In the last few years we've seen many interesting advancements in TV technology. The introduction of Smart TVs into the market was the beginning of big change; namely the ability to incorporate your theater system into your home network (or vice versa), allowing for endless opportunities to share, sync, record, and upload all types of media - from your favorite movies to your music playlists, photo albums and more. What seemed impossible just 10 years ago is not only possible, it's now commonplace. The widespread use of smartphones over the last decade has resulted in a seemingly effortless ability to snap pictures, record video and share media on the go. But what good is this tech if it's limited to the smartphone??? Manufacturers began to take note of this, and in response they developed a whole new breed of TV to compliment the growing arena of mobile technology and on-demand media. While the Smart TV isn't necessarily breaking news, the technology continues to advance as top manufacturers continue to fine-tune their devices, employ improved features, and develop more effective user interfaces for consumers to enjoy. What began as TVs with semi-functional web browsers and a handful of hardly useful features has progressed into built-in Wi-Fi, thousands of apps, and the ability to use your smartphone to control your home theater from anywhere in your house. While some features are more useful than others, one thing is for sure - Smart TVs are here to stay, and they're only going to get better. While there's literally been an explosion of new features, there are a few major factors contributing to the growing success of the Smart TV. Let's take a look at them and how they've changed the home theater experience forever. Built In Wi-Fi One of the biggest advancements of all, built in Wi-Fi is responsible for the majority of a Smart TV's cutting edge features. When TVs first began to utilize internet connections, they were hardwired with an ethernet connection. While this was a neat feature to have, it was hardly a game changer. Limiting the user to web browsing and other basic tasks which were often painfully slow when compared to an actual computer, it lent very little in the realm of productivity. When Smart TVs began to feature built in Wi-Fi, it opened the doors for endless functionality. Combined with bluetooth, users can now send all types of media wirelessly across their home network, from their mobile devices to their TV with as little as a few clicks. Massive music libraries can be accessed from your TV screen and played on premium quality surround sound systems without the use of cables or adapters. Pictures from your recent vacation can be viewed by the whole family on a 60-inch screen. Instead of using your small mobile screen to show your friends that hilarious video you took, you can mirror it directly to your TV in high definition. You can even make video calls (with apps like Skype) to friends or family overseas directly from your TV - something we previously could only dream of. Although a wireless connection to the internet hardly seems like groundbreaking technology, it's paved the way for a new era in how we interact with our TV. If you want flexibility, ease of use, and access to the biggest & best selection of media & apps, built in Wi-Fi is a must have. 3D Technology One of the most interesting feats in recent years is the explosion of 3D TVs into the home theater market. What used to be reserved for multi-million dollar IMAX theaters is now available right in your living room, delivering a rich, in-depth cinema experience that puts you closer to the action than ever before. Since production companies began to collaborate with TV and Blu-ray manufacturers, 3D movie titles have become more widely available and are now a favorite of many movie fans, especially for fast-paced, graphic packed action and adventure films. While the 3D TV experience requires the use of special glasses (usually included with the TV), it doesn't allow you to watch just anything in 3D. To enjoy this technology, you'll need to watch media that's been filmed & formatted for 3D. In other words, you can't simply watch football, the news, or your normal cable channels in 3D. On the upside, some of the most visually rich films of recent years (including many children's titles) are available for purchase in 3D Blu-ray format and an increasing number of specialty cable channels and streaming media services are beginning to offer 3D media for your viewing enjoyment. 4K Ultra-HD One of the newest and most promising developments in the world of TV is the 4K Ultra-HD TV. The standard for as long as we can remember - 1080p HD - is now taking a backseat to the unfathomable clarity and depth offered by 4K resolution. The new 3840 x 2160 pixel format translates to double the resolution of standard HD, causing many to react with excitement and disbelief at how the crystal clear image produced by 1080P HD and Blu-ray technology could possibly be improved upon. While 4k technology has been available to the consumer for nearly 2 years, it got off to a rather slow start - mainly due to the lack of supporting media available for purchase. However, as film makers and production companies realized the demand for titles in 4K resolution, they began to deliver. Today, more and more movie titles are being offered in 4K and several major cable providers - as well as TV networks - have began to offer 4K services to their customers. One of the current issues with 4K Ultra HD is the delivery of content via streaming media services. With double the resolution of standard HD comes double the data. This means that your internet needs to transfer twice as much information. This can often be problematic for streaming services that buffer media and allow you to watch while the remainder is being downloaded in real-time. In recent months this issue is being dealt with via a variety of methods, including increased internet speeds for 4K use. So while your favorite youtube videos aren't yet available in 4K, the movie industry and many sports networks are already offering 4K Ultra HD in full swing. As 4K continues to develop in popularity and availability, it's going to leave 1080p as nothing but a distant memory. If you're in the market for a new TV, now's the time to make sure you purchase a 4k model. Multisystem TVs With all the new technology available, it's a shame that the one thing manufacturers aren't offering is a TV that can be used anywhere in the world. While it might seem like a trivial request to many people, we're living in a world where flexibility is paramount and international business has made travel into a lifestyle for many. Furthermore, the ability to research and communicate globally has ushered in a new generation of travelers and expatriates whose homes and destinations are often overseas. But what is one to do when their new TV isn't compatible in another country??? This issue is easily resolved and avoided with the purchase of a multi-system TV. Multisystem models are professionally modified units that are compatible with any voltage, from 110 volts to 240 volts. They also work with all major color systems such as PAL, NTSC and Secam, which means they'll work with a foreign cable box or Blu-ray player. There's no special adapters or converters necessary, everything comes built in to the unit. At a price not much higher than a normal TV and with all the standard features and capabilities of a Smart TV, a multisystem unit is an excellent investment for anyone planning to travel or relocate overseas. These models are also ideal for RVs and yachts, which generally operate with 220-volt electricity. They offer an unparallelled value and guaranteed compatibility, no matter where your travels take you. For more information on Multisystem Smart TVs, be sure to visit a trusted resource as these models are not available in department stores. As a distributor and retailer of multisystem electronics for over 35 years, 220-Electronics has the experience & inventory to meet your needs. In addition to our knowledge, we offer the guaranteed lowest prices anywhere. Visit our website today to browse from the top brand name Smart TVs, equipped with today's must-have features like Wi-Fi, 3D, and 4K Ultra-HD.
