Accessories that expand the possibilities of Smart TV

Keyboards, mice, touch consoles and game controllers

Almost all keyboards and mice can be connected to televisions, so that, for example, it is more convenient to correspond via Skype, search for videos on YouTube, etc. However, as practice shows, one cannot be 100% sure that any of them will work with your TV as it should. For example, according to reviews on the Web, sometimes hot keys like volume control or player control do not work. You can use both wired and wireless manipulators. The second option is much more convenient, because the distance from the sofa to the TV is usually 2-3 m and the length of the wire may simply not be enough.

We recommend paying attention to wireless keyboards with a minimum of additional keys, with a mouse included or with a built-in touchpad (the touchpad will replace the mouse). The universal choice is Logitech K400 Plus, which is compatible with compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10, Android 5.0 and Chrome OS. Alternatively, consider the Trust Compact Wireless Entertainment Keyboard with a trackball (but no touchpad) for cursor control and the Trust Wireless Keyboard & Air Mouse 20050, which is a hybrid of a compact keyboard and a wireless mouse. You can also take a branded accessory, for example, VG-KBD1000 for Samsung, but not all manufacturers offer them.

Special remote controls in the programme shell of the TV are usually touch-sensitive or equipped with a sensor that detects the movement of the accessory in the air

When Smart TVs appeared, manufacturers created special remotes for them, designed to control the menu of "smart" TVs. Of course, conventional remotes are also suitable for this. However, special accessories are more convenient due to the presence of a touch panel and a microphone for recognizing voice commands. Some (non-low-cost) TVs have such a remote control included in the package, but not all. If you decide to buy such a gadget, make sure that you have found a remote control that fits with your TV. Look not only at the brand, but also compatibility with specific models. So, LG offers a Magic Motion remote control for each generation of its panels: AN-MR500 is suitable for 2014 models, and AN-MR600 is suitable for 2015 models.

The first models from Philips and Sony, based on this platform, have already gone on the market. By connecting the joystick to such a TV, it will be comfortable to play sports simulators, races, arcades, etc., which will be available for download in the online store. Moreover, using the controller, you can perform some actions in the TV menu, such as launching the same games. In this role, you can use the Logitech wired or wireless joystick that has been on the market for a long time — F310 and F710, respectively, and Razer Serval, created for Android devices.

Webcams and Wi-Fi adapters

The key feature of smart TVs is access to the Internet and services like social networks and Skype. Therefore, they need an internet connection. The first Smart TVs were connected using a conventional Ethernet cable, and then models appeared that could be connected to a special Wi-Fi adapter. Models released in 2014 and later are often already equipped with a built-in adapter. If your TV lacks such a component, and you do not want to connect it with a cable, you can buy a branded Wi-Fi adapter.

Skype works on most Smart TVs, but not all of them have a webcam

If you want to communicate via Skype, then you will also need a webcam.Ordinary webcams with TV will not work, a special (and only branded) model is needed. Their cost may seem excessive, but, alas, there is no choice. But such cameras as Philips PTA317, Panasonic TY-CC20W, Samsung VG-STC4000, etc. provide good HD image quality and are equipped with a built-in microphone. At the same time, some models have an automatic power-on function when starting Skype and autofocus for image clarity. In addition, the camera is needed to control Smart TV gestures — an interesting, albeit secondary function.

The fate of the Touchjet Wave project is not known, but the idea itself is interesting

3D glasses

Almost everyoneThe 3D TV included in the package has the appropriate glasses for viewing stereoscopic video. The number of points depends on the brand and model of the TV. In most cases, the buyer gets one or two pairs of glasses, and LG usually packs its 3D TVs with four pairs. If the available glasses are not enough to watch movies with the whole family and a group of friends, you can buy additional ones. There will be no difficulties with the choice of glasses — choose the same ones as those included in your panel. If they are not on the market, then buy glasses from the same manufacturer as the TV. Make sure that your TV is in the list of models supported by 3D glasses by looking at their technical description.

Media players

Media players are in demand among fans of movies and TV shows that draw content from the Internet. After all, HD players appeared when televisions could still play video files at all, and DVD and Blu-Ray coped with this poorly (and only some models more or less "learned" this). HD players are still in demand today, despite the fact that almost all new TVs are equipped with a built-in media player. Because their capabilities are superior to Smart TV. And they are especially relevant for moviegoers. Firstly, TVs do not play all file formats (for example, they do not recognize 3D Blu-Ray images or 4K videos) and may not support subtitles (which fans of watching movies and anime with original soundtracks will not like). Secondly, enthusiasts believe that the built-in players are inferior in video quality to good HD players like Dune HD TV-303D, Apple TV, etc. In addition, some media players download video files themselves, which is beyond the power of a Smart TV. The conclusion suggests itself: if you have a large, high—quality TV and you want to watch movies with the best quality and in any formats, it is worth supplementing it with a good player. And if you want to turn a TV into a Windows computer, then we suggest considering a mini-PC as an alternative to media centers.

Tuners

TVs released in the last few years are usually equipped with a DVB-T2 tuner. Namely, in this standard, we carry out on-air digital broadcasting. So by connecting a conventional antenna and optionally a CAM module to the panel, you can watch a couple dozen channels in normal quality. And if your TV is not equipped with a DVB-T2 tuner, then you should buy a special set-top box for it. By the way, TVs compatible with the previous DVB-T format also need such an addition to receive the signal.

Resume

We talked about almost all the devices that can extend the functionality of the TV. Do not forget that software also plays a great role. About the same as in a smartphone or laptop. Since the advent of Smart TV, each manufacturer has been developing its own platform for smart TVs. Therefore, their interface and set of applications were different. In 2015, there was a turning point in the situation — leading manufacturers began switching to one common platform — Android TV. And new accessories will be produced for this platform. So there is still a lot of interesting things ahead of us.