Sometimes, people think all HD TV sets are smart TVs. It is not so. There are clear differences that distinguish between a HD TV and smart TV. It is important that you know what makes a High Definition TV different from a Smart TV for so many reasons. To make good choices during purchase, you need to know what exactly you are buying. This article exposes all the similarities and differences between a smart TV and an ordinary High Definition (HD) TV. Let us jump in.
Not all HD TV is a smart TV. This article teaches all the difference between a HD TV and smart TV. It covers differences in features, specifications, properties, functionalities etc. Although both may appear same, a smart TV is very much different from a HD TV. However, all smart TV is High Definition (HD) or higher. Knowing the similarities and differences between HD TV and smart TV is important as it helps in times of decision making. For instance, buying a smart TV without knowing what makes a TV smart would make you buy an ordinary HD TV. Now let us go into details to know all the differences between the two types of TV technologies.
TV technology is advancing by the day. Few years ago, we barely has a flat screen. Today, we have the LCD, LED, Ultra HD, 4K, 8K etc. However, all new technologies in TV can be classified into ordinary HD and smart TV. The ability of a TV technology to become programmable and user oriented defines its degree of smartness. For instance, the latest smart TV with ultra HD 4K technology is beyond just a HD Television. It is also super smart.
Why is it important to know the Difference between HD and Smart Television
There are specific purposes, which you can only achieve with either a HD or a smart television. Certain types of connection such as high quality video gaming and streaming processes require smart TV for optimal experience. Unfortunately, most designated HD TV are only HD-ready. They do not ordinarily display High Definition contents unless a HD device is connected. In some complex uses such as viewing 4K or higher contents, smart televisions with appropriate screen resolution capabilities would be needed to view the former. For instance, your High Definition TV cannot play when an 8K device is connected. It requires an 8K TV to view an 8K content. Consequently, 8K TV only exist in smart models. Therefore, the appropriate smart television can only be selected when you know the difference and similarities it shares with HD televisions.
A lot more people are currently in patronage of the LED TVs, Smart TVs and indeed Ultra-Slim satellite TVs. Therefore this post will dwell more on how you can identify if your TV is HD, HD-ready, full HD, Smart or a combination of both. Certainly, there are just little minutest changes that make these TV models stand out. However little the differences are, it determines a lot when choosing to buy either smart or HD Television. This knowledge seeks to make every user who come around there. At a glance, you would know how to identify any TV in a seller shop or for any purpose.
Features of a HD TV
- To the human eye, a HD TV displays crystal clear pictures by which you can pick up clear every minute detail ordinarily which may appear blurry in Standard Definition SD TV.
- Technically, a HD TV must have a picture definition rating of 880 pixel and above classified this way – HD-Ready TV (880 – 980 px), HD TV (980 – 1080 px), Full HD TV (1080 px and above).
- Alongside the super clear picture qualities of the HD TV, it also has a high quality digital surround sound to compliment the pleasure of the super video displays.
- These specifications are clearly written on the container pack of every newly purchased HD TV and also on its back or anterior.
However, features of the High Definition TV may not remain same with all other TV. As TV models change, so does HD property. For instance, Hisense HD TV can never have equal or same technological features with a Samsung TV. However, there is always a closer match or resemblance as you go from one TV model to another similar model.
A smart TV provides more flexible and user-friendly interface. The key indication to being smart is its level of personalization or customization. However, the TV does not have to be completely programmable to become smart. It could be an aspect of a function or an entire functionality path, which qualifies a TV as smart. Let us now look at the key features for which is known for.
Key Features of the Smart TV
- A TV is smart when it is is built for customization in usage as well as interactivity.
- A TV must have a multi-functional remote control or even buttons embedded on its body. This allows you to programme and reprogram the TV to suit your viewing needs.
- Smart TV recognizes voice command, store and retrieve TV programmes at will, record and reschedule live TV contents at your command and other forms of personalized settings.
You have seen now that while HD TV is in the output display and sound quality, Smart TV is in its functionalities. A television may be Smart but not necessarily a High Definition TV – at least a full HD TV. Unfortunately many TV producing companies may advertise their TV as HD or full HD but in reality, it is only a HD-ready TV. Being HD-Ready means that the TV screen displays in the standard definition SD format but will only display HD images when a full HD device like the DStv HD decoder is connected to it. Other HD satellite TV decoders include the Startimes combo decoder and the MyTV HD decoders, etc.
Interestingly, you may have a TV with all these technologies combined into one model. A case of an Ultra-Slim, Full HD, 3D, Satellite Smart TV is virtually common these days except that you must be very rich to afford this type of all-in-one smart TV.
I hope you found this article helpful? At least when going to buy a new TV, you can tell which TV is smart and which is ordinary High Definition TV. It does not matter how big the screen may be. A smart TV may appear smaller in screen size yet, enjoys much smarter features than you ever expected.
