What Is Smart TV?

What Is Smart TV?

The very latest waves of Flat Screen Digital TVs hitting our shores this year are being marketed as "Smart TVs". What does this mean, and what benefits do they haveall Let's try and explain this concept in a simplified manner.

First - A very quick history on TV evolution

Television technology has advanced rapidly over the years, progressing from the basic "Square" 4:3 Analogue CRT Tube. The introduction and sharp rise in popularity of DVD then saw the implementation of widescreen TVs to suit this format. As the trend towards viewing movies in widescreen digital became the standard, similar steps had to be made for day to day Television viewing. So the integration of digital set top boxes began, and our Television networks began to broadcast our TV programs in digital to coincide with that. As the public began to embrace the "cinema" experience, the next natural progression was larger screens, so Plasma, LCD and later LED panels were introduced. In the years that followed, besides obvious improvements in clarity, sound & design, the only major change made to TV technology was size - demand called for bigger and thinner TVs. Over the last year or so, the introduction of 3D Technology was the next "big-thing", as well the call for more eco-friendly panels.

So we've seen TV's develop from a bulky, square Picture Tube with a choice of five stations to view in analogue, to large, ultra-slim, Full High Definition panels capable of displaying 3D images, and a choice of over twenty channels broadcasting many programs in widescreen digital. Add to that a very sharp decline in price, and an ever increasing focus on environmentally friendly performance - we've certainly come a long way. So where to from here?

Introducing Smart TVs...

The internet is now a dominant part of our daily existence. Our mobile phones have now evolved from devices used just for making phone calls into "Smart-Phones" - basically mobile phones with internet accessibility. The same technology has filtered through to our TVs, and coined the phrase - "Smart TVs". Today's new waves of Smart TVs have a very large focus on online interactive media such as Internet TV, media streaming, social networking and web browsing. In a Similar way to how internet browsing, web widgets and software like games or applications are integrated in today's smartphones, the same trend towards such connectivity has now become part of today's TVs, creating a convergence between computers and Digital TV. Smart TVs allow viewers to search for and find movies, video clips and photos on the internet, stored on a home hard drive, through to your TV, using your remote control.

Smart TVs will eventually change the way we access media in our homes

This convenience will eventually change the way we access media in our homes, or more precisely, from where we access our media. One example would be not having to run down to our local video stores anymore just to rent a movie. By pressing a couple of buttons on our TV remote we suddenly have access to hundreds of movies available for streaming from the comfort of our lounge. Applications (or "Apps" as they are commonly referred to) add yet another facet for us to explore. There are a limitless number of apps that can be created. If you are an I-Phone user, you will already have encountered dozens upon dozens of ingenious applications that you now find hard to live without. There are apps for everything, ranging from live weather and news forecasts, to TV Show catch-up episodes, the latest sports news for your favourite team as well as live scores, and of course the whole social media forum such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. These are now right at your fingertips, transforming TVs into a very diverse media network. The ability to Skype call is also an option, with the aid of a brand-specific Skype camera. While a small number of these features, in some form, have been available over the last year from some television manufacturers, in 2011 we will see the introduction of unrestricted web-browsing in some models. This opens up a limitless array of possibilities by transforming your TV into a fully functional web browser.

Smart TVs - Bringing the internet into your lounge room 

There is a distinct advantage of not having to take the effort to boot up your PC, which is usually located in another room, to perform tasks such as purchasing items on eBay, checking your E-mail, or to Google something that has just taken your interest on TV. With large high definition screens, and web pages fully optimised to suit, there is certainly a distinct advantage in browsing the internet from the comfort of your lounge instead of through a little laptop screen or sitting at your computer desk. Even if you have photos, music, movies or video files stored on your home computer, you can access all of these wirelessly through your Home network and stream them directly to your TV.

So, in summary... 

Smart TVs are the next generation of Flat Screen Digital Television, merging your TV and computer's functionality into one.

With the ability to stream high definition movies, connect with your friends using Facebook and Twitter, stream TV Shows, and get instant access to news, sport and weather - all from the comfort of your lounge and on a large High Definition TV screen. Some of the higher end Digital TV models will offer built in web browsers - opening up unrestricted web browsing directly to your Television Set. As Plasma and LED Screens have evolved to become thinner, more energy efficient and providing us with stunning Full High Definition clarity. We now have a limitless array of media applications opened up to us, providing us with versatility and cross functional capability like we have never had before.

Description: What Is Smart TV? Rating: 4.0 Reviewer: Mahfudz ItemReviewed: What Is Smart TV?

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Smart TVs: Are They Smart?

Smart TVs

I've been working in the tech industry for long enough to see some real clunker products along the way. From PCs shaped like fish to messaging clients that relied on slow GSM networks, there have been some memorably dud products. One that stands out in memory as a particularly odd product was LG's Internet Fridge, a $17,000 food cooling device that also included an internet-connected computer in the door.

It didn't sell well. Technology-improved versions of gadgets haven't typically set the world on fire, largely because the costs have generally been high -- why would you spend seventeen thousand dollars on a low-rent PC tacked onto a fridge when you could spend a couple of thousand on a large fridge and the same on a laptop -- and feature sets haven't exactly enhanced the experience of using the device. I may be a fan of social networking services such as Twitter and Facebook, but that doesn't mean I need to update my status while I'm grabbing some milk.

Oddly enough, LG's having another crack at the Internet Fridge concept again, with models announced at this year's CES trade show back in January, but that was a minor concept next to the next big thing to get a tech makeover, that being the concept of "Smart" TVs. Most of the major TV vendors have a Smart TV platform now, offering up social networking, light internet browsing, some games and access to catch-up TV services from the ABC and Channel 7. There's support for developers to make TV-specific applications, but as yet there's no central standard for those applications, which means the features and apps available on one manufacturer's TVs may not be available on the other.

The Smart TV concept probably has more legs than the Internet Connected Fridge, Wireless Toaster or MixMaster-With-Inbuilt Fax (not that those last two actually exist) simply because they've largely been priced at the same kinds of price points we're used to seeing TVs priced at, so you're not spending too much extra for those features. More critically they're better because the features they offer make a certain amount of sense. When I'm watching TV and want to check something, the option to quickly bring up a web page makes sense. With the addition of a camera, the opportunity to hook up a video Skype call with the entire family sitting on the couch makes sense. If there's a brief pause for some advertising, I'd probably rather while the time away with a quick ad-hoc game than being told why I should buy this year's rustbucket. You get the idea.

It's early days for the Smart TV concept. What do you think  Will your next TV purchase be a Smart TV, or will the concept go colder than the Internet Fridge?

Description: Smart TVs: Are They Smart? Rating: 4.0 Reviewer: Mahfudz ItemReviewed: Smart TVs: Are They Smart?

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Panasonic TC-L50ET60 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart 3D IPS LED HDTV Review



Panasonic TC-L50ET60 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart 3D



Panasonic ET60 Series LED HDTV (50 and 55-Inch Class)

Cutting-edge smart VIERA TV with superior picture quality

VIERA TVs offer the best possible picture quality -- achieving rich and robust blacks, high moving-picture resolution, smooth and velvety gradation, and vibrant colors. With stunning images and state-of-the-art design, VIERA TVs bring a special ambience to your living room. 

2013 Panasonic TVs are focused on sleek, minimalist designs, where unncessary elements are stripped away to highlight the awe-inspiring images on screen. The Panasonic TC-L50ET60 is a 1080p HDTV that features an ultra slim metal bezel and a sleek and slim IPS LED panel that will add an elegant touch to your living room.

 

 Crips, Moving Picture
This TV features 720 backlight scanning technology which minimizes flicker and ensures smooth images. This function is great for dynamic sports scenes and fast-action movie shots.

 

Advanced Wide  Viewing Angle 

The TV features an IPS LED Panel with excellent viewing angle characteristics so that images are reproduced with spectacular brightness, color, and contrast, even when viewed from the side

 

VIERA LINK

This TV features VIERA Link, a technology that allows a consumer to operate all Panasonic VIERA Link compatible AV components using only one remote control.

 

Super Clear Resolutions

With 1080p 120 Hz Pure Direct function and a fast image processor, Panasonic TVs reproduce video with stunning quality, bringing you high-res images with life-like colors Pure Picture Like Live.

Smart TV Made Easy
With VIERA Technology You will More fun comes via a cloud service. VIERA Internet-ready TVs feature VIERA Connect, a cloud service that provides access to apps for video, music, social networking, games, news, lifestyle, sports, and health/fitness. Popular apps include Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, and huluplus. Panasonic's Smart VIERA platform makes TV entertainment more intuitive, more comfortable, and lots more fun.

my Home Screen
Make your TV personal. VIERA allows you to instantly access your favorite content on a personalized TV screen. It's a whole new user experience that is all about....you.

 

Swipe and Share 2.0 

Easily share special moments with your family and friends. Link your smart device to the TV and freely share content by swiping forward with one finger. Save by swiping back with two fingers. 

Skype Communication & Social Networking TV
Use the social networking TV app to access social network sites and communicate with your loved ones while simultaneously watching TV. Watch live sports while upping the excitement by chatting with your friends as the game unfolds. *Skype camera not included. 

Media Player

 

Simply insert an SD memory card or USB stick and enjoy photos, videos, and music on this TV.* A wealth of customization functions let you add background music and effects. *JPEG/MP3 playback

Panasonic TC-L50ET60 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart 3D IPS LED HDTV Review From Many Customer

Choosing a TV can be a difficult process because there are many options available. There are a number of key questions you have to ask: What room will the TV be viewed in? What type of content are you going to be watching? Do you want 3D capability and/or internet connectivity? Below are some of the pros and cons of this TV to help you decide if this television is right for you.

A little about why I chose this TV -- I was looking for a new unit for my bedroom, one that was large enough for an immersive movie-watching experience. I have owned many Panasonic TVs and they have always been very reliable, so my preference was to stick with that brand. I wanted an LED model, one that was both 3D capable and also could access my Netflix account. I decided on this model, and overall I'm very happy with my decisions. The product is impressive in many ways, particularly in its image quality and easy on-screen navigation. The only area I feel it is lacking is in both speaker quality and audio connection options...

POSITIVES:

• This TV is incredibly slim. It comes with a sturdy base plate that is easy to assemble. The overall build quality of the TV is great, and the frame is very small which is a nice aesthetic change from the thicker frames of just several years ago.
• You can greatly customize every aspect of the TV, from the image and sound specifications, to parental controls, to changing your home screen layout.
• Picture quality is awesome - it's full HD 1080p, and the 120Hz refresh rate is also very important if you do a lot of gaming or watch sports. I'm sitting around 6-8 ft. from the screen and the 50" display is just right... if you're sitting any further than that you might want to look into the 55" model or larger.
• The 3D quality is very high - it uses Passive 3D technology, which utilizes polarized glasses that create the stereoscopic 3D effect. In my opinion, if you are new to 3D then passive (rather than active) 3D technology is the way to go - there is less eye strain, and the glasses are comfortable (especially if you already wear regular glasses). Two pairs of glasses are included, and they're also relatively inexpensive if you need to pick up some extra pairs.
• 3 HDMI input ports are included... that means the cable box, blu-ray player, and video game console can all be hooked up at once and ready to go.
• A lot of discussion has taken place about the merits of LED vs. Plasma televisions. It's worth researching and looking at both, but I prefer LEDs because they perform better in bright settings (such as a family room w/ large windows) and they also use less energy.
• This is a "Smart TV" - that means it can connect to the internet via your Wireless router and you can get a variety of Apps. For movie lovers, you can stream Netflix and Hulu. If you're going to use an internet-connected device (such as a Roku box), then there's really no need to also have a Smart TV. But it certainly doesn't hurt either, and you can always choose not to connect the TV to the internet if you prefer not to.
• The remote control is very nice and it's not too cluttered. It's quite similar the the Panasonic remotes of the last few years. For those who watch a lot of Netflix, the remote includes a Netflix shortcut button.

NEGATIVES:

• The built-in speakers are okay, but not great. They will do fine for watching the news, but if you are into movies/gaming then I'd definitely recommend using some type of sound system/sound bar.
• No headphone jack. I'd imagine this will be a big inconvenience to some, and I don't see why companies aren't including it on their TVs anymore. There's no standard A/V output either, so the red-white audio to 3.5mm conversion cable won't work either.
• Digital Coaxial Audio (this port is typically identified by the color orange) is NOT included. This will only affect certain people with older audio equipment - most newer home theater units, receivers, and sound bars accept the Digital Optical input (which is compatible with this TV).
• Despite being mentioned in the Amazon product details, this TV does NOT have Bluetooth. I tried to connect a bluetooth device and it did not work; then I went looking into the TV settings and the manual and discovered that bluetooth is indeed not supported.
• Its annoying that Panasonic chose to run banner ads on the TV by default. This can be turned off by selecting "Menu" on remote, then choosing Setup >> Display Customization >> Smart Viera Banner >> Off.

 

Technical Details

 Video : 50 and 55-Inch class (measured diagonally), Full HD 1080p, 120Hz refresh rate, 720 back light scanning technology

Key Features : Smart TV, Built-in wireless LAN and Bluetooth, 2D-3D conversion, Media Player, Game Mode, VIERA Link, Voice Guidance feature

Input and Output Connections : 3 HDMI, 2 USB

Eco-Friendly Features: Energy Star certified, high efficient backlight & wide aperture panel for low power consumption, Eco-Navigation tool

What's in the Box: ET60 HDTV, 3D polarized glasses (2 pairs included), TV remote, user manual

 

Description: Panasonic TC-L50ET60 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart 3D IPS LED HDTV Review Rating: 4.0 Reviewer: Mahfudz ItemReviewed: Panasonic TC-L50ET60 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart 3D IPS LED HDTV Review

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VIZIO E420i-A0 Smart LED HDTV Review

VIZIO E420i-A0 Smart LED HDTV Review

 

VIZIO E420i-A0 Smart LED HDTV is excellent Smart TV in America. Introducing the new E-series slim frame design. The VIZIO E420i-A0 42-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED HDTV is shattering the mold in a way only VIZIO can, with high-quality design and picture at the best value. Enjoy crystal-clear action and eye-popping images in 1080p Full HD and 120Hz effective refresh rate. A stunningly slim outer frame lets you enjoy TV with a narrower border around the picture for a more immersive experience. VIZIO Internet Apps with built-in Wi-Fi gives you instant access to a world of streaming movies, TV shows, music, and more -all with the push of a button on the smart remote. The VIZIO E-Series 42-Inch Class LED Smart TV gives you more of what you love about TV with all the brilliant picture quality and world-class service you’d expect from America’s LCD HDTV Company. 

This is an incredibly well designed 42-inch Smart TV with a stunning picture, slim profile, plenty of useful apps, and absolutely low price. The only thing holding it back from being a perfect 5-star TV is the lack of a QWERTY remote to make proper use of the apps otherwise must buy separately  and having only 1 HDMI connection.

 

DESIGN

All black with a very slim bezel and less than 2" total depth. This thing is pretty sexy, especially for a "budget" TV. The stand will make some happy, other no so much. It's basically a fixed picture frame style where the TV itself sits directly on whatever surface you have it on. This gives it more of an all-in-one PC appearance than that of a TV. It sits at a fixed angle that I didn't care for at first, but it's actually the perfect angle for sitting on a kitchen counter, which is where I have it. At any rate, I like the design as does my fiancee. It looks much more high-end than its price would indicate. At less than 8 lbs and with a VESA 100 mounting pattern, you could easily and inexpensively mount this pretty much anywhere.

 

SET UP

Setting up the TV itself took about 5 minutes. Unboxed it, plugged it into the wall and cable box, turned it on and set up the WiFi. Everything worked perfectly. The picture calibration out of the box on "normal" was one of the most accurate default picture representations I've ever seen. I've been seeing this comment a lot with Vizio's new E-series line. This is rare, as I usually spend between 15 and 30 minutes tweaking the picture settings. About 2 minutes with this one and I was happy. Logging into the apps was more challenging than it should have been because VIZIO E420i-A0 Smart LED HDTV inexplicably doesn't include their nifty little QWERTY remote with this set. More on that in the Apps section below. All-in-all...pretty easy to set up. The lack of a 2nd HDMI port bothers me a bit. It's 2013 and everything connects via HDMI. Add a 2nd port, Vizio.

 

PICTURE

Having previously owned the 43 inch Samsung Plasma, I can definitely say the blacks are nicer on the Samsung, but that's be supposed to be a strength for a plasma TV. Being an LED, this VIZIO E420i-A0 Smart LED HDTV has more than adequate blacks in its display of HD and even standard channels. The overall display of standard channels on this VIZIO E420i-A0 Smart LED HDTV have a decent looking picture. HD movies are true 1080p and beautiful.The picture on this TV is stunning with vibrant colors and deeper blacks than I expected from an edge lit LED setup. The slim bezel really helps the picture pop and, as I noted above, the default picture settings are very accurate. There are several picture mode presets, including an eye-popping "vibrant" setting for those preferring boosted color saturation. I've never seen a TV of this size at any price point with a better picture.

 

SOUND

This set has stereo 2W front-firing speakers built-in which can be set to mono, stereo, or a simulated surround setting. If you're going to be gaming or watching movies on this set, you'll want a sound bar or a decent 2.1/3.1 setup, for everyone else these built-in speakers will suffice. I think the sound quality of this TV is adequate, not awesome, but adequate. If you're wanting an impressive home theater experience from an audio standpoint then I think a sound bar or a surround sound system would be the way to go here.When set on the simulated surround mode the sound stage is surprisingly wide to the point where it will occasionally bounce a sound so that is seems to be coming from behind you. It's nothing earth-shattering and there is no real bass, as expected, but as far as built-in TV speakers, they do a pretty good job. For my kitchen use of this TV, they're perfectly serviceable.

 

APPS

I have been waiting for this TV specifically because it's a 42" 1080p LED Smart TV. It is currently the only 42" Smart TV on the market. The apps available are most of the ones you would hope for; Netflix, Amazon video, Vudu, Hulu Plus, Rhapsody, Pandora, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Notably missing is HBO Go and MLB.tv, neither of which are currently available on any Vizio TV. The apps that are available respond quickly, and most can run while the current program is playing (you can tweet while watching the game, for example). With all of these great apps, I was absolutely floored that Vizio chose not to include it's QWERTY remote with this TV. It's a puzzlingly stupid decision as the lack of this QWERTY remote makes using the apps unnecessarily difficult. Once you're logged in to all of your apps, basic searching is OK, as the included remote is functional and responsive, but the lack of the QWERTY keyboard on the back makes using Facebook and Twitter highly unlikely, which is a shame because otherwise they are solid apps.

 

Functionality
The TV, out of the box takes about 15 minutes to set up if you're taking your time. The remote is a little small, but unless you have massive hands it shouldn't be an issue. When you go to turn on the TV it takes about 15 seconds from when you press the power button to when you see the screen display the picture. Maybe that's too long for some people, it doesn't bother me. The Wifi connection process is fast, smooth, and seamless. As far as the Smart TV features go, it's very non-invasive. Pops up at the press of the big "V" button midway up the remote and it displays the scrollable bar along the bottom of the screen with everything from Netflix & Hulu Plus to YouTube, Twitter, Skype, and Facebook.

 

Overall, I would say if you're looking to go bigger than the 40 inch range with a HDTV that really delivers in quality and performance without breaking the bank, then this is the TV for you!

This is an excellent no-frills smart TV. the picture is excellent and the sound is surprisingly good. While it is missing some features and has fairly limited menu options the excellent picture quality and built in apps make this well worth the low price.

 

After living with the TV for less than a week my main complaints are:

• can't rename channels
• no channel favorites
• firmware updates seemed to wipe out most of the customization I'd done to the apps and widget dock
• cheap remote without lighted buttons
• Just one HDMI Connections

Pros VIZIO E420i-A0 Smart LED HDTV

• great picture
• decent sound (I had assumed I'd immediately need a sound bar but have decided I can wait for now)
• built in Netflix, Amazon, etc.
• attractive design with very thin bezel around the screen
• large screen size for a low price

 

Description: VIZIO E420i-A0 Smart LED HDTV Review Rating: 4.0 Reviewer: Mahfudz ItemReviewed: VIZIO E420i-A0 Smart LED HDTV Review

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Comparison Of LG Smart TV Vs Samsung Smart LED TV, Which One Do You Want

Comparison Of LG Smart TV Vs Samsung Smart LED TV

Smart TVs have the potential to replace conventional TVs. This innovative gadget offers a lot of features a conventional TV set could not give, taking things a step further. It is equipped with advanced computing technology which includes internet integration, a set-top box, gaming console, Blu-ray player, local hard drive storage, and other devices. In other words, a smart television is the ultimate one-stop home entertainment center.

Many renowned electronics manufacturers have tried their hands at making their own smart TVs. Some companies even join hands to manufacture this amazing entertainment gadget. Logitech, Sony, Intel, and Google, for example, are working together to produce an Android-based Google TV. Two giant electronics manufacturers LG and Samsung are currently at the forefront. Both companies also produce their own signature smart televisions. A lot of people tend to compare products from LG and Samsung because they are both Korean based companies and both target the same market.

The LG Smart TV features four exciting options: the Launcher Bar, Premium Content, TV Live, and TV Apps. Premium contents for this TV are provided by partners CinemaNow and Netflix. In addition, LG also provides a vast collection of apps ranging from educational to gaming purposes. The Smart Share feature in this product allows the users to wirelessly stream videos and listen to music from compatible devices of from their computer. To access the content without using the computer, the user should only activate the embedded web surfer. In addition, users can also access Picasa Photo Viewer, Google Maps, YouTube, Amazon VOD, AP, and Twitter as well. On top of that, the LG Smart TV is more affordable than most smart TVs sold in the market

The Samsung Smart LED TV, on the other hand, offers more exciting features. At least five smart options are available: Smart Search, Smart Chat, Smart Video, Smart Design, and Smart 3D. And like the LG Smart TV, the features provided in this Samsung TV also enable the users to access various movies, music, TV programs, videos, and games, not to mention online contents and social networking sites. Smart 3D is probably the best feature of Samsung Smart LED TV. This state of the art gadget also boasts vivid image and excellent color qualities unlike other television displays. This TV is more expensive than the LG Smart TV. But if you are looking for an excellent image quality, this is the perfect smart TV for you.

Description: Comparison Of LG Smart TV Vs Samsung Smart LED TV, Which One Do You Want Rating: 4.0 Reviewer: Mahfudz ItemReviewed: Comparison Of LG Smart TV Vs Samsung Smart LED TV, Which One Do You Want

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What Is Smart TV?

What Is Smart TV

The very latest waves of Flat Screen Digital TVs hitting our shores this year are being marketed as "Smart TVs". What does this mean, and what benefits do they haveall Let's try and explain this concept in a simplified manner.

First - A very quick history on TV evolution

Television technology has advanced rapidly over the years, progressing from the basic "Square" 4:3 Analogue CRT Tube. The introduction and sharp rise in popularity of DVD then saw the implementation of widescreen TVs to suit this format. As the trend towards viewing movies in widescreen digital became the standard, similar steps had to be made for day to day Television viewing. So the integration of digital set top boxes began, and our Television networks began to broadcast our TV programs in digital to coincide with that. As the public began to embrace the "cinema" experience, the next natural progression was larger screens, so Plasma, LCD and later LED panels were introduced. In the years that followed, besides obvious improvements in clarity, sound & design, the only major change made to TV technology was size - demand called for bigger and thinner TVs. Over the last year or so, the introduction of 3D Technology was the next "big-thing", as well the call for more eco-friendly panels.

So we've seen TV's develop from a bulky, square Picture Tube with a choice of five stations to view in analogue, to large, ultra-slim, Full High Definition panels capable of displaying 3D images, and a choice of over twenty channels broadcasting many programs in widescreen digital. Add to that a very sharp decline in price, and an ever increasing focus on environmentally friendly performance - we've certainly come a long way. So where to from here?

Introducing Smart TVs...

The internet is now a dominant part of our daily existence. Our mobile phones have now evolved from devices used just for making phone calls into "Smart-Phones" - basically mobile phones with internet accessibility. The same technology has filtered through to our TVs, and coined the phrase - "Smart TVs". Today's new waves of Smart TVs have a very large focus on online interactive media such as Internet TV, media streaming, social networking and web browsing. In a Similar way to how internet browsing, web widgets and software like games or applications are integrated in today's smartphones, the same trend towards such connectivity has now become part of today's TVs, creating a convergence between computers and Digital TV. Smart TVs allow viewers to search for and find movies, video clips and photos on the internet, stored on a home hard drive, through to your TV, using your remote control.

Smart TVs will eventually change the way we access media in our homes

This convenience will eventually change the way we access media in our homes, or more precisely, from where we access our media. One example would be not having to run down to our local video stores anymore just to rent a movie. By pressing a couple of buttons on our TV remote we suddenly have access to hundreds of movies available for streaming from the comfort of our lounge. Applications (or "Apps" as they are commonly referred to) add yet another facet for us to explore. There are a limitless number of apps that can be created. If you are an I-Phone user, you will already have encountered dozens upon dozens of ingenious applications that you now find hard to live without. There are apps for everything, ranging from live weather and news forecasts, to TV Show catch-up episodes, the latest sports news for your favourite team as well as live scores, and of course the whole social media forum such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. These are now right at your fingertips, transforming TVs into a very diverse media network. The ability to Skype call is also an option, with the aid of a brand-specific Skype camera. While a small number of these features, in some form, have been available over the last year from some television manufacturers, in 2011 we will see the introduction of unrestricted web-browsing in some models. This opens up a limitless array of possibilities by transforming your TV into a fully functional web browser.

Smart TVs - Bringing the internet into your lounge room

There is a distinct advantage of not having to take the effort to boot up your PC, which is usually located in another room, to perform tasks such as purchasing items on eBay, checking your E-mail, or to Google something that has just taken your interest on TV. With large high definition screens, and web pages fully optimised to suit, there is certainly a distinct advantage in browsing the internet from the comfort of your lounge instead of through a little laptop screen or sitting at your computer desk. Even if you have photos, music, movies or video files stored on your home computer, you can access all of these wirelessly through your Home network and stream them directly to your TV.

So, in summary...

Smart TVs are the next generation of Flat Screen Digital Television, merging your TV and computer's functionality into one.

With the ability to stream high definition movies, connect with your friends using Facebook and Twitter, stream TV Shows, and get instant access to news, sport and weather - all from the comfort of your lounge and on a large High Definition TV screen. Some of the higher end Digital TV models will offer built in web browsers - opening up unrestricted web browsing directly to your Television Set. As Plasma and LED Screens have evolved to become thinner, more energy efficient and providing us with stunning Full High Definition clarity. We now have a limitless array of media applications opened up to us, providing us with versatility and cross functional capability like we have never had before.                     

Description: What Is Smart TV? Rating: 4.0 Reviewer: Mahfudz ItemReviewed: What Is Smart TV?

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Watch Live TV On The Internet - The Smart Way To Watch TV

Watch Live TV On The Internet

You can do just about anything at all on the Internet today, so it is no wonder that you can watch live TV on the Internet, as well. There are plenty of people who have given up their regular satellite connection because they prefer Web TV, and they have their reasons. Let us take a look at some of those reasons, and see why you might want to take that decision, too.

1. You no longer have to worry about fuzzy pictures because the satellite dish is not installed properly, nor will you have to risk life and limb to install one. You can watch live TV on the Internet with none of this hassle, because you just need your laptop or your desktop and a good Net connection. You will not have to worry about the weather or tall buildings messing up your time with your favorite programs.

2. The number of channels you will have at your fingertips, just a click away, is much more than the best and most expensive satellite TV package. When you watch live TV on the Internet, you will have thousands of international channels to choose from, and the number keeps increasing every day.

3. Even if you think you have the best cable TV provider, or the best deal for satellite TV, there must be channels that you want to see that you cannot now. Controversial news channels like Al-Jazeera and other private channels will be available to you only on the Internet.

4. Yet another reason why many people choose to watch live TV on the Internet is that they can save a bundle if they do so. No more monthly or yearly subscription fees of any sort. After a small initial investment which will be less than two months' subscription fees, you will never have to pay again.

5. If English is not your first language, you must want to watch some of your favorite channels in the language you are most familiar with. With live TV on the Net, you can see any channel you want. If you want to learn a foreign language, this is a great option to learn while having fun. Besides, it will be interesting to browse through some completely new channels.

All you have to do is pay just once to download the software that is specially designed for this purpose and you will never have to pay again. As long as you have an Internet connection, after you have installed the program, you can watch live TV on the Internet, all the channels you want, without any hassles.

Ever wondered how to really worksall Find out how at my entertainment blog.           

Description: Watch Live TV On The Internet - The Smart Way To Watch TV Rating: 4.0 Reviewer: Mahfudz ItemReviewed: Watch Live TV On The Internet - The Smart Way To Watch TV

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The Smart TV Revolution

The Smart TV Revolution

What is a Smart TV all

Smart TV's offer the capabilities of a computer, from a television set. It offers a multitude of services that ordinary TVs can't. These TVs, also called connected TV or hybrid TV, is the name given to any technology that connects the features of the web to a television set. It offers access to apps, games, web browsing and Internet Protocol Television, or iPTV.

iPTV allows users to view streaming video from the internet; either video clips or continuous channels. Smart TV offers the ability to access the same content that is on the web from the comfort of the living room. The concept of connecting the internet to a television set isn't entirely new, but technological advances are bringing the idea alive and making it easier than ever. The technology doesn't require the purchase of a new television set when they may have just recently purchased one; it is possible to connect to a set top box, game console, blu-ray player, etc.

Why do I need a Smart TV?

The devices allow users to download music or videos from the web and access them directly from their television, eliminating the need to create CDs or DVDs. There are numerous video streaming websites available that offer video clips, television show episodes, full-length movies, and live continuous feed. Netflix users can easily access movies and TV episodes on their smart TV. Now, instead of crowding around a small computer screen to watch an online movie, everyone can gather together on the couch instead. Sites like Hula, Roku, Boxee, and Apple TV also offer an abundance of available videos that can be accessed via a smart TV.

Internet gaming enthusiast will love the accessibility of their favorite game on a wide screen HDTV. Gaming will be transformed into a more comfortable and visually pleasing experience.

How does it work?

These TVs use an Ethernet cable, some can even go wireless. The process of setting up a smart TV is very similar to setting up a laptop. They run on an operating system, similar to regular computer, only made specifically for use with a television. This allows for the use of the apps and features, either pre-programmed or available for purchase and download. The TV can be controlled with an android or apple smart phone, or even wirelessly.

The future of the Smart TV

Television sets are being transformed from an object in the home used for watching video to a truly interactive experience that the whole family can enjoy. TV manufacturers are working with internet companies to provide better services for their customers. These manufacturers will continue to improve the operating systems they offer so that customers will continue to get the best from their TV. As with any new technology, companies will compete to offer the newest and greatest versions, which mean there will always be something new to look out for.

Who makes Smart TVs?

Below are a few manufacturers and some of the models they provide.

Samsung offers:

Plasma series 51" Plasma 700059" Plasma 6500, 8000

LED series40" LED 650046" LED 6450, 6500, 6900, 790055" LED 6000, 6300, 6420, 6900, 7000, 7050, 8000

LG offers:

42" models 42LV3700, 42LV5400, 42LV550047" models 47LV3700, 47LV5400, 47LV5500, 47LW5600*, 47LW5700*, 47LW6500*55" models 55LV3700, 55LV5400, 55LV5500, 55LW5600*, 55LW5700*, 55LW6500*65" model 65LW6500** These TVs have 3D capabilities.

Sony offers:

Sony Bravia32" KDL32EX523, KDL32EX72040" KDL40EX523, KDL40EX72046" KDL46EX523, KDL46EX620, KDL46NX720, KDL46EX720, KDL46HX729, KDL46HX820, BNKDL46EX52355" KDL55EX720, KDL55NX720, KDL55HX729, KDL55HX820, KDL55EX620, XBR55HX92960" KDL60EX720           

Description: The Smart TV Revolution Rating: 4.0 Reviewer: Mahfudz ItemReviewed: The Smart TV Revolution

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The Samsung 3D SMART TV Series 7000 - UA55D7000

The Samsung 3D SMART TV Series 7000

Samsung SMART TV - Series 7000 and 6000

The SMART TV series are real winners with respect to functionality, and sophistication. Samsung is clearly amongst the highest quality of HD, 2D, 3D, TV on the market today. This comes at a cost with respect to ease of operation, and the odd flicker from the rechargeable shutter glasses.

What characteristics make a HD 2D 3D TV SMARTall

The ability to use Internet, Skype, and Operate the usual range of social media using WiFi. The advanced remote has a keyboard cleverly integrated into the back of the remote control. It is this compact control that puts the latest in multi-media at your fingertips. The remote control looks complicated at first glance, but is intuitive and for me easily mastered in only a few minutes. I strongly suggest you give yourself a quick lesson with the instruction booklet; it will not take long before you are quickly switching between one application and another.

Pros

Plenty of extra features such as additional input sockets - The 7000 series LED like all monitors now which have a Full HD Tuner, PVR, Time Shift, 4 HDMI Sockets, and 3 USB Sockets which will become of increasing importance as technology advances in the coming years. A very stylish, thin panel, much more technically sophisticated than the LG SMART TV. The image differences may be hard to distinguish at the recommended viewing positions, but the Samsung is clearly the winner when it comes to Full High Definition. Also boasts a 6 star energy rating.

Cons
Sophistication comes at a price; the Samsung is Hi-Tech and slightly more complicated to operate than the LG. Cost of Extra 3D Shutter glasses is around the $120.00AUD/USD; as compared to the $20.00 for the Polarized 3D battery and flicker free LG Glasses.

Conclusion:

Samsung has a superior image and a broader range of multi-media functions. Slightly more complicated to operate than its counterparts, largely due to the number of applications available at your fingertips.

Comparison:

Both SAMSUNG and LG SMART Televisions are winners in their own right. Now at just under $3299.00 either are a great deal.

Samsung SMART TV- Superior 2D, 3D,Full HD Sophistication. Capable of performing a wide range of multimedia tasks at the press of the button.

And

LG SMART TV for 2D, 3D, HD Simplicity. If you look close to the LG screen then you will notice that the image pixels are slightly coarser than that of the Samsung. The LG Magic Wand remote is definitely a winner, and the easier of the two brands to operate.

       

Description: The Samsung 3D SMART TV Series 7000 - UA55D7000 Rating: 4.0 Reviewer: Mahfudz ItemReviewed: The Samsung 3D SMART TV Series 7000 - UA55D7000

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