A Comprehensive Guide to Smart TVs: Types, Uses, and Differences Between LCD and LED TVs
Smart TVs are a whole new way of consuming entertainment media, as they ingeniously combine the goodness of a conventional television with the potential of an internet-connected device. With more households slowly joining the smart TV bandwagon, knowing exactly what sets these TVs apart from conventional ones, the different types available in the market, and how these TVs differ from the older technologies LCD and LED TVs would be really apt.
In this blog, we will go through what smart TVs are, their types, how different types of smart TVs work, and the major differences between LCD and LED TVs.
What is a Smart TV?
Basically, a smart TV has integrated internet access and software platforms, allowing users to stream content, use applications, and browse the web. Basically, unlike traditional TVs, smart TVs have integrated advanced technology that users can use to access entertainment options ranging from Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, among others, and even browse the web.
Key Features of Smart TVs
Internet Connectivity: It uses smart TV connectivity features such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet to connect to the internet. This lets it connect with hosts of services for streaming, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and more.
Apps Included/Available: Smart TVs have several apps installed already. Most of them give access to an app store, from where additional apps can be downloaded. YouTube, Spotify music, and other news and weather apps are common.
Screen Mirroring: It facilitates the mirroring of the content on your smartphone or tablet directly onto the TV with the help of screen mirroring technology for perfect entertainment.
Smart Home: Advanced Smart TVs are able to integrate into a smart home system, hence offering the possibility to control lighting, security systems, and other connected devices directly from the television.
Types of Smart TVs
First of all, not all smart TVs are the same. There is some differentiation between the manufacturers over the smart TV platforms in the market, special features included. Here are a few common types of smart TVs you can get:
Android TV
Android TV is Google’s smart TV platform. Other manufacturers, like Sony, Philips, and Sharp, also use it in their smart TVs. It features an easily navigable interface, access to the Google Play Store for applications, and functions with Google Assistant.
Roku TV
In practice, Roku is one of the most popular smart TV platforms out there. It’s slick, simple to use, and boasting a huge library of streaming channels, it’s also available through third-party brands like TCL and Hisense. Roku TV lets you navigate easily and native support for all big streaming services.
Samsung Tizen
All Samsung smart TVs run on their own proprietary smart TV platform, called Tizen. The general view would appear to be that it’s a slick, seamless-experience operating system with an intuitive menu system, neat integration of the SmartThings app for smart home control.
LG webOS
Another highly appreciated smart TV platform is that of LG’s webOS. It boasts a neat, responsive interface, great app support, and even skill integration with voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Fire TV Edition
Fire TV Edition is Amazon’s smart TV platform used in sets by Toshiba and Insignia. Alexa integration in Fire TV makes it the best smart TV for Amazon Prime subscribers and voice control junkies.
What Can a Smart TV Do?
With a smart TV, one can stream from services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Amazon Prime. That isn’t a necessity, especially in any other streaming devices, like the Roku or Apple TV.
Gaming: The majority of smart TVs can cloud game on platforms such as Google Stadia and Xbox Cloud Gaming.That allows users to have high-resolution games without necessarily having to buy a console.
Probably, one of the coolest features on smart TVs is browsing the web with browsers.
Video calling: All thanks to some accessories, you will be allowed to use your smart TV for video chatting with family and friends using Zoom or Google Meet.
Smart Home Hub: It can also serve as a central device to which all smart home gadgets are connected. Equipped with either Alexa or Google Assistant, it can also facilitate the control of smart lighting, thermostat, and even security systems through your TV itself.
LCD vs. LED: What’s the Difference?
When buying a new TV, most people are faced with terms such as LCD and LED. While both terms are usually used interchangeably, they differ in display technologies that, ultimately, affect picture quality and the viewer’s experience altogether.
LCD TV
LCD televisions refer to those that make use of liquid crystals in the display of images. These liquid crystals are illuminated by fluorescent lights behind the screen. LCD TVs have retained the ability to remain thin, manage energy consumption well and have greater affordability. LCD TVs tend to have lower contrast and brightness compared to other TVs.
LED TV
LEDs are a class of LCD TVs because they also use LCD, but illuminate the screen with the help of LEDs rather than fluorescent lights. Thus, they give better contrast and much brighter images since they are thinner in design. It again consumes lower power compared to standard LCDs, and the overall picture quality is better.
Key Differences Between LCD and LED TVs
Backlight:
But while the underlying LCD technology may be identical, the backlights that illuminate those crystals differ. Whereas an LCD uses CCFL, or cold cathode fluorescent lights, LED TVs use light-emitting diodes-abbreviated LEDs-for backlighting. LEDs also boast better color accuracy and brighter displays compared to CCFL.
Picture Quality:
Pictures on an LED are of relatively better quality with LCD TVs, as the contrast ratios are improved. This consideration makes them more ideal in home theatres or any other place where picture quality could be an issue.
Energy Efficiency:
Compared to LCDs, LEDs are more energy-efficient. To the environmentally interested persons, they have been considered better since they require lesser power for the light to be produced; hence, reducing the costs of electricity.
Thickness:
As the LED lighting system is compact, LED TVs are thinner as compared to the LCD TVs. This allows sleeker and more modern designs of TVs, which fit better into today’s contemporary home setup.
Price
LCD TVs are normally less expensive than the LED TVs. However, with the increased usage of LED technology, this price difference has been narrowing down. LED TVs are a better investment owing to their longer performance and high-quality picture.
Conclusion
No doubt, smart TVs revolutionized the whole aspect of entertainment with their internet connectivity and a wide range of applications right on your television screen. You can, with smart TVs, stream your favorite shows, control your smart home, among other features-oh-so-little like any traditional television set.
It will also allow one to choose correctly according to one’s needs and budget, knowing the differences between an LCD and LED TV. Generally speaking, LED TVs tend to offer better picture quality, greater energy efficiency, and thinner designs, while LCD TVs are generally cheaper and can still deliver a good enough viewing experience.
Whichever one you want to upgrade to or buy for home entertainment, it’s surely knowing what varieties of smart TVs are out there and knowing the differences between LCDs and LEDs for your best selection in changing your lifestyle.
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