So you've just unboxed your brand new smart TV. It's clear that while things like 3D and curved TVs were passing fads, the idea of a computer-like TV with apps and connectivity to other things in the home is here to stay. But while it may look like a regular TV (albeit very thin), the Smart TV is actually more of a computer and will require a bit of setup to get it to work the way you want it to.
ContentsThe basicsUpdate the TV softwareSynchronise your HDMI devicesAdjust the pictureSynchronise your smartphone with your Smart TVConclusionIn this article, we'll walk you through the first things you need to do when setting up your brand new smart TV, from firmware updates to ensuring the picture is perfect.
Every smart TV has a basic setup process that should walk you through the basics of getting your TV online, creating an account, and more. This guide will assume that you have gone through this basic setup process and that your TV is online.
Like your phone or PC, your smart TV is subject to a constant stream of updates that smoothen the Smart TV operating system, fix bugs, improve user interface elements and sometimes add new features.
Again, the exact details of how to do this will vary depending on your smart TV's operating system, but using your smart remote you should be able to access an option called "Source", where you can search for devices. connected via HDMI and add them to the home screen of your smart TV.
Smart TVs tend to come with a lot of fancy settings that ostensibly improve your viewing experience. Using the "Settings" or "Menu" button on the main TV remote control, you can access "Picture", where all options will be available.
You might want to enable "Game Mode" for your games console, for example, which will reduce input lag (at the cost of picture quality, depending on how good your TV is). Or you might want to make basic adjustments to the contrast, colors, and other elements of each connected device.
Auto-dimming is a handy feature in many modern smart TVs that measures the amount of light in the room and adjusts the screen brightness accordingly, so it's never too bright or too dim. We recommend enabling it.
More controversial features include motion smoothing, which is a good thing to have for HD sports coverage, but can make movies and TV look abnormally "sped up" due to higher refresh rates. P>
HDR+, on the other hand, is an HDR-mimicking software feature that gives mixed results and can also alter refresh rates, so toggle it on and off to see which works best for you.
Every major smart TV brand has its own dedicated Android and iOS apps that let you use your smartphone as a smart remote.
The quality of these apps varies by manufacturer, but for the most part they give you access to TV guides, apps, and volume and TV controls, among other things. Go to the App Store or Play Store and take a look at the deals for your TV.
Beyond that, just explore your Smart TV and see what you can find. You can connect smart TVs to other smart home devices from the same. You can also hide, but not uninstall preloaded apps on the TV.) Enjoy!
Image credit:Samsung LED Smart TV
