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How to Get the Most Out of Your Android TV

 

Bulky CTR and plasma TVs have given way to smart TVs with more capabilities than these older sets. Crucially, smart TVs can connect to the internet and leverage numerous apps for a better experience. They have also become so sophisticated that shopping for one is often comparable to shopping for a computer. But are you taking advantage of all that your smart TV has to offer? Here are a few tips that can help you get a better experience with your smart TV.

Connect to Virtual Assistants

Android TVs come equipped with Google Assistant, making using the TV a much better experience. You can search for content using voice search or control the TV using the same. Some TVs also allow you to connect your phone to the TV to use the phone’s virtual assistant to control them.

Check Out Available Apps

One of the most attractive features of smart TVs is streaming services and cable alternatives. Many TV brands come with exclusive apps, but you can also use live TV streaming apps on any Android Smart TV. Services like Vidgo give you access to numerous TV channels and on-demand content. You can watch over 100 Vidgo channels on your smart TV and even record your favorite shows on a cloud DVR so you never miss any action, drama, or intrigue.

Use HDMI 2.1 for a Better Experience

While your smart TV is not guaranteed to have HDMI 2.1, the feature is becoming standard on modern smart TVs. If your TV supports it, it can significantly improve your experience by allowing 4K video at 120 frames per second or 8k at 60 frames per second.

To get this enhanced experience, your TV has to support the standard—check the back to ensure it does—and you need a device that supports HDMI 2.1, such as a computer with a relatively new graphics card.

Connect Via Ethernet Instead of Wi-Fi

Apart from watching content on apps like Vidgo, you want a smooth experience watching Netflix or enjoying content from your favorite creators on YouTube. To get the best experience, switch to an Ethernet cable if you are using Wi-Fi. Smart TVs typically support both, but Ethernet is more reliable and faster. 

Also, using Ethernet negates the need to place the router close to the TV to avoid interference and slow speeds. Place your router wherever you wish, and then use a Cat-6 or newer Ethernet cable to connect the TV.

Stream Your Content Over a Local Network

You can stream content to your smart TV if you already have a backup of the movies and shows you want to watch on a network-attached device. The TV has to be on the same network as the network-attached device, and you will need a service like Plex which makes setting up a media server easier so you can stream content to your smart TV.

To get the most out of your smart TV, you should know what features would give you a better experience. You may already have some features you use often, but you may not know about the ones discussed above. Following them should give you a better experience with your smart TV.