In terms of technical implementation, smart TVs can be divided into two categories, these are:
- TV with built-in Smart TV;
- Smart TV set-top box.
TV with built-in Smart TV (standalone).
This category includes TVs that are produced from the factory as autonomous multimedia stations. They have the necessary graphical shell (operating system) built-in, and all the necessary ports for interaction with the TV are available. Depending on the technical characteristics, Smart TVs can support:
- Internet connection via cable or WiFi;
- one or more USB inputs for connecting external devices;
- built-in Bluetooth;
- built-in hard drive;
- the ability to connect via HDMI or other audio/video connections.
Smart TV set-top box.
In cases when the TV is not equipped with built-in Smart TV functionality, you can connect the so-called “Smart Set-top box” to it and upgrade it to the level of smart TVs. Smart set-top box is a separate device with the necessary connectors for connecting external devices and the Internet. It also has an operating system that allows you to interact with Internet services by analogy with standalone Smart TVs. In general, with this set-top box, you can turn almost any TV into a Smart TV. Of course, such a procedure will be possible only if it is possible to connect the set-top box to the TV (there are the necessary connection ports).
Smart TV functions – why do you need it and what to do with it?
Depending on the installed software and technical characteristics of the device, Smart TV allows you to do the following:
- Watch movies online, through sites or special services such as: Netflix, IVI, Megogo and similar;
- Watch movies pre-loaded on a flash drive or hard drive;
- Watch videos on Youtube;
- Use digital television;
- Communicate in social networks (Facebook, Twitter) or via Skype;
- Listen to music online or from media;
- Install and play special games;
- View photos and documents;
- Visit various sites through the built-in or installed browser.
In fact, the list of features is quite extensive, and the functionality of a particular Smart TV largely depends on what the developers (device manufacturers) put into it.
