Of course, the browser is one of the main components of SMART TV and significantly affects the TV choice, providing its functionality and usability. Therefore, almost all major companies pay much attention to this aspect, developing and improving their own software. As a consequence, today, almost all market leaders have their own SMART TV browsers.
Sony Entertainment Network (SEN)
SONY TVs use Sony Entertainment Network (SEN).
Online Shop provides simple download of the apps. Multimedia is available in a wide range and include the apps for TV channels, movie theaters and programs for popular social networks.
The Philips TV browser also is quite functional. The company recently introduced the TVs models with support of full-fledged Android OS. These models without problems provide the support of any input devices, including gamepads.
WebOS 3.5
The Philips TV browser also is quite functional.
The company recently introduced the TVs models with support of full-fledged Android OS. These models without problems provide the support of any input devices, including gamepads.
In February 2013 LG Company has purchased from HP the rights on the WebOS and has introduced a new Smart TV program shell based on it. This OS has a minimalist design.
It also supports multi-tasking, providing, for example, pausing playback and launching YouTube using a browser. The system quickly and correctly switches between these processes. The built-in player has good versatility. The latest version of WebOS 3.5 can be seen on the video at the end.
Smart Hub and Tizen
The functionality of Samsung firmware is not inferior to WebOS from LG. The Smart Hub interface contains three Samsung Apps, Movies and Serials and Multimedia.
Smart Hub supports simple games. Movies and Series section contains online movie theaters. Multimedia section is a visual shell for the built-in player.
However, the company already uses the new Tizen OS. Tizen OS is a platform with open source and is the successor of MeeGo and Bada. Today Tizen OS became the basis for all smart Samsung TV from 2015. In fact, interface and all new apps use Tizen as a basis.
The company gradually implements Tizen on other their devices (smart phones, home appliances and so on). The new OS is more flexible compared to its predecessor. The company predicts a great future for this system in the Internet of things. But today the assortment of Tizen apps is seriously concedes to the previous platform.
VIERA Connect
Panasonic TVs use VIERA Connect interface. The company positions it as the first personal television.
Almost all parameters VIERA Connect are established “for me”. The main menu “My Homepage” includes all the basic options, including applications for firmware. The interface is very convenient in terms of functionality. Additionally, VIERA Connect has a large set of apps.
Cloud TV
Unfortunately, Cloud TV interface for TOSHIBA TVs looks less attractive compared to Samsung, LG and Panasonic. The functionality is significantly poorer, and number of the apps is substantially less compared to other companies. The slow speed also irritates.
Today, the offer of 4K-content is limited. Therefore, support services for 4K are interesting. Today the list of the most popular market operators includes Netflix, Astra, Amazon instant video, maxdome and wuaki.tv.
