Understanding Smart Televisions

Feb 8, 2021

Back in 2015, the Kenyan government passed a bill that dictated the migration from analog to digital television. The move, at the time, was mired by court cases and media stations protesting against it citing loss of audiences due to a market that wasn’t ready. However, today most households either own a Smart TV or a set-top box that has seen this transition prosper. However, what are Smart TVs, and why are they the fuss about town? Also, are they any better than analog TVs that we were vehemently campaigning for?


What is a “Smart TV?”

In today’s digital world everything from watches to refrigerators now possess the term smart before the appliance name. This means the said devices can take commands easily from either your phone or, for those who prefer luxury, voice prompts. Smart TVs are no different. With powerful processors, internet connectivity, and easy-to-navigate software, the modern TV is more like a smartphone or tablet than those of past years. They incorporate an operating system/platform that allows you to access, manage, and view online and network-based media content without the need to connect to an additional box. Essentially they can surf the internet, access social media, streaming sites such as Netflix, and Hulu and they can connect to a host of other compatible devices such as BlueTooth speakers.

 

The next big question that has come with the onset of Smart TVs is how does one get a Smart TV? Do you have to buy one when you recently acquired that brand new 43-inch? Well, if you have the money and time you could. However, there is an option to get a set-top box also known as a digital box. This is a device that converts video content to analog or digital TV signals. Enabling you to easily access the available channels. Luckily some TVs already come with inbuilt set-top boxes and all you have to do is set it up and enjoy your favorite shows. Those that are sold separately come with the option of TV only or TV and Wi-Fi connection.

 

So what options are there in Kenya today? Depending on your preference there are the free-to-air digital boxes or the subscription-based. On the free-to-air boxes, the available channels include KTN, NTV, Citizen, Kiss TV, K24, and KBC among others. Their price ranges from Kshs. 3000 to Kshs. 16,200. Of course, you could settle for this option as it is pocket friendly if you do not spend much time watching TV and enjoy more locally available content. The subscription-based or Pay TV digital boxes to offer the user more. From free to air channels such as those found on free-to-air set-top boxes to international stations such as Supersport, National Geographic, and more. However, these are only available after one has paid the monthly fee.

Some of these set-top-boxes include :

Free-to-air

-               Holy Box HW7900 DVB T2

-               EURO MAX-DVB-2221 DVB-T2

-               Bamba Decoder

-               ADN Decoder

-               Sonar Decoder

-               Skylife Decoder

-               The Big Box (Safaricom)

-               Hotpoint Decoder

 

Subscription-based

-               GO TV

-               Startimes

-               Zuku

-               DSTV

 

Types of Smart TVs

Nowadays it is hard to find a TV that isn’t considered smart unless you are hell-bent on it, which is acceptable. Most brands have transitioned to building Smart TVs with inbuilt digital boxes thus cutting out the need to purchase separate set-top boxes. From budget-friendly brands such as HiSense and TCL with the inbuilt ROKU streaming to high-end brands such as Samsung and Sony which offer more functionalities such as voice control. Among the biggest Smart TV makers include Hisense, LG, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, SonyTCL, Toshiba, and Vizio. And while the budget-friendly brands may save you some coins they may harbor some issues such as low-quality resolution, fewer app selections, and poor performance over time.

 

Setting Up your Smart TV

So far you have your TV, you already know about set-top-boxes and the options they present, but how do you get to watch? To get a Smart TV and all its functionalities you need to set up your home internet. As mentioned above, these TVs often use a Wi-Fi connection. Most of them come with an Ethernet cable and can also connect directly to the home Wi-Fi. So if you have work experience in setting these up on your smartphone or laptop, this should be a breeze. For first-time Smart TV owners; Using your remote -  head on over to your settings tab, select the setup option, select the network setting, search for your Wi-Fi name, input the password, and just like that your TV is ready for browsing and streaming.


However, not all Smart TVs are the same. Some features are exclusive to certain brands while others such as internet connection are available for most. It is essential to pay close attention to the TV of your choice depending on the features you seek. If you are unsure of the features, enquire from the store attendants or seller on the features that various available brands offer and make your decision from there. This way you can get an informed opinion from someone with prior knowledge. Do not be afraid to ask as this is a decision you might have to live with for the better part of the coming years. It’s best to make it worthwhile.

 

Why would you need a Smart TV?

Remember back when not only TVs but also computers and phones were bulky devices that had little too limited functionality? In the case of TVs, they had poor image quality, lost signal due to weather conditions, or even transmission barriers. Well, with Smart TVs a lot of these errors have been phased out. Due to their capability to connect to the internet as well as technological advancements. They come with clearer picture quality and dependable connection, and with streaming, you can catch your favorite shows on-demand. The fuss of having to be home at a particular time to watch that one show is slowly fading away. For some, you can even connect to your phone and record these shows for viewing at a later time as you catch up on another.

Not forgetting to mention the better sound quality that these TVs have. You can connect them to your home theatre system or BlueTooth speakers and get the surround sound that makes your viewing experience more enjoyable. In essence, Smart TVs offer a more personalized entertainment experience in comparison to what was there before.

 

Benefits and Obstacles that come with Smart TVs

Benefits:

Comfort and Convenience

Smart TVs are not that different from traditional TV sets. They still use a remote, even though some come with a dedicated keyboard. They also offer the same family-friendly viewing options. However, based on the user, especially when using the internet and streaming options, they offer suggestions on related shows and programs. This makes it easier to switch to more interesting content almost instantaneously instead of switching from channel to channel searching for interesting material. Their ability to connect to several online services from one device also makes the whole experience more convenient for the user.

 

Multitude of functionalities

Like your smartphone, Smart TVs offer the user a wide selection of online services. Some of these include Online gaming where you can connect with friends and other gamers directly from your Tv with quality graphics and real-time response. Enjoy your favorite shows either alone or with friends. With streaming services such as Netflix that allow you to share one account among many, you can easily recommend shows to others from your own viewing experience. They also offer social media connectivity which allows you to interact with fans, followers, and friends from the comfort of your TV. For the higher-end ones, you can download apps directly to your TV and interact with them as you normally would. These are limited to the make and version of the Smart TV you own. Did I also mention you can connect them to BlueTooth speakers, Google Home, and even Alexa?

 

Obstacles:

Learning curve

Being a new device to most homes, the functionalities of these TVs may take a while to get used to. Starting with the remote control. While older models have simple-to-understand buttons whether it was channel surfing or volume control. The remotes for Smart TVs may be bulkier with more buttons for different purposes. This can make it hard for the user to understand how to navigate and finally get a hang of how to use it. It eventually restricts the user from fully experiencing the device.

 

Privacy and security

User privacy is a huge issue within the digital world. A lot of companies have recently come under fire for violating the privacy of their users. This is no different with Smart TVs. Hackers with malicious intent may gain access to your device and take vital user information to use against them. This can easily be curbed by ensuring that your internet connection is secure and for those still doubtful, disabling any feedback from the TV to the manufacturer from the settings.

 

Relies heavily on the Internet

The price of the internet connection may seem like a small one to pay when one device offers so many options. Depending on your provider, you may end up spending more with a Smart TV as it relies heavily on the internet to enable you the best viewing experience. Although there are free-to-air channels, you have to pay for streaming platforms too. It’s best to choose the option for you that will be within your budget. In addition to that, any variation of speeds in the internet speed and any drop of connection will affect your internet-based experience negatively.

 

What to consider when buying a Smart TV

Consistency and Quality

As stated above, there are many options to choose from when it comes to brands that make these devices. Nonetheless, the user should expect consistency when it comes to operations. Worrying about the operating system or the brand should not be a hindrance when it comes to basic functions. The need to worry about learning how to operate one with each purchase should not be a prime factor.

 

Live stats and feedback

The thing with digital devices is lag makes most users rethink their purchases. That is why it is refreshing to see the live feedback once you input a command on the TV. Having no repose while waiting to see if your input is being processed may be frustrating to some. Also being able to see the time left or duration for certain processes occurring makes the user able to manage their time appropriately. After all, efficiency is what Smart devices offer, it’s only right to expect the same from these TVs.

 

Conclusion

Smart TVs are a worthwhile purchase in today’s digital age. Like most technological advancements it may take time for you to adapt to it however once you have had it for some time you rarely have problems operating it. And while it’s possible to get one with an already installed digital box the option of getting a set-top box for the one you own is easier on budget. With the many functionalities that Smart TVs offer it’s possible to see them becoming a part of your daily life. The variety of channels and streaming services also help expose the user to more content than what one may be used to.

With the various brands around, you can choose one that is best for you without having to worry about missing out on anything. You can check out the available Smart TVs right here on Dukatech and have them delivered and set up for you by our technicians.


Comments

No posts found

Write a review