Smart TV vs Android TV – Difference Between Smart TV and Android TV

Smart TV vs Android TV

Smart TV vs Android TV - Explained In Detail

The world has spun itself around technology. Everything and anything we do is somehow related to technology.

Smartphones, digital cameras, smart cooking, smartwatches, and even smart toilets. So, how can the ‘idiot box’ remain the same?

The evolution of television has been amazing. New operating systems have emerged, all claiming to be the best.

Most people think about the best resolution, panel and the sound quality of the TV. But, the operating system is one of the major factors that need to be considered. 

We all have heard about Android TVs and Smart TVs but how are they different.

If we compare a Smart TV vs Android TV, both run differently. Our guide is based on the key points you need to know about them.

Difference Between Smart TV and Android TV - Complete Guide 2020

What is Smart TV?

types of smart tv

Smart TVs were initially known as Connected TVs. They are the newest trend in the market.

They have flat-screens and are digitally activated. Smart TVs have several apps built in them.

Also, you can connect them to the internet either through Ethernet cable systems or through WiFi.

The operating system of Smart TV should support a wide variety of services to stream videos.

Some lesser-known services are also included by its operating system. It can also have other common features like recording a program when you are unable to watch.

It also supports codecs for video and audio. You will also find voice command support. An app store is also included in the Smart TV that entertains you beyond just watching shows or movies.

The Good and the Bad ?

Smart TVs are not anything like old television sets meant only for watching shows and movies.

They have become complete packages. You can stream sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime or simply just surf the world of YouTube.

The latest versions of Smart TV also include features like voice recognition and motion gestures. Smart TVs also facilitate other activities. For example: playing games and checking your social media sites.

You can now easily sync your phones or other devices with Smart TVs. Also, you will have only one remote to run all operations.

This is convenient because it excludes the confusion of functioning multiple remotes.

However, Smart TVs are not an affordable choice. Because of all the trendy features, the prices of Smart TVs have been shooting high.

Moreover, they do hang up while functioning. The system is also susceptible to crash, and it can also be hacked via radio transmitters.

What is Android TV?

smart tv features 2

An Android TV is quite simple to use. You can compare it with using an Android phone.

Both include a Google Play Store to get the apps needed. To sum up, Android TVs are made to bring the convenience of your phone to your TV.

However, that does not mean you can make calls through phones. It just means that navigating and accessing entertainment is done through simpler interactivity.

Moreover, Android TVs are like Smart TVs, only with a more recognizable interface.

The operating systems of Android TVs can be quite confusing. The performance of these Operating Systems is based on Androids.

However, it does not have Google-based apps. The android system acts more as the base. The OEM acts as the custom skin for the TVs.

Also, you may or may not find video streaming services in Android TVs. In case you don’t, you can sideload the apps or services you need. 

Android TVs also come with the Internet of Things (IoT services). Basically, it a plus, you get a Google Assistant too for further convenience.

The Good and the Bad ?

Android TV is a more affordable choice than Smart TVs. If you want to stay strictly under budget limits, Android TV would be your ideal purchase. Moreover, it has the ability to turn any TV into a Smart TV.

Furthermore, an affordable way of accessing Android TVs is to get an Android box. Android boxes are portable. You can take them anywhere and plug it into any TV.

Also, it contains a massive library for apps. You can download publications, games or video streaming services. For example, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and HBO Go.

Before you purchase it, make sure that the device has the basic video streaming services installed. That way you will not need to go through the hassle of installing them.

You should also know the basic interface required by Android to run the TV. Do some research about it to gain better knowledge.

Buying an Android box is an advantage because the device will help you stream more options.

Best Smart TVs and Android TVs

Smart tv and android tv difference

You will find several Android and Smart TVs in the market. They may seem reliable and efficient. But, not all brands are worth the value. Some might even dupe you and waste your money.

We have gathered here the names of some of the brands that will give you the best Android and Smart TVs.

Some of these brands also manufacture TVs with Bluetooth connectivity. So, that will be another feature you should look for while buying.

Smart TV vs Android TV: Which is Better?

Smart TVs do have a lot of exciting features. They are trendy and widely accepted as the TVs of the new era.

However, Android TVs seem to be a more practical approach.

First, Smart TVs are going to cost you way more than an Android TV.  Being affordable for most people is one of the biggest advantages of the latter. They can perfectly fit into your budget.

There’s another prolific advantage that Android TVs have over Smart TVs. You can convert any regular TV into a Smart TV using the Android Box. However, you can’t do the same with Smart TVs. Smart TVs lack that versatility. You cannot convert them into Android TVs.

Conclusion

If you want to get an Android TV, you will have a practical advantage.

However, if you are ready to spend more, you can go ahead and get a Smart TV. We hope our review about Android TVs and Smart TVs helped you get an insight.

The information provided in this article is well-researched and for useful purposes.

Happy Shopping!

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Ways to Connect Internet to TV in 2020 (Without Built-in Wi-Fi)

Connect Internet to TV

How to Connect Internet to TV (Without Built-in Wi-Fi)

The Internet is dominating the world today. Since its boom in the late 90s, there have been major changes in the world of the internet.

Today, the world is moving more and more towards a connected environment. Every device is becoming smarter.

Be it the transformation of brick mobile phones to smartphones, personal computers to laptops, and not to forget, even TVs have transformed into smart TVs.

This change is inevitable, and the smartest thing for you to do is brace these changes with open arms.

How to connect your TV that does not have a built-in Wi-Fi?

best 32 inch smart tv

Smart TVs are the new generation devices that help you connect to the Wi-Fi at your homes and lets you enjoy games or Netflix on the big screen.

However, what if your TV does not support Wi-Fi connection? You can still connect Internet to TV without a Wi-Fi connection! Let us find out how.

Mirroring

Screen Mirroring

For this, your TV should support mirroring. You can check it on the TV guide. This essentially mirrors the content displayed on your smartphone or tablet on the television screen. You would not have to connect internet to TV directly, but only to your smartphone.

If your smartphone/ tablet does not have a mirroring feature, you can download an app for the same. Now all you need to do is connect the device on TV, and you are good to go!

Chromecast is another way to go about it. It is a device that connects itself to the TV and then connects itself to the apps already present in your phone/ tablet.

The unique quality about Chromecast is that it beams content from a device to the TV wirelessly.  You can directly watch Netflix or YouTube from your phone.

Media Streamers

In case you do not have a mirroring feature on your TV, do not worry. This way, you only need to find a media streaming hub. These media streamers provide you apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, HULU, YouTube TV, and a lot of other music and video streaming players.

You get all of this without having to connect internet to TV.

  • Media streaming box: The most famous Media streaming boxes available are Amazon Fire TV cube, Apple iTV 4K, Roku Ultra, Android TV, etc. These provide you with a media streaming box that connects to your Wi-Fi. The box connects itself to the TV using a USB cable.
  • Media Streaming sticks: Having the same functionality as the media streaming box, media sticks might have a little lesser capacity in terms of storage and connection speed. However, they work most of the time, wonderfully.

These sticks connect directly to the TV like a pen-drive or a dongle. The most famous sticks include Amazon Firestick and Roku Streaming Stick.

HDMI Cables

You can directly connect your laptop to the TV using an HDMI cable. This requires your laptop to have an HDMI port to start with.

Along with an HDMI cable, you also need a sound connecting cable that goes into the headphones port on both the TV as well as your laptop. This mirrors your laptop screen on the TV, and you can easily play media or surf on the internet, with sound effects.

Specialized Devices

Some media streamers are specialized for a category of viewers. For instance, take the example of Nvidia Shield TV Pro. Even though this streamer provides other apps, it specializes in games.

It offers more than 200 game choices along with voice-powered assistants.Other mediums of connection through specialized devices are:

  • Connect internet to TV via gaming consoles: Gaming consoles are getting famous by the day for hard-core gamers. These consoles have a built-in Wi-Fi feature. They allow playing a variety of games using the internet. In fact, the most famous gaming consoles are Xbox and PlayStation.
  • Connect internet to TV using a DVD player: Advanced DVD players like Blu-Ray include internet video capacity. It does provide a limited selection of Internet TV channels but would act useful for people with lesser internet needs. Moreover, a good recommendation would be the Samsung BD-F5100 Blu-Ray.

Final Verdict

It is not necessary for you to spend a huge amount of money in buying a smart TV.

Instead of making your TV smarter, you can get smarter and use any of these ways to connect internet to TV. Most of these intermediary devices will cost much lesser than a smart TV.

So go ahead and try one of these. Happy surfing to you!

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Difference Between Smart TV and Normal TV

difference between smart tv and normal tv

Difference Between Smart TV And Normal TV - Explained In Detail

There have been plenty of new televisions coming in the market quite frequently. Over the years, you would have also seen new types of TVs using different technologies.

So, what are the differences? Let’s find out.

Let’s compare two of the most common types of televisions, Smart TV and LED TV. All these different types of televisions have their own benefits and drawbacks.

So, let’s check out the various features and differences between these two types of TVs.

What is an LED TV?

best 32 inch smart tv

LED basically stands for Light Emitting Diode. These kinds of televisions or displays show the pictures in a much clearer manner.

For these LED TVs to function properly, there needs to be backlighting, which is provided by the diodes.

These diodes have the role of transmitting signals with the help of cathodes and anodes, which are active and negative electrodes.

This flat-screen device does not use florescent lighting to carry out any functions. Instead of that, there are multiple LEDs that are present throughout the screen.

With LED TVs, there can be lighter and darker shades, which means that there isn’t any single source for the screen.

One of the significant disadvantages of LED TV is that even when the television is off, and the plug is working, the diodes will keep extracting power.

What is an Smart TV?

types of smart tv

A smart TV is one of the latest types of televisions available in the market. It requires an internet connection, and it is also called a hybrid television. There is a setup box that connects to the internet and shows the viewers all the programs that they want to watch.

Normal televisions get signals from HDTV antenna, A/V source, or cables. However, smart TVs offer internet connectivity, and they are just like smartphones. You can explore a range of entertainment options such as Netflix, Hulu, etc.

Smart TVs can also be called as an amalgamation of television, computer, internet, and broadcasters. You can find all the traditional channels that are available on normal TV, and there are various other channels and programs that are only available on the internet.

For the TV to operate, there is a different apparatus and different drivers installed. There can be various accessories also connected. Accessories such as USB, DVD Players, Blu-ray Players, and various others can be connected. 

You can also search for various programs, videos, and relevant material on a smart TV. In fact, you can save all of this and watch it at any time.

The latest models also include voice recognition tools along with assistants. These can take the television watching experience to the next level.

Additional Benefits of Smart TVs

smart tv features 2

Aside from the features mentioned above, there are other advantages as well.

Your smart TV might also have a voice assistant, which will allow you to search for anything on the internet using your voice alone.

You can get weather updates, latest news, reviews, and much more.

Some new smart TVs are also coming with features using which you can connect to your smart home.

You can connect to the lights, thermostats and control them as and when you want to.

Since the voice assistants keep evolving, you can expect plenty of improvements with updates on your smart TV. Manufacturers can add more features and also make some useful changes to the existing models.

There are smart TVs that also let you share or mirror images and videos from your smartphone.  With the help of third-party solutions such as Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast, you can have a great watching experience.

Key differences between Smart TVs and Normal LED TVs

Smart-v_s-non-smart-TV
  1. In terms of pricing, smart TVs are more expensive compared to LED TVs. Also, there will be a monthly cost that you will have to pay in case of smart televisions.
  2. Smart TVs function on all kinds of visual devices. So, in most cases, for the smart televisions, there are no display issues as such. LED TVs have diodes because of which there is more brightness, and it is spread uniformly.
  3. Smart TVs require internet connectivity, but that isn’t the case for LED televisions.
  4. Along with the traditional channels that are available in your region, smart TVs also have their own channels. LED TVs just show the channels that are available in the region.
  5. The picture quality of both LED TV and smart TV is more or less similar.

Final Verdict

There are obviously plenty of benefits that smart televisions have over LED TVs. Most of the benefits are in terms of viewing and user experience. With a smart TV, you can access the internet as well and do most of the things for which you will need a laptop.

Since you can access the web browser on a smart TV, you can explore almost everything.

Smart TVs also have built-in applications that provide a lot of diversity. You can play games, access different online shows, and do a lot more.

There is also the option of streaming content on a smart television, which is not possible on a normal LED TV. You will need a third-party application or tool for the same.

There are televisions coming with touch screens, but the changes in smart TVs having a touch screen is more. As we have discussed, there are obviously plenty of functions available on smart TVs.

The main difference lies in the pricing. Smart televisions are a lot more expensive as compared to LED TVs.

So, depending on your budget, you must make a choice. If you are pretty flexible with your budget, you can go for a much better option than an LED TV and take your television watching experience to the next level.

So, these are some of the main differences between an LED TV and a Smart TV. It depends on your requirements and budget as to what is the best option for you.

Make sure you get a television that can help you pass your free time in the best way possible.

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