To answer the question directly, a Smart TV is any TV that has internet access built in allowing it to access a range of online services including video on demand, social networking and instant messaging. Some TVs even feature a full web browser to allow access to most websites.
These days, most mid to high range TVs will have Smart functionality and even budget models and brands are starting to include some online features.
Obviously, in order to access the extra features offered by a Smart TV, you will need some sort of internet connection. Most Smart TVs will feature an Ethernet port on the back allowing you to plug it directly into your home broadband router. Some models are also capable of accessing Wi-Fi either using built in hardware or a USB dongle that plugs in the back. Either way, once your TV is connected, you will have access to a whole range of online services.
Online features
The features available on your Smart TV will vary depending on the make and model of your TV but most will allow access to popular social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Some feature IM applications like Skype and, with the addition of an optional webcam, some higher end TVs will even allow you to do full screen video calling with your friends and family.
Probably the best feature of a Smart TV is the ability to access Video on Demand services. This could range from free services like YouTube for watching the odd video clip, movie trailer or music video, to subscription based services like Netflix that give access to an online library of movies and TV shows to stream whenever you want. A lot of Smart TVs also offer access to catch up TV services such as BBC iPlayer and Channel 4’s 4oD - very handy indeed.
Apps and accessories
Taking inspiration from the likes of Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store, some TV manufacturers are following in the footsteps of modern smartphones and have begun to develop their own online stores to allow users to download extra apps on to their TVs. Panasonic and Samsung in particular have really taken this concept to the next level.
As well as the various VOD and Social Networking apps, the Panasonic app store features quite a wide selection of games to download. Panasonic also offer a range of optional accessories such as game controllers and smartphone applications to make the games easier to engage with. The range of accessories doesn’t stop there. You can also get a Smart Pen accessory allowing you to write directly on your TV screen to leave messages for people like a family notice board. There is even a set of Wi-Fi Body Mass Index scales and a health monitoring wrist band available allowing you to keep track of your weight and fitness via your TV. I’m not sure that the fitness accessories go hand in hand with sitting in front of the TV but it could perhaps guilt you into turning it off and doing some exercise every now and again.
Perhaps a more useful feature is the Smart Evolution Kit that has just been announced by Samsung. This allows owners of certain models of 2012 Samsung TVs to upgrade to the latest 2013 spec by plugging a box into a slot on the back of their TV. This adds an upgraded quad core processor as well as access to the new online Smart Hub and compatibility with the new Smart Controller which has a built in track pad to make web browsing easier. Higher End 2013 model Samsung TVs feature a similar evolution slot on the back to allow an upgrade to next year’s 2014 spec when available.
SMART TV ALLIANCE
The Smart TV Alliance is aimed at making it easier for developers to create new apps for Smart TVs. In the past, a developer would have to write an app and then submit it to each individual TV manufacturer for approval. The Alliance aims to speed this process up by giving developers a single approval system, which guarantees the app will work on Smart TV Alliance-compatible TVs.
The Alliance has also introduced a software development kit to make the process of developing apps easier and quicker. Currently, LG, Phillips, Toshiba and Vestel have signed up to support the Smart TV Alliance but this list is likely to grow.
Alternatives
If you like what you’ve heard so far but don’t want to splash out on a new TV, don’t worry, there are a range of cheaper alternatives that give you access to most, if not all of the features of a fully fledged Smart TV. These include set top boxes, games consoles, smart Blu-Ray players and even Home Theatre PCs.
Set top boxes
There a now a whole range of set top boxes available that give similar features to a smart TV along with all sorts of media streaming options. Products like the Apple TV, Google TV, Boxee Box or the Roku range are some of the most popular but there are several other manufacturers as well. Look out for a future article for more information on these and a comparison of their features. The advantage of a set top box is the flexibility it offers anyone with a screen to connect it into. They come in all shapes and sizes to suit your setup and offer everything from basic Netflix access through to 1080p surround-sound streaming joy. Units start from around the £50 mark and it's a great way to have a play with the functionality if you're not sure if it suits your needs.
Games consoles
All the major games consoles now offer access to various media streaming and video on demand applications. In fact, the PS3 is the most popular device for streaming movies on the Netflix subscription service. The imminent launch of the Xbox One and the Playstation 4 are going to push these smart features even further.
Smart Blu-ray players
Some TV manufacturers now offer access to their smart TV platforms via their own Blu-Ray players. If all you're interested in is the video and music streaming side of things, this can be a cheap way of upgrading your system as Blu-Ray players are available for less than £100. Sony in particular offer a great system similar to that of its own PlayStation interface.
The home theatre PC
For the ultimate Smart TV experience, using a home theatre PC give you complete access to any programs, websites, games etc. that you would have on a normal PC. A HTPC is usually a low power PC to allow it to run efficiently and quietly without interrupting your viewing and there are dedicated Media Centre programs like Windows Media Centre and XBMC that are easy to navigate with a basic remote control. Again, look out for a future article from yours truly for more info on HTPCs. The nice thing about them is the option to bolt on extra hardware further down the line should demands for playing back your preferred type of media change. This was a common occurrence when we shifted to HD video formats and many older types of streaming hardware couldn't handle the new power requirements. The same is likely to happen when 4K video becomes more widely available in a year or two.
So there you have our basic rundown of the features of today’s Smart TVs. Manufacturers are adding new features all the time so keep checking the Geek Squad Knowledge Vault for more information on any future advances.