I am sure that you have already heard about smart TVs and maybe even seen a couple of commercials on TV or internet and maybe you asked yourself how exactly works one.

Well, a smart TV is gathering the qualities of a HD television and the flexibility of the internet.

To be more specific, smart TVs have internet connection which allows you to enjoy all kinds of videos, but also games, social networking and other apps.

This means you won't need Blu-ray players or other consoles.

All these are possible because smart TVs have their own processors and memory.

Each and every vendor is offering these TVs with incorporated apps and an app store where you can choose additional ones. Also, it is to be preferred to connect it to the internet via Wi-Fi if you don't want to complicate things with cables or adapters. Moreover, the OS updates are provided via internet.

So, you won't have a bigger screen if you decide to buy one, but only the impression you have the new one and the ease of internet access.


How does it function?

Smart TVs come up with a series of basic apps installed, generally Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Facebook and Twitter, photo sharing, sports, news and weather forecast apps.


Netflix and Hulu replace the premium cable channels and, yes, they cost you a monthly subscription fee.

Now, Netflix will cost you 8$ a month, but Hulu is a bit trickier because things are not exactly the same as on your notebook. Even though recent episodes of TV shows are free on Hulu, smart TVs require Hulu Plus, also 8$ a month.


It's true; Hulu Plus offers you more shows, but not every time.

There are some licensing restrictions caused by the war between cable providers which have a great desire of keeping their customers. So, some of the shows are not to be found in Hulu Plus.Of course, you always have the choice of renting a movie by paying a fee, which are usually available for 24 hours. The most popular companies are Vudu, Blockbuster and Cinema Now.

Another thing that is important is that there are some differences between the brands. For instance, every single smart TV is compatible with Netflix, but only Samsung has Angry Birds. Moreover, you have to see which one is easier for you to use. The best thing is to go to a store and test them.


What will follow?

The more users there will be, the more will increase the number of entertainment sites. Sony and Google already made a partnership for developing Google TV for smart TVs. At the same time, Hulu, Fox, NBC and others blocked Google TV from accessing their sites.

Also, Samsung and LG will offer their own version of Google TV, but if these sites won't unblock Google TV you won't be able to watch any free program.


You may already hear, Apple is going to release a smart TV, a serious enemy for Google.

Just as Apple did with the recorded labels, he could do the same with TV and movie studios and remove easily cable providers.

So, if you are a gadget passionate you could actually buy a smart TV, but if you're not it would be better to stop at testing them and have patience until this new field will be more developed.