Top 7 Pros and Cons of Smart TVs That You Need to Keep in Mind
If you’re looking to up the ante of your viewing experience, then you might want to consider getting a smart TV. These technological marvels not only look sleek, but also offer glorious high-definition visuals that can make you feel like you’re in a movie theater.
Of course, because a smart TV (for example, a Samsung full HD smart TV) is quite a big investment, you should be aware of its advantages and disadvantages. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting the most value for your money. Here are the most important pros and cons that you have to keep in mind:
Pro: No Need for a Separate Streaming Device
One of the biggest advantages of a smart TV over a standard LED TV is that a smart TV can be directly connected to the internet. You can either do this via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, with the latter being the ideal choice if you want more stable connections. After connecting to the internet, you can now access millions of content from streaming services and production companies. You can also watch local channels, provided that the smart TV has a “live TV” feature or its equivalent.
Of course, you can also stream videos on standard LED TVs but you have to purchase a separate streaming device (sometimes called TV boxes). The problem here is that not all streaming devices are compatible with all TVs. If you have an older TV model, newly released TV boxes may not be supported.
Con: They Can Be Expensive
When it comes to criteria for buying a smart TV, price is definitely a big factor for Filipinos. The good thing is that the cost of smart TVs has actually gone down over the past few years. Nevertheless, they’re still more expensive than non-smart models. Larger TVs with more advanced features and ultra-HD or 4K-quality displays will also be more costly.
Thus, you need to evaluate if you’re going to be able to maximize all of a smart TV’s functionalities. If not, then you might be better off with a regular LED TV with the necessary ports so you can connect your preferred devices.
Pro: You Can Browse the Internet and Use Apps
Aside from being able to stream directly from your preferred services or content producers, you can also browse the internet using your smart TV using the built-in browser. What’s more, a smart TV is quite like a smartphone in that you can also download apps onto it. Obviously, not all apps will be supported but your favorite social media platforms and music streaming services are definitely going to be there. You can even play a few games, if you like!
Pro: You Can Integrate It Into Your Smart Home Network
If you have other smart appliances at home, you can easily integrate your TV into that network. Doing this allows you to use your smart TV as a sort of control center. Using the microphone on the TV’s remote, you can issue commands to the lights on or off, replay footage from your CCTVs, or adjust the air conditioner’s thermostat. The key here is to find a smart TV that has the same or a compatible operating system with your other smart devices.
Pro: You Get Top-Notch Visuals
Manufacturers often put the best features on their smart TVs to tempt customers into upgrading their purchase. In short, if you want to experience cinema-quality visuals with accurate colors and sharp images, a smart TV is a good investment.
This is not to say that non-smart TVs have sub-par displays. In fact, you can watch 4K videos in some higher-end models. However, you’ll still end up paying a premium price for them. This makes a smart TV the more practical choice since you’ll get more features for a similar price range.
Con: It Can Crash Like a PC
A smart TV is just like a smartphone or even a computer. All of them can do a lot of different things but, unfortunately, they can also freeze or crash. These are temporary, of course, but it can definitely be annoying when you’re in the middle of watching a thrilling program or movie. Fortunately, thanks to technology, newer models of smart TVs are less prone to crash because of regular software updates that optimize the operating system.
Con: It Can Be Prone to Security Issues
As with any device that you can connect to the internet, you need to be aware of the potential privacy and security issues. These range from unauthorized access to the microphone or camera, to data breaches that can compromise your accounts. Moreover, companies also make use of your browsing and viewing data to show you personalized ads.
Still, all of this doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically be hacked. Just be careful when browsing the internet using your smart TV and don’t visit suspicious or unverified links. It’s also best to use your computer if you’re going to input sensitive information (e.g., your banking password) for added security.
Last but not least, make sure to consider your viewing habits when buying a TV. If you watch a lot of online content and are particular about picture quality, then a smart TV is a great choice. However, if you only watch TV occasionally or end up using your computer or phone for movies or games, then a smaller and non-smart model might be the wiser option.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you find your perfect TV match. Happy shopping!