How to set up free channels on Smart TV? Functionality of Android TV set-top box from Defender. What can a network media player do?


I hardly watch TV, except perhaps if I use it as a monitor :) But the other day the need arose to pay attention to what it shows and how it shows it. There was a need to provide children with high-quality cartoons, as opposed to what was shown on satellite TV channels mixed with adult advertising.

I set out to transfer a picture from the Internet directly to the TV, with the expectation that it would not interfere with my work at the computer. The problem was complicated by the fact that on my TV there is no such thing as " Smart TV" - did not exist, so it was supposed to use a computer with Internet access as a connecting link.

"Smart TV"appeared recently, their main function is not only to watch TV, but also to access the Internet. Of course, for this they (TVs) have a built-in web browser. Select a movie on some site and watch it!

On my TV Samsung UE-32D5000 no web browser. It is impossible to choose a movie to watch from the Internet yourself. The TV has a (useless) function to connect to the Internet to... update the firmware (I doubt anyone will ever use it).

I started digging towards AllShare. The documentation stated that "the AllShare function will make it possible to easily connect your TV to all compatible digital devices and provide access to movies, photos and music stored there." This was already encouraging.

At the first stage, it became necessary to connect the TV to the computer, of course, via WI-FI. But there was no hint of a built-in WI-FI adapter on the TV. It had to be purchased separately. And not just any one, but a Samsung one. Specifically, only 3 adapters were suitable for my model UE-32D5000: WIS09ABGN, WIS09ABGN2 or WIS10ABGN(experiments with other adapters, as far as I know, have not yet been successful).

In addition to the fact that adapters are not cheap, they are also impossible to buy (rare) in Ukraine. You can buy it in America or China, or wait until someone “throws it away” on message boards. After 3 weeks of searching we managed to get it WIS10ABGN(in Zhitomir) for $50.

So, everything is ready for the AllShare function: WI-FI in the house is distributed through a router, the computer itself is connected to the router via a cable, and a WI-FI adapter is connected to the TV.

A WI-FI router distributes internet in the house and also connects the TV to a computer

So that devices can see each other, I install the program on AllShare computer from Samsung and after simple settings, having “shared” the necessary folders on the computer, I was able to see the contents of these folders on the TV screen (content such as photos, videos and music). But as you know, my goal was to make an analogue of “Smart TV” - to transfer video from the Internet directly to the TV - to watch movies directly from the network.

Advanced programmers from Samsung showed users of already outdated models of their TVs a big “fuck”, since in the AllShare program from Samsung you can’t do anything other than look at “shared” folders. I had to silently delete the program and forget about it. The solution was found as a result of 10 minutes of Internet search. The program met my requirements " Home media server"from Evgeny Lachinov (this miracle can be downloaded and configured on the program’s official website).

Home media server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP) from Evgeny Lachinov is a program that provides media resources (photos, audio and video files) of your computer to other UPnP (DLNA) devices on the home network, for example, Philips, Sony, Samsung TVs , LG, Toshiba, game consoles Sony Playstation 3, XBOX 360, media players WD TV Live, Popcorn Hour, Dune, Boxee Box, IconBit, ASUS O!Play, iPad/iPhone/iPod, mobile and PDA devices.

This is not just a player that will send a movie, TV channel or radio station directly to your TV (where there is no “Smart TV”), it will be able to decode it (video stream) on the fly into the required format, pull lists of movies from popular services(Youtube, VKontakte, etc.).

By downloading the program, you can import entire libraries of films into it - tens and hundreds of thousands, watch Internet television and archives of TV shows on your TV, using the computer only as a connecting link. In practice, it looks something like this: I work at the computer while it shows the children a cartoon in good HD quality in the background straight from VKontakte.

You will quickly learn how to set it up and use it - fortunately, there is a technical forum on the program website.

This is how we managed to turn the Samsung UE-32D5000 into a home Entertainment Center, implementing in it something like “Smart TV”.


Video from the Internet is broadcast directly to the TV screen, which does not have a web browser, smart TV or other bells and whistles

If you found my advice useful, please be so kind as to let me know in the comments below...

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Today I will talk about how to make a regular LCD TV a full-fledged Smart TV. Yes, there is nothing special about trendy Smart TVs, and there won’t be until a full-fledged OS appears there. Even monitors with integrated Android OS have more features. You can throw rotten tomatoes at me, but all Smart TV buyers have almost wasted their money. What does Smart TV give you? Online services, nothing more... All of them are available on PC. No one is stopping you from buying an inexpensive nettop with support for hardware decoding of HD video and enjoying your favorite movies downloaded from torrents without interruptions, using any online services in your usual browser, and also having a full-fledged PC that is suitable for simple 3D games and arcades, not to mention already about playing HD movies over 10 GB without delays.

Smart TV is just the integration of the Internet into television. In this article I will tell you, how to turn an old TV into a Smart TV. If you ran to the balcony or to the closet for your “Rainbows”, “Tempos”, etc., then I’m not talking about this old stuff :)

I will not argue that modern televisions are full-fledged multimedia centers. There is also the possibility of accessing the Internet and support for network services. But! Firstly, the higher the functionality, the higher the price. Why do you need such a combine? From 50,000 rub. I can organize a much cooler multimedia system at home. Secondly, content management on Smart TV is disgusting. Even take an additional remote control for navigation. Third, you can get Smart TV features on your old TV:

  • using a compact and inexpensive network media player,
  • by connecting a smartphone or tablet to the TV
  • using a Blu-ray player as a universal playback device
  • don't forget about game console(prefix).

We will consider the listed options for upgrading your TV, focusing on the features, advantages and disadvantages of each solution. It would be more accurate to say that we will consider alternatives for implementing Smart TV functionality. So let's get started..

Yes, I know, I didn’t discover America. Now let the owners of Smart TVs go over the characteristics of any decent model of network media player and recognize it as their long-suffering Smart TV. Previously, network media players were only hardware players with a USB port, but now they are quite a promising class of equipment. Smart TV is an attempt to use just one device to store and play home multimedia content, but it is limited, especially when it comes to usability. What cannot be said about a network media player, because in conjunction with a TV and speaker system it will be a full-fledged hardware media center. The media player is capable of playing movies in HD quality, music and images from a computer, displaying content on the screen of a TV device, and access to the Internet and application stores will turn your old TV into the same Smart TV. The network multimedia player is also capable of connecting to external media and displaying full-fledged web pages.

Advantages of network media player:

  • compact dimensions
  • low cost
  • support for all modern formats and codecs
  • built-in WLAN module
  • connectivity external hard disk and peripherals

Flaws

  • Some media player models do not work correctly with Blu-ray disc images

SMART features of network media players

No matter what anyone says, network media players are the embodiment of the Smart TV functions of the most modern televisions. Let me be clear, not everyone. But there are many worthy competitors that can easily surpass the top Smart TV model.

Basic criteria for choosing a network media player

  • format support,
  • comfortable control
  • working with Internet services

If you want a network media player with rich equipment, then I advise you to take a closer look at the Western Digital TV Live model, which fully meets the criteria listed above. Users who often enter information on the TV screen and communicate with friends on social networks will like the model with a QWERTY keyboard - the Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link DX.

It is especially important for convenience that most modern media players support connecting a mouse or keyboard to a USB port. Users who are attracted to Russian-language network services should take a closer look at the LG ST600 model, as you will get access to the proprietary LG Apps application store.

When choosing a media player, do not forget about supported interfaces and connectors. HDMI is a required port, and it wouldn’t hurt to digital audio jack S/PDIF, and also built-in card reader. It is worth noting that there are fewer media players with a built-in hard drive, but a USB connector for connecting an external HDD and flash drives is standard. Some users will need to connect the player to the TV Composite and component video outputs for TVs that do not have an HDMI port. An important factor is number of supported formats media player, especially for those who store and play various media files, neglecting Internet services. And for users who need Full device support for Blu-ray and DVD images, we advise you to take a closer look at the Philips HMP7001 model.

Internet services with an application store

The LG ST600 model has by far the richest set of Russian-language Internet applications from the LG Apps branded online store. Also good option In terms of quantity and quality of software and widgets, the Philips HMP7001 model will be the same.

Flash drives and set-top boxes with the Android operating system

Thanks to compact set-top boxes, the TV acquires Smart functions, but access to media content and the Internet can also be obtained using Flash drives with Android OS.

We have long accepted by default that any PC or tablet supports playback of YouTube videos, network media libraries, Internet radio, and also plays MP3 and video files. As for TVs, not every model can display all media formats and has network access. Fundamentally new category Media flash drives and set-top boxes on the Android platform offer a flexible and cost-effective solution to the problem. In terms of their “stuffing,” these devices are almost no different from smartphones and tablets: ARM processor, Mali graphics chip, 1 GB of RAM and up to 8 GB of flash memory. In addition, there is an HDMI port for outputting sound and image to a TV, several USB connectors for power supply and connection wireless keyboard or USB flash drive, as well as a WLAN adapter for connecting to the network. Such devices can be made in the form of a flash drive, others are a mini-set-top box that connects to the TV and is installed below or on the side of it. As an alternative ready-made options we will look at one that can be turned into a media center of your own assembly.

Media console or flash drive - which is better?

From a practical point of view, set-top boxes are more convenient than flash drives. They have more connectors and USB ports, they come with a remote control and, most importantly, they have a separate audio output and autonomous power supply, that is, they do not depend on the TV.

The main advantage of flash drives is their compactness. They are so small that in theory they can be easily connected to the back of the TV, where they will be completely invisible. However, in practice, not everything turns out so smoothly: the flash drive sticking out behind the TV most often gets in the way, and if you consider that in most cases a USB cable is also connected to it for power supply, then you can forget about invisibility. Connecting to the HDMI port on the side of the TV is also not always convenient, since the HDMI connectors are often located very close to each other and there is simply not enough space for a wide flash drive, and it has to be connected not directly, but via an HDMI cable. Another disadvantage of such solutions is that for most models you will have to additionally purchase a wireless keyboard with a touchpad.

The power of a flash drive is quite enough to play Full HD video from USB drives, but attempts to stream movies from a home network are doomed to failure in most cases. The antenna located on a mini-flash drive is usually too small to provide high-quality wireless communication, so the video begins to “slow down,” and the “unfavorable” position of the drive behind the TV worsens the reception quality even more.

Also, HDMI media usually offer too few USB connectors, one of which is also constantly occupied by a wireless keyboard. Models such as Pearl TVPeCee and Motioncoding Nova are equipped with only one USB port. Taking into account the poor quality of the wireless connection of these mini-PCs, you have to use the microSDHC slot to watch video, and this is quite inconvenient. Another serious disadvantage of media flash drives is that they do not have their own audio output and send the audio signal through the HDMI port to the TV. Therefore, their operation is completely dependent on the TV device. Often these media are connected with a USB cable to the TV to provide power. In this case, the flash drive and TV device turn on and off at the same time. Additionally, some TVs automatically switch to the HDMI input whenever the USB flash drive is booted. This is often very inconvenient.

Touch control without touch display

Many models of media flash drives have two serious problems. Firstly, Android applications are designed for a touch display, so it is unusual to control them using a touchpad. Secondly, all test participants, including players equipped with dual-core processors, are unconditionally inferior to modern smartphones in terms of response speed. At the same time, they are noticeably faster than first-generation Smart TVs (two years and older).

For example, the remote controls of the iconBIT and Hama models are equipped with motion sensors and resemble the operating principle of the Wii game console remote control: to move the arrow across the screen, the remote control is used as a pointer.

Both manufacturers managed to replace the mouse quite successfully, but the remote control from IconBIT seemed less convenient: the pointer arrow constantly “flies” off the display. To be fair, it is worth noting that the Hama’s controls are also not so easy to adapt to, because the selection confirmation button is not under the thumb, as we are used to, but under the cross. The other models I've used do an even worse job. The problem can be partly solved by purchasing an additional wireless keyboard with a touchpad. However, it will be most convenient to combine the keyboard and the remote control supplied with the player, for example, to control Android applications and the Internet browser using the touchpad, and use the remote control to start and stop playback and select songs in playlists.

Most manufacturers prefer standard Android interface. The exceptions are IconBIT, TizzBird and Pearl TVPeCee, who bet on their own launcher. All players except Xoro, TizzBird and TVPeCee have a file manager or media center application installed to help you find required file on a USB storage device connected to the device or on your home network. As for the media player, most manufacturers have opted for the built-in player from Android, and this is quite reasonable, because it supports a wide range of formats, excluding only the most exotic (for example, MKV in VC-1 encoding). The combination of hardware and software in most mini PCs is quite decent. This type of device seamlessly broadcasts video to Full HD quality from a USB drive. Even the Raspberry Pi, equipped with a frankly weak processor, plays FullHD perfectly thanks to the built-in decoder.

Installing applications and Play Market

Despite the fact that developers have not yet been able to fully adapt the Android interface to the requirements of a TV screen, the inconvenience in control is compensated by the flexibility of the Android OS. The user can install almost any application that is presented in the online store Play Market. By default, all media players have the Android browser installed. I recommend downloading also Google Chrome. Timely update You don’t have to wait for software, so I advise you to purchase devices with the latest version of the OS at the time of purchase, which also supports the technology wireless transmission data. In practice, this means that the system will receive updates via the Internet, and you will not have to install them manually each time from a USB drive.

A rather interesting device is the Raspberry Pi mini-PC, which I talked about in detail in. The media shell from XBMC can be easily supplemented with various plugins, and provided there is a constant connection to the Internet, the update occurs automatically. The mini PC from Hama and IconBIT has a serious flaw: if you choose to restore the settings in the Android settings menu, you will lose all the apps installed by default.

  • Xoro HST200
  • TizzBird F20
  • Rikomagic MK802 IIIS

Smartphones and tablets

Probably no one will argue that modern tablets and smartphones integrate all the necessary Internet services, complemented by applications, not to mention playing video and other multimedia. Of course, not all, but many smartphones and tablets can be connected to a TV. To connect mobile devices, you will need additional adapters, which are often not included in the package and must be purchased separately. Smartphones and tablets have one significant drawback: the memory capacity of mobile devices is limited and you cannot carry your entire media collection with you, but despite this, smartphones give the TV the functionality of a computer. Specialized software will especially help you succeed in this smartphone. software. For example, . I'll tell you more about its capabilities soon.

The big advantage of a mobile device can be its compact dimensions and the ability to take your multimedia content with you, but to play it on a big screen you will always have to have cables and adapters on hand.

The performance of modern smartphones and tablets is enough to play high-definition videos and run 3D games. Their memory capacity is certainly not large, but it allows you to store new multimedia items. The disadvantage of this solution is that playing high-resolution video that is physically located on a network drive or NAS via wireless network will not work.

Displaying images from a tablet or smartphone to a TV

Some smartphone models are equipped mini-HDMI output. In some cases, the devices are already equipped with the cable necessary for connecting to the TV, which is suitable for different models of smartphones. In more modern gadgets it is actively implemented universal MHL connector, designed for transferring multimedia content, charging the device and synchronizing with a PC. Smartphones and tablets from various manufacturers require their own adapters or cables to output video via HDMI, and they are not always compatible. To connect Apple tablets and smartphones to a TV with HDMI support, you will need an AV adapter (≈ 2000 rubles). It serves as an adapter between the iPad/iPhone connector and the HDMI cable. While playing a video, it is better to connect the power cable to the adapter, as the device will quickly discharge. Samsung was one of the first to use MHL in its Galaxy S line. Note that the HDMI adapter for the Galaxy SII is not compatible with the S III (about 1,200 rubles). On Android devices, you can set the resolution of the image output via HDMI (480p, 576p, 720p, 1080p), and in some devices you can select the audio format. iPad and iPhone do not have these settings. Due to the aspect ratio of the screen, the image during games will have black bars on the sides, but when playing YouTube videos in full screen, they stretch to the full width.

Blu-ray players

Yes, many modern models of Blu-ray players are quite expensive, but this moment offer a very rich set of options: support for numerous video formats and codecs, a built-in WLAN module, the ability to connect external devices and expand functions by installing additional Smart applications. The most interesting thing is that they appeared Smart TV features, Wi-Fi modules and LAN interfaces for providing access to network multimedia content. Playing YouTube videos is commonplace. Support for the DLNA standard will allow you to display movies on the TV screen directly from your home computer (as well as Allshare - another name for DLNA, if anyone is unclear). Blu-ray players also come with various integrated applications for accessing services with extensive movie collections. In addition, selected player models allow you to further expand functionality by installing additional programs from branded online stores.

Connecting a Blu-ray player to a TV

All modern Blu-ray players are equipped with an HDM1 interface (version 1.3 or 1.4). If the player did not come with a cable, you will need to purchase one from your nearest electronics store. If your old TV does not have such an interface, you can use adapters for the corresponding SCART or RCA (“tulip”) connectors. It happens that these adapters come bundled with players, then you won’t have to make any extra purchases. Naturally, when connecting the player via a SCART or RCA interface, the image will be worse than via HDMI, but for older TVs this is not critical. To connect your Blu-ray player to a TV with a SCART connector, you may need an RCA-SCART or HDMI-SCART adapter. If your TV is equipped with RCA ports, the player can be connected using a “tulip”, which, as a rule, comes with the device.

Attention! When connecting to RCA, you will have to set the TV to AV mode yourself, since this connection does not provide automatic switching to the decoder, as is the case with SCART. The choice of adapter should also be approached with caution: cables that are too cheap can cause interference when playing media content.

When purchasing a Blu-ray player, make sure it supports a large number of multimedia formats, as well as the ability to expand functionality (connecting peripherals, installing applications). Blu-ray players access YouTube and other video portals through special application, at the same time, the Philips BDP7700 and Samsung BD-D5300 models also allow you to install additional programs to expand functionality.

Game consoles (video consoles)

Compared to full-fledged media players, game consoles provide much less functionality, and some applications are paid. For example, to get the most out of the Microsoft Xbox 360 console, users will have to register with Xbox Live and pay for a Gold account. Otherwise, they will not be able to access applications and online video services. A huge disadvantage is that the video console from Microsoft does not allow you to record content other than games onto its hard drive.

Sony PlayStation 3 provides users with two free video services, and also allows you to store media content on its internal HDD, which can be easily replaced with a more capacious one (read about this in the PS3 section). Set-top boxes from both manufacturers do not play files larger than 4 GB due to file system limitations.

SONY PLAYSTATION 3

The PlayStation 3 is capable of playing video from both Blu-ray discs and DVDs, CDs or flash drives pre-formatted in the FAT32 file system (the video size should not exceed 4 GB). The device supports MP4, AVI, AVCHD, DivX, WMV formats and resolutions up to 1080p. The Sony console allows you to download multimedia content directly to your HDD. With this set-top box you can listen to music, watch photos on your TV screen, and also get access to free services online video: AXN Sci-Fi and Sony Entertainment Television.

MICROSOFT XBOX 360

The Xbox 360 does not allow you to copy movies to your HDD, but plays them from DVDs, CDs and flash drives (Blu-discs are not supported, but it is possible to connect an external HD-DVD drive). Like the PS3, the Xbox 360 accepts flash drives formatted in FAT32. H.264, MPEG-4, WMV and AVI formats are supported. To get maximum functionality, you must always keep your PC running with media content configured as a DLNA server (). The PS3 analogue of this program is called . Users who have purchased Gold status on XBOX 360 will have access to Netflix service, Facebook application, Twitter and YouTube. In addition, owners of a “golden” account who live in Moscow and use the Beeline provider get access to the IPTV service and can use the console as an IPTV set-top box.

Key points when choosing multimedia devices as an alternative to Smart TV

VIDEO/AUDIO. Before purchasing a media player or Blu-ray player, make sure your TV has RCA or HDMI connectors. If your model is not equipped with such ports, you can connect the device to it via the DVI input using a special adapter. Prerequisite: This connector must support HDCP copy protection. If there is only a SCART interface on the back panel of your TV, take care of purchasing a special SCART-RCA or SCART-HDMI adapter. Also, if you are using a separate audio system, make sure it can also be connected to your media player.

NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES. Make sure your devices have a LAN port (Ethernet connector) to connect to your home network and watch HD video on your TV screen from a desktop computer, laptop or NAS drive. However, as for the built-in WLAN module, in this case it will be relevant only for surfing the Internet from a TV screen or watching videos from YouTube and other video hosting services, and in a quality not exceeding 480p resolution.

CONTROL. If you plan to use your TV for Internet surfing and frequent communication with friends on social networks, choose a media player with a convenient remote control. Ideally, it should be equipped with a QWERTY keyboard for speed dial text. In addition, it can be used as universal remote control Remote control smartphone or tablet if your TV is connected to a wireless home network.

CONNECTING EXTERNAL DEVICES. The vast majority of media players and Blu-ray players equipped with USB connectors for connecting external HDDs and flash drives. As a rule, before connecting such media, you need to format it in the FAT32 file system.

Today on store shelves you will see only “smart” technology of the new generation. Smart TV also offers a wide range of products in this range.

What is Smart TV?

Smart TV is the integration of interactive digital services and various Internet resources into televisions, as well as a kind of symbiosis between a computer and a television. Smart systems can to some extent replace home computer.

Features of smart TVs

A TV using Smart TV is nothing more than a smartphone with a giant display and a significant set of functions. The main feature of this technology is the connection to the Internet, which determines the capabilities of these systems:

  • installation of various games and applications;
  • sign up for internal memory or removable media of any programs for later viewing at a convenient time on this device;
  • access to Internet resources and the ability to work with various applications;
  • if you have a built-in webcam, full use of Skype for video communication with friends;
  • using the device to listen to audio files, view photos and videos from other media.

The technology also provides a set of additional capabilities:

  • unlimited access to multimedia Internet resources;
  • ability to download games;
  • the choice and viewing time of programs does not depend on the broadcast network;
  • TVs can be controlled by voice and gestures.

Disadvantages of TVs

Despite the diverse capabilities of this technique, you need to pay attention to the following disadvantages:

  • Price. The price of a Smart TV is 25-30% higher compared to a regular LCD TV.
  • Cursor control. The remote control cannot provide the cursor mobility necessary for games; for this purpose it is better to use special manipulators. Gesture and voice controls are not yet used in most models.
  • Format of saved information. In the future, files will only be recognized by the Smart TV. Other devices, including computers, do not currently accept this format for displaying information.
  • Limited access to sites. Due to the programs installed in the basic configuration, there are restrictions on access to some sites.

Buying a Smart TV is advisable when you plan to active use Internet resources.

Criterias of choice

When purchasing a Smart TV, you should clearly define the necessary parameters.

The distance from the screen to the viewer is of primary importance. Below is a table summarizing the recommended distances:

Screen diagonal in inches

 Screen resolution Full HD (1920 × 1080), m Screen resolution UHD (3840 × 2160), m
40” 1,7
2,1 1,0
55” 2,3

You should also optimally select the following important indicators:

  1. Screen
  • Screen resolution. The detail and quality of the image depends on this indicator. There are three options: 720p, 1080p, 2160p. With a screen size of 40”, this difference is visually felt weakly, but with increasing diagonal it becomes more noticeable, since graininess inevitably increases with increasing image size.
  • Matrix type. The most common and reliable are three main types of panels: liquid crystal, plasma, or panels using technology LED backlight.
  • Viewing angle. This parameter shows at what maximum angle relative to the screen plane you can watch TV without losing image quality. When assessing this item, you should choose maximum value, ideally this is 180 0.
  • Sweep frequency. This is the intensity of frame changes per unit of time. 200-400 Hz can be considered a good indicator.

  1. Interface

It is necessary to have a Russian-language interface - this increases its accessibility and intuitiveness of perception.

When purchasing, pay attention to the reliability, functionality and convenience of the remote control as the main way to control the smart system. Voice and gesture control functions are present only in higher technology price category.

  1. Internet connection

For the TV to fully operate, you need a stable Internet connection, which can be done either via cable or via using WiFi. A wireless connection allows you to ensure the mobility of the device, and also does not require laying an Internet cable, which negatively affects the interior of the apartment.

Currently, both the functional and quality parameters of a landline connection and WiFi are practically the same, so using the latter seems preferable.

  1. Availability of USB ports

The TV has special USB ports for connecting external devices: hard drive, flash card, computer mouse, keyboard. In this case, their recognition must occur immediately; delay/ignoring indicates the presence of malfunctions.

  1. Number of HDMI ports

The HDMI port is used to connect peripheral equipment. The possibility of simultaneous integration of a game console, external speaker system and other equipment is due to the number of free HDMI ports. When choosing, consider the HDMI version, latest version – 2.0.

  1. Supported Formats

The most commonly used formats currently: MP4, WMV, MKV, WMA, DivX. There are others, less common. If the TV does not support a particular format, this means that you will not be able to view or listen to the file located on external media.

  1. The most common platforms for device operation

The following are especially popular now: operating platforms for Smart TV:

  • Tizen platform used by the manufacturer Samsung since the beginning of 2015, it is built on the Linux kernel. The Tizen interface uses large buttons at the bottom of the screen where you can easily select necessary internet resource or signal source. A remote control is used as a pointer, which is responsible for implementing basic functions and controlling the cursor. Also built into the remote control special microphone, allowing you to issue voice commands.

Tizen is a platform with open source, so users can not only improve existing ones, but also create their own applications. It is also possible to use wireless protocols to connect peripheral devices. The Tizen platform is most successfully implemented in the Samsung UE55K6500BUXUA model.

  • operating room Web system OS is mainly used by LG Corporation. The hallmark of this platform is the display of possible options in the form of a card layout. As in Tizen, the main control element is the remote control, which has the ability to support gesture control mode.

Recent system improvements have improved not only appearance search engine. Now the result of the search engine’s work will be only the selected search engine request.

The Web OS platform is very successfully integrated into the LG OLED55C6V model.

  • Platform Android TV It is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. The start page looks like a series of columns, each of which has a specific, strictly regulated purpose:
  • list of recently viewed resources;
  • available applications;
  • list of games;
  • settings menu.

The only serious flaw is that the appearance of the start screen completely blocks the image.

The Philips 55PUS6401 model combines all the advantages of the Android TV platform:

  • voice control using the microphone built into the remote control;
  • ability to install games from a licensed online store Google applications;
  • Chromecast technology is supported, with which you can transfer information from smartphones, tablets and other external media.
  1. Basic and additional applications

Regardless of the platform used, there is a certain basic set of applications. They are necessary to ensure correct operation systems cannot be deleted. You can only remove extensions and add-ons that you installed yourself during the operation of the device. Since the platforms are based on open source code, you can create and install applications yourself. Competition between leading smart technology manufacturers such as Samsung, LG and Phillips has led to the fact that applications for various systems not universal.

  1. 3D technology

One of the additional functions of Smart TV is 3D technology. However, at present there is no technical ability to provide full spatial perception. In addition, given the small amount of high-quality Russian-language 3D video, this function somewhat loses its attractiveness.

  1. Possibility of control from a smartphone

It is essential to be able to control the TV using various devices, not included in the basic package.

Cursor control is one of the most vulnerabilities smart TVs Using the standard remote control is not always convenient, and not all models have a multimedia remote control. Then using a tablet or phone as a control element allows you to somewhat simplify the process of moving the cursor. This may be possible if the manufacturer of the smartphone and the TV are the same, then the devices will be compatible.

About necessary and unused functions, about the advantages and disadvantages of Smart TV in a detailed review real user:

Set-top box or TV

In some cases, purchasing a Smart TV may not be profitable, since an excellent LCD TV is available. A special set-top box will help turn such a TV into a “smart” one. Each console has an individual set of functions, which you can choose according to your needs.

The average cost of a set-top box is approximately 3,000 rubles.

Comparative review The advantages of a TV and set-top box on Android will be useful for those who are looking for cheaper options:

TOP 3 best smart TVs 2018

To get a more complete picture of the Smart TV market, let’s take a look at the top three:

  • Third place Philips 55PUS6401 confidently ranks. This model is based on the Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) platform. The basic package includes installation Google services, Availability convenient browser and gaming service. The disadvantages include high cost.

  • Second place belongs to LG OLED55C6V. The upgraded Web OS 3.0 operating system has an intuitive interface that provides easy access to all media resources. A multi-function remote control with gesture control allows you to move the cursor around the screen. Sound and picture settings are located on top level. With an average cost of 120,000 rubles. price/quality ratio is not optimal.

  • First place ranks Samsung UE49MU6100U, thanks to low price and the following set of functions: simple control using the Smart Hub interface, a special panel provides quick access to frequently used resources and functions, and the ability to use a smartphone as a remote control.

Which brand and model should I choose?

In addition to the three models that were reviewed, there are many other Smart TVs. Here is a rating of some of them:

Category Place Name Rating, approximate cost, rub.
The best Smart TVs on the Android TV platform 1 Sony KD-55XE9005 9.9 96 000
2 Philips 55PUS6412/12 9.5 65 000
The best Smart TVs on the Web OS platform (LG) 1 LG55SJ810V 9.9 75 000
2 LG49UJ740V 9.7 50 000
The best Smart TVs on the Tizen platform 1 Samsung UE55MU9000U 9.8 95 000
2 Samsung UE49MU6400U 9.6 50 000
The best Smart TVs running alternative OS 1 Panasonic TX-50EXR700 9.8 75 000
2 Sony KD-49XE7096 9,7 55 000

When choosing a Smart TV model, you should pay attention to:

  • on the convenience and information content of the remote control;
  • evaluate how accessible and intuitive the platform interface is;
  • make sure that the set of basic applications meets your wishes;
  • do not buy a product with functions that you will not use in the future;
  • Special attention You should pay attention to the number of ports for connecting peripheral devices.

Just a few years ago, the phrase “I don’t have a TV” sounded proud and exposed its owner, if not as an intellectual, then certainly as a person with good taste. But trends quickly changed: first, home theaters and wide plasma panels came into fashion, then LCDs dropped sharply in price, and finally, Smart technology TV, which greatly expanded the functionality of televisions.

Almost all TV models in the mid-price segment and all have the “Smart TV” line among other characteristics. The name itself suggests that the TV has a number of additional functions; the mandatory set includes the ability to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, the presence of a software shell and installed applications.

“Smart” TVs are classified according to several parameters at once, but the leading role remains with the operating system - it is the OS that largely determines the ease of use, the complexity of the settings, and the variety of programs that can be used.

The choice of platforms in the television market is wide; large brands are willing to create their own shells. However, universal Android, which is very familiar to smartphone users, is also widespread.

  • operating system Tizen installed in modern televisions, models based on it have been produced since 2015.

The advantage of the system is that it is intuitive clear interface Smart Hub, thanks to which even users who are encountering the platform for the first time will not have any problems with management. We are also pleased with the wide selection of software in the Tizen Store, primarily video applications, which are paramount for a TV. An obvious “minus” is the presence of a number of pre-installed programs that cannot be removed.

  • WebOS- proprietary development of the company.

In many ways, the platform is similar to Tizen - the same support for multitasking, a multi-window interface, the possibility of flexible interactive settings, even the remote controls are almost identical. Only the appearance of the controls differs, and applications are downloaded from the LG Store, with an amazing number of programs installed in a few clicks.

  • Android TV support both little-known brands and large market players, for example, Sony and Philips.

The advantages of the OS include the absence of a strict connection to the brand; based on this operating system you can also find quite expensive ones (for example, the line Sony Bravia), and quite budget smart TVs. Another “plus” is the ability to install applications from Google Play and guaranteed support for Chromecast technology, which makes it easy to transfer content from mobile devices to the TV. The main drawback is the rather complex settings; however, the usability of the interface largely depends on the specific model.

The choice is not limited to three positions - in addition to the built-in Smart TV, there are external devices, special set-top boxes that turn it into a “smart” one. Most often this Android devices, but Apple fans can purchase branded Apple TV set-top boxes. The prices for set-top boxes are quite reasonable, but the average user will probably encounter difficulties when choosing and, most importantly, connecting a device.

How to choose Smart TV

It’s paradoxical, but when choosing a TV with a built-in Smart TV, the main thing is not to forget that you are choosing a TV: with a certain diagonal, color rendering, screen manufacturing technology and speaker system. If, all other things being equal, you are satisfied with the chosen model, it is time to take a closer look at the characteristics that are important specifically for the comfortable use of smart functions.

Wi-Fi support

The first Smart TVs most often had a LAN module, which allowed you to connect the TV to the network via the usual Ethernet. This was largely due to the fact that the wireless connection could not provide sufficient speed, but now the situation has changed. In order not to pull another wire to the TV, it is worth checking the presence of a WLAN module that allows you to connect the TV to the Internet via Wi-Fi using.

Availability of USB ports

To connect to your TV without any problems external hard disk, flash drive or even a mouse and keyboard, you should check the availability and number of USB ports in advance. The TV should respond instantly to connecting an external device.

The ports are also useful for USB Recoding recording, with which your favorite movie episode or TV show can be recorded onto a connected media in real time.

Number of HDMI ports

The rule is extremely simple and applies to both regular and Smart TVs: the more peripherals you plan to connect to the TV, the more HDMI ports there should be. It is optimal if 2-3 connectors are available to simultaneously connect a game console, media player or external sound system. By the way, the HDMI version also plays a role; the 1.4 standard is already considered obsolete, so it is better to immediately purchase a TV with HDMI 2.0.

Possibility of control from a smartphone

Control remains one of the most important problems of Smart TV - with a regular remote control you have to perform too many manipulations even just to move the cursor across the screen, and not every model has multimedia remote controls, which are more reminiscent of a computer keyboard. Therefore, the ability to use a smartphone as a control element greatly simplifies life. By the way, if the manufacturer of the TV and phone is the same, management becomes much simpler and more convenient.

Of course, on the modern market there is a huge variety of both smart TV models and their diagonals. Therefore, for ease of selection, the rating below shows best tvs diagonals from 48 to 55 inches, because according to research, these are the sizes that are in greatest demand both for small city halls and for spacious rooms in private houses.

Rating of the best smart TVs 2018-2019

Available (up to 20 thousand rubles)

TV Akai LES-32D83M

Those who want to get a Smart TV on the Android operating system for little money can take a closer look at the Akai LES-32D83M TV. This new product was created by a famous brand in 2018. This TV is equipped with a Wi-Fi 802.11n interface and has a built-in memory of 4 GB. Using the device, you can watch broadcast and cable television in 720p HD resolution, record video to a flash drive, watch photos and videos from your hard drive. The TV attracts attention with its lightness, compactness and fairly good sound.

Characteristics:

  • Diagonal: 32″ (81 cm);
  • Screen format: 16:9;
  • Resolution: 1366×768;
  • HD Resolution: 720p HD;
  • Brightness: 200 cd/m2;
  • Dynamic contrast: 1400:1;
  • Viewing angle: 178°;
  • Sound power: 14 W (2×7 W);
  • Inputs: AV, component, VGA, HDMI x3, USB x2, Ethernet (RJ-45), Wi-Fi 802.11n;
  • Power consumption: 65 W.

Additionally: Direct LED backlight; progressive scan; stereo sound; DVB-T MPEG4, DVB-C MPEG4, DVB-T2; 1299 channels; two speakers; surround sound; automatic volume leveling (AVL); formats: MP3, MPEG4, MKV, JPEG; coaxial output; headphone jack; 1 TV tuner; recording video to a USB drive; TimeShift; sleep timer; protection from children; wall mounting.

Advantages:

  • low price;
  • 720p HD;
  • ability to record video;
  • Wi-Fi support;
  • low power consumption;
  • compactness;
  • lightness (3.54 kg);
  • high-quality assembly.

Flaws:

  • glossy screen finish;
  • 1 tuner;
  • small screen.

Price: 10-12 thousand rubles.

TV TELEFUNKEN TF-LED40S43T2S

Smart TV from the manufacturer TELEFUNKEN is a very compact and cheap model with 1 tuner, but with Wi-Fi support and progressive resolution screen 1920x1080 pixels. The TELEFUNKEN TF-LED40S43T2S TV has quite a wide range of functionality at a low price. The undeniable advantages of the model are Android support, reading a large number of audio and video formats. Accepts analog and digital signals: PAL/SECAM DVB-T2/T/C.

When purchasing, pay attention to the country of origin. In this case, it could be Türkiye or the Russian Federation. Depending on the region for which the model was produced; These audio and video formats are read by the device.

Characteristics:

  • Diagonal: 40″ (102 cm);
  • Screen format: 16:9;
  • Resolution: 1920×1080;
  • HD Resolution: 1080p Full HD;
  • Refresh rate index: 50 Hz;
  • Brightness: 280 cd/m2;
  • Viewing angle: 178°;
  • Sound power: 12 W (2×6 W);
  • Inputs: AV, component, VGA, HDMI x3, USB x2, Ethernet (RJ-45), Wi-Fi.

Additionally: LED backlight; progressive scan; stereo sound NICAM, DVB-T MPEG4, DVB-C MPEG4, DVB-T2; 1100 channels; teletext; two speakers; formats: MP3, WMA, MPEG4, Xvid, MKV, JPEG; coaxial output; headphone jack; 1 TV tuner; recording video to a USB drive; TimeShift; sleep timer; child lock, light sensor, wall mount.

Advantages:

  • price;
  • screen resolution;
  • Android;
  • 8 GB of internal memory;
  • light (6.5 kg);
  • connecting headphones;
  • recording to a flash drive;
  • “omnivorous” formats.

Flaws:

  • you should pay attention to the firmware;
  • The speakers are weak.

Price: 16 thousand rubles.

TV Thomson T43FSL5131

Well-known European brands are trying to keep up with Asians who are keeping up with the times. Thus, Thomson released its Smart version TV, which has a high-quality 4-core ARM A7 processor and a MALI 450 video card.

Android OS, support for Wi-Fi, DLNA (playing content from other devices in real time) and control of the Thomson T43FSL5131 smart TV from the remote control are reliable foundations for high-quality work.

The manufacturer has endowed this model with convenient settings: dynamic picture contrast, black and white enhancement, skin tone, game mode, movie mode, sports mode, sound only mode, etc. Multimedia content on the screen is displayed in 1080p Full HD format.

Many “smart” models take a long time to turn on, unlike them, the Thomson T43FSL5131 TV has a function « Instant On”, which ensures fast loading.

Characteristics:

  • Diagonal: 43″ (109 cm);
  • Screen format: 16:9;
  • Resolution: 1920×1080;
  • HD Resolution: 1080p Full HD;
  • Refresh rate index: 50 Hz;
  • Brightness: 280 cd/m2;
  • Dynamic contrast: 4000:1;
  • Viewing angle: 178°;
  • Inputs: AV, HDMI x2, USB x2, Ethernet (RJ-45), Wi-Fi, Miracast;
  • Power consumption: 75 W.

Additionally: Direct LED backlight; progressive scan; stereo sound NICAM, DVB-T MPEG4, DVB-C MPEG4, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2; 1099 channels; two speakers, automatic volume leveling (AVL); formats: MP3, MPEG4, HEVC (H.265), MKV, JPEG; optical output; headphone jack; 3 TV tuners; record video to USB drive;TimeShift; sleep timer; protection from children; wall mounting.

Advantages:

  • inexpensive;
  • 1080p Full HD;
  • brightness;
  • DLNA support;
  • Wi-Fi;
  • Android;
  • 3 tuners;
  • turns on quickly;
  • there is noise reduction;
  • light (7.2 kg);

Flaws:

  • glossy screen finish;
  • The speakers are weak.

Price: 20 thousand rubles.

The best smart TVs in terms of price/quality ratio (20-50 thousand rubles)

TV Erisson 50ULEA99T2 Smart

Smart TV from trademark Erisson, which has extensive experience in the television and radio equipment market. The Erisson 50ULEA99T2 Smart TV is a 2018 model that supports Android OS and displays content in progressive 4K UHD format. The picture is distinguished by its rich colors and accurate color rendition.

The Erisson 50ULEA99T2 Smart TV quickly connects to a Wi-Fi wireless interface and allows you to watch movies in 24p True Cinema format. The wireless connection is compensated by only one built-in tuner, but this is also a lot, given the rather low cost of the model. The TV has two fairly powerful stereo speakers using NICAM and AVL technologies.

Characteristics:

  • Diagonal: 50″ (127 cm);
  • Screen format: 16:9;
  • Resolution: 3840×2160;
  • HD Resolution: 4K UHD;
  • Refresh rate index: 50 Hz;
  • Brightness: 310 cd/m2;
  • Dynamic contrast: 5000:1;
  • Viewing angle: 178°;
  • Inputs: AV, component, VGA, HDMI x3, USB x3, Ethernet (RJ-45), Wi-Fi.

Additionally: LED backlight; progressive scan; teletext; stereo sound NICAM, DVB-T MPEG4, DVB-C MPEG4, DVB-T2; two speakers, automatic volume leveling (AVL); formats: MP3, WMA, MPEG4, MKV, JPEG; coaxial output; headphone jack; 1 TV tuner; recording video to a USB drive; protection from children; TimeShift; sleep timer; wall mounting.

Advantages:

  • price-quality ratio;
  • brightness;
  • color rendering;
  • 4K Ultra HD;
  • Wi-Fi support;
  • extensive connectivity options;
  • sound.

Flaws:

  • glossy screen finish;
  • 1 tuner.

Price: 24-35 thousand rubles.

TV SUPRA STV-LC60GT5000U

A new product released by the famous Supra manufacturer in 2018. The manufacturer sets this model apart from the rest, emphasizing the large range of colors (1.07 billion colors), amazing color realism and high screen brightness.

This mid-priced LED TV has a 58″ diagonal and 4K UHD resolution . The excellent performance of two TV tuners: T2 (terrestrial) and S2 (satellite) is complemented by the ability to access the Internet.

The SUPRA STV-LC60GT5000U TV has a full set of modern interfaces, a Wi-Fi module and Smart-TV on Android. Storage of 1100 channels, video recording to a USB drive and surround sound are pleasant advantages of the model. This manufacturer tends to pay close attention to build quality. SUPRA also monitors the emergence of new technologies and introduces them into new models, so this TV is worth paying attention to.

Characteristics:

  • Diagonal: 58″ (147 cm);
  • Screen format: 16:9;
  • Resolution: 3840×2160;
  • HD Resolution: 4K UHD;
  • Refresh rate index: 60 Hz;
  • Brightness: 330 cd/m2;
  • Dynamic contrast: 150000:1;
  • Viewing angle: 178°;
  • Sound power: 20 W (2×10 W);
  • Inputs: VGA, HDMI x2, USB x2, Ethernet (RJ-45), Wi-Fi 802.11ac;
  • Power consumption: 180 W.

Additionally: LED backlight; progressive scan; stereo sound; DVB-T MPEG4, DVB-C MPEG4, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2; teletext, two speakers; formats: MP3, WMA, MPEG4, HEVC (H.265), MKV, JPEG; coaxial output; headphone jack; 2 TV tuners; recording video to a USB drive; TimeShift; sleep timer; wall mounting.

Advantages:

  • value for money;
  • diagonal;
  • Ultra HD;
  • brightness;
  • color rendering;
  • viewing angle;
  • Android;
  • Wi-Fi support;
  • good sound.

Flaws:

  • glossy;
  • heavy (21.8 kg).

Price: 39-45 thousand rubles.

TV Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 55

The Mi TV 4S 55 smart TV from Xiaomi 2018 is a very slim model that will fit into a modern apartment, furnished with good taste, and will be a demonstration of elegance and high technology.

The TFT IPS panel (In-Plane Switching) has a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, this TV has a proprietary backlight called Direct-Lit. An operating system with an exclusive PatchWall shell may be of interest to fans new technology, since the system is able to select and offer content for the viewer. A new feature is a remote control with voice control.

The hardware installed inside this elegant TV is a quad-core Amlogic processor with Cortex-A53x4 and GPU Mali-450 GPU. 2 GB DDR4 RAM and 8 GB flash memory are enough for normal operation devices without delays.

The speakers of Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 55 are 8 watts each, and the sound is good and voluminous, with support for Dolby audio and DTS. Regarding connections, this model only has USB connectors 2.0. Otherwise, the set of connections corresponds latest models this manufacturer.

Characteristics:

  • Diagonal: 54.6″ (139 cm);
  • Screen format: 16:9;
  • Resolution: 3840×2160;
  • Refresh rate index: 50 Hz;
  • Viewing angle: 178°;
  • Sound power: 16 W (2×8 W);
  • Inputs: AV, component, HDMI x3, USB x2, Ethernet (RJ-45), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11ac;
  • Power consumption: 120 W.
  • Audio decoders: Dolby Digital, DTS; Video decoders: MPEG1/2/4, REAL, H.265, H.264.

Additionally: Direct LED backlight; progressive scan; stereo sound, two speakers, Dolby Digital, DTS; formats: MP3, WMA, MPEG4, HEVC (H.265), MKV, JPEG; coaxial output; 1 TV tuner (Analog + Digital), wall mount.

Advantages:

  • price-quality ratio;
  • display;
  • 4K resolution with HDR;
  • sound;
  • Wi-Fi 5 GHz;
  • Bluetooth 4.0;
  • quite light (13.4 kg);
  • aluminum rim;
  • stylish design.

Flaws:

  • not bright enough;
  • need for firmware;
  • inferior “Chinese” Android;
  • does not support Google Play;
  • not very convenient remote control;
  • the microphone only accepts Chinese;
  • the legs are not very high quality;
  • The build quality is not perfect.

Price: 40-50 thousand rubles.

Verified (50-90 thousand rubles)

TV Sony KD-49XF7005

Reliable Smart TV Sony KD-49XF7005 on the Linux platform is one of the new products Sony. The HD resolution (4K UHD) and HDR-10 technology installed in this TV are leading edge in the market. The device is pleased with the richness of the image, the detail of each pixel, high-quality, tear-free display backlight and DLNA support. The dynamic scene index is 200 fps/Motionflow.

operating room Linux system(VEWD) allows the user to download limited paid application content (VEWD store), which is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the XSMART application, which provides the key to new movies and free IP TV channels.

The model receives Wi-Fi excellently, and the built-in 4 GB memory expands the capabilities of the device. Among the pleasant characteristics it is worth noting: 3 HDMI inputs, optical output, video recording, TimeShift; NICAM stereo sound.

For those who find a common language with the built-in VEWD browser, the TV can become a full-fledged “smart”. For everyone else - a very high-quality TV with great capabilities and a unique picture.

Characteristics:

  • Diagonal: 48.5″ (123 cm);
  • Screen format: 16:9;
  • Resolution: 3840×2160;
  • HD Resolution: 4K UHD, HDR-10;
  • Refresh rate index: 50 Hz;
  • Brightness: 350 cd/m2;
  • Dynamic contrast: 3300:1;
  • Viewing angle: 178°;
  • Sound power: 20 W (2×10 W);
  • Inputs: AV, HDMI x3, USB x3, Ethernet (RJ-45), Wi-Fi 802.11n, WiDi, Miracast;
  • Power consumption: 115 W.

Additionally: Edge LED backlight; progressive scan; stereo sound NICAM, DVB-T MPEG4, DVB-C MPEG4, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2; teletext; FM radio; two speakers, Dolby Digital, DTS, formats: MP3, WMA, MPEG4, HEVC (H.265), Xvid, DivX, MKV, JPEG; optical output; headphone jack; 2 TV tuners; recording video to a USB drive; TimeShift; sleep timer; child protection, wall mounting.

Advantages:

  • image quality;
  • diagonal;
  • good assembly;
  • 4K expansion (3840×2160);
  • HDR support (HDR10, HLG);
  • Wi-Fi Certified 802.11b/g/n;
  • image transmission (Miracast);
  • viewing angle;
  • thin frame;
  • digital television (2 multiplexes);
  • support for a large number of formats;
  • FM radio;
  • not heavy (12 kg);
  • anti-glare screen coating.

Flaws:

  • expensive;
  • outdated remote control;
  • external power supply;
  • Linux operating system (VEWD);
  • Doesn't support Android.

Price: 45-60 thousand rubles.

TV Panasonic TX-55FXR600

The new Panasonic Smart TV offers customers the opportunity to experience 4K UHD image quality using HDR 10 technology. This is a high-quality smart TV at a fairly affordable price. Among the positive characteristics, it is worth noting the wide connectivity options, given 2 HDMI 2.0 outputs, support for Wi-Fi and 24p True Cinema, as well as stable operation in real-time mode, with compatibility with many devices, which is ensured by DLNA technology.

In addition, the Panasonic TX-55FXR600 has such useful functionality as voice control, light sensor, video recording to a flash drive, headphone connection, sleep timer, etc.

Characteristics:

  • Diagonal: 54.6″ (139 cm);
  • Screen format: 16:9;
  • Resolution: 3840×2160;
  • Refresh rate index: 50 Hz;
  • Brightness: 350 cd/m2;
  • Viewing angle: 178°;
  • Sound power: 20 W (2×10 W);
  • Inputs: AV, component, HDMI x3, USB x2, Ethernet (RJ-45), Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Miracast;
  • Power consumption: 189 W.

Additionally: Direct LED backlight; progressive scan; stereo sound, DVB-T MPEG4, DVB-C MPEG4, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2; teletext; two speakers, formats: MP3, WMA, MPEG4, HEVC (H.265), MKV, JPEG; optical output; headphone jack; 2 TV tuners; recording video to a USB drive; TimeShift; sleep timer; child protection, voice control, light sensor; wall mounting.

Advantages:

  • optimal cost;
  • brightness and contrast;
  • 4K UHD resolution, HDR 10;
  • HDMI 2.0
  • Wi-Fi 802.11ac support;
  • 24p True Cinema;
  • light sensor;
  • build quality;
  • voice control;
  • anti-glare coating.

Flaws:

  • energy-consuming;
  • heavy (17 kg).

Price: 60 thousand rubles.

TV Samsung UE58NU7100U

The new seventh generation from the Samsung brand contains 4 times more pixels than its FHD predecessors. Local Dimming technology ensures excellent detail of each pixel, which is reflected in the quality of dynamic scenes.

Smart TV operates on the Tizen operating system and is controlled in a proprietary browser, which helps the user select content that interests him. This browser allows you to preview content to save your time. This TV also supports Samsung Cloud, thanks to which you can store your photos and videos on the cloud, as well as transfer photos from your smartphone to the TV screen.

Dolby Digital audio decoders from two built-in speakers create surround sound when watching a movie or playing games. By the way, Steam Link will help you play on the big screen, so get ready for a completely new experience.

Characteristics:

  • Diagonal: 55″ 58″ (147 cm);
  • Screen format: 16:9;
  • Resolution: 3840×2160;
  • HD Resolution: 4K UHD, HDR 10;
  • Brightness: 330 cd/m2;
  • Dynamic contrast: 130000:1;
  • Viewing angle: 178°;
  • Sound power: 20 W (2×10 W);
  • Inputs: AV, component, HDMI x3, USB x2, Ethernet (RJ-45), Wi-Fi 802.11n, Miracast;
  • Power consumption: 160 W.

Additionally: Edge LED backlight; progressive scan; stereo sound NICAM, DVB-T MPEG4, DVB-C MPEG4, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2; teletext, two Dolby Digital speakers, automatic volume leveling (AVL), formats: MP3, WMA, MPEG4, HEVC (H.265), DivX, MKV, JPEG; optical output; 2 TV tuners; recording video to a USB drive; TimeShift; sleep timer; child protection, light sensor; wall mounting.

Advantages:

  • price;
  • diagonal;
  • 4K Ultra HD;
  • color rendering;
  • wireless connection;
  • sound;
  • fast Smart TV;
  • convenient control;
  • assembly;
  • Slim and stylish look.

Flaws:

  • weight (20.2 kg without stand);
  • poor quality of analog TV;
  • inconvenient fastening (long bolts).

Price: 53-60 thousand rubles.

Premium (90 thousand rubles+)

TV Samsung QE65Q7FNA

This new Smart-TV from the Samsung brand belongs to the premium series for good reason. Maximum resolution 4K UHD screen with support for HDR-10 technology is especially bright on the latest QLED matrix, which uses nanoparticle coating and an almost unlimited color spectrum (more than 1 billion shades)!

The Q Engine processor processes, improves color combinations and details the picture, preventing image “blurring” using proprietary brightness and contrast control technology - Q Contrast Elite. The Samsung QE65Q7FNA smart TV has high frequency screen updates.

120 Hz and high index of dynamic scenes – 200 fps/Motion Rate/.

With such excellent characteristics and high cost, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a built-in browser, recording TV shows and other necessary functionality are things that go without saying.

The Samsung QE65Q7FNA TV can be controlled by voice and gestures. The One Remote multimedia remote control, which comes with the TV, is very easy to use.

Also worth noting is the Ambient Mode, which, using mobile application“fits” the TV into the interior, like a picture on the wall.

The One Connect connector combines cables and optical signal in one wire.

The durability of the QLED matrix promised by the manufacturer makes this model one of the main favorites on the market.

Characteristics:

  • Diagonal: 65″;
  • Screen format: 16:9;
  • Resolution: 3840×2160;
  • HD Resolution: 4K UHD, HDR-10;
  • Refresh rate index: 120 Hz;
  • Viewing angle: 178°;
  • Inputs: USB/3 pcs./LAN COM port (RS-232);
  • Power consumption: 153 W.

Additionally: QLED; progressive scan; stereo sound NICAM, DVB-T MPEG4, DVB-C MPEG4, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2; OS Tizen 4.0, 4 speakers, formats: AVI, MKV, H264/MPEG-4 AVC, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV9/VC1, AAC, AMR technology, LPCM, M4A, MP3, MPEG1, L1 /2, WMA, JPEG, BMP, GIF, JPS, PNG, PNS; optical output; headphone jack; 3 TV tuners; recording video to a USB drive; voice and gesture control; TimeShift; sleep timer; picture in picture, wall mount.

4 built-in speakers with a subwoofer provide surround sound Dolby Digital, DTS.

The model has two built-in tuners and ample connectivity options, providing excellent playback of any audio and video formats.

The manufacturer claims that the guarantee of operation of this OLED matrix is ​​100 thousand hours. Those who managed to get acquainted with this TV in person note its brightness, fast work, “omnivorous” and universal (multi-brand) remote control.

Characteristics:

  • Diagonal: 64.5″ (164 cm);
  • Screen format: 16:9;
  • Resolution: 3840×2160;
  • HD Resolution: 4K UHD, HDR-10;
  • Refresh rate index: 100 Hz;
  • Brightness: 300 cd/m2;
  • Viewing angle: 178°;
  • Sound power: 40 W (4×10 W);
  • Inputs: AV, HDMI x4, USB x3, Ethernet (RJ-45), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11ac.

Additionally: LED backlight; progressive scan; 24p True Cinema support; DLNA support; stereo sound NICAM, DVB-T MPEG4, DVB-C MPEG4, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, teletext, 4 speakers, Dolby Digital, DTS, auto volume leveling AVL; formats: MP3, WMA, MPEG4, HEVC (H.265), DivX, MKV, JPEG; 2 TV tuners; TimeShift; sleep timer; child protection, wall mounting.

Advantages:

  • the picture as a whole;
  • 4K UHD, HDR-10;
  • brightness;
  • Smart TV;
  • sound and subwoofer;
  • reads many formats;
  • 2 tuners;
  • universal (multi-brand) remote control.

Flaws:

  • expensive;
  • heavy: weight with stand – 25.4 kg;
  • There are complaints about the transmission of white color.

Price: 173-330 thousand rubles.

TV Sony KD-75XF9005

The huge new Smart TV Sony KD-75XF9005, created in 2018, has a diagonal of 74.5″ (189 cm). The time-tested VA matrix has the highest 4K UHD resolution and supports Dolby Vision and HDR 10 technologies. 24p True Cinema in this quality makes watching movies a breeze.

In a matter of seconds, the TV connects to Wi-Fi and, using DLNA technology, converts content from other devices into a rich, contrasting picture on the screen. The TV can be controlled from a mobile application via Android. The light sensor automatically adjusts the image brightness depending on the time of day and the brightness of the light sources in the room.

3 TV tuners: T2 (terrestrial), C (cable), S (satellite), S2 (satellite) efficiently process incoming signals using DVB-T MPEG4, DVB-C MPEG4, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB- technologies S2.

The Sony KD-75XF9005 smart TV features a 4K HDR X1™ Extreme processor and 16GB of internal memory, as well as an impressive array of additional features.

Characteristics:

  • Diagonal: 74.5″ (189 cm);
  • Screen format: 16:9;
  • Resolution: 3840×2160;
  • HD Resolution: 4K UHD, Dolby Vision, HDR 10;
  • Refresh rate index: 100 Hz;
  • Viewing angle: 178°;
  • Sound power: 20 W (2×10 W);
  • Inputs: AV, HDMI x4, USB x3, Ethernet (RJ-45), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Miracast;
  • Power consumption: 330 W.

Additionally: Direct LED backlight; progressive scan; stereo sound NICAM, DVB-T MPEG4, DVB-C MPEG4, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2; teletext; two speakers, audio decoders Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby™ Digital Plus, Dolby™ Pulse; formats: MP3, WMA, MPEG4, HEVC (H.265), Xvid, DivX, MKV, JPEG; coaxial output (SPDIF), optical output; mini-Jack headphone jack (3.5 mm); 3 TV tuners; recording video to a USB drive; TimeShift; protection from children; sleep timer; light sensor; voice control; wall mounting.

Well made and inexpensive Thomson T43FSL5131 with 1080p Full HD resolution, supporting Android.

2) We separately selected models with the best price/quality ratio (20-50 thousand rubles):

This top three includes smart TVs from Xiaomi, SUPRA and Erisson; each of which has its own undeniable advantages with very minor flaws.

Sony KD-49XF7005, Panasonic TX-55FXR600 and Samsung UE58NU7100U, which have a common LED matrix, the differences lie in the platform and some technical parameters that were discussed above. These are new models that use proven technologies that are worth the money.

4) We also cannot ignore the “premium” category (90 thousand rubles+):

Mentioned here are flagships from leading manufacturers competing for the right to offer the buyer the best picture. These are: Samsung QE65Q7FNA with a QLED matrix, LG OLED65C8 with an OLED display and Panasonic TX-55FXR600 with a VA matrix, with the highest 4K UHD resolution and support for Dolby Vision and HDR 10 technologies.

Thus, our review of Smart-TV 2019 is divided into 4 segments based on price, each of which has three models that deserve the attention of buyers.

In the eternal debate on the topic “which OS is better,” many copies have been broken and it is simply impossible to give an unambiguous answer: it all depends on the tastes of the owner and the budget allocated for the purchase.

Article updated: January 2019

I watch articles on the site that somehow relate to Smart TVs, and I understand that the topic is more popular than ever. Convenient: turn on the TV - and here is a browser for visiting sites, online videos, games, social networks. It’s unlikely that anyone will argue that Smart TVs have a future. They, of course, will not replace a computer, but they are excellent as an entertainment device.

The ability to watch online videos, play games and visit websites is available in modern Smart TVs. But, if you have already used Smart TV, no matter which manufacturer: LG, Samsung, Sony, or others, then you will agree that the technology is still crude. Something freezes all the time, disconnects from the Internet, online videos do not play, etc. You can use it, but not everything is as smooth as it seems at first glance, and as they might tell you in the store.

Another thing is the functionality of the Android mobile operating system. It would be nice if the Smart TV functionality was made on this system. Is it true? For example, the number of Android programs and games that can be installed from Google Play will never compare with the store that LG Smart TV has. Well, anyone who has an Android phone or tablet understands what I mean.

It was unreasonable to think that everything Android capabilities cannot be used on TVs. The companies that develop digital technology probably thought the same thing and created Smart TV set-top boxes. In this article, we will look at one of these consoles from Defender. It's called Defender Smart Android HD2. The article should be of interest primarily to those who have TVs without Smart TV. Or, who is not satisfied with the capabilities and functionality of Smart TV. But you really want to watch a movie on the Internet or from a flash drive, go to social networks, play games - and all this on the TV screen.

What is a Smart TV set-top box on Android?

As a rule, this is a small device that connects to the HDMI connector of the TV and runs on the Android operating system. The set-top box is powered either from an adapter that can be plugged into a power outlet, or from the USB connector of the TV. The set-top box itself, like, for example, a tablet, has a processor, RAM, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. It’s quite a tablet, only without a screen. The screen is a TV.

The set-top box can be controlled using regular keyboard and mice. You can connect wireless devices, which is much more convenient, or via Bluetooth. For example, I connected wireless headset. I can say that to control such an Android console, even one mouse is enough. There are also special Air-Mouse remote controls.

There are even models with built-in cameras and microphones for communicating via Skype. For example, Defender Smart Call HD2. By the way, Smart Call HD2 can connect to older TVs that do not have HDMI. And it connects via the so-called “tulip” (composite AV output). The Air-Mouse remote control is included.

What will you need to connect a Smart TV set-top box to your TV?

  • The console itself. You can’t go anywhere without her :)
  • TV with HDMI connector
  • Regular PC mouse, and/or keyboard to control the Android set-top box (if the kit does not include a remote control).

Review of Defender Smart Android HD2

Let's take a closer look at everything using the Defender Smart Android HD2 as an example.

You can buy the set-top box in the official Defender online store at the link http://www.defender.ru/products/multimedia/smarttvaccessory/smart-android-hd2/. Defender Smart Android HD2 is sold in such a small and beautiful box:

On the box you can see the main features, and on the back - specifications. Here are the main ones:

  • Dual Core Rockchip RK3066 processor, which operates at a frequency of 1.6 Ghz
  • Mali 400MP graphics accelerator
  • Android 4.2
  • 1 GB RAM
  • 4 GB internal memory
  • It is possible to connect microSD up to 32 GB
  • WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth
  • 2 full USB connectors for connecting flash drives and other peripherals.

Other characteristics can be found on the official website. The console works very quickly, movies and games run without problems. Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to test any powerful game, like Asphalt 8, but I'll definitely try it.

Equipment

In the kit you will find the Defender Smart Android HD2 set-top box itself, a power adapter, an HDMI extension cable, small instructions, a warranty and a power cable with an additional USB connector.

As I already wrote, the set-top box is connected to the HDMI connector of the TV. It can be connected either directly or through an extension cord. Also connected to the set-top box is a power cable (microUSB connector), which has another full-fledged USB connector. There is a connector for connecting microSD cards and another full USB (in total, two USB connectors for connecting flash drives, keyboards, mice, external HDDs, etc.). An indicator that lights up while the device is operating is also present.

Everything is assembled well, the cables are of normal length.

Connecting the Defender Smart Android HD2 set-top box

I first connected this TV box to a small 24-inch LG TV. Power was connected to the USB connector of the TV. Let me remind you that if your TV does not have USB, then the set-top box can be plugged into an outlet using the power adapter that is included.

I connected a wireless mouse adapter to one of the USB connectors so that I could control the Android set-top box. And in the second I connected a flash drive to check how the movies were playing.

I sat for a while and realized that a 32-inch TV would be more comfortable. I moved to the LG 32LN575U TV.

We connect everything, turn on the power of the console (if the power is from USB, it will turn on along with the TV). On the TV you need to select HDMI to which you connected the set-top box. Otherwise the image will not appear. On LG TVs this is done by pressing a button INPUT. Next you just need to select active HDMI (if there are several of them on TV).

If the console has already loaded, you will see the main screen. No, this is not an ordinary worker Android desk 4.2. There is a special shell, which, by the way, is very convenient to use. She looks like this:

Let's look at the functionality and capabilities.

Functionality of Android TV set-top box from Defender

There are 6 tabs on the main screen. I advise you to first go to Setting(settings) to connect to Wi-Fi (if you have a Wi-Fi network), set the time, etc. The settings are no different from those on a tablet or smartphone.

I connected to the wireless network without problems (you can connect according to the instructions). The set-top box maintains the network well and stable.

I noticed only one problem, however, this problem is more likely Android. If the time and date are set incorrectly, the gray Wi-Fi icon will light up (as in my photo above, in the lower right corner), and the Internet will not work on Google Play. This is a popular problem for everyone Android devices, which I recently wrote about in a separate article: .

Therefore, set the date and time correctly. Set your time zone. And since these parameters, as far as I understand, are reset after completely disconnecting the power from the set-top box, it is better to set automatic setup from the network.

In the settings, on the tab Screen, you can select the screen resolution and refresh rate. The rest of the settings are almost the same as on other Android devices.

Let's look at the other 5 sections that you can select from the main screen.

Media

In this section you will find programs with which you can watch movies from the device’s memory, memory card or flash drive, watch photos or listen to music from the Internet.

You can watch the video using installed player MX Player. I believe this best player for Android. I used it on my phone all the time. As soon as you connect a flash drive or memory card that has video on it, it will immediately appear in MX Player. No need to search for it in folders.

The films are going great.

TV

If you open the TV folder on the main screen, you will see already installed programs for watching online videos, YouTube and Zoomby, where you will find many films and TV series.

YouTube looks like this:

Go ahead.

Browsers

Here there are programs with which you can access the Internet, surf social networks, download files, etc.

Of course we go to the site :)

If you don't like it standard browser, then in the section Apps there is Google Chrome. For social networks you can set official applications from Play Store. VKontakte, Twitter, Facebook, it’s all there.

Game

There you will find two games installed: Angry Birds and Cut the Rop.

Played a little Angry Birds.

Apps

Well, in the last section you will find many installed useful programs, including ES Explorer and Explorer for managing files, as well as programs for working with mail, maps, calendar, Play Store, etc.

Of course, don't forget about the hundreds of thousands of apps and games you can install from the Play Store.

You also need to pay attention to the notification center in the lower right corner. It displays the clock, Wi-Fi connection status and other notifications. For example, about connecting a USB flash drive.

And in the left corner you can see a panel on which there are buttons “back”, “home”, “view running applications”, “volume control”, “turn off the set-top box” (go to standby mode), and a button that allows you to collapse this panel.

As far as I understand, it is impossible to completely turn off Defender Smart Android HD2. Press the power button and put the set-top box into standby mode. It will “wake up” as soon as you move your mouse.

If the set-top box is powered by USB TV, then it will turn off and on also with the TV. If it's plugged in, I think it's ok to leave it plugged in.

For example, you are using Defender Smart Android HD2 and want to watch TV: just switch to TV mode by selecting the desired video input on the TV. When you want to switch to the set-top box again, select the desired HDMI.

Afterword

I really liked the Defender Smart Android HD2 console itself. In general, the very opportunity to get all the functionality of Android on a TV is very cool. I can say with confidence that no Smart TV, from any manufacturer, can compare with the capabilities of the Defender Smart Android HD2.

If you want my opinion: it's better to buy good TV without Smart TV and do not overpay for the technology itself, built-in Wi-Fi and other functions, and in addition buy an Android set-top box. Believe me, this way you will get much more opportunities for entertainment and even work. Perhaps something will change over time, and TV manufacturers will bring Smart TV to fruition, there will be more apps in their stores, but at the moment buying a device like Defender Smart Android HD2 seems to me the best option.

Also on the site:

We turn a regular TV into a Smart TV. Review of Smart TV set-top box Defender Smart Android HD2 updated: October 13, 2014 by: admin


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