Smart TV
A Smart TV, also known as a connected TV or hybrid TV, is a television with integrated Internet and Web 2.0 features. Most Smart TVs have features that work like apps on a smartphone. These apps connect to the Internet, streaming audio and video from services like YouTube and Netflix. Some Smart TV apps can even access social media accounts like Facebook and Twitter.
Many people who've purchased a Smart TV complain about the advertising shown on the TV they purchased. One way around this problem is to not connect the TV to the Internet and use a device like Roku for your streaming service solution.
What's "smart" short for when describing a Smart TV?
The "Smart" in "Smart TV" is not an acronym or short for anything. There are, however, other terms that use "smart" as an acronym. See our smart page for a listing of smart-related terms.
Can a TV be infected with a virus?
Yes. A smart TV is a computer with an operating system that allows software (including malware) to be installed and updated from the Internet. FLocker (Frantic Locker) is an example of malware that could be installed on the TV. FLocker is ransomware capable of locking your TV and demanding a ransom before allowing you to watch anything.
If you're prompted to pay a ransom, never pay. If your Smart TV gets infected with a virus or other malware, a factory reset would erase the malware and reset it back to its default settings.
Apps, Display, Hardware terms, HDMI, HDTV, Internet, Set-top box, Smart, Television, Wi-Fi