Smart Television

Smart TV may have all or some of the following A web Browser to allow access to the internet to allow users to use Google and other search Engines. Apps– Each manufacturer has its own Apps that direct the viewer to different websites with just one click Example:- Samsung have built in Apps for TVNZ on demand. TV3 on demand and Video Easy on Demand.

USB connectivity. Allows Photos and videos to play direct from a USB device Game Apps – play games such as Angry Birds directly on your TV Social Networking-- Use Face book and other social media sites Allow streaming from smart phone or tablet direct to the TV

USB connectivity. Allows Photos and videos to play direct from a USB device You can then view photo albums, videos and listen to music on your TV

Skype With the Addition of a camera Smart TVs allow you to talk to family and friends from the comfort of your Armchair

Voice Control Some TV's can be controlled by voice to change channels, to adjust the volume or connect to any of the built in Apps

Gesture Control Another feature is gesture control but this requires a camera be fitted.

On demand TV All the major Networks are embracing on demand Television. They allow you to catch up on a programme that you may have missed. Once the programme has been broadcasted it then appears on the TV companies On Demand Website. The programme normally stays on the site for 7 days before being deleted, however some programmes remain there for longer periods.

On demand TV Many of the companies are now broadcasting programmes on demand before they have aired. Some programmes only play on demand and are not broadcast

New Players There has been an explosion of on demand suppliers taking place in the last few months Spark has introduced an on demand service called Light box which has a range of shows and movies. Cost $30.00 per 30 days

New Players Sky TV recently launched Neon, which is a subscription based on demand service featuring never before seen show as well as old favourites and a big selection of Movies’ Cost $20.00 per 30 days

New Players Quickflix on demand Movies and TV Shows $12.99 per Month

New Players VideoEasy have seen the writing on the wall for the future of video stores and are now offering to stream movies direct to your TV. No more journeys to the video store Rental price $6.99 standard definition $7.99 High Definition

New Players Netflix is the market leader in on demand TV. It is due to launch here next Month world leader in on demand Movies and TV Shows Price Not yet announced.

The remote control To access the Smart functionality requires the use of the sets remote control. This can be a very frustrating experience as in order to input any information you have to point to letters on an on screen alphabet. This is far from satisfactory so an wireless keyboard is recommended.

The remote control

Connecting a keyboard Many TV allow you to connect a keyboard and mouse so that you can use the familiar controls you are used to on your computer. Some require a dongle that is inserted into the USB slot on the TV

Connecting a keyboard Others have Bluetooth connectivity where the Keyboard ( normally the manufacturer's own brand ) talks directly to the TV

Speed Data and Usage You will need a fast speed broadband connection to have a satisfactory viewing experience You must remember that when you download TV programmes and content from the internet you are using up your Data Cap If you exceed your monthly Cap you will pay more or you your speed will be reduced to dial up speed

Why do I need a fast speed ?

Low Speed Connection Broadband from provider Represents TV Buffer Represents You watching screen If Amount flowing out is greater than flowing in Data will stop flowing until level builds in Buffer

High Speed Connection Broadband from provider Represents TV Buffer Represents You watching screen If amount flowing out is less than flowing in Data will continue flowing keeping buffer level high

What is a Data Cap ?

When you sign up for an internet plan you decide how much Data you will use over the monthly billing period. The amount of Data that you need will depend on how you use the internet. You may only use the internet for sending and receiving emails and going to Google to search for the odd thing. In that case your Data requirements might be as low as 5 gigabyte a month However if you watch TV on demand or visit You tube frequently and you may need 40 to 80 gigabyte a month

Once you have agreed your Data Cap with your provider Once you have agreed your Data Cap with your provider. You can continue to use the internet as much as you want up to the amount of your Cap. If you breach your Cap then you will have to pay more. If you do not use all your Data most ISP’s don’t let you carry it over to the following month. You start again at the next billing period.

TVNZ Data Usage

Netflix Data Usage A two hour Movie in HD will use up 4.6 GB That’s 17 movies per month on an 80 GB Plan

The Future The Future of Television Workshop was held about 2 years ago. These were the predictions at the end of the talk:-

The Future The computer and the television will gradually merge We will access most of our programmes via the internet from anywhere in the world. We will be able to interact with our TV Rewind to see something we missed. Change the camera angle to get a different view

The Future We will use our TV’s as video phones using the internet to talk to family and friends from our armchairs. We will talk to our TV and play interactive games. It will talk back to us We will store be able to store our photos and Movie collections as well as all our music in a memory chip in the TV

The Future is Here

We may never leave our armchair again

Any Questions