , AirPlay 2 andBluetooth 5 .
LG ’s webOS sets a mellow measure as far as sassy TV systems are concerned . It ’s tight , antiphonal and robust , with an intuitive exploiter interface and a comprehensive set of features .
5. Panasonic My Home Screen
At first glance , Panasonic ’s My Home Screen smart platform look mere compare to the competition . In operation the system impressment , with an intuitive and simple-minded approach that give spry and easy access to all your favourite mental object .
The ‘ Menu ’ button take aim the exploiter to a immediate select menu that shows preferences such as pic and sound for easy and fast access . To access live tv set printing press ‘ television ’ on the remote control , or ‘ Guide ’ which opens up the Freeview EPG . Press ‘ Home ’ and it brings up the app rocket launcher bar , a further mouse tap apps make for up the main hub . you could immobilise your favorite apps to the homepage for quicker admission or re - coiffe the app rocket launcher bar to customise the appearing as you like .
The focus here is on video streaming apps , so there ’s Netflix , Prime Video , Disney+ , YouTube , Rakuten and Apple TV+ . Music is not so well provide for , and neither are athletics , which offend both the number and variety of apps My Home Screen supports . Freeview Play insure you get the sodding Seth of UK catch - up services .
The two input button on the remote provide access to physically connected sources , while the weapons platform also supports DLNA , permit you to access subject such as telecasting , medicine and picture over your base connection and Bluetooth for join a wandering equipment or audio equipment .
There is no support for Chromecast though , which is a misfire . Digital assistant musical accompaniment has been beefed up with Alexa and Google supported , and in the new MyScenery modal value , user can enjoy a relaxing slideshow of images when you need to decompress from a hard daytime ’s work .
One of the joys of using the My nursing home Screen smart platform is that it ’s full-bodied and responsive . It avoids the unneeded atomisation seen on some impudent TV systems , and it does n’t inundate you with recommendations – it just concentrate on all the main cyclosis and match - up service .
6. Roku
Roku ’s smart user interface is one of the most consistent in terms of its ocular identicalness . It does n’t have the flash of LG ’s webOS , but it ’s clearly place out and supremely well-to-do to use . The master sections are divided into Home , My Feed , Freeview Play , Search , Streaming channel and options .
Home is where the main apps are located , and they can be re - staged or removed entirely if you what your favourites well-to-do to access every time you shift the TV on . Streaming Channels is where you ’ll come up other apps / channels as well as the barren to - watch Roku Channel that hosts the advertising - supported Roku Original mental object that ’s free to watch .
If you want to track celluloid and idiot box shows as they toss off up on service then that ’s what My Feed is there for , notifying user when they ’re useable via the + Roku feature article . When a title becomes uncommitted , it ’ll assure you whether a film or serial is in a subscription you have , as well as other details such as whether it can be buy or rented .
On the TV there ’s schoolbook - ground lookup and phonation control potential via the remote and app . The preferences part covers everything from changing wallpapers to audio format , to casting from devices viaAirPlay 2and broach software updates . The app offers more functionality with features such as Save List that works in a similar manner as like Google TV ’s Watch List or Sky ’s play list by keeping a lean if flick and television receiver series you want to follow .
There ’s no Chromecast or Bluetooth living on some Roku models ( such as theHisense A7200 G ) but there is on others ( like theTCL RP620 K ) . Where there ’s no Chromecast , the Roku OS substitutes it for projection screen mirroring from a mobile twist or employ the Discover and Launch communications protocol ( DIAL ) for Netflix and YouTube .
Alexa and Google representative assistants are support via connected devices , and there ’s Apple ’s HomeKit for ascendency of devices within that voguish ecosystem . you’re able to view wired and wireless connections via the Home concealment and with program content you’re able to see a preview of what ’s play on the last channel you were using to see what ’s on .
Roku takes a political platform agnostic approach to apps with all is devices , so there ’s a considerable amount available to peruse . UK viewers get memory access to stop - up and on - requirement apps such as iPlayer and All 4 with Freeview Play plunk for . Otherwise , there ’s the usual bunch in Netflix , Disney+ , Prime Video , Apple TV , NOW ; BBC Sounds , Deezer , Tidaland Spotify ; BT Sport and the like . Despite the number , you ’d find more apps likeApple Music , FiiT or Amazon Music present on the likes of webOS and Tizen interfaces .
There are accessibility selection that cover speech selection , subtitles , heavy - of - take heed setting and audio verbal description . When we last reviewed a Roku TV , the troupe said they were in the procedure of turn on the Accessibility Guide on Freeview Channel 555 . Roku ’s user interface is one of the full thanks to its ease of use . It ’s a bit somber visually , but if that ’s not a pain , then it ’s a very effective way of finding and enjoying contentedness .
7. Samsung Tizen
Samsung ’s smart television set platform uses the Tizen operating organisation , and while for years it bore some similarity to LG ’s webOS in some respects ( notably that launcher legal profession ) , for 2022 it ’s had its most radical update yet . As we ’ve not had the chance to test out the young interface , we ’ll describe how the previous user interface works since most Samsung 4 K TVs on the market will still have that version .
Samsung ’s utilize a standardised launcher bar to webOS to provide straightaway and easy admission to depicted object . Where Samsung ’s rendering differs is by extend a 2nd level with further options for direct accession to mental object .
For example , if you select Prime Video , you’re able to then select whichever programming you were last watching without having to fully open up up the app . Not all the apps digest this level of desegregation though .
The launcher legal profession also allows access to any affiliated devices , and also supports DLNA for admission content such as video , euphony and pic on your home net . In term of useable apps Samsung has you covered with all the UK captivate - up services , Netflix , Amazon , NOW , Disney+ , Apple TV+ , Spotify , Tidal , Qobuz , Apple Music and YouTube .
Samsung ’s idiot box Plus option arrives pre - instal on all its TVs since 2016 , combining over 100 live and on - demand content ( such as CNN and , ahem , the Baywatch epithelial duct ) , along with the common TV broadcasters to deport a wide stove of entertainment , news and sports – and it ’s all for free . Think of it as Samsung ’s own translation Freeview Play , except all it want is an internet connection and not an aerial .
As is more and more popular with smart TV systems , Samsung ’s platform has a full sign of the zodiac of options with the South Korean fellowship ’s own Bixby solution , as well as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice search by pressing the mic button on the remote .
Samsung has integrated its wise platform with SmartThings , an on - screen hub that monitors and controls other sassy machine in your home . you’re able to also practice the SmartThings app on your smart twist ( iOS or Android ) to set up your TV . This works really well , setting up the internet connection , adding all your relevant passwords and even tune the telly channels .
8. Sky Glass
The latest mover and shaker in the world of video is Sky . Its interface is one of the more alone service on this leaning , similar to Google TV in its coming of offer up exploiter a wealth of content in their aliveness way .
Glassuses the same rail arrangement asSky Qfor pilotage . The top rail offers fast access to late used apps , inputs and spotlight capacity , and below that is a runway that ’s divided into television receiver show , Movies , Sport , Kids , International , Audio and Music , News and Fitness . penetrate through and you could detect more content and consider TV guides specific to each one .
Most of Sky Q apps make their way over but compared to the likes of Samsung ’s Tizen OS , Google TV and LG webOS , the quantity of apps is far less . You cancheck this pageto see which apps are presently useable with all the top guns there in Netflix , Prime Video , Disney+ and Apple TV+ , plus a few scoop such as NBCUniversal ’s Peacock , while Paramount+ is available on Sky Glass too
There ’s no support for the like of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant , make this more of a walled - in ecosystem . There is built - in voice control that inflame up to the ‘ Hello Sky ’ prompt if you ’re speak to the telly . If you ’re using the remote you do n’t need to say , ‘ Hello Sky ’ , merely ask for what you ’re looking for .
At the centre of the Glass experience is Playlist feature , which Sky come to to as ‘ cloud DVR ’ . It ’s a deceptive term as it may conduct multitude to think there ’s existent recording call for , which is n’t the case . It works more like bookmark of saved content that roll up all the series and picture show you ’re watching or plan to watch . you’re able to add subject to Playlist by press the ‘ + ’ button on the remote but you ca n’t lend content straight from apps , a lookup has to be do first .
There are no case-by-case profiles care on Google TV , so contented recommendations work by freshen the rest home Sir Frederick Handley Page six time a day . The idea being if people watch content at a sure time during the Clarence Day , the TV will surface related programming during those time rather than having users fiddle about with changing profiles .
There ’s no Freeview Play , DLNA , AirPlay 2 or Chromecast , adding to the tactile sensation of Glass go as more of a closed ecosystem . In terminus of availability Glass integrate the High Contrast user interface , Audio verbal description and highlight of mental object in the TV Guide to hoi polloi can recognise content easygoing .
9. Toshiba Linux
Toshiba uses a range of interface for its boob tube that includes Android . In the UK the primary port is Linux which propose a unproblematic substance abuser experience that provide to those who just want the requisite .
Not too dissimilar to other port on this tilt , the Toshiba has a launcher bar that you could go up or down through the various menus , and then move across to go deep in the setting . These are divided into Home Picture , Sound , Sources , Search , connection , Installation and System menus .
depiction and Sound are self - explanatory ; web delves into the setting up the cyberspace ( you may also conduct a speeding test if you encounter any issues ) . installing mostly refers to setting up program TV TV channel on the telly , while arrangement plump into more specific feature such as accessibility options , privateness setting and package raise .
App support is not as wide as others , primarily down to a lack of Linux compatibility for apps such as Apple TV+ and Disney+ . All the primary apps feature such as Netflix , Prime Video and YouTube , while Freeview Play tot and EPG for broadcast video and the UK watch - up apps , while Toshiba ’s partnership with Amazon has add the the like of Twitch to its roll . DLNA provides the means of accessing content store on your nursing home web .
And on some Toshiba models there ’s hands - free consolidation with Alexa , the digital help is built into the TV ’s OS to help with any question and fetch postulation . It does think that the Alexa compatible TVs are only really suitable to Amazon client , as if you do n’t log into Alexa you ’ll be plague by content ask to do so . There is ‘ hunky-dory Google ’ support too , by offering Google ’s smart service via a connected machine ( like a Nest Hub ) .
In terms of cover the staple , Toshiba ’s Linux is adept enough for its budget terms . If you want more feature film , wider connectivity and bigger app choice , you ’ll ask to one of the big mark
