By: Robert Leitch, Technology Manager Most major breakthroughs in the world of electronics make their debut at the Consumer Electronics show, or CES. This year, it seems the word on everybody’s product is “smart.” Vendors from around the globe are showing off their Smart Phones, Smart Cars, Smart Tablets and making the biggest splash are Smart Televisions. So, I know what you’re wondering... What makes a TV, well, “smart?” Here’s an IQ test for your TV... find out if your set makes the grade. 1. Can your TV connect to the Internet? Smart TVs can access the Internet through your home network, and many even have WiFi built right in. 2. Does your TV have apps? That’s right, apps for your TV. You can use these apps to do anything from watching movies on Netflix™ to playing Angry Birds. Local news stations in many areas also have apps where you can access the latest breaking news and weather when you want it, without waiting until the next newscast. 3. Does your TV have a camera? New TVs are rolling out with Skype™ capabilities, some with built-in webcams. This is one more example of the TV stepping into the home computer’s shoes. 4. Is your TV upgradable? Some new smart TVs have expansion slots that will allow hardware upgrades in the future, extending the life of the TV and hopefully postponing the fear of TVs becoming obsolete. So, how did your TV stack up? If you couldn't answer "Yes" to any of these questions, you might want to start looking at the newer, 'smarter' TVs. Who knows - they might even make you smarter.
By: Robert Leitch, Technology Manager
Most major breakthroughs in the world of electronics make their debut at the Consumer Electronics show, or CES. This year, it seems the word on everybody’s product is “smart.” Vendors from around the globe are showing off their Smart Phones, Smart Cars, Smart Tablets and making the biggest splash are Smart Televisions. So, I know what you’re wondering... What makes a TV, well, “smart?” Here’s an IQ test for your TV... find out if your set makes the grade. 1. Can your TV connect to the Internet? Smart TVs can access the Internet through your home network, and many even have WiFi built right in. 2. Does your TV have apps? That’s right, apps for your TV. You can use these apps to do anything from watching movies on Netflix™ to playing Angry Birds. Local news stations in many areas also have apps where you can access the latest breaking news and weather when you want it, without waiting until the next newscast.
3. Does your TV have a camera? New TVs are rolling out with Skype™ capabilities, some with built-in webcams. This is one more example of the TV stepping into the home computer’s shoes. 4. Is your TV upgradable? Some new smart TVs have expansion slots that will allow hardware upgrades in the future, extending the life of the TV and hopefully postponing the fear of TVs becoming obsolete. So, how did your TV stack up? If you couldn't answer "Yes" to any of these questions, you might want to start looking at the newer, 'smarter' TVs. Who knows - they might even make you smarter.