Nowadays, people use their TV for more reasons than to watch their favourite shows. We use it to browse the Internet, download apps for games and streaming services, as well as listen to music. Let’s take a look at the best smart TV functions and the best models to purchase for your needs.

If you haven't yet switched to a smart TV, you may wonder what all the hype is about. We've broken down some important information you should know before purchasing the cool devices.

A smart TV can connect to the Internet. You can stream on-demand content such as TV Hub, My5, BBC iPlayer and more. Also, you can watch subscription services such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix without needing an additional device.

Certain smart TV functions also enable you to connect to your tablet or cellphone to watch TV on the go. To get the most out of your smart TV, you’ll need a reliable Internet connection. The stronger your Internet connection, the better the viewing experience. If your Internet is slow, it’ll constantly buffer and reduce the quality of the pixilation too. Ensure you consider this before looking into purchasing one.

Connecting your smart TV to the Internet is a simple process. You can either use a wired Ethernet cable or connect wirelessly. TVs which built-in Wi-Fi set up to the Internet through the network settings. Once you’re all set up, you can install apps which are suitable for you. Typically, there will be recommended ones to install to decrease your set-up time. On the other hand, you can visit the app store and download apps which are the most interesting to you.

All smart TV functions have a range of free apps, although you’ll need a subscription for many of these (such as Netflix). The available apps can change all the time, and you can add and remove relevant ones as you choose. 

Let's take a look at some of the coolest smart TV functions that you can enjoy. Don't just settle for watching your favorite shows any longer...

One of the best smart TV functions is the high-quality picture. At the moment, there aren’t that many options of 4k UHD on all streaming services. However, Netflix, Amazon and a few others introduced a more defined picture. Whilst it may seem a great idea to purchase a smart TV for its amazing quality, if your connected apps or streaming services aren’t also in 4K UHD, you won’t experience the benefit of the improved quality. This is why some people report that they’re disappointed in the quality of their smart TV, because they don’t have the suitable requirements it needs. In addition, you also need a strong Internet connection to receive the best picture quality possible. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak, your picture will be too.

You no longer need a separate sound system to listen to your favourite music. Smart TV functions feature a music streaming option where you can consider using your TV as a stereo too. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to link your phone, or music account (such as Spotify) to your TV. If you currently don’t have an audio system, this is a great feature to listen to your music whilst you’re in the kitchen, bedroom or any other location of your house.

Before purchasing a Smart TV, ensure you look into its integrated music apps. Most of the best high-branded TVs will feature Spotify, Pandora and more, though it’s worth checking before purchasing. Apple TVs come with iTunes (as you could expect), so this is an ideal choice if you use iTunes to purchase and listen to your music. The speakers in average TVs aren’t loads and can be weak. However, the best smart TVs have a decent sound system integrated into them. On the other hand, you can purchase a separate soundbar to improve your music-listening experience even more.

Another of our favourite Smart TV functions is the voice integration system. Voice searching now enables you to find content from live TV to streaming services, plus search for information about the weather and news. You can achieve all of this by speaking into your remote. Many Smart TVs come with associated apps with services which enable you to make an order from the comfort of your own home. For example, order an Uber or a pizza without typing anything in.

Now that we’ve talked about the best Smart TV functions, here are some recommended TVs to purchase. Each of these devices offer something different. So, whether you’re looking for a TV with excellent streaming services, unbelievable picture quality or a fast download speed, we’ve found an array of options to suit you. Let’s take a look.

This Toshiba 4K UHD Smart TV is a new generation of television featuring the Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Alexa. With true-to-life 4K Ultra HD picture quality and access to all the movies and TV shows you love, Toshiba delivers a superior TV experience that gets smarter every day. The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you do everything you'd expect from a remote -plus, easily launch apps, search for titles, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices, and more, using your voice. It’s smart but simple in every way. Just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and enjoy. Experience breath-taking 4K Ultra HD picture quality with more than 8 million pixels for stunning clarity, deep contrast, and vivid colours. Watch movies and TV shows come to life in Ultra HD.

Toshiba is built for speed and performance. It’s powered by a-quad-core CPU/Multi-core GPU for instant search results and fast and fluid responsiveness. Connect easily with dual-band Wi-Fi, three HDMI inputs, and multiple input/output options. You can even customize the name of each input and adjust picture settings for each connected device.

This TV is HDR-compatible, so you can enjoy HDR movies and TV shows. Plus, your TV keeps getting smarter with new Alexa skills and automatic over-the-air software updates, so you always have the latest. Use the included Voice Remote with Alexa to easily control TV functions like power, volume, navigation, playback, and input switching—plus, easily launch into Prime Video, Netflix, HBO, and PlayStation Vue with quick access buttons. Enhance your entertainment experience by easily controlling your smart home devices with Alexa. Simply use your voice to do things like adjust the lights, set the temperature, and lock the door, and ease right into movie night.

With built-in Wi-Fi, Smart TV technology, and Full HD 1080p, this Samsung J5205 32-Inch Smart TV provides a high-resolution picture. It also allows you to browse the web or access smart apps to easily find your favourite media. DTS Premium Sound 5.1 delivers high-definition surround sound, and Motion Rate 60 delivers seamless motion for an enjoyable viewing experience.

The eco sensor feature intelligently adapts the screen's brightness to help efficiently manage energy use. With Anynet+ technology, you can remotely control up to 12 other compatible devices. Take advantage of the USB port to view your personal media, or use screen mirroring to wirelessly broadcast media from your mobile device onto the big screen.

With Full HD 1080p resolution, the Samsung J5205 LED TV offers a resolution twice as high as a standard HDTV. You'll be able to view your favourite shows, movies, and games in crisp detail. Another of this Smart TV functions is the versatile capabilities that let you enjoy content from a wide range of sources. Easily connect the Smart TV wirelessly with your compatible Galaxy smartphone for streaming and content sharing.

It also supports a host of apps via the Samsung Apps store, so you can access your favourite streaming and social media services easily. Thanks to the Samsung J5205 LED Smart TV built-in Wi-Fi and web browser, you can surf the Internet from the comfort of your couch. Use it to browse online shopping listings, catch up on social media, news or watch videos on the big screen. Finally, the J5205 LED TV offers enriched colors with its Wide Color Enhancer feature. Enjoy every image as the director intended, even with older, non-HD content.

Enjoy favourites like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon Video, VUDU and more in just a few clicks, in addition to free content with Channel Plus. And videos, music, photos and apps can now be easily shared on the television from compatible mobile devices. Enjoy a crisp, flicker-free 720p high-definition picture with enhanced colours for bluer skies, greener grass and more lifelike skin tones, all brought to life with the exceptional brightness and energy efficiency of LED. Also, colours all look better than ever thanks to this special process that enhances the entire wheel, as well as their hue and luminance.

Queue up movies, TV shows, online content and more from top content providers then toggle between them with an impressively intuitive interface. Watch all of the most popular streaming video apps, including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon Video, VUDU and more. Also, download the free LG TV Plus app to a compatible smart device then link it to the TV to wirelessly display photos, videos and many apps on the big screen. Finally, Ssound in the real world comes from every direction — left, right, above, below and behind. LG Virtual Surround recreates the experience so everything from blast-offs to bumps in the night sound like they're happening all around you.

The all-new D-Series Full-Array LED TV has arrived and has some of the best Smart TV functions available today. Featuring a new modern design, and brilliant picture quality, VIZIO’s D-Series brings you HD entertainment at an incredible value. This Smart TV distributes LEDs behind the entire screen delivering superior light uniformity and picture performance. Watch TV in crisp, clear 720p high-definition resolution. With a convenient, seven-position App Launcher and Full-Screen App Home, this makes it simpler to discover new apps and find what you want. In addition, apps automatically update to stay current with the latest improvements and upgrades for a more seamless experience.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the best Smart TV functions, as well as recommended products to purchase. If you’re a Smart-TV lover, we’d enjoy hearing about your experience and tips on operating your device.

Let us know your favourite smart TV functions in the comments, or any recommended brands which are the best quality. Share your thoughts to keep this conversation going.

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