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TVs

Is A TV A Computer? (Explained & Solved!)

Antonio Forde
Updated: March 30, 2024
5 min read

Last weekend, I went to the mall and saw the sales section with TVs and computers. I then started to wonder, is a TV considered to be a computer?

This article will show you if a TV is considered a computer and the differences between TVs and computers.

Here’s if a TV Is a Computer:

A TV is not a computer. Television is a one-way communication device. It receives and displays sound and images, while a computer is a digital machine programmed to interact with the user via a display that can also function as a television.

The basic concept of television is “radio with pictures,” which means that where radio sends a sound signal (the information being broadcast) through the air, television also sends a picture signal.

Televisions are the electronic devices used to view video content. TVs receive broadcast signals and convert them into images and sounds. These televisions are now manufactured in large sizes, and as the size of the TV increases, so does the cost. To make a television, combine a radio frequency tuner and an audio speaker with a monitor, and the resulting appliance is a television.

The radiofrequency tuner aids in receiving television signals via various methods such as cable television, broadcasting, or satellite network. The radiofrequency is made up of both audio and video signals. The audio signal is transmitted to the picture tube for showcase, and the audio is transmitted to the speakers.

Numerous significant elements must be present for TV to function. A video source, an audio source, a transmitter, a receiver, a display device, and a sound device is usually included.

The image or program is the video source. It could be a television show, a news program, a live feed, or a movie. Typically, a camera has already captured the video source on film.

The audio source is also a requirement in addition to the video source. Almost all movies, TV shows, and news programs contain some form of audio. The audio source can be mono, stereo, or digitally processed to be played back with surround sound.

Television is simply a device that receives signals from somewhere (cable connections, airwaves, HDMI connectors, and many more) and displays a picture and sound from those signals.

On the other hand, computers take signals from somewhere (storage, input devices like keyboards, mouse, touchscreens, controllers) and calculate information before passing it onto some output device, like a screen or storage.

is-a-tv-a-computer_man-with-3D-viewer

Is a Smart TV a Computer?

While both a smart TV and a computer process user information, the main difference is that a smart TV is designed for entertainment. In contrast, a computer with standard specs is designed for work productivity.

A smart TV is a digital television that functions as an Internet-connected, storage-aware computer designed for entertainment.

A smart TV combines television and a smartphone, or a television and a computer. They include built-in Internet connectivity, allowing you to access the web and online services such as instant messaging, video-on-demand, and social networking. Some are curved, some are 4k rather than 1080p, but all include features associated with the next wave of entertainment.

Smart TVs are available as standalone devices, but regular televisions can also be made “smart” by adding set-top boxes that enable advanced functions.

Although smart TVs and other smart devices increase functionality, there is some concern that they may compromise personal privacy and security.

In layman’s terms, if you have a TV, a set-top box, and an internet connection, you can integrate all three to access internet-based content on your television.

Aside from passively receiving cable, satellite, or over-the-air (OTA) transmissions, smart TVs are outfitted with additional hardware and connection types and a TV operating system with a graphical user interface (GUI). These modifications enable viewers to access and control streaming content features from Internet video services and connected devices.

Smart TVs typically support Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, digital camera flash memory cards, coaxial cable, HDMI, and other audio-video connections.

The connectors and the OS and apps enable on-demand video services and access to pictures, music, and video on connected storage devices. Smart TV apps enable access to websites such as YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and Vimeo and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

To improve usability and control, smart TVs can wirelessly connect to a wide range of potential input devices. Wireless keyboards and mice, cell phones, and tablet PCs can all be connected to the couch to facilitate text entry, navigation, and Web browsing.

Smart TVs can connect to the Internet, download apps, and be integrated into home automation systems. This means you can use voice command systems like Alexa or Google Assistant to control your television.

You must connect a Smart TV to your home internet; they do not connect automatically (in the more common cases). The majority of Smart TVs will have an Ethernet port on the back, allowing you to connect it to your broadband router, or they will be able to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network.

Depending on the type and brand of Smart TV, this feature will be built into the hardware, or you will need to use a USB dongle. Do not worry. Nearly all Smart TVs will easily connect to your Wi-Fi network these days, so do not worry.

The primary distinction between computers and smart TVs is that computers have a greater resolution and refresh rate, whereas smart TVs have built-in streaming and are typically brighter. Each type of display can be used for various purposes, but they each have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

What Is a TV Classified As?

A TV is classified as an electronic device and a piece of furniture.

Television is classified as furniture since it qualifies that furniture is made up of movable objects. It is portable and can be moved from one location to another, from one room area to another. Furniture is typically kept inside a building to make it habitable.

Every piece of furniture serves a specific function, and television provides an entertaining living room environment. It is furniture because it comprises various parts assembled using technical skills.

Television is furniture because it is included in the furniture equipment used to refurbish a building. Television is considered furniture because it is used with most other objects such as chairs and tables.

Televisions are typically classified as electronic devices instead of household appliances. Home appliances are systems such as your washing machine, refrigerator, or stove.

Sources:

Men’s Gear
techpenny
HOME·X
Geeks for Geeks

Written by
Antonio Forde
I'm the head-writer @ Ask The Home Geek (or, in plain English, I'm the guy writing & editing the majority of the content here). Current learning project: Korean.
Have any questions? Write us a message.
Antonio Forde
I'm the head-writer @ Ask The Home Geek (or, in plain English, I'm the guy writing & editing the majority of the content here). Current learning project: Korean.