Is it Better to Buy a Smart TV or a Regular TV?
Television technology has increasingly undergone a significant revolution in the recent past with the introduction of smart TVs. Smart TVs are internet-enabled and they have available streaming options through specific applications. They also have other smart capabilities incorporated into them as well. This scenario has raised more questions in the minds of consumers on whether they should go for a Smart TV or a normal television. Both scenarios have their advantages and disadvantages.
Kenya: SmartTV Kenya Question: What is a Smart TV?
A smart TV or a connected TV is a television that has features of the internet as well as interactive functions. In this case, Smart TVs are TVs that can access the internet through WiFi or a cable directly on the TV. This allows you to access your favorite streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and others all without needing another streaming device.
A smart TV has a smart operating system that enables one to install applications and streaming services. Popular OS implemented on smart TVs include Roku TV; Android TV; LG webOS; Samsung Tizen; Amazon Fire TV; and Apple TV. These are the streaming platforms where you can find the most popular apps such as Disney+, HBO Max, Spotify, and many others. This presents a lot more opportunities for content that is not present in regular TVs.
Some of the smart TVs also enable the user to control certain functions through voice commands through incorporated microphones, and with the help of smart virtual assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This is very convenient as it makes it easier to turn the device to move from one point to the other. You can look for the show, adjust the volume, select inputs, or do anything at all with your voice alone.
Smart TVs: What are the Key Components?
Here are some common features found on most smart TVs:
- WiFi internet connection or Ethernet internet connection
- Existing online streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, etc.
- The app stores also to download additional apps and services
- Voice control using builtin smart voice recognition applications
- Original feature: The option to share or extend the contents of your smartphone or tablet.
- Internet connectivity for browsing web resources using an inbuilt web browser
- Suggestions as to which programs and shows to watch about your habits.
- Another way in which the website provides the user with an opportunity to watch live TV streaming.
- Video Game Rentals and video gaming on the TV Without the aid of consoles
- Bringing the screen of a compatible device onto the TV
- Integration with other smart devices for a home automation experience.
What is a Regular or Basic TV?
A normal or conventional television set is defined as a nonsmart, standard, or basic television that possesses less functionality compared to a smart television. CRT TVs are those that receive television signals using cables satellite signals, antennas, or DVD players and Blu-ray players that are harnessed through HDMI outlets. It lets you view live TV, watch DVDs, and use any other streaming device such as Roku, Apple TV, etc.
But let me add that regular TVs do not have an internet connection. This means that there are things you will not be able to do with these devices like you will not have all the streaming apps or smart features that come with smart TVs. The only way to stream internet content is by having an additional streaming dongle such as a Roku, Firestick, Chromecast, and so on connected to the TV.
Normal TVs are those TVs that are designed to offer a traditional television watching experience without much stress on the smart applications or directly accessing content on the internet on the television set. This makes them easier to use than smart TVs, to be on the downside they are not as versatile in the way they open up new entertainment opportunities.
Benefits of Purchasing a Smart Television
Here are some of the benefits of choosing a smart TV over a regular TV:
Allinone entertainment hub: Smart TVs keep most streaming apps and services in one place so you can manage hundreds of other entertainment-related applications directly from the television instead of using multiple gadgets. This means that you can seamlessly watch the shows without much difficulty.
No need for streaming devices: Smart TVs are normally embedded with WiFi and application shops, which means that you don’t have to acquire or connect other streaming gadgets such as Roku or Apple TV if you intend to watch net streaming content. This is less expensive than having to spend large amounts of money on treating illnesses that the absence of health has caused.
Voice control options: Almost all smart TVs on the market come with built-in virtual assistants and microphones, which means that you can control your television with your voice. This is useful as it enables you to search titles, alter settings, get suggestions, and do even more without having to type.
Smart home connectivity: Most smart TVs can interface with other smart home gadgets, for example, smart lamps, thermostats, doorbell cameras, and the rest. This enables you to command your other smart devices as you interact with the television interface.
Advanced recommendation algorithms: Smart TVs analyze viewer data and habits to offer suggestions for other content that the viewer might find more interesting or appealing. This additional amount of personalization might be useful for finding shows and movies that you did not know existed.
Drawbacks Involved in Purchasing a Smart TV
While smart TVs come with great features, there are also some downsides to consider:
Shorter lifespan: Smart TVs are smarter than regular TVs but the advancement in technology is much faster meaning that most smart TVs are obsolete within a shorter time. The integrated hardware and software can thereby become obsolete within a few years of their integration. The platforms of most smart TV manufacturers are only sustained for 57 years of software support before they abandon the platform. After this time, you will be locked out of the newer applications and you may not be able to use some more advanced functions. To elaborate, with normal televisions, one can easily exchange the external streaming device in case applications become unimproved.
Privacy/tracking concerns: Most of the smart TV platforms that you see out there today have the function of analyzing your usage data for recommendation purposes. However, there are some drawbacks of using cookies, for instance, it may be unwelcome to know that someone is scrutinizing the sites and programs that are viewed. Smart TV providers employ tracking strategies that may be viewed as raising privacy issues by some people.
Initial cost: Smart TVs come in all sorts of prices depending on the brand and quality, and as a rule, they cost more than basically any regular TVs with the same screen characteristics. Everything that means smart integration in its multifaceted form translates into a higher price tag. For those who are operating under a strict budget constraint a normal television makes it possible to spend less during the initial stages.
Spotty performance: However, even the most popular smart TV platforms have become much better in recent years, you can still sometimes see lag, bugs, or glitches since you are now dealing with apps incorporated into the actual TV software. Periodically many users do experience issues where apps become unresponsive or even stop working completely. Compared to the traditional ways of rebooting, with streaming devices, one can easily reboot the device without necessarily disconnecting the TV.
Before arriving at a decision, there are some things that one should take into consideration.
As to the choices between a smart television and a normal television, each of them has its advantages and disadvantages that will dictate your final decision depending on your budget, preferences, and usage of the device. Consider the following:
Your budget: Pricing is bound to play a significant role in the decision-making process for some consumers in terms of First sticker shock will be the major determinant for some consumers. Determine how much money you are willing to spend and search for both PDP and LCD TV sets that fit into your budget. The Money factor: Smart TV technology, although beneficial, may not justify the extra cost for those who are more concerned with their expenditure.
Streaming needs: By your estimation, how many streaming services do you engage with regularly? If you are quite deeply involved in services like Netflix and use streaming devices daily, then it will be much easier for you to have direct access to applications on a smart TV. If the majority of your consumption comes from basic cable TV along with physical media such as DVDs at the moment, then yes, regular TV is still functional.
Plan for updates: Do not opt for a smart TV if you do not plan on making regular updates regarding the platform and software of the television. The functionality will be very much restrained once such support is withdrawn from users. Will you remain with this TV for anything more than five years? Select ‘regular’ if you want the product to last longer and be more long-wearing.
Privacy preferences: For individuals who are very sensitive about data and information that may be collected via tracking by smart TVs, it is better to stay away from these devices. Smart TV suppliers gain a massive amount of data about your usage. Note that some platforms do provide some form of privacy settings, which users can adjust to some extent.
Features needed: Functions like voice command, casting from the phone, and compatibility with smart home devices are beneficial to some users and useless for others. Then figure out which of those features would be valuable in improving how you watch television.
Room for devices: If the space is available for streaming devices, and game consoles close to the TV setup, then a standard TV enables you to get access to all the popular streaming apps. However, smart TVs help streamline connections in compact places.
The dynamic nature of the television industry continues to dictate the need for change and adaptation. The screen quality has been on the rise while the smart features have been growing. Finally, it can be said that it is rather difficult to choose between the innovative smart TV and the regular TV, and the latter depends on the priorities and the necessity of the buyer. Doing a comparison between the two options based on the cost, the features needed, and the time of usage you intend to give them will help you to arrive at the right decision. I suggest there are no universal answers. Select carefully taking into account the tendencies of viewing and get satisfied with your new television!
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