Set up a TV connected by cable to the router. Instructions for connecting any TV to the Internet. Connection via router

Thanks to the massive spread of high-speed Internet, televisions are experiencing another surge in popularity. They have again become the favorites of family members, but a few years ago they were scattered around the apartment, buried in smartphones and tablets. Now the TV is a full-fledged entertainment center with unlimited possibilities provided by the Internet.

What does connecting your TV to the Internet provide?

Want to watch YouTube videos on the big screen? Please, this is not difficult to organize if the TV and router are connected to each other. And you will also get a lot of other useful and interesting things:

• access to online cinemas and services with other content: TV shows, cartoons, documentaries and more;
• work in the browser. For ease of text entry, you can display a virtual keyboard on the screen or use a special application for your smartphone;
• displaying multimedia content opened on a smartphone on a large screen. For example, broadcasting a video from YouTube can be switched to the TV screen with one click of a button;
• access to digital television channels, including narrowly themed ones and without geographic reference to the area. For example, when you connect to television from OnLime, you will receive more than 190 channels in digital quality. By the way, you can learn about what types of digital TV exist, how they differ and what the advantages and disadvantages of each are from our video.

The tandem of TV and the Internet eliminates the need to “catch” interesting films and programs by adjusting to the time they are shown. You will get freedom of choice that you could only dream of before!

FromLAN- connector toSmart TV

A little over twenty years ago, you could only connect a more powerful antenna to your TV. Afterwards, a LAN port appeared on the case for organizing a cable network.

Even later - Wi-Fi, first as a separate device (adapter), and then as a built-in module. Gradually, televisions became equipped with multimedia capabilities: players, instant messengers, and clients for YouTube. And today Smart TV, which has turned the TV into a computer entertainment center, is perceived absolutely calmly. Smart TV combines hardware components (the same Wi-Fi module) and a software environment, the latter being based on Linux or Android with all the ensuing consequences in the form of installing applications from Google Play.

We will describe in detail below how to take full advantage of these benefits. We hope our tips will help you connect your TV to the Internet the first time.

What you need to connect your TV to the Internet

You have to make the TV part of the local network - which means you will need data to log in to it. Firstly, it is a name that is used for identification. There are two options here: either you named the network when you first connected to the Internet, or use the standard one, generated automatically. Usually the latter contains the name of the router or the name of the provider, although other options are possible. Secondly, this is the password for accessing the network - it can be created by you, your provider, or simply used by default (turn over the router and see the treasured numbers). If it happens that you do not know one or both parameters, contact your Internet service provider.

The equipment you will need is a router, also known as a router. Most likely, it is there, configured, and you actively use the Internet, which it distributes to different devices: PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones and other gadgets. Now a TV will be added to them. In this case, the router will be an intermediary between it and the provider’s network. It’s good that it doesn’t require complex settings - it’s enough that the DHCP server is activated in the section with LAN network parameters.

Connecting your TV to the Internet via cable

To make connections, stock up on a network patch cord. It is freely sold in stores selling computer accessories, as well as in service workshops. This cable will connect the router and the TV. In both cases, LAN ports are used, so make sure that at least such a free port is on the router. Choose the length of the cable so as to hide it from prying eyes - a room entangled with wires does not look very neat. As an option, you can use a pair of PowerLine adapters, which will allow you to organize a local network using existing wiring. True, for this, it is advisable to have one free socket next to the adapter and the TV.

When the physical connection is established, you can proceed to software configuration. The procedure for different TV manufacturers differs slightly, but in general everything looks about the same.

1. Turn on the TV and go to the global settings section. Usually there is a Settings button on the remote control for this purpose;
2. Go to the section called “Network” and open “Network Settings”.
3. Click the "Start" (or "Start") button to launch the Connection Wizard.
4. Select “Cable” (“Cable connection”) from the list provided and confirm your choice. When the connection is established, a corresponding message will appear on the screen.
5. Test the Internet by opening the built-in browser or YouTube client.

Connecting your TV to the Internet wirelessly (Wi— Fi)

If you don’t want to overload the interior with unnecessary wires, that’s your right. In this case, we suggest organizing a connection via a radio channel. Most likely, the router you use at home can distribute the Internet via a Wi-Fi network - then make sure that the corresponding technology is supported by the TV too.

If there is no built-in module, this is not a reason to be upset: there are external adapters on sale. They are inexpensive - on average 600-1000 rubles - and are produced by well-known manufacturers such as TP-Link, Asus, Tenda and others.

To organize a wireless connection, follow steps 1 to 3 described above. Next, select “Wireless” from the list provided and confirm your choice. If the Wi-Fi network is accessible with a password (we recommend setting one if it is not), enter it and complete the connection. The system will ask you to enter IP and DNS - ignore it, leaving the default parameters. Then test the new connection using the built-in browser or other service that requires the Internet to work.

If you have a low Internet connection speed and many “consumers,” videos in 4K and Full HD resolution will be played on the TV with a delay. To prevent this from happening, pause playback for a few minutes or select a lower resolution (720p or 360p).

TV set-top box - an alternative for older TV models

A Smart TV set-top box is the only option to “upgrade” an old TV that does not have its own Wi-Fi module. The software basis in such set-top boxes is the Android OS, which is well known to owners of smartphones and tablets. The big advantage of this solution is that this operating system allows you to install any application from Google Play. However, the set-top box also has its own set of services, including channels (up to several hundred!), media players, online cinemas, instant messengers, access to IPTV and much more. For example, in the “Interactive TV 2.0 + Wi-Fi” set-top box from OnLime, more than 2000 films and TV series, 120 channels and many other interesting features are available .

The Android set-top box connects to the TV in one of three ways: an HDMI cable, an AV cable (RCA plugs) or an HDMI converter adapter. Once the wired connection is established, change the TV's input source using the Input or Source buttons on the remote control. By the way, through an HDMI cable you will get the best quality image, which cannot be said about the AV cable, which is used to connect older TV models.

If everything went well, the TV will “see” the set-top box and all that’s left to do is set up the Internet connection. As usual, there are two methods available: via an Ethernet cable, which will connect the set-top box and router to the network, or via Wi-Fi. In the first case, a physical connection will suffice; in the second, the system will require you to enter a password to access the wireless network. After this, proceed to personalize the device - set the language, the current time and date, install applications from Google Play.

Other ways to connect your TV to the Internet

Many modern routers support WPS technology. Have you noticed this symbol on your device? Congratulations – that means the setup will take just a couple of minutes. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a technology that makes it easier for devices to connect to a wireless network. This is convenient, because now you don’t need to enter a network password and understand the settings section.

Important! In some routers, the same button is responsible for activating WPS and the RESET function. Holding it down for 5 seconds or more will reset the settings to factory settings!

To enable the WPS function, hold down the corresponding button for 1-2 seconds. If the operation is successful, an additional indicator on the router will start blinking. After this, activate WPS mode on the second device – the TV. And then there are possible options.

First. The TV does not have a Wi-Fi module, and you use the appropriate adapter. If it also has a WPS button, simply press it and within seconds the TV will connect to your home network.

Second. If the Wi-Fi module is built into the TV, select WPS in the Network Settings Wizard.

If your router does not have a WPS button, there is a high probability that the technology is still supported by the device. In this case, to activate it, perform a small wireless network setup in the router itself. To do this, you will need the PIN code from the router label glued to the bottom. More information about activating WPS can be found in the instructions for the router - the settings menu interface differs from different manufacturers.

Smart TVs offer a virtual keyboard for entering text, but it is not very convenient to use. Remote control is familiar, but limited in capabilities. We offer two alternative options that will make browsing the Internet from your TV more enjoyable.

Smartphone applications. They are widely available in the Google Play and App Store content stores. They can be easily found in the relevant sections or using the following keywords: Smart TV, Remote, Control. Often the names include brands of well-known TV manufacturers - Samsung and LG. The app is convenient because it allows you to easily customize the screen content, switch between multiple content sources, and even simply control with the cursor - as if you were using a touchpad on a laptop.

Accessories with gyroscope. These can be either remote controls with extended functionality or wireless mice in tandem with a keyboard. Remote controls and mice with gyroscopes are usually called aero remote controls and aero mice, respectively. In them, the cursor is controlled by moving the device in space. Light movements up, down and to the sides are enough - the cursor will exactly follow the movements of the user’s hand.

If you haven't tried connecting your TV to the Internet yet, now is the time to start - especially since in most cases everything you need for this is at hand.

Today, the reality is that when purchasing a new generation TV with the Smart TV function, it is impossible to say that it is “very smart”. Only access to the global network will provide “intellectual” capabilities. Therefore, the question of how to connect Smart TV to the Internet arises immediately after purchase. This is quite easy and simple to do.

There are three key ways to connect to the World Wide Web, depending on the means used to do so. All that remains is to consider them in detail. And also study the instructions for performing basic actions.

Note! Before connecting Smart TV to the Internet, regardless of the type, it is important to know the main indicators:

• Internet speed provided by the provider;
• wireless signal quality;
• in the radio channel the speed of the router.

In fact, they affect the quality of high-resolution television displays.

What speed will be required for the TV broadcast to be uninterrupted and meet the stated standards? To watch 3D movies online, you will need a minimum Internet speed of 20 Mbit/s, and for regular HD resolution, 2 Mbit/s will be enough. That is, proportionality must be observed; the higher the image standard, the greater the intended speed.

Direct connection to the network via cable

This type of connecting the TV to the Internet implies an initial binding to the MAC address of the device with the Smart TV function. This will require the following steps:

• go to settings and find information about the product. Typically, this list indicates all the specifications, including the MAC address;
• make a call to the technical support of the provider company and report the change from the old Internet channel data to new ones.

A wired connection, in turn, can be accomplished in several ways.

"Internet - TV"

In this case, no problems should arise if the network connection technology is “Dynamic IP”. Then it will be enough to insert the cable into the LAN port of the TV screen and, following the automatic prompts, adjust the network.

If the TV monitor does not connect to the Internet after standard manipulations, then most likely the system provides “Statistical IP”. In such cases, the network is configured manually. For greater clarity, it is worth analyzing the installation of IP and DNS on Samsung TV:

• after connecting to the cable, the system in “Network Settings” will display a similar message - “Could not establish a wired network connection”;
• then in the same section you need to select “IP Settings” and change the value from “Receive automatically” to “Enter manually”;
• In the window that appears, enter the appropriate IP and DNS. Then all you have to do is click on the “Ok” icon.

As a result, the adjustment of the wired network connection and the TV connection to the Internet will be successfully completed.

“Internet – Switch – TV”

If the option is being considered when there is no need to work on a PC or laptop while watching TV channels, then a switch is suitable in such a situation. This is a switching device between Internet stream consumers. Its cost is low, which is attractive. But, when there is a need to use all devices simultaneously, the following more popular scheme is suitable.

“Internet – Router – TV”

The connection sequence is such that the network cable is inserted into the WAN port of the router, and then the TV device is connected to it using a pressed twisted pair cable.

In order for the “connection” for Smart TV to be established automatically, you must first debug the DHCP server. It is he who mechanically transfers IP and assigns DNS. If this is not done, then all options will have to be performed manually.

It is important to know! To avoid conflicts in the operation of the DHCP server, be sure to reserve a single IP address in advance for all devices connected to the router via cable.

Internet connection via Wi-Fi (built-in)

If the TV device has a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, then this makes it easier to connect to the network and does not clutter up the space with many wires. It’s just that, again, you should first “dynamically” configure DHCP with a single IP for all gadgets. Then all you have to do is go through the options sequentially:

• “Menu” – “Network” – “Network settings”;
• The “Start” button, which will search for all routers.
• Then you need to select a personal router from the list and click “Next”.
• Enter the security key (matches the router password and is at least 8 characters long).

After which the connection is checked and its immediate implementation takes place. If everything went well, then the wireless network is installed. But if it was not possible to implement everything so smoothly, then you will have to return to the initial stage and adjust everything manually.

Connection via a special external Wi-Fi receiver

The method is suitable for those who save space and do not want to “clutter” it with cables, and if the TV does not have a built-in Wi-Fi adapter.

For this purpose, it will be useful to purchase an external Wi-Fi receiver; its only drawback is the overpriced one.

Interesting fact! A certain Smart TV model will only work with a similar branded set-top box.

And finally, connecting to the Internet via WiFi (external type) is done simply using a USB connector. By inserting the adapter into it, debugging the wireless connection is similar to setting up with a built-in receiver.

As you can see, it is not difficult to implement a “connection” between a smart TV and the World Wide Web. You just need to know the sequence of actions, but sometimes try to experiment with the functions.

Smart TVs are becoming increasingly popular due to the functionality they offer. Their main advantage is access to the Internet, including using wireless networks.

But, having bought a new TV, we have absolutely no idea how we can use these capabilities, how to connect it to a Wi-Fi wireless network? And not every model has a Wi-Fi receiver built into it. What if it is missing?

The most important thing is not to get upset, because absolutely all TVs have USB connectors. This allows you to use an external WiFi receiver, with which you can easily connect to the Internet.

Please note that you do not need to have a router in your apartment. If your neighbors have any wireless router, you can also use it, having previously received consent. And don’t forget to check your network password - you won’t be able to access the Internet without it.

Sometimes the reason for unsuccessful attempts to access the network is blocking by MAC address. You need to know all the connection details in advance so that the setup is quick and easy.

Connecting to a wireless network using the example of an LG TV

Since this equipment manufacturer is one of the most popular, many will connect TVs from this particular company to a wireless network. Although the setup process is similar on most devices and other brands.

First, remember that when you turn it on for the first time, most models offer to connect to the Internet. If you do not ignore this suggestion, then you will not have to deal with the device settings specifically.

So, enter the menu using a specific button on the remote. Now click Network, Network Connection and then Configure. A list will open in front of you from which you need to select one item.

Please note that, if necessary, you can independently set any of the parameters of such a network by going to manual settings. Most often, you will have to do this when connecting with a hidden SSID, when you need to specify a static IP, or when using WPS technology.

After completing the described steps and entering the correct password, you will see a message on the TV screen indicating the successful setup of the wireless network. Now click Finish and start surfing.

If during the operation you are prompted to enter IP and DNS, it is enough to leave the default values. This means that these parameters will be inserted automatically.

Once the TV is connected to the Internet, all LG Smart TV functions will be available. And on the monitor screen you will see an icon indicating a successful connection to the Internet.

Connecting to a wireless network using the example of a Samsung TV

As in the first case, you will need a TV with Internet access that supports Smart TV. Naturally, you need a router and a connection to a wireless network. Please note that the settings of the built-in or external adapter are absolutely identical.

So, go along the path Menu - Network - Network settings - Wireless network (general). Here you will have access to a list of all networks, from which simply select the one you need and click on the Next button.

If your wireless network is password protected, a window will automatically open for you to enter letters and numbers using the alphabet on the screen. To control the cursor, use the arrows on the remote control.

Although, if desired, ordinary computer mice or even keyboards can be easily connected to the TV. Next you will see how the connection to the Internet occurs directly.

If connection attempts are unsuccessful, enter the settings and confirm automatic IP detection. But if your router does not support the DCHP server function or the Wi-Fi network is built using manual assignment of IP addresses, you will have to make the settings manually.

Connection using WPS, One Foot Connection or Plug & Access

These technologies are supported only by some equipment models; please check the availability of these features before purchasing. For example, WPS is a fully automatic setup for connecting your TV to the Internet. All that is required in this case is to go to the TV menu and simultaneously hold down the button on the router for 10-20 seconds.

One Foot Connection allows you to connect routers and TVs from the same company - Samsung. To do this, you only need to make one touch - turn on the function in the TV menu. Unfortunately, no other brand offers such an easy way to connect to a wireless network.

Setting up an Internet connection will also be quite fast when you use Plug & Access technology. Everything here is extremely simple: you need a blank flash drive, which you insert alternately into the USB connector of the router and your TV. You will be connected to your WiFi network within a few seconds.

After successfully connecting to the Internet, go to Smart Hub to access entertainment information, applications and other useful features. There is also a built-in browser with which you can easily view Internet pages and even videos from YouTube.

Solving possible connection problems

If you cannot connect your TV to the Internet, use one of three possible operating algorithms.

1. Try turning off and on the TV again, often this simple action is enough to fix the problem.
2. Reset Smart Hub settings. To do this, follow the path Smart Hub - Tools - Reset settings and enter the pin code. After you agree to the terms of the license agreement and privacy policy, the application will automatically restart.
3. Only if there is no result after completing the first two steps, you can try updating the software installed on your TV. You will need to follow the path Menu - Support - Software Update - Via Network. If there is no connection to the network, you can use a flash drive on which the latest firmware version for your TV model will be pre-written.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated about connecting a TV to a Wi-Fi wireless network. All you need is a little of your desire and time. If you perform all the steps carefully, then within a few seconds after starting the setup you will be able to enjoy browsing the Internet on a large, high-quality TV screen.

Most modern TVs are equipped with Smart TV technology. Thanks to it, you can connect to the Internet through the TV interface and watch high-quality films online. And even this is not the end, because with a camera and microphone, you can communicate through the Skype application. But for everything to work out, it is important to connect and configure Smart TV correctly.

Smart TV connection

To use all the features of Smart TV technology, you must connect your TV to the Internet. This can be done in 2 ways:

• wireless connection using a Wi-Fi network;
• connecting the TV and router using an Internet cable.

The best thing to do is to decide on the connection method before purchasing a TV. However, it is highly recommended to purchase devices that communicate with the Internet via Wi-Fi. This method of connecting to the network is much faster than an Internet cable, the circuit is much easier to connect, and you can avoid unnecessary expenses and laying cables around the apartment.

In any case, connecting Smart TV technology to the Internet is easy:

1. Cable connection.

This is the simplest method, although not very practical. An Internet cable is taken and directly connected between the TV, modem and Ethernet port. The connection will be recognized instantly, after which you can start using all the conveniences of the Smart TV system on your TV: watch videos, download them, use Skype (if you have peripheral equipment).

Flaws:

• moving devices is difficult and depends entirely on the location of the router and the length of the cable;
• the slightest damage to the wire can cause a certain instability in the network or completely ruin the Internet connection;
• over time, the cable sheath may crack, exposing the inside of the cable (increasing the likelihood of electric shock);
• in some cases, it is not possible to lay the additional cable beautifully (under the baseboard or floor), as a result it will lie sloppily right on the floor.

Advantages:

• the simplest connection diagram that you can think of (anyone can do it, even a complete beginner);
• there is no need to understand the settings or otherwise configure the TV to receive the signal;
• 99% of all faults are in the cable - after replacing it, the Internet appears again;
• An Internet cable is purchased at a low price, and the entire connection procedure lasts no more than 1 minute.

One end of the LAN cable must be connected to the Ethernet connector on the TV with Smart TV technology, and the other end to an external Internet modem. The modem itself also connects to the Ethernet port in the wall (if this has not been done previously). Then the device will briefly recognize the new connection, and access to the Internet will appear. This ends the connection.

1. Wireless connection.

To connect Smart TV via Wi-Fi, you must have a built-in Wi-Fi module in your TV. It is he who will “catch” the Internet from the router. If you don’t have one, you should purchase a special adapter (a small device that connects to a TV/computer), which will act as a connecting link. This adapter is connected to the USB port on the TV.

First, you need to make sure that the Wi-Fi router is working properly and is fully connected to the Internet. Next, after installing the adapter (not required if the module is built-in), you should select the appropriate section in the TV options and start the process of searching for available Wi-Fi connections.

It is important to pay attention to the name of the available Internet network. If it turns out to be a neighbor’s router, it can be turned off at any time. Therefore, you should be responsible in choosing available networks in order to have a constant and guaranteed connection to the Internet.

If you have a security code/password, you will need to enter it during the connection process. As soon as the connection between the TV and the Wi-Fi router is configured, the user will have full access to Internet resources and applications.

Also included with the purchased TV is always a user manual that contains comprehensive information on the rules for connecting, setting up and using Smart TV technology.

How to connect Smart TV to the Internet via a LAN cable and via Wi-Fi, see the following video:

1. Connection via computer.

The use of Smart TV technology can be achieved via a computer. You can connect TV in 2 ways:

• via the mentioned Wi-Fi.

However, an HDMI connection will not be able to provide Internet access. Thus, you can only watch movies on your computer using the TV as a monitor.

But when you connect to a computer through the Wi-Fi setting, the Internet will become available, as if you connect to a regular router (in fact, this is the same thing).

After all the procedures have been completed, all that remains is to finally configure the Smart TV.

Features of setting up LG TVs

Different TVs have different settings, so for Smart TV to work properly, it is important to configure the device to properly connect to the Internet.

TV models from the LG manufacturer often require registration in the Smart TV system. Without this, it will be impossible to install and use applications (as well as the rest of the TV’s functionality).

First you need to go to the main TV menu. Then in the upper right corner of the menu there will be a button to log in to your account. There you will need to enter your login and password, but since the account does not exist yet, you need to create it. This is why you need the “Create account/Register” button.

In the form that opens, you should create and enter a password, login, and also add an email address:

In any case, during the registration process you will need a smartphone or computer to log into your email and confirm the process of registering your profile online.

Connection features in Sony Bravia

The setup of Smart TV technology on Sony Bravia TVs is significantly different:

1. First of all, press the “Home” button on the remote control:

This will take the user to the main menu of the TV.

2. Then in the window that opens, select the icon with the image of a suitcase, after which the “Settings” menu will appear:

3. In the drop-down list, select “Network”:

4. As a result, several more items will appear, from which you should select “Update Internet Content”:

After these steps, the Internet will conditionally reboot, and the TV will tune to the desired network. This completes the Smart TV setup.

Setting up Samsung TVs

A user manual is supplied with the TV, which thoroughly explains the connection procedure, but not detailed Smart TV settings. This may be due to the fact that Samsung is completely confident that there will be no problems during the connection:

1. On the remote control you need to go to the Smart Hub menu:

2. To check the operation of Smart TV, just launch any of the available applications:

If it starts, then the technology is working successfully, and you can start enjoying all the benefits of the service.

What to do if you couldn't connect to the Internet?

But it’s hard to say what to do when various errors occur. Each malfunction has its own solutions, so it is impossible to determine actions that will certainly help.

However, you can try to fix the error in the most common way. Go deeper into the Smart TV settings and change them if necessary:

1. Select the “Menu” item, then “Network” and “Network Settings”:

2. A message will appear there that will prompt you to automatically try to set up the connection.

You shouldn’t immediately give up on this idea, because it is quite possible that the TV will be able to solve the problem on its own. Therefore, in the window you should click on “Start” to begin the automatic configuration process.

If the Internet can be configured, a corresponding message will appear. If not, an error message will pop up.

3. If it is impossible to establish a connection in this way, you need to go to the “Network Status” menu. It is located immediately under “Network Settings”:

4. In the new window, you need to go to the “IP Settings” item, and then select to automatically obtain an IP address:

5. If this does not help, then you will have to enter all the data yourself:

You can find out the IP address, subnet mask, etc. by contacting your Internet provider via a phone call. Also, if you have a computer and use the same Internet, you can go to the local connection menu and select “Information”. The window that appears will show all the data about the Internet network, but only the underlined ones will be of interest to Smart TV:

They should be entered into the TV menu in the sections of the same name.

After these steps, the connection to the Internet should be established, and you can start using Smart TV on your Samsung TV.

Identical steps for setting up the network can be carried out on any other models, since the difference is only in the location of the menu and the names of the sections. But no need to worry because they will be intuitive: “Network Settings” and “Network Settings” are the same thing.

To check Smart TV, you can launch any application or otherwise try to use TV functions that require the Internet. If it works, then everything is in order, but if not, you need to adjust it. Everything is very simple, the main thing is to understand the essence of the device’s operation and carefully read the user instructions.

In contact with

Modern plasma and LCD TVs with Internet access do more than just attract our attention in store windows. Today they are a bestseller on the market for such devices.

The emergence of smart TV technology

The most creative users strive to purchase this symbiosis of TV and PC. Work with the Internet environment is ensured by the now popular Smart technology, mastered by the main TV manufacturers (the list of the best-selling models in 2014 will be presented below). The pioneer in its development was Samsung. It was with her light hand that the term “Smart technology” became generally accepted. Samsung's proprietary operating system is called Tizen.

Currently, almost all new models from a number of manufacturers (Philips, Toshiba, LG) contain basic equipment that supports Smart TV.

Equipment manufacturing companies and their operating systems

Each corporation develops its own engineering solutions, offering the buyer TVs with Internet access and 3D, working with its own software.

For example, LG is developing the WebOS operating system (OS) purchased from Hewlett-Packard. This open source system is promising for developing new applications.

Internet access via the TV is made through a special LAN port via a Wi-Fi connection to the router or using WPS, One Foot Connection, Plug & Access technologies. For the successful operation of a Smart TV, a sufficient information transfer speed (from 10 to 20 Mbit/s) is important.

Smart TVs are now even more advanced

Users of regular TV receivers will probably ask: “TVs with Internet access - what is it?” The functions of such devices are an order of magnitude greater than those of a conventional TV receiver. This technology offers a new level of convenience for the consumer. Indeed, using entertainment Internet resources on a wide screen while relaxing on a comfortable sofa is clearly more convenient than, say, using a laptop on the same sofa. But rushing after smartphones to exploit the media capabilities of the World Wide Web, new TVs have not yet become budget devices.

Why do modern TV viewers prefer them? Hybrid technology, combining the media capabilities of a PC and the current offerings of modern digital television, has caused a breakthrough in the seemingly stable TV market. Users of new devices receive obvious convenience and benefits.

Indeed, televisions with Internet access are not tied to the hourly television program. Users find themselves in an advantageous position. Internet media resources provide them with the opportunity to get the information they need at any time convenient for them, as well as enjoy watching films or music selected to their taste.

New TVs provide obvious convenience to fans of social networks. They can alternately communicate with friends and discuss the video resources they are watching. Internet access through a TV equipped with a variety of interactive applications is multifunctional.

TVs with Internet access. Basic Concepts

Since Smart devices connect to the Internet and local networks, users should naturally have an understanding of the operating principles of modern gadgets.

Let's start with a brief description of Smart TV. This technology integrates television digital interactive service with Internet navigation capabilities. Thus, the TV has become “smart”. To do this, like a smartphone, it was given functions typical of a computer, equipped with its own operating system and applications. Accordingly, the operation of such a device is regulated by special standards:

- DLNA. Organizes the network connection of PCs, Smart TVs, mobile devices to the Internet via a modem or router. In this case, content recorded on one of the connected devices is played on another connected to it on the same network.

- Wi-Fi standard. It is also called the wireless standard. Internet-connected TVs use this standard either through a special built-in unit or through a USB adapter that supports Wi-Fi.

- Ethernet. Defines the wired connection of devices to the local network. At the same time, good performance indicators, noise immunity, and reliability are ensured.

- IPTV standard. This is an Internet TV protocol.

- HbbTV standard (European). Regulates the transmission of multimedia information over all kinds of communication lines, including Wi-Fi (broadband Internet connection, satellite, cable, terrestrial channels).

We also consider it correct to recall the interpretation of the term “broadband” (providing continuous high-speed downloading and uploading of data). This is a necessary way to connect a Smart TV to the World Wide Web.

Widgets - a convenient TV interface

Special programs turn TVs with Internet access into excellent navigators. A widget is a special graphic module that connects the user to a specific streaming video or media. For example, to exchange rates or to a TV channel. It should also be noted that the widget does not require large amounts of memory from the television device. How is this achieved? The graphical shell is placed by the manufacturer in the Smart TV. At the same time, the software is located and, accordingly, runs in the cloud.

Social networks, Skype

Modern manufacturers of this miracle of technology initially install Twitter, Facebook, and Google Talk widgets on their models (often they are combined in the Social TV menu item). The top TV channels, following the spirit of the times and setting up their own information portals on the World Wide Web, visualized with individual widgets, were not offended by the new technology.

TVs with Internet access, equipped with the popular Skype program, also perform the popular video calling function.

TV manufacturing companies and interface features

Now, having turned on the required widget, you can watch new clips on YouTube or check the weather forecast without leaving the TV.

Various manufacturers offer their own widgets, so we recommend that buyers choose a manufacturer based on personal tastes. For lovers of social networks, Samsung is more suitable. LG TV provides excellent viewing of collections of films and TV shows (Internet access is provided through the appropriate widgets). If you are serious about online trading, then Philips will allow you to use the international eBay auction online, where trading takes place across national borders.

It should be noted that the most popular widgets are provided to users on a paid basis.

Network capabilities of Smart TV

To further integrate television with the Internet, with functionality as close as possible to a PC, Google, Intel, Sony, and Logitech created the universal Google TV platform. Thanks to it, by connecting to the Google service, you automatically get access to YouTube; any TVs with Internet access LG and Samsung also support Google TV. The Chrome browser and Adobe Flash allow you to launch and enjoy games right there, right on Internet pages.

The Google TV platform can be built into the TV itself. Naturally, such a technique is less expensive, but free navigation on the Internet is worth it! You can pay for versatility. TVs with Internet access will provide worthy competition to PCs (they are presented in a wide range at M.Video and other retail chains).

User opinions

There are a number of Russian publications with sales ratings in the household appliances segment under consideration. At the same time, a thoughtful buyer is, of course, interested not in advertising, but in the sales practices of retail chains. The way users characterize their TVs with Internet access is also of interest. Reviews should be read, paying attention to functionality, stability, and shortcomings.

At the end of 2014, for example, the Russian federal-level retail chains Saturn and Media Markt most actively sold three models of Smart TVs with a diagonal of 46-47 inches. In this article we will limit ourselves to this rating. The price of Smart TVs with large screens, as you understand, is higher.

The Philips 47PFL6057T TV offers users 3D images and demonstration of Internet resources via a wired connection, as well as via Wi-Fi. It can interact with mobile gadgets. The device can work with Skype when a video camera is connected to the USB connector. The stereo image is output at a frequency of 600 Hz according to polar technology. 2D to 3D conversion is expected.

The UE 46ES5507 TV is positioned in the fifth line of TV equipment from Samsung. Its functionality can be expanded by purchasing applications from the Samsung Apps online store. Connects to Wi-Fi using an external adapter. Supports Wi-Di, DLNA technologies. Works with Skype.

The Toshiba 46ML963 TV connects to the Internet via wired Ethernet technology and wireless Wi-Fi. It shows users a 3D image and also supports image transformation from 2D to 3D. The device is capable of recording to a drive that is connected to a USB connector.

SMART - TV for the living room

Let us briefly describe other TVs with Internet access. Reviews for devices with a diagonal of more than 50 inches are impressive. Typically, appliances of this size and larger are an important element of the living room. Ideally, this is a family cinema with a convenient and friendly interface. By the way, almost all TVs with Internet access meet these criteria (2014 rating). When purchasing, the user is especially interested in the following:

Convenient and functional remote control with keyboard;

Powerful internet browser;

What widgets are initially available (including Skype, social networks);

Easy installation of additional widgets (carried out through the company’s online store);

Is there a built-in webcam?

Is it convenient to work with Wi-Fi (is it fast and convenient to restore such a connection);

Availability of USB outputs;

Working in movie search request mode (Your Video function).

Europeans' opinion. Best SMART TV of 2014

According to the European association of magazines EISA, specializing in the field of video and audio (which includes fifty publications from 20 countries), a clear leader was identified among Internet TVs in 2014. It was a 55-inch quad-core SMART TV Samsung UE55F8000. An impressive number of widgets are easily and clearly managed by the Smart Hub service. Samsung UE55F8000 is controlled using a video camera, remote control, and voice.

Users note that the 3D function works perfectly. According to reviews, the image looks especially impressive if you look at it in the dark: depth and texture appear. One cannot but rejoice at the volumetric and high-quality sound. Auto-adjusting screen brightness works well.

Perspective - gaming capabilities of smart TVs

In 2016, according to analysts at IHS iSuppli, the gaming capabilities of Internet-connected TVs will create significant competition for console applications. It is expected that profits in this market segment will reach 1.6 billion US dollars, and the number of units of equipment operating at consumers will be 800 million. SMART TVs represent a dynamically growing gaming market and are becoming attractive platforms for leading game companies.

Users of Samsung smart TVs prefer the games Catapult King, Slingshot Racing, Air Attack, Mini Motor Racing.

There are applications for both those interested in horoscopes and those engaged in self-education.

Conclusion

The advantages of TVs with Internet access are obvious. However, there is a factor hindering their advancement in the market. This is the price.

But the modern World Wide Web, interactive TV services, as well as developments by corporations in the field of Smart TV are already determining increased consumer demand for these household appliances. Cisco analysts claim that already in 2015, every tenth family will use Smart TVs, and by 2018, the share of “smart TVs” will amount to more than a quarter of the entire market - 26.8%.

This will change the status of television, which will no longer be positioned as a monopolist in the TV market of media resources and will be forced to compete for viewers with many other electronic resources.

Currently, “smart TVs” are gaining their share of the Internet market, actively competing with PCs and tablets.