Can someone explain Smart TV? (connect, phone, channel, channels)

[Dino1]

In plain, simple non-tekkie language can someone explain what smart TV is, how I can get it, and what do I need? Thanks from a bored non tekkie.

[akrausz]

Simplest terms? Every new TV that can receive Netflix over the internet (as well as a bunch of other services) is a smart TV. Stores only carry smart TV's. You can connect it via wifi. That's about it.

And this should be moved to the consumer electronics forum.

[rabbit33]

Unfortunately it only applies to the electronics, not to the content.

Remember George Carlin's line?

"I turned up the knob marked "Brightness" but it didn't help!"

[Peregrine]

Simpler still. Think of a TV as a Smartphone. It can't really do much without internet. There are apps you can download and install like:
Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, Paramount+, Pluto TV, Prime, HBO.
Each of these are similar to channels on a normal TV. Some of them cost money, like Netflix and Prime. Some are free with commercials like Pluto TV and Crackle. Still others have a free commercial tier and a paid ad free tier, like Apple TV and Paramount+. Then there are apps that try to replicate Cable TV at a similar, but still cheaper usually, cost. YouTubeTV, SlingTV and Hulu Live TV.

[1200RT]

The TV gets internet and has "apps" preinstalled or available to install (ie netflix, hulu, youtube)

This allows you to watch streaming content on the tv without an extra device (i.e. apple tv, roku, firestick).

You will still need accounts w/ the above streaming service (other than youtube) to consume content.

[Ariel Scheidegger]

It's TV that can receive streaming from the internet. It's the only way I watch TV. I haven't had cable TV for years. I stream Netflix, Prime, EWTN and Youtube to my TV. That's all I need or care about. Just think of smart phone which is phone that can go online and smart TV is the same. TV that can go online.

[V8 Vega]

My TV is before smart TV.
I got carbon fiber internet a couple of months ago and it is absolutely reliable, what a joy.
But before that I had internet trouble from everyday to twice a week, I sure wouldn't want that for my TV.

[Katie1]

Originally Posted by akrausz

Stores only carry smart TV's.
.

NOT True! Best Buy sells TV that are Just TV No APPS! No Nothing!


OP You can buy a TV without it being ""Smart" Which I think you already have. Then Buy a Roku or Crome or Fire Sticks plug it into your current TV Hey, it is Now a Smart TV, and ALL those apps appear!!

[mojo101]

I have 4 TVs,one is a smart TV,but the one I used most and best in my opinion is SONY,it is not a smart TV,like the other said,I just bought a Roku and connect to it.
It has the best color

[akrausz]

Originally Posted by Katie1

Best Buy sells TV that are Just TV No APPS! No Nothing!

The OP asked where to buy a smart TV.