What is a smart TV?

If your sick of the adverts on free-to-air commercial channels but still want to see the latest HBO blockbusters such as Game-Of-Thrones legally, you really only have two choices. Subscribe to Pay-TV such as Foxtel, or throw out your old TV and upgrade to a Smart-TV.
 

 
Simply put, a Smart TV is a TV that can connect to the internet. Some have web browsers built in, and most have access to apps that let the TVs access popular services like Netflix, Quickflix, Stan, Presto, YouTube and ABC iView

See also TV STREAMING ALTERNATIVES IN AUSTRALIA

Nearly all TVs released in 2015 are smart TVs. Only entry-level TVs with poor picture quality have no smart functionality at all. If you want a good TV, you’ll need to get a smart TV.

Originally called “connected TVs,” or “hybrid TV” these sets were then 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 or Web browsers. Besides the traditional functions of television sets and set-top boxes provided through traditional broadcasting media, these devices can also provide Internet TV, online interactive media, over-the-top content, as well as on-demand streaming media, and home networking access.

A good review of SMART TV’s and their features can be found at RTINGS.com

RTINGS.com state that Samsung and LG are leading the pack in term of smart TV features.

If I do not have a SMART TV enabled TV, what are my options?

Older Tv’s that are not Internet enabled, rely on a set-top-box such as the Foxtel IQ or Apple TV to provide internet, movie purchases, catch-up and recording facilities.

Apple-TV also provides you the ability to purchase movies and TV programs without the ongoing monthly commitment that Foxtel requires.

Foxtel gives you access to the latest programs and movies PLUS live sports channels that the streaming services such as Netflix cannot provide. But you have to pay for it.

So the choice of Smart-TV compared to Foxtel IQ/Apple TV is a matter of price and content that only you and your family can decide upon.

Getting Internet connection to your Foxtel IQ box or Smart TV is another matter and one where The IT Guys (WA) come into their element.

Need more help?

If you live in Western Australia, and you need any kind of computer help, please bring your computer to us at 315 Rokeby Road, Subiaco, Western Australia or call us out. You can contact us here or call: