How voice control of a Samsung TV works: connection and malfunctions

Samsung UE65TU7102 – TV for the company

An interesting model for companies is, in particular, Samsung UE65TU7102. This is a large diagonal TV - up to 65 inches, so it is well suited for conference rooms where the image is often viewed from a distance. Additionally, it offers 4K Ultra HD resolution, so the picture quality should be good as long as the signal is transmitted at the same high resolution. Additionally, it offers two HDMI ports, one USB port, an Ethernet port for Internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The low 50Hz refresh rate may be a drawback for some. Of course, this is not a particularly impressive parameter, but experts do not think that it matters much for a TV. After all, this will not be equipment for watching movies or running games.

Benefits of Smart TVs

Benefits of smart TVs include:

• Access to a wealth of content: One of the key benefits of smart TVs is access to video content - both pre-stored and live streaming. This functionality allows you to watch even the latest movies released over the last weekend on your home screen. And also films from your parents’ youth.
• The ability to watch what you want, when you want: On-demand video content that you can watch at your convenience is one of the key benefits and opportunities that a smart TV brings to you.
• Customizable search, with or without voice search option: Thanks to the use of global lists, you as a viewer can search for programs and schedule their viewing time according to your own preferences. Alexa's recent addition supports voice search, which allows you to skip the search menu to specify the content you're looking for.
• Universal mobile control: The smart TV remote control is suitable for controlling all connected devices.
• Games: Your smart TV provides access to a wide range of games that are compatible with the software platform running the TV.

Algorithm for disabling voice guidance

The procedure required to disable TalkBack depends on the series of the TV device, which can be found out using the code name of the Samsung electronics.

Most of the names of modern TV models from the South Korean manufacturer begin with the symbols “UE” and the diagonal of the device, followed by the letter designation of the series: for example, the UE49MU6100U TV belongs to the “M” series.

You will need to use one of the following instructions to set up or turn off beep sounds.

Series M, Q, LS (latest models)

You can turn off voice acting in the TV menu - to access the device parameters, you need to click “Menu” on the touch remote control or select “Settings” in the lower left corner of the home screen.

Next you will need:

1. Go to the “Sound” section, then to “Advanced settings”.
2. Open the “Sound Signals” tab and manually set the required volume level.
3. Save the new settings and exit the menu.

If the owner of the model is unable to find the desired section on his own, you can use the search function using system parameters, which is launched by clicking on the “Magnifying Glasses” icon located to the right of the “Settings” entrance.

There is another way to disable TalkBack:

1. Enter the TV “Menu” using the corresponding key on the remote control or the icon on the “Home” screen.
2. Open the Accessibility tab under Device.
3. Go to “Voice Instructions” and deactivate the option by setting the “Disable” option.
4. Save the created settings.

After the user completes any of the presented algorithms, the voice guidance will be turned off. It should be noted that this instruction is relevant only for models of the M, Q, LS families, as well as devices of related series.

K-series (2016)

K-series TVs have a dark, minimalistic menu interface, so you won’t be able to confuse this family of devices with another.

To deactivate the audio or change its settings on 2021 models, you will need:

1. Open the “Menu” item on the TV screen.
2. Go to the “System” tab (the icon shows crossed working tools).
3. Select "Accessibility" and open the "Voice guidance" section.
4. Set the required volume of voice prompts using the proposed equalizer or completely disable voice acting.
5. Save your selections and exit Settings.

An alternative solution to the problem is to disable all system sounds from the “Advanced settings” section, which is indicated by a loudspeaker icon, or reset the audio parameters.

J, H, F, E series (models released before 2015)

To disable voice acting for user actions on Samsung TVs released before 2015, you must:

1. Open "Menu". Depending on the year of manufacture of the device, press the “Menu”, “KeyPad” or “More” button on the remote control or a similar key on the side touch panel.
2. Go to “System” (gear icon).
3. Select the “General” section.
4. In the list that appears, find “Sound signals” and click on the confirmation button.
5. Set the optimal volume for voice prompts or set the option to “OFF”.
6. Save settings.

It is worth saying that there are no universal instructions for disabling TalkBack on premium “S” line TVs - the owner of a device of that particular year of manufacture will have to look for a solution to the problem on their own or contact Samsung technical support for help.

Conclusion

You can also find additional information on how to disable voice guidance in the official instructions in Russian, which are included with each Samsung TV.

In case of any difficulties, it is recommended to call the customer support center toll-free number.

Panasonic

A well-known Japanese manufacturer, trusted by consumers. Once upon a time, the “plasma” of this brand was valued all over the world, but today Panasonic has lost ground and lags behind its compatriot (Sony) and Korean competitors.

Smart TV runs on a Firefox-based platform with a very clear interface. Panasonic offers mainly models with OLED displays and 4K LED TVs.

pros

• natural color rendering;
• supports different HDR formats;
• high sound quality;
• stylish adaptive design.

Minuses

• premium models are alarmingly expensive;
• A few budget models are significantly inferior in image quality to higher-end TVs and competitors.

The best Panasonic models

Among the products offered there are models of Czech and Belarusian assembly. In the Czech Republic they assemble TV series 7 (middle class), in Belarus - budget models.

What to do when there is no sound on the TV?

It happens that when using it for the first time, Samsung owners may encounter such a problem. If the TV was turned on, but there was no sound, then first you need to turn it off completely. Then, after 10 minutes, turn on the device again.

It happens that the sound disappears after you deactivate the voice guidance. Then you need to act according to the following algorithm:

1. Using the remote control, open the settings.
2. Click on support.

TV menu and selecting “Support”

1. In the open list you need to find self-diagnosis.

Self-diagnosis in the Samsung menu

1. Click on start sound test.

Testing the sound

A sign should open on the TV screen in which the action “Change loudspeaker” will be set. The window will then open again, showing the current volume level. The volume should be at the same level as the indicator on the TV device.

Sound testing

When there is no sound, you need to additionally check whether you have connected the wires correctly. The connector may be mixed up, which is quite common. If everything is correct, then it is recommended to immediately contact the company’s service center. But, before that, you can reset the settings to factory settings yourself.

Turn off Snooping on Sony TVs

How to disagree with the data collection policy

The Internet does not work on your smartphone, but there is a network connection.
When you turn on your new Sony TV for the first time, you will be asked to read 3 privacy policies:

1. – Since Sony currently uses the Android TV system, you must agree to Google's policy to use the TV. Consider using ExpressVPN's native Android TV app to prevent Google from collecting your data.
2. Samba TV - Disagree with Samba TV's policies to prevent your activity from being tracked.
3. Sony. You may disagree with Sony's policies, but you may not be able to use Smart TV features.

How to turn off activity tracking

1. Go to the main menu and click "Settings".
2. Go to initial setup. If you are asked to change the network, click "Don't change."
3. Go to Sony Bravia policy. Agree with this if you don't want to use any Smart TV features at all.
4. Move to the next couple of screens and you will find the Samba TV policy.
5. On the right, click “Disable” - this is the last option. You will be asked to confirm that you want to do this.
6. Click Disable again to disable ACR.

Although some older Sony models were released without Samba TV, they can be added later through a software update. If this happens, you will be asked to review the privacy policy.

You can also turn off all data downloads to prevent Sony from receiving any data about you. Do it:

1. Go to the main menu and click "Settings".
2. Go to TV O and then Legal Information.
3. Go to the Privacy Policy section and select Disagree.

If your Sony TV was released in 2014 or earlier, you may have to select "Disable data downloads" rather than agree to the privacy policy.

In 2021, several bugs were discovered with Sony Bravia TVs, which meant that they could be accessed remotely without authentication by anyone connected to the same local network. The errors have since been corrected

However, this illustrates why it's really important to use a VPN like ExpressVPN to make sure all your data is encrypted

How to turn off voice and camera recording

Sony TVs do not have built-in microphones or cameras, but external cameras are available. If you have one, make sure you don't leave it plugged in.

How to choose the right model

Switching channels by voice is fun and easy. But the presence of an innovative function should not be a priority for buyers

What should you pay special attention to in order to avoid mistakes when choosing? On the characteristics of the product. Diagonal plays a big role

It must match the size of the room where the device will be located. If the room is small, then a large screen can not only negatively affect users’ vision, but also make watching programs a difficult ordeal, since all the small dots and flaws will be visible up close.

It is advisable to choose the right technology resolution and volume level. The quality of color rendering plays an important role. If you come across weak built-in speakers, you will need to spend extra money on purchasing additional audio systems. Experts recommend checking with your sales manager about the response time of the selected product, what level of brightness and contrast. The type of matrix and the ability to improve the picture are of great importance. If a person is willing to spend a significant amount, then it is better to give preference to an OLED screen.

The best TVs with voice control on the Tizen platform

Samsung UE70TU7090U 70”

One of the features of this model is the absence of a frame, which allows you to completely immerse yourself in the plot of the show and film. And thanks to 4K resolution and the Crystal processor, viewing will be taken to the next level. Now the viewer will have access to more details, bright colors and contrasts.

In addition, on the Samsung UE70TU7090U you can remotely use data from your computer. Just one touch, and all the data will be displayed on the screen; you can do all your office work without getting up from the couch. The manufacturer also installed a game mode here, any games with dynamic scenes will now be clear, the picture will not blur and interfere with the gameplay.

The average cost is 64,000 rubles.

Samsung UE70TU7090U 70”Samsung UE70TU7090U 70”

Advantages:

• No frames;
• Powerful processor;
• Ability to control from your phone;
• High picture quality and powerful sound.

Flaws:

Samsung UE32T5300AU 32”

This model has a 32-inch screen and its resolution is 1920*1080 pixels. This option will fit perfectly into a small bedroom, living room or even kitchen.

With this model, any content you view will be clear, bright and detailed. There is a special function here that improves the quality of films or videos, while the image is not distorted or loses its size. Also, to improve color reproduction, the manufacturer used ProColour technology, with its help all images become realistic and have high quality. Thanks to the presence of an intelligent control system, the user has the ability to quickly access any applications and films.

The average cost is 19,500 rubles.

Samsung UE32T5300AU 32”

Advantages:

• Stylish design;
• Image quality;
• Ease of management;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

Is it possible to reset settings to factory settings on Samsung TV?

On many TV models, resetting settings is performed in the same way as turning off voice prompts. To do this you will need a remote control.

Let’s take it in our hands and follow these recommendations:

1. Press the buttons in turn: INFO, MENU, MUTE, POWER. The last button is power on/off;
2. A small menu will appear on the left of the screen where you need to select “Option”;
3. In the next window on Samsung, select “Factory Reset”. Press several buttons on the remote control in sequence

The TV will turn off for a while. After which it will turn on again. Now you need to check if the sound appears. And also log in to your Samsung account. A factory reset will delete all of your previously made settings and settings on your device. If you downloaded applications to the TV, they will also be deleted. If these actions do not lead to the expected result, as well as deactivating voice prompts, you need to contact support. And ask for help.

Select Gesture Edge

By clicking on the "Right Stick" and "Left Stick" options at the very top, you can choose which ones will do when you swipe over them. And they can read between the diagonal and horizontal pages! You can customize them to taste, of course, but here's what we recommend. Install the left handle as follows:

Now install the right handle as follows:

This will provide a control scheme very similar to the iPhone, where swiping left always results in a "back" command. If you swipe and hold on the screen, you'll get a nice, small, and clean "task switcher" that's a mini version of the "recent apps" wheel. Swiping to the right is reserved for "go forward" in whatever browser you use. This is a godsend for Chrome users because the forward button is hidden in a submenu and it's always annoying when you need it. Setting the "diagonal up" offset to activate One-Handed mode makes this much easier, since the default gesture Samsung uses (with a diagonal bottom swipe) is sometimes very difficult to swipe to the right.

How to delete a channel on a Samsung TV

The sequence of actions required to remove unnecessary programs on a Samsung TV depends on the series and model of the device. These characteristics are indicated as a combination of numbers and letters on the back of the TB device or in the complete operating instructions for the device. The series is designated by a Latin letter - the symbol is located in the name of the device after the prefix “UE” and the screen diagonal: for example, the device UE49MU6100U belongs to the “M” series. Having decided on the TV series, the user can begin editing the program playlist.

Series M, Q, LS

To delete channels on a Samsung M, Q or LS series TV, the user will need to:

1. Open the device settings menu using the “Home” key located on the remote control.
2. Go to the “Live Broadcast” system section and open the tab with the playlist of television programs.
3. Select the Change Channels tool using the Right arrow key.
4. Mark the TV channels that need to be erased from the device’s memory - a check mark should appear to the left of the channel name.
5. Press the “Delete” softkey and confirm your choice.

To complete the settings and exit the menu, press the “Return” button.

K-series

To remove unnecessary channels on a Samsung K-series TV, you need to:

1. Go to the “Live TB” section.
2. Open "Playlist".
3. Mark unnecessary TV channels with a checkmark (Edit tool).
4. Click on the blue “Delete” button.

Next, you need to press the “Back” button on the remote control.

J-series

The algorithm for deleting channels on TV J-series is as follows:

1. Go to “Settings” of the television device. Depending on the model number, you will need to press the “Menu” or “123” key on the remote control.
2. Open the “Broadcast” section and go to “Playlist Changes”.
3. Removing “extra” TV channels using the “Remove” button.

Afterwards you will need to press the “Return” key.

H-series

Instructions for deleting TV channels on Samsung N-series devices are presented below:

1. Launching the settings menu using the “Menu” or “Keypad” key located on the remote control.
2. Go to the “Broadcast” system subsection.
3. Adding special checkmarks next to the names of channels that need to be erased from the playlist.
4. Selecting the “Delete” tool and confirming the operation.

Complete the setting using the “Return” key.

F-series

Deleting TV channels on F-series devices is carried out in the same way as on H-series devices. To log in, you must press the “More” button located on the remote control.

E-series

To erase a TV channel from the memory of an E series device, the user must:

1. Press the “Smart Hub” button and select “Channels” in the menu that appears.
2. Mark unnecessary programs with a checkmark and open the “Tools” context menu using the key with the corresponding name located on the remote control.
3. Click on “Delete” and confirm the operation.

Next, you will need to complete editing the playlist by holding down the “Back” key.

The best Smart TV 55″ in terms of price/quality ratio

Here you can find TVs with a large screen diagonal and high picture quality. In terms of cost, they are in the middle price segment.

LG OLED55BXRLB 55″

This smart device supports HDR and broadcasts video in 4K format. OLED technology is distinguished by standard image clarity and detail; the picture is rich, bright and contrasting, with deep blacks and correct whites.

The TV is controlled by the included Bluetooth remote control or by a smartphone. Gamers will appreciate the 120Hz screen refresh rate. A powerful 40 W speaker system consists of four built-in speakers.

Pros:

• remote control with air mouse and voice search;
• ultra-thin body;
• games without lags;
• no distortion from any viewing angle.

Cons: lacks bass in the sound.

Xiaomi Mi TV 4A 55 T2 54.6″

The model reproduces video in 4K UltraHD format, Direct LED backlighting ensures brightness and real color reproduction. The thin case looks stylish and saves space; it only has a power button, and all control is carried out by a remote control or smartphone.

The technology does not reproduce 3D content, but supports HDR. On board there are 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal memory. The rear panel contains all standard connectors.

The 12W audio system produces clear sound. The legs are turned inward, so they do not require additional surface area.

Pros:

• full set of TV tuners;
• most of the body is made of aluminum;
• responsive interface;
• ability to connect wireless Bluetooth devices.

Cons: not Russified menu.

Samsung QE55Q60TAU 55″

Frameless TV with 20-watt acoustics. Built-in tuners make it possible to watch satellite and digital television. The screen refreshes at a frequency of 100 Hz thanks to the powerful processor. The complete remote control is equipped with a voice control function.

The TV can become the manager. Easily connects to a smartphone and other external gadgets.

Pros:

• reference screen brightness and contrast;
• narrow frame;
• 4K resolution playback;
• thin body.

Cons: highlights are visible in the center against a dark background.

Changes in interaction

Logically, with ordinary clicks of a computer mouse, the first thing you need to do is indicate the desired object on the display by touching it. To apply the selected element, you need to double-click quickly. To scroll through a menu list or scroll a web page in a certain direction, you should pull the screen in the selected direction using two fingers, since a single tap on the sensor will have no effect! Unlocking the desktop is carried out using a similar principle, since you need to touch the bottom of the display with two fingers and then lift it up. You may also need to enter a password for confirmation. Also, to unlock the lock, you often use the touch key under the screen, where you also need two touches

It is especially important to follow the spoken prompts.

Procedure for disabling

In the question of how to remove voice guidance on Android, you should demonstrate the easiest sequence of actions:

1. Double click to open the desktop;
2. Find the standard settings application and select with two clicks;
3. Holding a couple of fingers on the display, you should move down the list to the “System” item;
4. Go to the accessibility section and look for a component called “Services”;
5. Go to the talkback option, which will display some description of the feature and an activity lever near the top right edge;
6. Using a double press, switch the lever to the off side to stop the option from being active.

No. 3 – Philips 58PUS8505

Price: 69,990 rubles

The bronze rating goes to Philips 58PUS8505. This is one of the latest new products from the company, which appeared on the market in June last year. Both experts and ordinary people have a good opinion of her. The model is praised for its comfortable single leg in the center. Many call this design much more convenient and reliable than two stands at the edges. The TV looks stylish and modern. It's not just about the thin frames, but also the Ambilight backlight, which can be turned off at any time.

The 58-inch matrix produces images in 4K resolution. The panel is of high quality - without glare, stripes, trails and flickering at low brightness. Plus, it comes with good calibration right out of the box. If you don’t like the color rendering, you can adjust almost every parameter in the settings, adjusting the picture to your taste.

Other features of the TV include the ability to connect speakers via Bluetooth, fast operation of the interface and Smart TV due to modern hardware, Wi-Fi 5 GHz, and a convenient miniature remote control. True, the latter, unfortunately, does not have a gyroscope.

Philips 58PUS8505

No. 12 – Haier 50 SMART TV BX 50″ (2020)

Price: 31,990 rubles

Haier debuts at the top. The TV is equipped with a huge 50-inch screen with a matrix made using OLED technology. The image is broadcast in 4K resolution, there is support for HDR and HDR10. The matrix is ​​calibrated to five plus - the colors are contrasting and saturated, there are a lot of settings that allow you to adjust the picture to certain preferences, as well as a special gaming mode in which the response time is reduced.

In addition to dual-band Wi-Fi, the model has four HDMi ports. There are two USB connectors, but you can also connect peripherals via Bluetooth, so there’s no need to complain about the lack of ports. Smart TV here is based on Android. In reviews, buyers report that the interface works without significant slowdowns. But they complain about the lack of a microphone on the remote control and an optical output in the TV itself.

Haier 50 SMART TV BX 50

Why do advertisements appear?

The main advantage of SMART TV is viewing selected TV programs at a convenient time without advertising. Therefore, the appearance of videos or a strip with messages after setting up a smart operating system initially discourages and then upsets buyers. To understand how to get rid of advertising, you first need to understand where it comes from.

TVs operate in two modes:

1. Demo.
2. Home.

The first option, also called exhibition, is used by stores to sell a specific device model. A TV operating in this mode resets its picture and sound settings every few minutes. At the same time, the screen regularly broadcasts video clips and messages. It will be difficult to watch your favorite TV programs without being distracted by these irritants, so you need to change the mode to home mode.

Top 5. Yuno ULX-43UTCS347

Rating (2021): 4.55

An inexpensive TV made in 2021, which not only has Alice on board, but also all Yandex services at your fingertips. The device runs on Android, but Yandex.TV sits on top of the operating system. On the one hand, it expands the functionality of Smart TV, giving users access to film libraries and the Alice voice assistant. On the other hand, it is limiting, since the platform does not allow you to install Google services, even if you manually download the apk file. There are no special complaints about the TV's performance: the image quality is good, the sound is not bad, Smart TV works without lag. This model is one of the best 43-inch models for home use.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Great price for a 4K model
• Good sound
• Large selection of films when watching online

• You can't use Google products
• The operating system version is older than competitors

Bixby development

For Samsung, this assistant is far from the first development, because a similar program was implemented back in 2012. Along with the release of the Samsung Galaxy S3, the company presented its smart assistant S Voice, which at that time was positioned as a competitor to Siri in the Apple iPhone.

The capabilities of S Voice were very modest: opening applications, getting information about the weather and exchange rates, informing about the latest events in the world. In 2012, this was quite enough to satisfy basic user needs.

S Voice statistics were much worse than Apple's competitive assistant, and then Korean engineers started thinking about improving the technology. At the end of 2021, the project was finally closed and ceased to be supported, and the new Bixby assistant was announced as an analog development at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2021 conference. The new product was initially supported only by the flagship smartphone Galaxy S8, but now the Bixby version is available on Google Play for all devices of the Samsung Galaxy line of models S6 and higher.

Controlling your TV using apps

Many TV models require specific applications. Let's figure out how to work with them.

Application for LG TVs

The LG TV Remote application allows you to remotely control LG TVs based on Android. Using the application, you can change the channels and volume of the device, and go to the application menu. Connect the device as follows:

1. Turn on your TV and launch the app on your phone. The devices must be on the same network;
2. Click on the Device Scan button on the right side of the application;
3. The program should detect your TV. Select it to link the application to the device.
4. You will see a code on the TV screen. He should appear in the corner. Enter this code on your phone.
5. After accepting the terms of the user agreement, you will be able to use the application.

One of the interesting features of this particular application is direct control - moving your finger across the phone screen will work like a mouse cursor on a TV screen. Plus, you can display files from your phone and even play games using your phone as a controller.

Application for Samsung TVs

Using the Smart View application for Samsung TVs, you can display images not only from your phone, but also from your computer on your TV. All the basic capabilities of a TV remote control are also present in the application. To use Smart View, do the following:

1. Connect the TV and the device you want to control it from to the same network.
2. Launch the application on your mobile device. It will display the TVs available for connection. Click the “Allow” button next to the one you want.
3. A code will appear on the TV screen that you must enter into your mobile device to sync.

Application for Sony TVs

The app for Sony TVs is called TV Side View. It has a user-friendly interface - three screens are available for operation, which you can work with independently. And also control via voice commands is available in the application.

The Sony TV app has three active screens

TV binding is even more automated than in previous applications - the TV is automatically detected within the phone's communication range. Confirmation is also performed using a code on the screen.

Universal TV Remote Control App

The TV Remote Control app isn't specific to your TV model—it's a universal app that can connect to dozens of different devices. This fact is the main feature of the program - basically it is just a remote control without any additional features. The application is free, but contains advertising. To make the application work after placing devices on the same wireless network, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the device and start automatically searching for TVs. It will select the TV that is available for connection.
2. Click on your TV. In addition to the name, you will be given its IP address.
3. After some time, the devices will be synchronized and you can start using the remote control.

A universal application for controlling your TV is available on the Play Market

Control your TV from your iPhone or iPad

Controlling your TV from iOS devices feels similar. Of course, they will need a suitable version of the application. But global companies release applications for TVs on all operating systems at once. For example, the Philips TV Remote app is available for both iPhone and iPad. This will allow you to control the TV from any mobile device available at hand. It will also be possible to display an image from the screen of a mobile device.

Controlling your TV from a tablet is more convenient than from a phone

Setting up voice control

To connect Alice light, you need to download and install the “Alice” application on your computer from the “Play Market” or “App Store” application store. Launch it on your device and then connect it to your TV in monitor mode. Open the Alice application menu, and then select “Enable” (or “Run”) to launch voice control.

You can enable Alice on any device that has a browser installed. To get started, you need to log into your browser and open any website. On the browser page, next to the Home button, there is a microphone icon. Click on it to start voice input.

The Alice app and other mobile apps can automatically connect to Alice on your TV. For this to happen, the TV needs to support Alice via an application for mobile devices. If your TV does not support voice input, connect your mobile device to it via Wi-Fi and say the phrase “Hello Alice.”

The voice assistant will begin to process the request and follow your voice instructions. By launching the Alice for TV application, you can control your TV using voice control. Voice control allows you to control your TV while watching TV.

It is recommended to use the Alice app during a live TV program, but you can use the voice features at other times. For example, when selecting a channel or watching a movie. To do this, you need to say the phrase “Hello, Alice” to call the voice assistant. Through Alice, you can turn on the TV screen, select a channel, and turn the sound on or off.

If you want to ask a question, say “Hello! Tell me, please, what is the weather today?” If Alice answers your question incorrectly or doesn't answer your question at all, you can try asking it later. If the answers are correct, she will give additional advice. Set up channels, select programs, add them to your favorites list, search for movies and TV series using keywords.

You can change channels by voice. Alice will tell you which channel the program starts on. To open the desired channel, say the password word or the phrase “Open!” To quickly find all possible programs and television series, use the “All Channels” function.

Customize the list of your favorite programs, films and TV series by adding them to “Favorites”. Select the “Favorite program” section in Alice’s menu, and then select the list of TV channels that you watch or plan to watch. You can select the desired show, movie or series by clicking on the “Like” button.

Why do you need a Smart TV?

The main task of Smart TV is to watch video content only on the large diagonal intended for this. Therefore, if you no longer want to constantly touch your laptop or look closely at the small screen of your mobile phone, then you definitely need Smart TV.

You can hang the TV on the wall or put it on a cabinet. Then lie down/sit on the sofa and turn on your favorite TV show. When necessary, pause it, go away on business, and continue watching when you return. Or turn off the TV completely, and then turn on the equipment again and start playback from the stopped point.

Read on for a more detailed description of the capabilities of a smart TV receiver.

What to do if error 102 appears on a Samsung TV

If an error occurs, do not immediately panic and call the store where you bought the TV with demands to return the product. To resolve, use the methods listed below.

1. Update your software.
2. Reset the settings to factory defaults by going to “Info” / “Menu” / “Mute” / “Power” / “Service Menu” / “Options” and confirm the decision to reset the settings.
3. Disable “Access Control”, which may block the equipment address.
4. Check the security certificates and the compatibility of the router with the adapter.

Why LG Smart TV does not play video from the Internet: reasons, how to fix it? If you notice a conflict with the adapter, then disable encryption on the router. And the simplest, but no less effective way is to disconnect the equipment from the power supply for 10 minutes and turn it on again.

Download the Google app and set it up

Previously, solving the problem required setting up a voice assistant, which required a lot of time and effort. Now everything is simpler:

• Open Play Market.
• Find the Google app. It will be first in search results.
• Install the Google app and launch it immediately.
• Open the “More” section and go to “Settings”.
• Find the “Voice Search” subsection and open it.
• Check that the options in Voice Control are enabled. Return to Voice Search.
• Select “Offline speech recognition” and make sure that the language you need is downloaded - Russian or another one that you are going to use during voice search. Go back to Voice Search.
• Be sure to activate the “Bluetooth Headset” option in Voice Search. The Android TV set-top box will treat the remote control as a headset. However, for the user there is no difference.
• Click on Voice Match in Voice Search. The application will ask for permission to record audio - confirm that you allow it.

That's all for setting up the Google application.

What is a voice assistant

A voice assistant (or virtual assistant) is a set of software that helps you use a device remotely. Commands are given by voice - when they are executed, the device usually also plays some kind of voice response, which creates the illusion of a dialogue between a person and a machine. Each voice assistant has its own “personality” and, optionally, some self-learning abilities. Voice assistants are an integral part of the “smart home”, finding application in controlling almost any household devices. In modern Samsung TVs, by default, voice control works through the efforts of the “native” Bixby or the “Alice” system developed by Yandex, although if you wish, you can use the more famous Alexa.

In this article, however, “voice assistant” does not mean a virtual assistant as such, but a Voice Guide function (literally translated, unfortunately, causing a lot of confusion) designed to help visually impaired users control Smart TV.

This is one of the most noticeable “voice” functions of Samsung TVs, which appeared even before the advent of full-fledged voice assistants. As a rule, in Russian localization this option is called more modestly in order to deliberately separate it from the functions of virtual assistants - the corresponding setting will most likely be called “Voice Guidance”. On TVs from other manufacturers, this option will be called differently - for LG, for example, it is “Audio Guidance” (or “Audio Descriptions”), although in terms of functionality and principle of operation they are absolutely similar.

No. 1 – LG OLED65BXRLB

Price: 149,000 rubles

The article entitled which TV is better to choose, expert opinion 2021 has come to an end. First place goes to LG OLED65BXRLB. The model looks incredibly impressive. Take my word for it - a photo cannot convey the greatness of the device. The 65-inch OLED display produces a high-contrast, rich and rich picture without any drawbacks in the form of strange stripes and highlights along the edges of the screen.

40-watt sound complements the picture. The quartet of speakers copes brilliantly even with music, let alone movies and games. The LG OLED65BXRLB is great for connecting to modern consoles and PCs thanks to HDMI 2.1 and a 100Hz panel refresh rate. There are already four ports here. For peripherals there are three USB and Bluetooth connectors. The filling of the TV allows Smart TV to literally fly, and also delicately copes with upscaling images in low resolution. The cherry on top of the device's advantages is its modern design with thin bezels.

LG OLED65BXRLB

What to consider when choosing a TV

Be sure to consider the display characteristics that affect the overall picture quality:

• brightness;
• contrast;
• color saturation;
• resolution (number of pixels, measured in dots per inch).

As for the manufacturer, it is better to focus on well-known brands. The market leaders are Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips. Sometimes the price is higher compared to other brands due to popularity. But this is some kind of guarantee that the TV will work normally. It is impossible to guarantee that there will be no breakdown or malfunction. Even the best technology can fail.

Regarding Smart TV, you need to choose among operating systems. It is impossible to evaluate the stability of the OS in the store even experimentally. But it should be taken into account that for each manufacturer, even if Android TV OS is installed everywhere, the performance will be different. The “stuffing” of the device (processor, memory, etc.) also affects it. Be sure to use the TV receiver a little, choose the one that is most convenient and easy to use.

If you know for sure that you will often use a web browser, check whether it is free. Sometimes you need to install an additional browser, which you have to pay for every month. This is the situation at the time of writing this article with Xiaomi receivers on Android. The browser is free on the same OS in KIVI models.

Top Tips to Stay Safe Around Smart TV

Luckily, there are several steps you can take to protect your privacy when using your Smart TV.

Read the Privacy Policy and do not agree to data collection

Your smart TV can only track you if you give it permission. If your smart TV is new, you will be asked to accept the privacy policy when setting it up. Don't accept this without reading it, look at each screen carefully and don't agree to anything that mentions ACR or data collection.

You may have to accept the manufacturer's basic privacy policy or you will not be able to use your TV. Unfortunately, even if you do not agree with the ACR, some data may still be collected.

Please remember that when you opt out of the privacy policies and agreements as stated above, you may be able to disable automatic updates, so it is best to check periodically for firmware and security updates.

Samsung Smart TV Privacy Policy. The policy mentions the use of ACR and other technologies to collect data about what you watch. However, it also says that you can opt out by going to the settings menu.

Turn it into a stupid TV

Your smart TV can't track you if it doesn't have internet access, so just go into settings and turn off WiFi. If your TV won't let you disconnect from the Internet, perform a factory reset. When it asks for your WiFi password, don't enter it. Then you can use it like a regular "dumb" TV.

But what about Netflix and other streaming services? I recommend that you access these platforms using a streaming device such as Google Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, or a Fire TV stick. This way, you get the same features as a smart TV - just without the spying. Using a VPN with your streaming device will improve security. It will also allow you to unblock various streaming services such as Netflix libraries from other countries.

Disable Smart Settings

If you don't want to turn off WiFi, you'll need to turn off your TV's smart settings. The method depends on the brand and model you use (so read on).

Get a VPN for extra security

A VPN will protect your online traffic from hackers and mask your IP address, which keeps you anonymous and hides your location.

However, many smart TVs are not VPN compatible out of the box. You can solve this:

• Installing a VPN app on your Smart TV
• Casting from a streaming device
• Connecting your Smart TV to a VPN-enabled router
• Creating a WiFi access point and setting up a virtual router

If you're looking to get a VPN, ExpressVPN is my top recommendation as it's compatible with a wide range of smart TVs such as Samsung, LG, Sony and Android. Depending on the type of smart TV you have, you can install it through the Google Play Store or on your router. It can also be used with streaming devices such as Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV and more.

Warning. You can use ExpressVPN on your Smart TV by setting up MediaStreamer. But while this will allow you to unblock content, it won't protect your privacy. To prevent your TV from spying on you, you need to install ExpressVPN on your TV or router.

Adjust your privacy settings to disable data collection.

If you have been using your smart TV for a while and have already agreed to the privacy policy, you will need to disable data collection. It's not always obvious how to do this, so read on for detailed instructions on how to do it:

TCL

This is one of the largest Chinese companies in the world market. TCL is among the top sellers worldwide. In Russia, until recently, this brand was presented as a manufacturer of climate control equipment. Since 2021, cheap LCD models, high-quality and well-built, have begun to be sold on the Russian market.

The TCL brand presents both budget models for watching television and TVs with Ultra HD resolution, curved housing and Internet access. Smart TV runs on the Android platform.

pros

• natural color rendition and naturalistic picture;
• There are models with screen matrix resolution HD, FHD and 4K;
• In the latest series (4K), excellent images are combined with high-quality sound.

Minuses

• models with the simplest functionality are presented on the Russian market;
• Budget TVs may have performance problems.

The best TCL models

The TCL U55C7006 TV in 2021 received the international EISA Awards in the category “best buy in the mid-price segment.”

How to choose a universal remote control

If you need to buy a remote control and you can’t find your own one, you will have to choose a universal option. There are not many criteria for this.

1. Compatibility. This is the most important point. Before purchasing, make sure that the remote control and your specific TV model are compatible. Otherwise, the money will be wasted.
2. If there are several compatible remote controls for a specific model, then it is worth assessing how convenient the accessory is in terms of ergonomics and the presence of buttons necessary for a particular user.
3. It will not be superfluous for the accessory to have backlighting and customizable buttons. With their help, you can program the remote control as closely as possible to your native one.

The recommendations above are the only thing you should know about the choice, but before moving on to the top 5 remote controls, users should know that third-party manufacturers can produce not only universal models for any TV, but also remote controls only for Samsung or LG equipment (any other brand). If you manage to find a similar option, then you should not strive for versatility (the ability to use it with different devices), since even if the instructions state support, it is not a fact that the remote control and TV will work with each other.

How to disable subtitles on LG TV

The numerous settings of modern TVs are not clear to everyone. And if there is a need to disable subtitles on a TV with teletext in order to receive programs with hidden subtitles, this will not be possible right away. The process of disabling subtitles in different models of modern multifunctional LG TVs is different. But, regardless of the TV model, you need to control subtitles, and not just turn them on or off, using the remote control.

You also need to know that if you can’t turn off the text at the bottom of the screen (subtitles are in every movie and it’s impossible and you can’t find a way to turn it off in the settings), this indicates that the software is either outdated or infected with a virus.

In this case, only service center specialists will help. You won’t be able to fix the problem on a TV with teletext for receiving programs with closed subtitles on your own if you don’t have the knowledge to do so.