Smart TVs have come a long way since their beginnings, becoming powerful entertainment centers with a lot of hidden features. You probably already know about streaming apps and screen mirroring, but there’s much more to explore.
Are you curious about some of the cool, lesser-known things your Smart TV can do to make your viewing experience even better? If so, keep reading, and you’ll find out about five features that most users are still unfamiliar with!
Hidden Features of Smart TV
What Are Voice Control Capabilities?
Many Smart TVs like Sony come with built-in voice control features, but not everyone takes full advantage of them. Beyond simple commands like changing the channel or adjusting the volume, you can use voice control to search for content, get information about actors, or even control other smart devices in your home. For instance, saying “Show me action movies” or “Turn on the lights” can make navigating your TV and home automation much easier.
Check your TV’s remote or settings to explore the range of voice commands available!
Can You Customize Your Home Screen?
Your Smart TV’s home screen isn’t just a static page, it’s customizable. Most Smart TVs allow you to rearrange apps, add or remove shortcuts, and even create profiles for different family members. This means you can prioritize your favorite streaming services, create easy access to frequently watched shows, and keep your home screen clutter-free. By adjusting the home screen to your preferences, you can streamline your TV-watching experience and quickly find what you’re looking for.
How About Using Your TV as a Smart Home Hub?
Many Smart TVs can double as smart home hubs, allowing you to control other connected devices directly from your TV. If your Smart TV supports this feature, you can use it to manage lights, thermostats, and even security cameras through integrated apps or voice commands.
Look into your TV’s smart home settings to see how it can interact with other smart devices in your home.
If you decide to use your Smart TV as a central hub, consider using a virtual private network, like CyberGhost VPN for Smart TV, to keep your connection safe and private. It will safeguard your online data and traffic from cyber hackers and malware that can try to interfere with your connection and get access to your online data.
Have You Tried Multi-View Mode?
Multi-view mode is a feature that lets you watch multiple sources simultaneously on the same screen.
This can be particularly useful for sports fans who want to follow different games at once or for anyone who enjoys multitasking. With multi-view mode, you can split the screen into sections to display different channels, so you can stream your favorite Netflix show while also watching that big basketball finale.
Check your TV’s settings or menu options to see if this feature is available and how you can set it up to maximize your viewing experience.
Did You Know About Picture-in-Picture (PiP)?
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is a handy feature that allows you to watch two programs at once. Imagine watching a movie while keeping an eye on the news or a live sports event in a small window. This feature can improve your viewing flexibility and help you stay updated with multiple sources of content.
To activate PiP, you usually need to access the picture settings or menu options, where you can select the PiP function and adjust the size and position of the secondary window.
Smart TVs are packed with features that go beyond the basics of streaming and watching TV, unlocking a new level of functionality and convenience.
If you’re still wondering if your Smart TV has the above-mentioned features and how to use them, don’t worry—we’ve prepared a short Q&A that will help you optimize your Smart TV setup!
Q&A
Q: How can I find out if my Smart TV supports these features?
A: Check your TV’s user manual or settings menu. Manufacturers often include feature lists and setup guides in these resources.
Q: Are these features available on all Smart TVs?
A: While many modern Smart TVs offer these features, availability can vary by brand and model. It’s best to verify with your TV’s specifications or support resources.
Q: Can I use these features with any streaming service?
A: Most of these features are compatible with a wide range of streaming services, but some might have limitations depending on the app and TV model.
Q: How do I activate voice control on my Smart TV?
A: Voice control can usually be activated through your TV’s settings menu or remote control. Look for options related to voice commands or voice assistants.
Q: What are the benefits of customizing my home screen?
A: Customizing your home screen helps you access your favorite apps and shows more quickly, making your TV-watching experience more efficient and personalized.
Q: Can Picture-in-Picture mode be used with all inputs?
A: Picture-in-Picture mode generally works with most TV inputs and channels, but its availability might depend on your TV model and the type of input source. Check your TV’s user guide for specific details.
