What is a Smart TV? Smart TV Features & Technology Explained

• Discover what makes a TV smart and why internet connectivity is essential  

• Learn what does a smart TV do and how it can connect with other smart devices 

• Maximize your smart TV experience by exploring the most useful apps and features 

• Answering the most common questions about smart TVs and helping you to choose the perfect one for your home

Take a quick look at the latest TVs on the market, and you’ll notice that nearly all of them are smart. But what exactly defines a smart TV, how does smart TV work and why are they so popular? In this comprehensive Smart TV guide, we’ll address all your questions, from how smart TVs work and their best features to tips on selecting the right one for you. Keep reading to find out more!

What is a smart TV?

In simple terms, a smart TV is any television that connects to the internet without needing a set-top box or streaming device. This opens up access to a wide range of apps and streaming services, like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Similar to smartphones, a smart TV can also easily connect to other wireless devices, such as Bluetooth speakers.

How do smart TVs work?

A smart TV needs to connect to the internet, which can be done wirelessly or through an Ethernet cable. LG Smart TVs come with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to connect to your home Wi-Fi network once you enter your password. Plus, LG Smart TV Remote controls feature voice recognition, so you can interact with your TV using speech-to-text, giving you access to entertainment in a way that suits you. A smart TV can also communicate with other smart devices, like Alexa, Hey Google, or your smartphone, using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay. You can watch whatever and however you want.

All our Smart TVs can also be controlled through your smartphone using our ThinQ app. 

What can a smart TV do?

Smart TVs are cutting-edge television sets that connect to the internet, offering a host of features that go beyond traditional TV functions. Here are some common capabilities of smart TVs:

1. Streaming services: Smart TVs let you access popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube directly on your TV without needing extra devices like a streaming stick or set-top box.

2. Web browsing: Many smart TVs include built-in web browsers, allowing you to surf the internet right on your TV screen.

3. Apps: LG Smart TVs feature a dedicated LG Content Store, where you can easily download and install a wide range of apps for entertainment, news, gaming, social media, and more.

4. Screen mirroring: All of our Smart TVs support screen mirroring with compatible devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, letting you display content from these devices directly on your TV. Plus, with built-in Chromecast and AirPlay support, you can enjoy an even more seamless and enhanced mirroring experience.

5. Voice control TV: LG Smart TV Remotes come equipped with voice control, allowing you to search for content simply by using voice commands.

6. Connectivity: Smart TVs support multiple connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, and Ethernet, making it simple to connect all your favorite devices and accessories. With LG Smart TVs, you can easily hook up your Xbox, PS5, or Nintendo Switch via HDMI for the ultimate gaming experience.

In short, smart TVs deliver a more interactive and personalized viewing experience by blending traditional TV features with modern digital technology.

Smart TV features

With smart TV with internet connectivity, your entire entertainment lineup is just a few clicks or a voice command away.

Access to the best content

Smart TVs make it effortless to dive into a vast library of online content. LG TVs, for instance, give you direct access to the LG Content Store, where you can download additional apps like Paramount+ and Twitch.¹

Watch LG Channels for Free

LG Smart TVs come with access to LG Channels, offering a wide range of TV and movie content — all without a subscription. You can dive into films and series across various genres, completely free. For an even more immersive experience, you can connect your LG Smart TV to a soundbar.

Share Your Content on the Big Screen

With screen mirroring, it's easy to stream content from your smart devices like a PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Whether it's music, videos, or photos, you can enjoy all your favorite media on your TV — no cables required.

What is the difference between a smart TV and a Regular TV?

The key distinction between a smart TV and a regular TV is the ability to connect to the internet. Smart TVs can access a range of online apps through Wi-Fi, while regular TVs lack that connectivity. For a more detailed look at the advantages of a smart TV compared to a standard TV, check out our comparison chart:

What are the benefits of a smart TV? 

Internet connectivity truly enhances the viewing experience, offering a range of features that make entertainment more seamless and convenient. Here are just a few of the key smart TV benefits that smart TVs bring to your everyday life.

Instant access to a variety of content: 

No need for extra boxes or streaming devices—smart TVs give you quick access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video. You can even enjoy music streaming services and cloud gaming directly on your TV.

Seamless device connectivity

Forget about the hassle of cables—smart devices can now connect wirelessly. With built-in AirPlay and Chromecast support, you can easily view photos, stream music, watch videos, or even play games straight from your phone, laptop, PC, or tablet to your TV screen.

Effortless content searching

Trying to find a new show or movie? With an LG Smart TV, simply press the voice button on your remote or use far-field voice recognition to ask for recommendations. Thanks to LG ThinQ AI, your TV learns your viewing preferences and suggests personalized content for you to enjoy.

Control your smart home 

With the Home Dashboard on your LG Smart TV, you can manage compatible smart devices right from your couch. Adjust the lights or check the status of your washing machine without having to leave the room.

Real-time sporting updates

Set up Sports Alerts on your LG Smart TV to receive live updates on your favorite teams and events, even while you're watching other content. You’ll never miss a goal or score, even if you're not tuned into the game.

Enhanced picture quality

Many LG Smart TVs now feature the Alpha 9 Processor, like the LG OLED evo. This advanced technology reduces noise and optimizes contrast and saturation, delivering a sharper, more vibrant picture for a truly immersive viewing experience.

FAQs

By now, you should have a clearer understanding of what a smart TV can offer, but how do you decide which one is the best fit for you? The guide below will help you make an informed decision.

How to tell if TV is a Smart TV? 

To check if your TV is smart, press the Home or Menu button on your remote. If you see options for streaming services like Netflix or YouTube, you have a smart TV. You can also refer to the user manual for more details about features of a smart TV.

Does a smart TV need WiFi? Do smart TVs work without internet?

The answer is yes. You’ll still be able to watch regular TV channels using your antenna or cable box. However, without an internet connection, you won’t be able to fully take advantage of the smart features, such as streaming apps and connecting to other smart devices.

You’ll also miss out on streaming music or stream games through the Nvidia GeForce Now, which is available on many LG Smart TVs.  

Is it possible to connect smart TVs to other devices? 

One of the key advantages of a smart TV is the seamless connection with other devices like laptops, smartphones, tablets, and even smart home IoT systems. You can also easily pair Bluetooth speakers and soundbars wirelessly², making your entertainment setup less cluttered. With LG ThinQ, you can monitor and control your smart home devices right from the Home Dashboard without any hassle.

Can I screen mirror to a smart TV? 

Yes, you can! Explore how to do this with our Screen Share and Screen Mirroring guide.  

Are all LG TVs smart TVs?

While older models may not include smart features, all of LG’s current offerings in the US are smart TVs. These models are fully equipped to run apps and connect to the internet, providing a modern, integrated viewing experience.

How to choose the best smart TV for my home?

If you're thinking about upgrading to a smart TV, there are a few things to consider. You’ll want to choose the right size for your space and think about how you plan to use it most.

Screen size 

Bigger isn’t always better—it depends on the size of your room. There's an ideal viewing distance for every screen size.

Picture quality

If you're after top-tier image quality, the latest technology often comes with a higher price tag. But there are plenty of smart TV options to suit different needs and budgets.

Watching vs gaming 

If you plan to mostly watch movies and shows, then prioritizing features like high resolution and image-enhancing technology is key. On the other hand, if you're a gamer who spends hours playing, a TV with a high refresh rate—like the LG QNED TV—will make all the difference for smoother gameplay.

What are the best smart TV features?  

In summary, a smart TV offers the following benefits: 

• Easy internet access  

• Huge library of online content  

• Wireless connection with other smart devices 

• Share content from your phone to the big screen 

• Enhanced picture quality 

• Personalized recommendations 

• Real-time sporting updates 

And much more!

For those who want a TV that easily connects wirelessly with other devices, delivers stunning picture quality, and provides access to a vast library of content with just a few clicks, a smart TV is the perfect choice.

Life's Good! 

Featured Products :

1. https://www.lg.com/us/tvs/lg-oled65g4sub-oled-4k-tv

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