- Smart TV
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- For the Danish company, see SmartTV A/S.
Smart TV, which is also sometimes referred to as "Connected TV" or "Hybrid TV", (not to be confused with Internet TV or Web TV), is the phrase used to describe the current trend of integration of the internet and Web 2.0 features into modern television sets and set-top boxes, as well as the technological convergence between computers and these television sets / set-top boxes. These new devices most often also have a much higher focus on online interactive media, Internet TV, over-the-top content, as well as on-demand streaming media, and less focus on traditional broadcast media like previous generations of television sets and set-top boxes always have had.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Similar to how the internet, web widgets, and software applications are integrated in modern smartphones, hence also the name ("Smart TV" versus "Smart Phone").[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]
The technology that enables Smart TVs is not only incorporated into television sets, but also devices such as set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, game consoles, hotel television systems, and other companion devices.[23][24][25] These devices allow viewers to search and find videos, movies, photos and other content on the web, on a local cable TV channel, on a satellite TV channel, or stored on a local hard drive.[25]
Contents
Background
The reception of digital TV and, in particular, high definition broadcasting in the home is well established across Europe. Internet TV and the delivery of multimedia content to the home user via the Internet are also becoming increasingly common, although such content is often viewed on a PC or fed to a TV screen from a PC via a media player connected to a home network.
SmartTV TV systems is intended to extend the reach of multimedia content directly to the television set in a seamless, viewer-friendly manner and to enable the TV viewer to more conveniently access both broadcast digital content and Internet multimedia content (including Internet TV and IPTV) on a TV set using a single remote control/box and a single on-screen interface.
Definition
A Smart TV device is either a television set with integrated internet capabilities or a set-top box for television that offers more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary basic television set. Smart TVs may be thought of as an information appliance or the computer system from a handheld computer integrated within a television set unit, as such Smart TV often allows the user to install and run more advanced applications or plugins/addons based on a specific platform. Smart TVs run complete operating system or mobile operating system software providing a platform for application developers.[1][24][26][27][28][29][30][13][31][32][22]
The two main services of "Smart TV" are to deliver content from other computers or network attached storage devices on your network like photos, movies and music using either a DLNA service program like Windows Media Player on your pc or NAS, or via iTunes. The second is internet based services including traditional broadcast TV channels, catch-up services, video-on-demand, EPG, interactive advertising, personalisation, voting, games, social networking, and other multimedia applications.[33][34][35]
Benefit
Smart TV devices enables consumers to view all of these advanced services on their flat screen TV, via a single device. In addition to a broader range of content from TV providers – ranging from traditional broadcast TV, video on-demand and catch-up TV services, like BBC iPlayer – Smart TV also provides consumers with access to user-generated content [either stored on an external hard drive, or cloud storage, and to a range of advanced interactive services and Internet applications, such as YouTube.[36]
Smart TV set-top boxes are increasingly commonplace amongst pay-TV operators, as they look to meet the changing media consumption trends for more video content, advanced interactivity and internet applications, like social networking.[37]
Technology
While the concept of Smart TVs is still in its incipient stages, with up and coming software frameworks such as the proprietary Google TV and the open source XBMC platforms getting a lot of public attention in the news media within the consumer electronics market area, and commercial offerings from companies such as Logitech, Sony, LG, Boxee, Samsung and Intel have indicated products in the area that will give television users search capabilities, ability to run apps (sometimes available via an 'app store' digital distribution platform), interactive on-demand media, personalized communications, and social networking features.[38][14][39][40][15][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53]
Operating systems
There are a multiple array of mobile operating systems currently available, and while most are targeting smartphones, nettops or tablet computers, some also run on Smart TVs or were even designed specifically for Smart TV usage.[54] Most often the operating system of Smart TVs are originally based on Unix, Linux, or other open-source software platforms.[26][27][28][29][55][56][57]
Interface Design
Designing and developing a Smart TV interface is a complex challenge, and not simply a matter of integrating the different input sources. The consumer experience must be optimized so that all media sources are integrated seamlessly and accessible through a single Electronic Programme Guide, something which requires very advanced software programming.[58]
Social networking
A number of Smart TV platforms come prepackaged, or can be optionally extended, with social networking technology capabilities, with which users can both glean updates from, and post their own updates to, existing social networking services (like for example Boxee's social networking features which other then their own interfaces with Facebook, Last.fm, Tumblr, and Twitter, among other similar services[59]), including posts related to the content currently being played. The addition of social networking synchronization to Smart TV and HTPC platforms may provide an interaction with both on-screen content and other viewers than is currently available to most televisions, while simultaneously providing a much more cinematic experience of the content than is currently available with most computers.[60]
List of notable Smart TV platforms
Following list encompasses notable Smart TV platforms that are used as framework by more than one manufacturer:
Vendor's specific Smart TV platforms
- LG NetCast[61][62][63] (by LG Electronics) "SMART TV" branded NetCast Entertainment Access devices by LG Electronics[64]
- Panasonic Viera Cast (by Panasonic)
- Philips NetTV[65] (by Philips) based on the Open IPTV Forum[66] standards.
- Samsung Smart TV[67][68][69] (by Samsung)
- Sharp Aquos Net+ (by Sharp)
- Toshiba Places (by Toshiba)
- Playstation 3 (by Sony, whilst primarily a game console, it features many typical Smart TV features)
- Xbox 360 (by Microsoft, whilst primarily a game console, it features many typical Smart TV features)
Middleware provider for TV set or TV companion box available to multiple third-parties
- Boxee (popular fork of the XBMC media center software with custom GUI and some proprietary application framework for apps)[70]
- Google TV (Android based platform by Google, Intel, Sony, and Logitech)[71]
- HbbTV, by the HbbTV consortium
- EMAGINE, a popular platform in the Asia Pacific region by Select-TV which rides on the Intel chipset for the Smart-TV platform
- Mediaroom[72][73][74] (by Microsoft)
- MeeGo for Smart TV[75] (Linux Foundation, Intel, AMD[76]) currently based on a derivative fork of XBMC media center software[77][78][79][80]
- Tru2way, by CableLabs
- TVBLOB[81] (used in Tiscali TvBox, TELE System Electronic's Free-To-Air DVB Receiver,[82] and TVBLOB Srl's own BLOBbox[83]
- XBMC Media Center (by the XBMC Foundation and its open source community)
- Yahoo! Connected TV, formerly Yahoo! GoTV (by Yahoo!)[84]
- Miomni, for Connected TV - The Miomni Platform is a Samsung certified Developer, Yahoo Strategic Partner, Intel Keystone 10ft (TV) Interface qualified partner, Microsoft Gold partner specialising in 10ft TV applications and IBM Partner developer for Connected TV by Miomni Ltd
Controversy
There have been several controversies surrounding the Smart TV concept and on-demand internet streaming media in general, especially in the United States.[85] Cable providers as well as content providers have been slow to warm to Smart TV platforms and devices, and some broadcast networks even been accused of using broadcast syndication against Smart TV platforms. NBC, ABC, CBS and Hulu have for example blocked Google TV enabled devices from accessing their web content since Google TV's launch.[86] As of November 22, 2010, Google TV devices are blocked from accessing any programs offered by Viacom’s subsidiaries.[87] Of the cable providers, only Dish Network has embraced Google TV. Dish Network is promoting Google TV, offering customers a discount on the Logitech Revue.[88]
See also
- Hybrid digital TV
- Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV
- 10-foot user interface
- Enhanced TV
- Home theater PC
- Interactive television
- Hotel television systems
- List of digital distribution platforms for mobile devices
- Over-the-top content
- TV Genius
- Smartphone
- Tivoization
References
- ^ a b What Is A Smart TV?
- ^ Future of television is online and on-demand
- ^ After 14 years, FCC Tries Again To Bring Competition to Cable Access
- ^ Contentinople interviews Avner Ronen, Boxee CEO & Founder
- ^ The Battle for the Future of TV Sets SXSWi On Fire
- ^ Why Connected TVs Will Be About the Content, Not the Apps
- ^ Internet TV and The Death of Cable TV, really
- ^ Smart TV competition heats up market
- ^ Smart TV Shower Opens Smart Life
- ^ Sony: There's a Smart TV In Your Future
- ^ Intel: Smart TV revolution 'biggest since move to colour' - The wonders of widgets?
- ^ Intel and Smart TV - A new vision of television
- ^ a b Intel Consumer Electronics introducing Smart TV
- ^ a b Poll: Smart TV or dumb monitor?
- ^ a b Smart TV also pushed by Samsung at IFA 2010
- ^ Google, With Intel and Sony, Unveils Software for 'Smart' TVs
- ^ Google “Smart TV” launch at IO confirmed by press site
- ^ The Next Smart TV – On it’s Way!
- ^ Windows Media Center Embedded gets Acer Smart TV STB demo; Intel CE4200 unveiled
- ^ Apple TV… Google TV… Smart TV… What About My TV?
- ^ Samsung Pitches Smartphones, Smart TV
- ^ a b Samsung D9500 is 75-inches of Smart TV
- ^ Panasonic's 1.4 GHz dual-core Smart TV chip is industry's fastest, should load Netflix quicker
- ^ a b Intel and Smart TV. intel.com. Retrieved on 2010-11-11.
- ^ a b Roku 2: Same Old (But Still Good), Same Old
- ^ a b Android Holds the Key to Samsung’s Smart TV Plans
- ^ a b Google Introduces Google TV, New Android OS
- ^ a b Google Android Smart TV Patent Images Surface
- ^ a b Google TV is Smart TV
- ^ ARM conference draws eyes to Internet TV
- ^ Intel launches Atom chips for smart TV and cars
- ^ What Smart TVs Need to Succeed
- ^ A first look at Google TV’s new apps
- ^ Video: Logitech Revue Receives Second Honeycomb Leak, Market Receives Apps Made For TV
- ^ http://gigaom.com/video/google-tv-android-forking/ Could Google TV get its Kindle Fire moment?
- ^ Netgear unveils NeoTV Streaming Player, takes another shot at the smart TV market
- ^ http://www.tvover.net/2010/03/26/IPTV+World+Series+Awards+2010+Winners+Announced.aspx
- ^ Why your TV is the new app battleground
- ^ BBC News - Google launches smart TV service. bbc.co.uk (2010-05-20). Retrieved on 2010-11-11.
- ^ Google, Intel and Sony to Introduce Smart TV
- ^ Why Google's 'Smart TV' Will Succeed
- ^ Google Unveils Web TV
- ^ Plex and the Future of Television
- ^ Technologies like LG Smart TV will kill HTPCs
- ^ LG Partners with Plex to Bring XBMC Goodness to LG NetCast HDTVs and Blu-ray Players
- ^ Logitech Revue - Welcome to Smart TV
- ^ Microsoft’s Well-Timed Entry into Smart TV May Herald a Turnaround
- ^ Opinion: Will Google’s Smart TV Finally Bring Apps and Web Browsing To The Living Room?
- ^ Google launches smart TV service
- ^ Google TV review
- ^ Boxee CEO Avner Ronen talks about the Boxee Box, programming, Netflix, Hulu, and an industry revolution
- ^ Google TV shows off new Honeycomb UI, plans for Market, SDK; opens up remote app source code
- ^ Investors are Watching Nyxio Technologies (OTCBB: NYXO) Smart TV
- ^ "Smart" TV - Have It Your Way (Intel Blog post by Bill Kircos)
- ^ The Linux Foundation Announces MeeGo TV Working Group
- ^ Google TV Gets Android Market And Android 3.1 Honeycomb
- ^ Google TV getting Android 3.1 and Market this summer; Sony, Vizio, Samsung and Logitech onboard
- ^ http://www.eetindia.co.in/STATIC/PDF/200703/EEIOL_2007MAR31_SIG_TA_01.pdf?SOURCES=DOWNLOAD
- ^ Boxee Box Grows Into a Size 1.1
- ^ TVs get smart with Internet access in 2011
- ^ [1]
- ^ LG Smart TV – Access the World of Entertainment using the LG Smart TV
- ^ LG Smart TV – Easily Connect, Stream and Share with the new LG Smart TV
- ^ Internet-Connected TV Apps System Renamed to "Smart TV" by LG
- ^ [2] Philips NetTV Homepage
- ^ [3] Open IPTV Forum Homepage
- ^ [4] Samsung 2011 CES Wrap-up: Products for a Smarter Life
- ^ The Wonder of Samsung Smart TVs
- ^ http://www.samsungsmarttvchallenge.eu Samsung Smart TV Challenge
- ^ IBC 2011: Smart TV Q&A with iomega’s Olivier D’Eternod
- ^ http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/Google-TV-2-rolls-out/ Google TV 2.0 gains Honeycomb, Android Market
- ^ Microsoft Mediaroom: IPTV gets a makeover
- ^ Microsoft unveils all new time shifting, interactive features for Mediaroom IPTV
- ^ New Mediaroom clients to bring Microsoft's TV platform everywhere this year
- ^ https://meego.com/devices/smart-tv MeeGo for Smart TV
- ^ "AMD to contribute to MeeGo development". The H open. 2010-11-15. http://www.h-online.com/open/news/item/AMD-to-contribute-to-MeeGo-development-1136583.html. Retrieved 2011-01-27.
- ^ MeeGo Smart TV for Trimslice
- ^ XBMC + MeeGo hardfp on trimslice - nvidia tegra2 (MeeGo TV)
- ^ XBMC + MeeGo hardfp on trimslice - nvidia tegra2 (MeeGo TV)
- ^ https://build.pub.meego.com/package/show?package=xbmc-gles&project=home%3Aarfoll%3Axbmc-testing xbmc-gles
- ^ TVBLOB Srl - The Platform
- ^ http://www.Telesystem-World.com TELE System Electronic Srl
- ^ http://www.blobbox.tv/en/
- ^ http://connectedtv.yahoo.com/ Yahoo! Connected TV
- ^ Tim Arango, New York Times. "Time Warner Views Netflix as a Fading Star." December 12, 2010. Retrieved September 19, 2011.
- ^ "Big Networks Block Web Shows From Google TV". New York Times. October 21, 2010. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/21/big-networks-block-web-shows-from-google-tv/. Retrieved December 4, 2010.
- ^ "Comedy Central, MTV now blocking Google TV". CNET.com. November 22, 2010. http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20023547-1.html. Retrieved December 4, 2010.
- ^ "Dish Network Google TV Overview". 2010. http://www.dishnetwork.com/googletv/default.aspx. Retrieved December 4, 2010.
External links
- Intel and Smart TV - A new vision of television
- Intel Consumer Electronics introducing Smart TV
- Linux Foundation MeeGo Smart TV Working Group
Categories:- Information appliances
- Digital television
- Film and video technology
- Interactive television
- Internet broadcasting
- Internet television
- Multimedia
- Peercasting
- Streaming media systems
- Video on demand services
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