STACK #229 November 2023

SMART HOME

TECH FEATURE

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Smart TVs like the TCL C845 and Ffalcon U63 series have the Google TV smart operating system built in, giving you Google Assistant control using the remote’s inbuilt microphone. That’s hundreds of thousands of movies and TV shows that can be called up from one handy user interface with no more endless scrolling or switching between streaming apps: “Hey Google, show me what’s new on Netflix.” Both the aforementioned TCL and Ffalcon smart TVs can also control smart home devices in a Google Home ecosystem, with Apple HomeKit (Siri) support, as well as Alexa (when connected to a smartphone or smart speaker). And Wi-Fi 6 connectivity will keep streaming fast and free from buffering interruptions. Hey Google TV

A smartTV is not only a gateway to a world of entertainment, but also a key component in your smart home setup. Words Scott Hocking TV SMARTS

S mart TVs have revolutionised our viewing, bringing big screen luxury and knockout 4K Ultra HD resolution into the lounge room, and broadening our entertainment options. We’re no longer dependent on the often-dubious programming dished up by the free-to-air networks, with internet connectivity putting a veritable vault of old and new movies and shows at our disposal. And with all the popular streaming apps preloaded, access is as simple as telling the TV what you want to watch! The settings we formerly twiddled to get a good picture – colour, contrast, and brightness – are now all automatically adjusted by the TV to give us the best possible picture quality in a bright or low lit room, with eye-popping colours and blacks as dark as night. All we have to do is sit back, watch and enjoy. Alexa and Google Assistant can be inbuilt and will adjust or mute the volume, change the channel, play your movie of choice, and turn

the TV off at night. And when integrated into the respective smart home ecosystems, you can control compatible smart devices like cameras, locks, and lights from the TV. Connect a smart TV to a video doorbell and watch the pizza delivery arrive while you’re watching a movie, or get higher clarity from a security camera’s live feed. Make video calls and mirror the photo album from your phone on the big screen, browse the web using the remote (sometimes tricky, but convenient), or tell the TV to turn on the air conditioner and dim the lights when it’s time to settle in. Just like any other smart home device, getting the most out of a smart TV depends on a strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection – the dreaded buffering wheel can really kill a movie or show, especially at a crucial moment.

You can teach an old TV smart tricks by simply connecting a media streaming dongle like Google Chromecast with Google TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick, or an Apple TV box – as long as the TV has an HDMI port. You can access all your favourite apps, use voice assistants and get personalised recommendations – all on a TV that predates the streaming revolution! TURN AN OLD TV INTO A SMART ONE

34 NOVEMBER 2023

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