Although televisions are losing popularity in the electronics market, the decline in sales does not look threatening at all. With Russia's transition to digital broadcasting, a large number of households became interested in new TV receivers. Most modern TVs have built-in Wi-Fi and Smart TV. What it is? Let's figure it out now.
- What is a TV with Wi-Fi
- Why do you need Wi-Fi on a TV?
- How Wi-Fi works on TV
- TV with WiFi and Internet: advantages and disadvantages
- Types of TVs with Internet
- How to choose a TV with Wi-Fi
- The best TVs with Internet and Wi-Fi – prices and ratings
- How to connect Wi-Fi on TV
What is a TV with Wi-Fi
The concept of Smart TV implies that the TV has advanced functionality. If previously a TV receiver was used only as a tool for broadcast television or, at most, for watching a movie from a flash drive, now many devices are completely on par with the smartphones we are used to in their capabilities. A Smart TV has its own operating system that allows you to download applications to consume content. Thus, the user can perform almost the full range of actions, as is the case with a smartphone.
No smartphone can be imagined without the Internet. It is the global network that allows you to download software and other content. Of course, smart TVs also have a similar function. And in order not to bother with running an Internet cable throughout the apartment, modern TV receivers are equipped with a Wi-Fi module for receiving a wireless signal.
Wi-Fi is a wireless network technology that allows you to distribute the Internet to other devices with an appropriate sensor through a router.
Why do you need Wi-Fi on a TV?
By itself, Wi-Fi on a TV receiver is a useless feature. Therefore, all TVs with Wi-Fi sensors are equipped with Smart TV technology, which allows you to use functions similar to those found on a smartphone.
Wi-Fi allows the TV owner to access the Internet through a browser, watch movies on various online services, and even play games. True, buying a TV receiver with a Smart TV function should not be considered as an ideal solution for gaming. As a rule, the processor built into the TV is very weak. It can only play very basic games.
But in terms of other smart functions, a TV receiver with Wi-Fi is a very useful thing. A person does not need to run a large number of cables throughout the house. It is enough to connect the TV to the router via a wireless network, after which the owner of the device will have access to the Internet.
How Wi-Fi works on TV
The technology is implemented in modern TV receivers in the same way as on smartphones and tablets. In this case, we are not talking about full-fledged computers, since a PC is a more complex device. And the functionality of a smartphone matches perfectly with a TV.
Of course, on the TV screen the user sees a different interface. Since TV displays are very rarely touch-sensitive, control is carried out using the remote control.
To connect Wi-Fi to a TV receiver, you will need to take care of purchasing a router if such a device has not previously been installed at home. A fiber optic cable is supplied to it from the provider, and the router itself distributes the Internet over the maximum distance that is possible in accordance with its technical characteristics.
TV with WiFi and Internet: advantages and disadvantages
To decide whether you need a TV receiver with Wi-Fi support, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of such technology in TVs.
Advantages and disadvantages
Ability to use smart functions (connecting to the Internet, watching movies online, etc.)
Completely wireless connection, no additional cables required
Such models are slightly more expensive than regular TVs.
Controlling a TV receiver with Smart TV may not seem very convenient at first due to the interface features
The advantages of such devices are clear. We talked about this in detail at the very beginning of the material. It is much more important to explain whether the highlighted disadvantages are fatal. And let's start with the first thesis that TVs with Wi-Fi are more expensive. Yes, this is true if you compare models from the same manufacturers. On average, the markup is 15-20% compared to conventional TV receivers. But soon there will be no TVs left on the market without support for Smart TV and Wi-Fi, so this disadvantage can be forgotten.
As for management, everything comes with experience. A person who has previously used a regular TV receiver will probably get confused in the huge number of menu items. But over time, skill will come, and Smart TV will begin to be perceived as the most banal thing. In addition, manufacturers of operating systems for TVs are introducing new control methods. For example, by voice using the microphone built into the remote control.
What to look for when purchasing
When choosing a TV with WiFi and the Internet, you need to pay attention to the same parameters as with a regular TV. Let's highlight the main criteria:
- Display size. Models with screens from 17 inches and higher are available for sale. When calculating the optimal size, you need to consider the location from which you plan to watch TV. The distance should be equal to three diagonals. You can choose small TVs with Wi-Fi function, but they are more suitable for small rooms.
- Permission. The larger this parameter, the more dots on the screen, and the higher the clarity of the picture. There are TVs with Ultra HD on sale, but you can buy a TV with WiFi and Internet in Full HD. It would be enough.
- Viewing angle. Ideally, the optimal angle should be 180 degrees, but only a few manufacturers offer this option. On average, 165-175 degrees is enough.
- Flicker frequency. To avoid eye fatigue, manufacturers make TVs with the Internet and WiFi with a scanning frequency above 100 Hz. This is the best option. If this parameter is less than 100 Hz, your eyes will get tired.
- Matrix type. There are two options here - plasma, LCD and LED. The first type is the most durable, the second is the most affordable, and LED screens have better image quality and consume less energy.
- Connectors. It is important that a TV with WiFi and the Internet has enough inputs to connect a satellite dish, PC and other devices. Be sure to have several HDMI and USB connectors.
- Internet connection type. Smart TV can be connected via WiFi or Ethernet cable. The first option is more convenient, but it may slow down when viewing.
- Installed software. A TV with WiFi and the Internet may have pre-installed Android or Windows OS. The first solution is more attractive due to the presence of a larger selection of programs.
- 3D is an additional feature that allows you to watch movies and shows with a 3D effect. The downside is that you will have to pay extra for this option.
Knowing these principles, it is easier to choose a high-quality TV and not overpay.
Types of TVs with Internet
Accessing the Internet through a TV can be done in different ways. Let's talk in more detail about the most common ones to understand what to expect from such a device.
Wi-Fi support via built-in module
These are TVs with Smart TV technology. They have a Wi-Fi module on board, which allows you to connect to the Internet through the menu without using cables. But if necessary, you can pair using a patch cord (a special Internet cable) that runs from the router to the TV receiver.
Support via external adapter
If the TV does not have Smart TV technology, you will not be able to connect to the Internet through the built-in software. You will need to purchase an additional adapter that is inserted into the HDMI socket or smart set-top box with a Wi-Fi module.
This connection method is not very convenient, since a person has to allocate space for a new device (though it is small in size), face the problem of extra wires and not very convenient controls. To connect to the Internet, you must first open the TV settings, select the HDMI connector involved, take the remote control from the set-top box and connect through it using the smart device options.
If you need an Internet-enabled TV, do not purchase models without Smart TV. The difference with a more advanced model is exactly the same as the cost of a smart set-top box, which will cause a lot of inconvenience.
Connection
Why do LG TVs lose connection to the Wi-Fi network?
TVs with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity are very convenient and easy to use. However, they require fairly high speed and good quality wireless connection.
Important! If such a connection is not possible, then most devices allow you to connect a network cable.
The connection is quite simple. You must select an access point, click on it, and then enter the requested password and login. Once the connection is confirmed, you can start surfing the Internet.
If the TV does not have a Wi-Fi function, then you can connect a special set-top box or module to it. With the help of the first one connects to the Network, and also makes it possible to operate Smart TV. Connecting to the Internet can be carried out by a specific operator that provides services, or by the subscriber independently. To do this, it is enough to have a router to which a tuner is connected via Wi-Fi.
Such set-top boxes operate using the popular Android operating system. They are made as a small plastic block. The dimensions of such equipment decrease over time; today you can find set-top boxes the size of a regular flash drive.
Note! The image quality when using the set-top box depends on the TV model.
Both TV with built-in Wi-Fi and various set-top boxes make it possible to turn a standard “blue screen” into a whole world of entertainment with many TV channels, games, and access to information. In addition, other, no less interesting opportunities open up:
- you can use the Internet with all the corresponding functions and privileges;
- watching digital television in good quality with a stop and rewind function;
- storing and using files and folders of various formats for various purposes;
- installation of applications and programs, as well as games;
- free communication on social networks and special programs (Viber, Skype, etc.) and much more.
Additional modules and attachments operate according to one of the following principles:
- All applications and programs are contained on the set-top box’s memory card, and all information is read from there when turned on and in operation. This means that in order to use the application, you need to download and install it on your device.
- All program files are stored in the cloud. This means that when the application is launched, it first loads from virtual storage and runs online.
How to choose a TV with Wi-Fi
When going to the store to buy an Internet-enabled TV receiver, first pay attention to the “Smart TV” line in its characteristics. As we already figured out earlier, a device without smart TV technology requires the purchase of additional equipment.
Next, the potential buyer should consider the same criteria that are important when choosing a regular TV, namely:
- Diagonal.
- Screen resolution.
- Matrix.
- Viewing angles.
- Operating system.
- Built-in and RAM.
- Brand.
- Price.
As a rule, it doesn’t go further than diagonal, brand and price. But this is a wrong approach. It is important to pay attention to the screen resolution. With a diagonal of 40 inches or more, it is not recommended to take panels with a resolution lower than FullHD. And 4K will be relevant for large TVs.
The type of matrix also plays an important role. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. You can learn about such details by paying attention to other characteristics. For example, maximum viewing angle. For TN matrices it is larger, but the image quality is not the best.
Be sure to look for additional features to improve the image if you are a television aesthete. But since all modern TV receivers display colors more or less well, the choice of operating system, processor and memory will be much more important. A lot depends on the OS. If you buy a TV from a well-known brand like Samsung or LG, then rest assured that the user will have access to a huge number of applications, and the interface will delight you with its friendliness.
If the choice falls on a model from a lesser-known brand, you should take a closer look at devices with Android TV. This is an advanced operating system that many people use on their smartphones.
The speed of the TV depends on the performance of the processor and the amount of RAM. And brand and price are subjective indicators that depend on the personal preferences of the buyer.
The standard will greatly simplify the problem of choosing a Smart TV
TV manufacturers have not yet come to an agreement on establishing a standard that would describe the necessary properties of Smart TV . This is reflected in buyers who may spend a lot of money on a new receiver and immediately claim that the newer models offer much more features. However, when purchasing, it is worth answering the question of how many of the available functions you will use regularly.
When choosing a Smart TV model , you should pay attention to the features associated with playing or streaming media content over your home network and via the Internet, as well as the recording functions of broadcast TV shows. The more of these features your TV , the less money you'll spend on additional devices like an HD recorder.
The best TVs with Internet and Wi-Fi – prices and ratings
In order not to have to worry about choosing a suitable TV receiver with wireless Internet support, we have collected the best models for 2020. The rating includes both expensive and very affordable TVs. They differ in diagonal, operating system and the presence of functions that improve the image. But they all have one thing in common - the optimal price-quality ratio.
Many TV models are available in several modifications, which differ only in screen size. Our rating presents versions with the smallest diagonal, and also indicates what other configurations exist.
Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 43
| Characteristic | Parameter |
| Diagonal | 43-75 inches |
| Matrix | IPS |
| Permission | 4K (3840x2160) |
| Viewing angle | 178° |
| Frame rate | 60 Hz |
| Response time | 8 ms |
| HDR support | Eat |
| Sound | 2x6 W, Dolby Digital |
| CPU | AMR Cortex-A53 |
| Memory | 1/8 GB |
| Dimensions | 964x606x233 mm |
| Weight | 7.6 kg |
| Price | From 23,000 rubles |
Inexpensive model from the famous company Xiaomi. The TV has high resolution and good matrix quality. True, the performance of the device is far from flagship level. With the ever-increasing demands of Smart TV applications, 1 GB of RAM in 3-4 years will not be enough to comfortably use the TV receiver.
LG 43UK6200
| Characteristic | Parameter |
| Diagonal | 43-75 inches |
| Matrix | IPS |
| Permission | 4K (3840x2160) |
| Viewing angle | 178° |
| Frame rate | 50 Hz |
| Response time | 9 ms |
| HDR support | Eat |
| Sound | 2x10 W, Dolby Digital, Ultra Surround |
| CPU | 4-core |
| Memory | 1/4 GB |
| Dimensions | 975x615x188 mm |
| Weight | 8.4 kg |
| Price | From 23,000 rubles |
An affordable TV with good sound, ideal for those who love a fully immersive movie experience. The proprietary WebOS operating system, which is used on LG TVs, guarantees maximum comfort during use, despite the presence of only 1 GB of RAM. But the quality of the matrix, even with high resolution, is not best suited for dynamic scenes.
LG OLED55C9
| Characteristic | Parameter |
| Diagonal | 55-77 inches |
| Matrix | OLED |
| Permission | 4K (3840x2160) |
| Viewing angle | 178° |
| Frame rate | 120 Hz |
| Response time | 1 ms |
| HDR support | Yes + Dolby Vision |
| Sound | 2x10 W + subwoofer 2x10 W, Dolby Atmos |
| CPU | 4-core |
| Memory | 3/8 GB |
| Dimensions | 1228x810x207 mm |
| Weight | 32 kg |
| Price | From 90,000 rubles |
One of the most advanced TVs on the market. The 2021 model has virtually no downsides. High resolution, high-quality matrix and unprecedented frame rate allow us to recommend the LG OLED55C9 to both movie lovers and avid gamers. And in terms of sound, the TV can completely outshine any competitors. However, the cost cannot be called affordable at all.
Samsung UE-43RU7400
| Characteristic | Parameter |
| Diagonal | 43-65 inches |
| Matrix | IPS |
| Permission | 4K (3840x2160) |
| Viewing angle | 178° |
| Frame rate | 60 Hz |
| Response time | Not indicated |
| HDR support | Eat |
| Sound | 2x10 W, Dolby Digital Plus |
| CPU | Not indicated |
| Memory | |
| Dimensions | 970x648x344 mm |
| Weight | 12.1 kg |
| Price | From 34,000 rubles |
A relatively inexpensive TV with a good matrix and the introduction of several image enhancement technologies. The model is also distinguished by high-quality sound and the presence of variations from 43 to 65 inches.
Samsung QE-49Q70R
| Characteristic | Parameter |
| Diagonal | 49-82 inches |
| Matrix | QLED |
| Permission | 4K (3840x2160) |
| Viewing angle | 178° |
| Frame rate | 60 Hz |
| Response time | Not indicated |
| HDR support | Eat |
| Sound | 2x10 W + subwoofer 2x10 W, Dolby Digital Plus |
| CPU | Not indicated |
| Memory | |
| Dimensions | 1095x708x248 mm |
| Weight | 14.1 kg |
| Price | From 60,000 rubles |
A model in the mid-price segment, offering the buyer high-quality sound and rich pictures. The TV comes with a subwoofer that enhances the sound.
Philips 50PUS6704
| Characteristic | Parameter |
| Diagonal | 50-70 inches |
| Matrix | V.A. |
| Permission | 4K (3840x2160) |
| Viewing angle | 178° |
| Frame rate | 50 Hz |
| Response time | Not indicated |
| HDR support | Yes + Dolby Vision |
| Sound | 2x10 W, Dolby Atmos |
| CPU | AMR Cortex-A53 |
| Memory | 2/4 GB |
| Dimensions | 1123x679x235 mm |
| Weight | 13.4 kg |
| Price | From 34,000 rubles |
One of the best price-quality ratios in our rating. It may not be the most expensive TV, but it has everything you need. At 50 inches, the resolution is equal to 4K, various image enhancement modes are supported, and built-in speakers allow you to feel completely immersed in the process. Moreover, the speed of the Android TV OS is not satisfactory.
Sony KD-49XF8596
| Characteristic | Parameter |
| Diagonal | 49-75 inches |
| Matrix | V.A. |
| Permission | 4K (3840x2160) |
| Viewing angle | 178° |
| Frame rate | 120 Hz |
| Response time | Not indicated |
| HDR support | Eat |
| Sound | 2x10 W, Dolby Digital |
| CPU | AMR Cortex-A53 |
| Memory | 2/16 GB |
| Dimensions | 1093x685x236 mm |
| Weight | 13.8 kg |
| Price | From 56,000 rubles |
Perhaps the best Sony TV at the moment. The device has a high resolution, excellent frame rate and a large number of features that improve the image. The TV is perfect for solving any tasks, and the amount of RAM makes a certain reserve for the future.
Asano 32LF7130S
| Characteristic | Parameter |
| Diagonal | 32 inches |
| Matrix | IPS |
| Permission | FullHD (1920x1080) |
| Viewing angle | 178° |
| Frame rate | 60 Hz |
| Response time | Not indicated |
| HDR support | No |
| Sound | 2x7 W, Dolby Digital |
| CPU | Not indicated |
| Memory | |
| Dimensions | 730x465x177 mm |
| Weight | 4 kg |
| Price | From 10,000 rubles |
The cheapest representative of our rating, which is the best in the price range up to 10 thousand rubles. The model has a good matrix with sufficient resolution for watching movies in high quality. Of course, the speed of operation is disappointing, but for that kind of money you won’t find a more powerful TV.
| Name | Description | Price | Rating |
| Sony KD-49XF8596 | The best TV with the Internet, which will delight you with both image quality and sound power. | From 56,000 rub. | ★★★★★ |
| LG OLED55C9 | The most advanced TV in the rating that will satisfy the needs of even the most sophisticated user. | From 90,000 rub. | ★★★★★ |
| Philips 50PUS6704 | A model with incredible image quality for its price. | From 34,000 rub. | ★★★★★ |
| LG 43UK6200 | The best TV in its price segment, with great sound and 4K resolution. | From 23,000 rub. | ★★★★★ |
| Samsung QE-49Q70R | A device with a subwoofer that allows you to watch movies at home no worse than in a cinema. | From 60,000 rub. | ★★★★★ |
| Samsung UE-43RU7400 | TV with good sound and high resolution | From 34,000 rub. | ★★★★★ |
| Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 43 | A good device from a Chinese company, pleasing with good picture quality. | From 23,000 rub. | ★★★★★ |
| Asano 32LF7130S | One of the most affordable TVs with Wi-Fi and Smart TV | From 10,000 rub. | ★★★★★ |
Why do we need Smart TV and WiFi?
A TV with smart TV and Wi-Fi allows you to watch regular analog TV, as well as connect to a large number of digital TV channels, but its significant advantage is the ability to connect to the World Wide Web. Viewing media content is carried out through your own browser; if you have built-in Wi-Fi, you just need to enter the password after the first turn on.
To control the device, use the included remote control, with a separate button for your own browser.
Instead of a remote control, you can use a computer mouse or a special removable keyboard.
A smart TV can work with all possible third-party devices - PCs, laptops, tablets and smart phones, which can be synchronized by downloading a special program. Synchronization occurs according to the Plug and Play principle (insert and have fun).
Expensive models with a diagonal of more than 32 inches can respond to simple voice commands, such as “next channel”, are able to recognize even gestures, have gyroscopes and some other interesting features that ultimately increase the cost of the device.
Although the Internet in Smart-TV has less functionality than in the same PC or laptop, its capabilities are impressive. First of all, this is watching movies online on special sites, as well as listening to music and getting information about the weather.
How to choose a TV with Internet and wifi? The answer to this question depends on the user's needs. Will he watch movies and programs from external media? Smart devices read any external storage device – from a flash drive to a DVD.
And if the ability to read is provided, then it is also possible to record the program of interest, provided that the channel is not protected from such scanning.
This function is configured like an alarm clock: if you set the time of the program you are interested in, it will be recorded, and you can watch it later, at any convenient time.
Many smart devices have social networks and Youtube in their firmware.
The front camera on devices with a screen diagonal of at least 32 inches allows you to use software for such types of communication as Skype, Facetime, Viber, WhatsApp. But even if there is no built-in camera and microphone, it is not difficult to buy external devices for full communication via smart TV.
It is advisable that the webcam and microphone are from the same manufacturer as the TV, then the communication quality will be the best.
Although there is a wide variety of analog set-top boxes from other manufacturers on sale, in the end each of them is interested in producing unified devices compatible with different platforms. To improve the quality of communication, they should not conflict with the device on the other end, which is why manufacturers themselves use third-party applications for their TVs.
For fans of computer games, there is a whole set of them in the basic firmware, and if the device runs on the Android platform, then there are no problems even with the most “heavy” games, available only on special consoles and PCs. To control games, it is convenient to use a joystick, which is easily connected via a special connector.
How to connect Wi-Fi on TV
The TV is connected to Wi-Fi after the device is started for the first time. The owner of the equipment is immediately asked to enable network detection and connect to the home router, confirming pairing using a password. If the connection was not made immediately, you can perform the operation at any time through the TV receiver settings in the “Wireless network” or “Internet” section, depending on the model.
The operation is performed in a similar way if you have a smart set-top box connected to a regular TV. Just first you need to open the menu of the additional device, and then pair it through its settings.
