Smart TVs

The “smart revolution” has transformed the interconnectivity of our homes. All via a simple device (hub, smartphone, etc) we can control everything from our blinds to our alarm system at the click of a button. Antiquated television shows publicized all this decades ago. There were images of people leading fabulous lives in conjunction with robots, all harmonious and in perfect unity. Granted, all of those images and scenes have not come to fruition, but we are in the “smartest” period of all humankind, and we can thank the Internet for that.

One of the many smart devices that are highly coveted by nearly all households is the smart TV. If we now have smart TVs, by default that would suggest what came before were dumb TVs. We don’t like the word dumb, it has real pejorative feel. Let’s just say TVs used to be rather basic. They would receive a signal from an HDTV antenna or a cable, and you could view what was being locally broadcast or through a cable provider. Smart TVs (like other smart devices) offer Internet connectivity, so you can now use this tremendous device to stream video (Hulu, Netflix, etc), play games (Xbox, Playstation, etc), peruse your social media, and also control a host of other gadgets that are interconnected in your home.

Many smart TVs now call on voice recognition tools such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This helps facilitate the control of these devices, all with the objective of making your life easier. There are a host of smart TV manufacturers. The Chinese have cornered the market on “budget sets,” with brands like Hisense or TCL. If you’re looking for some more mainstream brands, LG, Sony, and Samsung certainly have you covered. Smart TVs come in all shapes and prices. We’re going to run down a handful of the more popular ones on the market today.

Vizio M Series Quantum

Widely regarded as the best smart TV for the price (nearly $1,000), the M Series includes a host of free apps and add-ons, and many satisfied customers end up ditching their cable subscription and going right for the personalized streaming options. Vizio included the SmartCase 3.0, their ever-evolving smart content platform, and with built-in Google Chromecast, synchronizing this TV with the rest of your devices is seamless.

Sony X950G 75-inch Android TV

There are casual TV fans, and then there are the hardcore viewers. For the latter, you’ve officially entered heaven. Welcome, because with this 75-inch monster, you won’t really be longing for much more after this (we lie, you’ll want 100-inch at some point). Featuring built-in Chromecast, a sleek design, and a completely redesigned remote control, the images and sounds out of this smart TV are otherworldly. One knock against the X950G was the bass and volume. Apparently, it was a bit weaker than some competitors. But there’s very little that would warrant not purchasing this TV.

SunBrite TV Veranda Series

We wanted to conclude with this one, because there aren’t going to be too many folks talking about killer screens to add to outdoor patios. Installing anything electronic in outdoor environments can be rough. Even the most durable products run the risk of damage. SunBrite, however, has stood up to this challenge and their Veranda Series will literally transform how you and your guests enjoy themselves on hot summer nights.

This set features a weather-sealed chassis that protects it from dirt, precipitation and bugs. It has HDR capability and incredible built-in speakers. In fact, no soundbar is needed with this set. The price tag is steep, we won’t lie. But if you’ve got a patio worth investing in, start here.

A fun segment to write on, smart TVs aren’t getting any dumber. In fact, the next generation is rumored to be even more mind-blowing than when this generation first jumped on the scene. Upgrade your home today, everyone will thank you.