The advance of the Internet has led to many innovations and the improvement in ways that we can communicate and access information. Such advances have been especially evident in home entertainment. Gaming systems, media players, and various mobile devices offer Internet connectivity and a range of online features. Connected TV is one area that continues to advance and continues to offer even greater functionality from a device that once offered only limited access to a handful of analogue TV channels.
In order to benefit from Connected TV you will need to have an Internet enabled TV as well as a broadband Internet connection. Many TVs now offer WiFi capabilities already built in so that you don’t have to worry about wires and cables causing a mess behind the TV and you don’t have to attempt to fashion your own wireless bridge. Simply plug the TV in, search for your wireless network, and enter your login details.
Once you have Connected TV you will be able to access a range of advanced features. You can update social networks like Facebook and you can stay connected to your friends, colleagues, and family members. You can watch links posted by others and you can look at home videos and pictures shared by your connections on your large screen, high definition television screen.
What’s more, Connected TV or Smart TV sets also provide a host of other useful features. Video services and on-demand services ensure that you never miss your favourite program again and they can provide you with access to shows that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to view. Some of these features do require that you pay a subscription fee but these fees usually cost little more than a few pounds per month.
Not all apps are available on all TVs or other Connected TV devices. As well as the TV itself you can also find Connected TV feature on Blu-Ray players, set top boxes, and even games consoles and different manufacturers will often provide access to a different suite of apps. You will even find a range of devices being released that are specifically designed to offer you Connected TV features.
Lucy-Marie Peterson is a tech blogger, regularly writing about connected TV, social media apps and more. She is based in London.
