In the era of intelligent connectivity of all things, television has also caught up with the pace of intelligence.

How much of an upgrade can smart TVs bring to the user experience?

Smart TVs are already common

Traditional TVs can roughly be understood as current computer monitors that only display images and have no other functions.

In the Australian market, smart TVs typically come with intelligent operating systems. Mainstream systems include Google TV, Android TV, Samsung Tizen OS, and LG webOS, among others. Users can access local and international mainstream application platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and Kayo Sports through their TVs, just like using a smartphone. A single TV can meet various intelligent functions such as watching movies, gaming, voice assistants, and remote screen casting.

Mainstream TVs have basically completed their intelligent upgrades. Regardless of whether it’s a few hundred or tens of thousands of dollars, "smart" seems to have become a standard feature.

Smart TVs bring more functions, but there are also many differences between different smart TVs. Let's see what new experiences the mid-to-high-end smart TVs that do relatively well in this field can bring.

Simply put, the "smart" aspect of smart TVs is mainly reflected in three main areas: a rich library of video resources, innovative functional experiences, and a smart home device interconnection center.

Finding Video Content Made Easier

In Australia, smart TV systems aggregate resources from numerous local and international mainstream video platforms, such as Netflix, Disney+, Stan, Binge, Amazon Prime Video, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, and others. By simply connecting to Wi-Fi, users can easily stream various video contents without needing to connect to traditional TV signal sources. Compared to traditional TVs, smart TVs are more convenient in terms of content acquisition, which is one of their most notable differences.

Many smart TVs are also equipped with content recommendation engines, which can intelligently push video resources based on viewing habits, helping users discover more interesting films. However, the accuracy of recommendations varies by brand and system, and the actual experience may differ.

It is worth noting that the number and depth of integrations with video platforms vary among smart TV brands. If you wish to access more content resources, you should check whether the TV you are buying supports mainstream apps and pay attention to the playback experience for non-members to avoid the awkward situation where "every video requires a subscription."

Additionally, smart TVs generally support downloading other video applications through Google Play or App Store, such as ABC iView, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9Now, 10 Play, and other Australian local free TV platforms, further enriching content sources.

A New Way of Interaction

Most mid-to-high-end smart TVs sold in the Australian market are equipped with far-field voice control functions. Users can switch channels, play content, adjust the volume, check the weather, and more through voice assistants (such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa) while sitting on the couch.

This type of voice interaction greatly enhances ease of use, especially for older users, eliminating the need for complicated remote control operations.

At the same time, smart TVs also support wireless screen casting (Chromecast built-in or AirPlay), allowing content from smartphones, tablets, or computers to be quickly pushed to the big screen. For example, if you were watching a Netflix movie on your phone halfway through, you can cast it to your TV with one click when you get home, seamlessly continuing the movie, greatly enhancing the viewing experience.

Innovative Functions: Making TV More Than Just for Watching

In the Australian market, some mid-to-high-end smart TVs not only meet the demand for video playback but also come with various innovative features, making the TV a true center for smart interaction at home.

For instance, many high-end models launched by brands like LG, Samsung, Sony support detachable or built-in AI cameras. These cameras not only enable large-screen video calls but also allow for remote meetings or family group calls via applications like Google Meet, Zoom, etc., making the call experience more immersive and relaxed without everyone crowding around a smartphone.

Some smart TVs also come with AI fitness features that use the camera to capture user movements and provide real-time guidance and action scoring through AI algorithms. Platforms like Samsung Health and LG Fitness often offer this, helping users easily complete workout plans at home, making it a great aid for home fitness enthusiasts.

More advanced TV products also have AI motion sensing games, using the camera to recognize users' three-dimensional movements and gestures, allowing for participation in interactive motion-sensing games or even controlling TV playback or volume adjustments with simple gestures, adding new fun to family entertainment.

In terms of content viewing, some smart TVs support portrait mode or automatic screen rotation, making it suitable for viewing portrait short video content like TikTok and Instagram Reels, especially attracting younger user groups.

Furthermore, the interactive experience with smart TVs is becoming increasingly intelligent:

• Smartphones can turn into remote controls via the TV manufacturer's official app (such as LG ThinQ, Samsung SmartThings, Google Home), making it convenient to operate TV functions;

• TV audio can be output through Bluetooth headsets, so you don't have to worry about disturbing your family while watching series or sports late at night;

• Supports linkage with smart audio devices, achieving multi-terminal collaborative control, making smart home life smoother.

Smart Home Interaction Hub

In Australia, the function of smart TVs as a home intelligent control center is also becoming more prevalent, especially with platforms like LG webOS, Samsung Tizen, Google TV, which often have built-in modules for controlling smart homes.

Many TVs already support interaction with smart ecosystems like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit. Users can view the status of smart lights, air conditioners, cameras, doorbells, and other devices on the TV screen and perform simple on/off control or mode switching, instantly transforming the TV into a home control panel.

Of course, to achieve these interaction functions, it is necessary to ensure the compatibility of protocols between the TV and smart home devices. For example, if you use Google Nest products, then a TV with the Google TV system will be more compatible; while Apple users may prefer models supporting AirPlay and HomeKit.

Therefore, when buying a smart TV, if you plan to integrate your smart home devices, it is recommended to prioritize TV systems compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem to ensure a smoother experience.

Summary

Although in daily life, many people still focus on the content playback aspect of TVs, modern smart TVs have far surpassed the traditional role of "viewing tools". In the Australian market, from diverse video platforms, AI interactions, to seamless interaction with smart homes, smart TVs bring a more comprehensive and intelligent experience.

If you chase a more intelligent home experience, the convenience and interaction functions of mid-to-high-end TVs will be more worth investing in; of course, if you are more focused on the viewing experience itself, then you should still focus on the picture quality, sound effects, HDR performance, and other core audiovisual indicators of the TV.