Over the last three or four years, smart TVs have had the biggest boom in the technology market since the “original” patent filed in 1994. This boom could be the result of recent advancements in tablets and smartphones with the ability to connect to the internet through a WiFi connection. These advancements have given way to new consumer needs in the form of smart TVs. Smart TVs have the ability to connect to the internet, through an integrated LAN card, and access particular services that can be offered by the manufacturer of the TV; this could include apps such as Angry Birds on Samsung Smart TVs. This ability, to connect to the internet, allows users to download apps and use the internet to do things like use Skype to call and chat to friends, with some TV’s having the use of a camera to add to the experience. Smart TV’s can also utilise the use of an internet connection by allowing the user to get catch-up TV on demand.
However, the big question on everyone’s mind is, “Are smart TVs worth it?”. The answer to that question can be found by what you want out if it, since most smart TVs restrict the ability of the user to access the internet down to the form of smart TV apps. Another thing that factors into this is the price of the smart TV as well the capability and performance of the TV. At the moment, TV prices as a whole are down, but to receive a high-end, or even good, smart TV it will cost you upwards of £800, and for high-end models, higher, at prices such as £2000-3000 which can make buying a TV with WiFi sound extremely pricey especially with tablets and smartphones that might have the same capabilities. The features that prove to beat phones and tablets is the fact that it can access television channels and the sheer size and quality of the display.
Particular models such as the Sony KD-65X9005B, cost £3600 including VAT RRP (Source: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/ ) . This model is one of the most recent of 2014 and is extremely highly rated as far as smart TVs go, and at that price you would hope so! With great TV qualities such as; 3D ready, 4K ready (with 55”, 65” or 79” screens), extremely clear audio quality, etc. it’s hard to argue with the price as far as normal TVs go, as well as one that has internet capabilities. This is a great example of a really good smart TV as it can be priced cheaper than a regular 4K TV at the same size as well as having the ability to call your friends on the other side of the world with Skype.
So back to the question of “Are smart TVs worth it?”, with this example of the Sony, I believe that they are, even at a high price, they are most definitely worth it due to their capabilities and unique qualities that make them; future-proof, a great multi-use piece of tech, and a must in the home.
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