Smart TV Latest Technologies Explained

The televisions of yesteryear performed one single function: transmitting your favourite pre-programmed stations. But as streaming services began dominating free-to-air and cable TV, our televisions evolved to keep up with consumer trends.

By definition, every new television sold in Australia is now a Smart TV. Sometimes known as an internet-connected TV (ITV), these modern-day goggleboxes can browse the web, stream online content, integrate with Smart Home technology, connect to your mobile device, and more.

Smart TV Technology Evolution

A French firm filed the first Smart TV patent way back in 1994. But with the internet still in its infancy, these early “intelligent television systems” didn’t take off.

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, the advent of streaming services—most notably Netflix—saw demand for Smart TVs skyrocket. Early pioneers like the Samsung Pavv Bordeaux 750 made binge-watching online content easier than ever.

Smart TVs became increasingly common over subsequent years. Every new TV sold in Australia now has at least basic Smart TV features. According to IAB Australia, 78% of Aussies over 18 now have a Smart TV at home.

Smart TV Technology Explained: Key Features & Benefits

Smart TV features and benefits depend on the make and model, with pricier devices boasting a wider array of fancy internet-enabled functions.

Here’s a run-down of some of the key Smart TV features.

Function	Smart TV	Regular TV
Browse the internet & social media	Yes	No
Stream music & video	Yes	No
Run apps	Yes	No
Integrate with Smart Home or voice control assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant)	Yes	No
Receive software updates	Yes	No
Connect to a mobile device	Yes	No

Pro tip: Don’t want to purchase a new TV? You can make older TVs “smart” with a dongle like Google Chromecast or Apple TV.

Browse the internet & social media

While Smart TVs can browse the internet and social media, most users just scroll on their phones.  

Stream music & video

Streaming is the raison d’être of the Smart TV. ACCAN found 70% of Australians watch subscription video on-demand services (Netflix, Stan, Binge, etc.), while 69% consume broadcast video on demand (ABC iview, SBS On Demand).

Run apps

In addition to your favourite streaming apps, Smart TVs can run programs like YouTube, Spotify, Steam Link, VLC, and Zoom.

Smart Home/Voice Control Integration

Smart TVs integrate seamlessly with a virtual assistant to offer voice control capability. Switch your TV off by barking a command rather than rummaging through the couch to find the remote—it’s a real game changer.

Receive software updates

Manufacturers periodically release security updates to combat an ever-evolving list of online threats. Smart TV security risks include malware, Bluetooth hijacking, software vulnerabilities and IoT botnets. Other software updates improve performance or resolve annoying bugs.

Connect to mobile devices

Many Smart TVs let you link up your mobile device to transmit content straight to the TV screen. But for many, the big perk is typing with your phone instead of the agonising controller and virtual keyboard combo.

Integration with Smart Home Devices

Along with security cameras, thermostats, lights, and door locks, tech-savvy householders can integrate a Smart TV into their Smart Home system. The brainiest Smart TVs support common Internet of Things (IoT) standards to connect with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Amazon Alexa

AI virtual assistant Amazon Alexa lets you control your Smart TV with your voice instead of the remote control. Most modern smart TVs have in-built Alexa-compatible voice command capabilities. If not, Alexa also works with Amazon Echo hubs and Amazon Fire TV devices.

Google Home

Google fans will be pleased to hear Smart TVs can integrate with Google Home. Simply link your TV to Google Nest / Home speakers or displays and use Google Assistant to control the TV with your voice.

Smart TVs for Gaming & Entertainment

Smart TVs have revolutionised the home entertainment experience through a slew of clever benefits.

·        Integrated streaming services: Easy-to-use apps for popular streaming services let you watch your favourite shows without an external device.

·        Low-latency game mode: The best Smart TVs for gaming have a low-latency game mode to reduce input lag, which is crucial for fast-paced online games.

·        High-resolution displays: The best Smart TVs support ultra-crisp 4K and 8K resolutions for a more immersive experience.

·        Cloud-gaming compatibility: Many modern Smart TVs connect with cloud-gaming services so you can play cloud-compatible titles without a gaming console. 

·        Smart Home Integration: Users can control a Smart TV through voice rather than a cumbersome remote control.

The Future of Smart TVs

Current Smart TV trends suggest future models will integrate artificial intelligence into the user interface for a more personalised experience. Expect to see up-and-coming technologies like virtual and augmented reality thrown into the mix.  

As newer connectivity standards evolve, future Smart TVs will incorporate these to offer faster connection speeds.

Setting up a Smart TV

Need help hanging your TV on the wall or configuring Smart TV settings? Geeks2U offers hassle-free Smart TV installation services directly to your door.

Contact us today for a quote.

FAQ

• How can you watch free-to-air on a smart TV?

  Connect an antenna, then scan for channel through your Smart TV settings.

• How can I activate streaming services on a Smart TV?

  Download the streaming service app and log into your account to stream content on your Smart TV.

• How to install apps on my Smart TV?

  Navigate to your TV’s App Store or click “Add Channel,” then type in the app you want to download.

• Do I need to log in to any account to use my Smart TV?

  Most Smart TVs ask you to create or log into a manufacturer account.

• Which is the best brand for Smart TVs?

  Some of the best Smart TV brands include Samsung, LG and Sony.