Smart-TV-as-embedded-computer-system

Televisions have been presenting video content since the 1930s. At first, they were only used to broadcast programs by receiving and displaying over-the-air television signals. Eventually, they began displaying recorded content from VHS tapes, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. In 2007, Samsung introduced the first smart LCD TV, “Bordeaux.” This smart TV featured built-in Wi-Fi connectivity to directly access online content and apps, completely changing the TV landscape.

Today’s televisions are intelligent, embedded devices that combine many features in a standalone display. They’re specialized computer systems with large-screen formats that can access and display over-the-air and online video content.

They’re also connected devices because of the programs and features they offer, thanks to the Internet or Wi-Fi. Users can access traditional broadcast, streaming services, on-demand audio and videos, and multimedia from external storage devices. They can host various games, apps, and several web-enabled services.

Modern TVs provide an interactive experience, allowing users to navigate and control video content and receive smart updates and notifications. In this article, we’ll discuss smart TVs as embedded systems, reviewing their hardware and software components and explaining how they are built.

What is a smart TV?

A smart TV is a television with built-in Internet connectivity and interactive features. It’s a specialized embedded computer system designed to render entertaining multimedia experiences.

Smart TVs have built-in Internet connectivity through Wi-Fi and Ethernet. These devices can access and display multimedia (i.e., photos, audio, music, and video content from broadcasts, streaming services, external storage devices, and various online platforms).

A smart TV merges the capabilities of a television and smartphone into a large-screen device. Users can access numerous pre-installed apps and download more from an app store. These TVs offer advanced features like voice control, web browsing, and seamless integration with smart home devices and mobile phones, creating a highly interactive and personalized viewing experience compared to traditional TVs.

Types of smart TVs

Today’s TVs offer a range of choices to suit various preferences, enhancing entertainment and convenience in home environments. They’re typically categorized based on screen technology, size, operating system, and features:

Screen technology: They come in various types, such as LCD, OLED, QLED, Mini-LED, and Micro-LED. Mini-LED combines LCD and LED features to enhance contrast and brightness, while Micro-LED provides exceptional image quality by using individual LEDs for each pixel.
Screen size: Screen size is measured diagonally and classified into small (under 32 inches), medium (32-42 inches), large (43-55 inches), and extra-large (over 55 inches).
Operating systems: Smart TVs run on different operating systems:
- Android TV: Developed by Google, compatible with smart TVs and smartphones.
- Fire TV: Amazon’s platform integrates Amazon services and content.
- webOS: LG’s proprietary system.
- Tizen: Developed by Samsung for its smart TVs.

Based on their features, modern televisions can be categorized into basic, premium, gaming, 4K Ultra, and 8K Ultra models:

Basic smart TVs offer essential features such as internet connectivity, pre-installed apps, and an app store.
Premium models include advanced options like high-quality sound systems, HDR, and 4K resolution for an enhanced viewing experience.
Gaming TVs are tailored for gamers, featuring low input lag, higher refresh rates, and variable refresh rates.
4K Ultra TVs provide 4K resolution, four times sharper than HD TVs.
8K Ultra TVs deliver 8K resolution, offering eight times the clarity of HD.

Advanced features

Smart TVs come with a variety of standard features designed to enhance entertainment. These include pre-installed streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, alongside voice control for searching and managing apps. Most TVs also offer web browsers and access to app stores, providing a comprehensive entertainment experience right out of the box.

Most modern televisions also support gaming, offering built-in games and compatibility with game controllers, making them a versatile entertainment hub for the whole family.

Essentially, TVs are no longer just for watching shows. Many models are integrated with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing control over the TV and smart home devices like lights or thermostats. Some can function as a hub for managing a smart home system.

Popular video and sound features in smart TVs include HDR, 4K resolution, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. Nearly all smart TVs have HDMI and USB ports to connect external devices. Additionally, some feature Picture-in-Picture mode, enabling users to watch videos in a smaller window while using other apps or functions on the TV.

The hardware

A smart TV is an embedded system. It’s built by integrating several components, making a specialized computer system. The main hardware components are as follows.

Processor
Motherboard (System on Chip)
Memory
Input/output ports
Network interfaces
Control interfaces
Speakers and amplifiers
Audio processing system
Display
Inverter
Timing control board
Power supply

Processor

Smart TVs function as an embedded computer system with a processor as their core. The processor powers the operating system, applications, user interface, and TV features, providing speed and performance.

The processor manages the hardware resources, decodes audio/video streams, handles user inputs, and controls network activities. It also manages the TV’s features, such as voice control, gesture recognition, and smart home integration.

Most smart TVs use multi-core processors capable of multitasking, ensuring smooth performance. Popular processors in TVs include Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g., Snapdragon 8K), Hisense Hi-View, Amlogic, Intel Core, Samsung Exynos, and MediaTek Dimensity, among others. Processor selection depends on speed, power efficiency, hardware-based AI accelerators, and video decoding support.

Motherboard

The motherboard, often called the system-on-chip (SoC), is a critical component of smart TVs. It connects and coordinates the various hardware components, such as the processor, RAM, storage, and input/output interfaces. TV SoCs are typically ARM-based or x86-based, depending on the manufacturer’s choice. The motherboard’s integration reduces the television’s size, lowers power consumption, and enhances performance while decreasing production costs.

Memory

Smart TVs have two primary types of memory: RAM and ROM. RAM provides temporary storage for data and instructions while the TV is running, enabling smooth multitasking. Most TVs today use DDR4 RAM for high speed and energy efficiency, with capacities ranging from 2 to 4 GB. ROM stores the TV’s operating system, applications, and user data, with 8 to 32 GB storage. Depending on the model, ROM can consist of SSDs, eMMC, or NAND flash memory.

Input/Output ports

Smart TVs feature multiple input/output ports for connecting external devices. These include HDMI for streaming devices, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and USB for external drives or peripherals like keyboards. Ethernet and Wi-Fi enable internet connectivity, while optical audio outputs, headphone jacks, and Bluetooth connections provide audio options. TVs may also have antenna or cable inputs for broadcast and satellite options.

Networks

Smart TVs have Ethernet and Wi-Fi modules for internet connectivity, supporting streaming, web browsing, and smart home applications. Many models also have built-in Bluetooth, connecting wireless headphones, speakers, and other Bluetooth devices.

Control interfaces

With voice, motion, and gesture controls, traditional control interfaces like IR blasters have been expanded. Many smart TVs now feature voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant, touchscreen capabilities, and mobile integration.

Speakers and amplifier

Modern TVs come with built-in speakers and often support external audio devices like soundbars via Bluetooth or optical ports. These speakers are powered by integrated amplifiers, ensuring high-quality sound output.

Audio processing system

The TV’s motherboard contains digital-to-analog converters and audio amplifiers that process sound, which is then output through built-in speakers or connected external devices.

Display

The display, the most vital part of a smart TV, includes the panel, backlight, and color filter. Panel types range from LCD, OLED, and QLED to Mini-LED and Micro-LED. Backlighting enhances brightness in LCD panels, while local dimming improves contrast. Color filters help deliver accurate colors.

Inverter and timing control board

Inverters convert dc power to ac for LCD backlights while timing control boards (TCON) process video signals. By controlling pixel activation and brightness, TCONs ensure images are displayed correctly without distortion.

Power supply

The power supply unit in smart TVs converts ac power to dc, supplying regulated power to various components. It also includes standby power to maintain minimal operations, such as responding to remote controls.

Sensors

Smart TVs are a marvel of technology, housing a diverse array of sensors. These include microphones for voice commands, light sensors for screen brightness adjustment, and temperature and humidity sensors to prevent overheating. Gaming-specific TVs may also feature accelerometers and gyroscopes for enhanced interaction.

The software

A smart TV is a specialized computer system designed for audio and video playback. It runs on a unique operating system tailored to large screens and media functionality. Popular operating systems include Android, Tizen, Fire TV, and webOS. These differ significantly from mobile phone operating systems optimized for larger displays, remote control inputs, and unique app ecosystems. Features commonly found in mobile OS platforms may differ due to the TV’s hardware and focus on media-centric tasks.

The operating system of a smart TV is built around media playback and streaming services, featuring integrated media players and support for various streaming platforms. A range of apps runs on this OS, with most pre-installed, including streaming services, media players, and web browsers. Additional apps can be downloaded from an app store built into the system. Many rely on an Internet connection for functionality and receive periodic updates.

Voice assistant apps like Google Assistant or Alexa and utility apps like clocks, weather, and settings are common. Gaming-focused smart TVs may feature exclusive game centers and app stores dedicated to downloading and installing games. Popular built-in apps include Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and HBO Max.

The TV’s firmware manages its core functions, such as display control, audio, network connectivity, and remote control. This firmware includes various drivers and libraries for interacting with hardware and network components, ensuring a TV operates smoothly and securely.

Apps and other functionalities are accessed through the TV’s user interface (UI), hosted by the operating system. This UI typically includes a home screen for accessing apps, settings, and notifications and interfaces for remote control and voice assistants. If the television supports smart home integration, the UI also manages those features.

Some modern TVs also offer Cloud services, allowing users to personalize content or store media like photos and videos.

Smart TV production

The creation of a smart TV involves several complex steps. It starts with manufacturing components like the processor, SoC, memory, display, and power supply unit. These components are assembled, followed by installing firmware, the operating system, and pre-installed apps.

After assembly, the TV undergoes extensive testing, including functionality tests, durability assessments, and image and sound quality checks, before it is packaged and shipped to retailers.