Connected TV

Description

Understanding Connected TV: What It Is and Why It Matters

Television has evolved through the years. It wasn’t so long ago that families crowded around the old boxy sets to watch whatever happened to be airing. Today, thanks to smart technology and the internet, we have what’s known as “Connected TV”, but what in the world is that and how does it fit into our lives today? Let’s break it down in easy language.

What is Connected TV?

Connected TV refers to televisions that can connect to the internet, allowing users to stream shows, movies, and other digital content. CTV or Connected TV is attributed to any of the TV sets that allow users to access the network, which can stream varied digital content. Often, this could be a television set which has built-in internet connectivity, or an ordinary set connected to the internet through a streaming device like a streaming stick, game console, or set-top box. The most important thing is that it offers access to more than what’s just traditionally available through cable or satellite – it allows viewing of Internet-sourced content on demand.

Connected TV Devices Examples

Smart TVs: These have in-built Wi-Fi and applications for directly streaming content e.g. Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, among others.

Streaming Devices: These include Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV which can be plugged into your ordinary TV giving your TV internet capabilities.

Game Consoles: Many kids owning PlayStation or Xbox play their movies and shows on these game consoles.

Set-Top Boxes: Some cable or Satellite Box do provide internet streaming as well.

Traditional TV vs Connected TV

Traditional TV is restricted to scheduled programming on certain channels. You have to watch what’s on at a given time and may have to wait for your favorite show.

With Connected TV, you have:

• On-Demand Viewing: Watch whatever you want when you want. If you missed last night because of work, you can simply watch the show through the stream later.
• Video on Demand Services: Subscription to a service that offers VOD’s may get you movies, series, documentaries, and even live sports.
• Online Features: Run apps, play games or surf on the television screen.
• Recommendations: Many platforms will recommend new shows or movies based on your interests.

What’s on Smart Television?

There is almost an infinite variety. Some of the most commonly used applications and services include:

• Netflix
• YouTube
• Amazon Prime Video for original series and movies and more
• Disney+ for family-friendly movies and classic cartoons
• Hulu, HBO Max, Apple TV+, and many traditional TV networks’ apps, through which news, sports, or live events can be watched through Connected TV

Why Connected TV is in Trend

There are many factors making people fall in love with Connected TV:

• Ease: Watch your wished-for content whenever without any delay.
• Authority: Halt, rewind or fast-forward the programs at will.
• An immense choice of content, from old classic films to the very latest releases.
• No commercials (at times): Many of the streaming services come up with some options of not airing ads.
• Multiple devices: Watch on your TV, cell phone, tablet or PC and resume viewing where you left off.

Connected TV and Advertising

Emergence of Connected TV has inevitably transformed advertising. Universal broadcast of similar commercials has, therefore, been replaced with targeted advertisements varying according to the shows, interests, or even location of the viewer, thereby increasing relevancy and reducing annoyance on the part of the viewer.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

As much as Connected TV is invaluable, there are a few cautions to keep in mind:

• Subscription Costs: Most services are subscription-based and it can easily pile up if more services are subscribed to.
• Internet Needed: Requires a fast internet connection to stream without any hiccups.
• Content Overload: With so much to choose from, it’s a tough decision on what to watch.
• Privacy: Some concern over which data streamers have access to regarding viewing.

The Future of Connected TV

Every year, connected TV is becoming more and more ubiquitous, and with constantly improving internet speeds generally available to most people, and the increasing desire for choice in viewing content, traditional TV is steadily giving way to streaming and on-demand content. New tech such as voice control, intelligent recommendations, and even interactivity within the shows themselves make the scene pretty damn exciting for connected TV.

How to Get Started

You don’t have to purchase a new television set to try out Connected TV. Cheap and usable ones are devices like Roku, Amazon FireStick, or Chromecast – just plug them in to your existing television set and go through the simple remote control setup. Download applications from your favorite streaming services, log in, and voila, you’re ready for endless entertainment.

Conclusion

Connected TV has revolutionized the mode of television viewing by providing the user with enhanced control and options. Now, viewing of favorite series, movies, or even the user-generated or internet-based video content could be on his/her fingertips. With Connected TV, it’s always a user-centric affair. As technology advances, so too will Connected TV to ensure richer entertainment for users.