A high majority of mobile phone users are using “Smart Phones” with internet connectivity and dozens of apps which offer no end of access and entertainment. Given the popularity of “Smart” devices, there is no wonder that the technology would quickly translate to televisions. But what is a Smart TV, and what does it do?

Essentially built with a computer inside, a Smart TV offers numerous internet connected services which are unavailable from standard televisions. From media streaming, web browsing, games and more this new genre of televisions is set to broaden the viewer’s customisation of their entertainment instead of flicking between several channels of free to air or pay television.

A Smart TV connects directly to the web via an Ethernet cable at the back of the TV. Similar to setting up your PC or laptop, you will need to create a home network from your television to be able to access the internet.

Whether you want a Smart TV will have a lot to do with your budget, viewing habits and what entertains you. Although you can’t do word processing, a Smart TV acts a lot like a computer allowing you to browse the web, watch YouTube and check out your social networking sites. The most popular feature is the ability to watch video on demand, including the various free to air channel’s “catch up” services and web-based functionalities such as streaming video and music.

Similar to your smart phone, Smart TV’s also have brand specific apps which range from games, internet radio, entertainment and weather. You can even connect to Skype to talk to friends and family while watching them on your television instead of a small computer monitor.

Essentially you can watch whatever you want, whenever you want.

Note: Selby do not sell televisions – this article is for information purposes only. Please speak to your television retailer to learn all the features and capabilities of any product before purchase.