Internet channels for smart TV. Smart TV: applications for watching television. Getting started with Smart TV

We continue to torment the TV - today our question is how to install a Smart TV application or TV widget on Samsung or LG. By default, the TV has several proprietary applications from the manufacturer and the most standard ones installed, such as YouTube or IVI. However, many TV channels or Internet resources have their own Smart TV applications. Let's see how to install them yourself. Let's look at installing Smart TV Apps using the example of the two most popular TV manufacturers - Samsung and LG.

What is a TV application - widget?

These are developed programs that are made specifically for ease of use on a widescreen TV. There may be:

  • games,
  • transmissions of central TV channels,
  • film archives,
  • television versions of information sites

In general, everything your heart desires.

Nowadays, programmers are actively and widely implementing cloud technologies, so Smart TV applications do not take up much space on the TV’s storage device - all the main content is loaded as needed from a remote server, so you can install quite a lot of programs and games without affecting the speed of the TV. At the same time, they are optimized for not very powerful hardware, on which it is often impossible to properly view the same high-quality films through a regular browser.

Smart TV applications for Samsung

Well, let's try to install some TV application as an example. To begin, your TV must be connected to the Internet - how to do this is written in detail.

Click on the central colored button on the remote control


and get to the Smart TV menu. Here we will see icons of already pre-installed applications for Samsung TV. But we are interested in the “Samsung Apps” item - click on it.


Here you will be asked to log into your Samsung account or register a new one. We fill out all the fields and confirm registration by email - be sure to enter a valid address.


So, let's log in and find ourselves in the systematized catalog of Samsung Apps - Smart TV applications, or they are also called widgets, specially designed for use on Samsung. All of them are conveniently divided into thematic headings - Video, Sports, Games, etc. You can use the search form to search by name. quickly find the desired TV application. There is also a section with a list of all applications already installed on your TV.


Navigation through the catalog occurs using the arrows on the remote control, or a mouse or keyboard connected to the USB port of the TV. Select the desired widget and click “Enter”. We get to the page with its description. Here you can estimate the size of the application in relation to the free memory on the TV. Click the “Download” button to download Smart TV applications from the Internet


After that, the “Install” button will appear in the same place - click it.


We are waiting for the window to appear notifying about the successful installation. Then we launch it and use it.


Applications for LG Smart TV

Installing the LG Smart TV application is roughly the same way - the only difference is in the location and names of the menu items. To enter LG Apps, use the “Home” or “Smart” button on the remote control - it may be called differently on different models.



We find ourselves in a directory similar to Samsung. We are interested in the “Applications” item - go to it


And select the program we need.


Everything is the same here - information about the application. To install, click the corresponding button on the screen.


If you are doing this for the first time, the service will ask you to create your LG account or log in using FaceBook.


This is done simply, as in any service - you register a real email, give a password to log in, indicate other data - everything according to the list.


After this, confirm registration from the specified mailbox, log in with your username and password and return to the TV widget installation menu. We run the installation again and upon completion we are happy with the launch of the program.



Devices supporting smart TV are a unique combination of the form and functions of a TV with the useful capabilities of a computer. They support not only watching various broadcast television programs, but also searching the Internet for interesting content: films, cartoons, TV series, sports broadcasts, games, music and master classes. Weather forecasts, educational programs, video calls, buying cinema tickets and much more are now also available on smart TVs, which explains their widespread use.

Special applications help make additional features more convenient and efficient. By providing quick access to any entertainment, they greatly simplify the user's life. At the same time, they are easy to select and download. You just need to decide on the category of the application and pay attention to several criteria:

  1. Compatible with the operating system of your smart TV. Each brand adapts its technology in its own way to interact with various add-ons and provide the user with special capabilities. Therefore, often a separate application can only be adapted to smart TVs from Samsung, Elgie, Sony or another company. However, some programs are universal or have versions for devices of every popular brand.
  2. Stability. Stable operation without brakes or errors is a guarantee of comfortable viewing of your favorite programs and full immersion in games. This quality is not characteristic of all utilities, and therefore is especially valuable.
  3. Novelty. The relevance of the content will allow users to always be aware of the latest news.
  4. Execution level. No matter how original the developer’s idea may be, it would be impossible to use the application without thoughtfulness and high quality, good design and readability of all symbols. Therefore, this parameter is one of the most important properties of the best programs.
  5. Availability of free options. Applications for smart TV, like others, are divided into paid, free and free with built-in purchases. Of course, downloading is much more tempting than purchasing, especially if there are free analogues.
  6. Intuitive interface. The easier it is to manage the application, the less you will have to be distracted from what is really interesting.
  • user comments;
  • expert opinions;
  • availability of unique opportunities;
  • reliability.

TOP 10 best applications for smart TV

10 Skype

Video calls in good quality
Rating (2019): 4.0

Skype for smart TV is not much different from a traditional computer application, which has long become a common tool for communicating with family, video conferencing and business negotiations. A basic and familiar interface, combined with extensive functionality and excellent video data transmission, makes the application for communication on the big screen one of the most useful software. After all, what could be better than sitting down with the whole family in front of the TV and communicating with friends or relatives in another part of the country or even the world.

However, despite the popularity of Skype, manufacturers have stopped creating new versions of the application for smart TVs. This means that, despite all the convenience of the program itself, trying to install it yourself can become a real hassle. Moreover, if the TV does not have a built-in camera, the user will have to carefully select a suitable external one specifically for Skype. This is the reason why the application is not rated the highest.

9 YouTube

Maximum of the latest videos. Free
Rating (2019): 4.2

The well-known service for downloading and watching videos has maintained its reputation for years, regularly gaining good positions in various ratings. Despite many competitors with similar capabilities, today video hosting remains the best and is in high demand on all types of devices. On smart TV, as well as on devices, the user can log into his account, which is synchronized with the user’s data on other devices. This will allow you to comfortably view videos from channels to which your profile is subscribed, search and save new materials, like and enjoy your own uploads.

The only drawback of the application was the problem of installation on old Samsung TVs with smart TVs. They previously worked successfully with it, but now YouTube only works on new models. On models before 2012, it can be launched using a special console. Fortunately, this did not affect other companies.

8 Tvigle.ru

Collection of Russian TV series, movies and cartoons
Rating (2019): 4.3

Tvigle is one of the best in terms of quality of content and design of online cinemas. A higher position in the review for this smart TV application was prevented by the insufficient variety of the latest foreign-made films compared to the leaders in the rating. However, this is perhaps the largest collection of first-class Russian and Soviet films and cartoons. Therefore, this application is quite suitable for fans of Russian cinema or those who prefer to show children only good, time-tested children's programs.

In the “children” section, the user will find even the best modern multi-part cartoons, such as Masha and the Bear. Convenient search will allow you to find the desired series by number or name. And all this is absolutely free and without advertising not intended for children. Therefore, while doing household chores, caring parents can safely entrust the entertainment of their baby to this application.

7 Angry Birds game

Popular game for any smart TV
Rating (2019): 4.4

Angry Birds is a legendary game that has become the best entertainment for several generations of gamers. Its simplicity and brightness attract children and teenagers. For its high-quality design, thoughtfulness and multi-level nature, the game is appreciated by experienced adult gamers. For a long time, the Angry Birds application was available only on various devices and computers and was loved by everyone, but, according to many fans of the game, those who did not try the arcade game on the big screen lost a lot. Moreover, some people choose a device with a smart TV precisely for this application.

The game pleases not only with its classic style, but also with its high resolution, as well as excellent adaptation, which is not typical of all gaming applications for smart TV. However, it does not require registration or any cash expenses. The game can be quickly launched at any time, for example, during a commercial or while waiting for your favorite TV show.

6 Sportbox

Best sports commentator
Rating (2019): 4.5

Stay up to date with the latest sporting events simply with the best app for sports enthusiasts. The service is absolutely free and can be downloaded onto all kinds of smart TVs from various manufacturers. In most cases, it can be found in the company store, so you can download it in seconds. Sportbox successfully combines a video browser and a sports newspaper. The user is offered not only viewing broadcasts, but also an overview of the main sporting events of the day, results of football matches, news, standings, and so on.

Most of the application, of course, is occupied by the most popular sport - football. However, there was also room for figure skating, Formula 1 racing, skiing, hockey, biathlon, volleyball, fencing and over fifty other categories. The program is especially popular among Samsung and Elgie fans due to its instant download and perfect adaptation to smart TVs of these brands.

5 3D World for LG Smart TV

Stylish 3D entertainment app
Rating (2019): 4.6

3D entertainment lovers will definitely love this one-of-a-kind all-in-one 3D video app. The “Entertainment” section, created for virtual travel around the world, is especially popular. Here the user will be able to take real 3D excursions to various countries and learn a lot about the world without leaving the room.

Also, this application for smart TV offers you to dive to the bottom of the ocean, watch exotic animals, virtually visit famous hotels and inns, and much more. The developer also took care of children, who will certainly appreciate the 3D cartoons from the “Kids” section. For now, the application is available only to owners of Elgie TVs. Nevertheless, it is possible that, developing rapidly, it will soon become the favorite entertainment of all virtual travelers.

4 Kinopoisk

All about cinema for Samsung TVs
Rating (2019): 4.7

The original application is among the best due to its unique breadth of capabilities. Unlike other virtual movie libraries for smart TV, the program, popular mainly among Samsung fans, offers the user not only viewing famous films, but also other opportunities. Current movie posters, ratings of famous films of past years and even the most anticipated new releases, news, interviews, videos from filming, broadcasts of the Oscars and many other additions allow us to call Kinopoisk the most versatile application for watching films.

When choosing a film in this application, the user can also read reviews and comments from film lovers. After studying the trailers and reviews, it’s easy to find a new product you’re interested in in the city’s cinemas and even see their location on the map. Overall, this is a stable and very interesting application for smart TV, although the search could be more convenient.

3 Megogo.net

Ability to select subtitles and voiceovers. Live broadcasts
Rating (2019): 4.7

A wide selection of subscriptions and entertainment makes Megogo one of the best free smart TV apps with in-app purchases. The program is practical, reliable and suitable for devices of any platform, such as Android, Windows, Apple, as well as most modern TVs from Samsung, Sony, and so on. At the same time, it stands out among many online cinemas with special settings that allow you to select your favorite voice acting and connect subtitles. The live section offers free viewing of broadcasts of concerts, lectures, sporting events and shows.

The ability to create a personal account will allow you to manage your subscriptions and enjoy entertainment, including hundreds of TV channels, from any device. However, lovers of freebies will be disappointed - watching broadcast programs, as well as a number of the latest films, is only possible with a paid subscription. Some new films can only be purchased separately.

2 Culinary Academy

The best virtual assistant in the kitchen. Ease of use
Rating (2019): 4.8

Do you love to cook and are always looking for something new? The best culinary application with support for smart TVs from Samsung and Elgie contains thousands of step-by-step recipes with detailed illustrations, videos and useful wisdom. Therefore, the Culinary Academy is a real storehouse of ideas for new dishes not only for culinary gurus, but also for novice amateur chefs. A nice and simple interface will allow you to create your own recipe book on your TV in one click.

The abundance of convenient filters is very helpful for those who know exactly what they are looking for. The application is capable of selecting recipes based on individual ingredients, entire lists of products, and names of dishes. The distribution of culinary masterpieces into thematic categories will even allow you to find something original for any event, be it New Year, bachelorette party, wedding anniversary, romantic date or dinner party.

1 Ivi.ru

The best free online movie theater for any system. Stability
Rating (2019): 4.9

Ivi is the largest legal film library in Russia, offering people access to thousands of films, TV series and cartoons of all times and peoples. Unlike most other applications for watching films, this virtual cinema is constantly updated, so here you can find both the first black and white films and old Soviet cinema, as well as sensational new releases that have only recently been released. The latter, of course, are often not free or require a subscription, but over time they become available to the general public.

An important advantage of the application for smart TV is its versatility. Samsung, Apple, Sony, Elgie, Philips, Toshiba - the best online cinema works stably on different TVs, supports common operating systems and even game consoles. You can save movies to “watched” and “watch later”. Convenient search by category, name, year and country simplifies navigation.

Hi all! After another very long pause, the author finally forced himself to sit down again and write new material on the blog. Moreover, there are good reasons for this.

Namely, a very good event happened - a mega-cool service started working, where you can very quickly and easily install (Samsung Smart TV) on your TV.

Also pleasing is the huge selection, because here, if not all, then certainly 99.5% of existing developments are available. Moreover, both official and not. But, as usual, let's talk about everything in order:

It should also be said that the method of installing widgets that we will now discuss belongs to the online category, that is, you need your smart TV and computer to be connected to the Internet.

At this point we will consider the preparatory work completed, let’s move on to the essence of the issue. To do this, go to widgetlist.de and go through a simple registration process:

If you fill out all the required fields correctly, you will see this happy message at the end:

And here in front of you, my dear readers, a simply unplowed field opens up in terms of choosing the right applications for Smart TV. The list is actually huge, so now the choice is yours:

Moreover, as you can see in the screenshot above, opposite each application the required one for its operation is indicated. I find this feature very convenient, because earlier in the comments on the blog, this question was asked quite often.

Now, there will be no confusion with program incompatibility, since a person can immediately see whether a particular widget is suitable for his TV or not. This, my friends, is how progress moves inexorably forward. 😉

Therefore, all we have to do is check the box next to the required applications and click the “Create XML” button:

After which this window will appear, in which the IP address will be indicated to start the synchronization process with your Samsung Smart TV:

If someone has forgotten what synchronization is, then an article on installing the popular one will help you. Everything is chewed there in great detail and shown in pictures.

This is the question of where you can select and install applications for Smart TV Samsung I consider it open. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments to the article.

And finally, I bring to your attention another musical composition that I heard on the radio and now it can’t get out of my head. So be warned, it can be contagious. 🙂

And sometimes the thought slips into my mind that the mental abilities of technology will soon approach human ones. What then? Rise of the Machines?

Let's not let the glands take over us! If a “smart” TV – Smart TV – has settled in your home, do not let its “brains” stand idle (otherwise you never know what will come into your electronic “head” ). Load them with work, fortunately there is plenty today. I bring to your attention the best free applications for Smart TV and set-top boxes. Some of them are designed only for Android, as the most common TV OS, but many are also available for other platforms.

Twitch TV

TV Bro browser is specially designed for Android TV. It supports voice and remote control, displays web pages correctly on the large screen and has a built-in download manager.

SlyNet IPTV

SlyNet IPTV– an application for watching on-air TV programs and any other video on Smart TV. And also for listening to music on the radio. You won't need any subscriptions or payments; just connect your TV to the Internet.

SlyNet IPTV has more than 800 TV channels and 1000 radio stations around the world, several thousand films, and free playlists. Residents of our country have access to almost all popular Russian channels: NTV, ORT, 1+1, STS, etc.

The program interface is Russian. To play content correctly, you will have to additionally install the free XMTVplayer.

VLC

Few people do not know the multimedia player VLC, but not everyone knows that it can work on Android TV, Tizen OS, and WebOS. The main advantage of this product is that it supports almost all audio and video formats without installing additional codecs.

VLC for TV includes filters and an equalizer for sound correction. It also features hardware acceleration, support for custom playlists and subtitles. There are performance management settings.

Ivi – movies and TV series in HD and Full DH

Application Ivi it just begs to be on every TV. After all, it represents a grandiose video library - one of the largest among its analogues. It contains almost everything: from movies of all genres to rare television shows. And it is constantly updated with new products.

Other advantages of Ivi are that the program supports all types of TV connections to the Internet and does not require downloading the content you are going to watch to your device.

365 Body Workout

365 Body Workout will allow you to save on a gym membership, because it will take care of your physical fitness. His arsenal includes a set of exercises for fitness, several training programs, an individual schedule, and useful tips.

The exercises are illustrated with 3D animated pictures and accompanied by voice prompts.

If you want to expand your workout program beyond what is included in the free version of 365 Body Workout, you will have to purchase additional content. It's inexpensive.

LeanKey Keyboard

Unfortunately, not all manufacturers of Smart TVs and set-top boxes equip their equipment with a decent visual keyboard. If you are unlucky in this regard, install LeanKey Keyboard. This free on-screen keyboard has Russian and Latin alphabet, is fully controlled from the remote control, easily switches between layouts and allows you to use additional buttons on the remote control, for example, for quick access to the menu.

Games for TV

Implosion – Never Lose Hope

Implosion – Never Lose Hope- a role-playing game on the theme of saving civilization from alien invaders, the gameplay of which, according to the developers, strives for the level of game consoles. I can’t judge whether this is true, but if you believe the users, the game’s graphics are really not bad. Voice acting too, although the translation leaves much to be desired.

Installing Implosion – Never Lose Hope is free, but some content will have to be purchased separately if you wish.

Zombie Age 2

Zombie Age 2- an arcade game, the essence of which is to liberate the city from a horde of the walking dead. The latter should be chopped into meat with different types of weapons and thus earn points for yourself.

Installing the game, as in the previous case, is free, but there is additional paid content.

Auralux: Constellations

Auralux: Constellations- a multiplayer, rather complex strategy in which you have to become a participant in space battles to save the planet. The game is very exciting, but alas: you will have to pay extra for some content.

Red Ball 4

Red Ball 4 is a simple arcade game designed for primary and secondary school age, but can also captivate adults. The point of the game is to stop the evil cubes from making the whole world square.

There is inexpensive paid content.

Zombie in the fog

Zombie in the fog– an exciting action game with well-designed 3D graphics and excellent voice acting. The player will, as the name suggests, fight against hordes of risen dead who are trying to make him one of them.

Paid content is also present.

With the latest smart TVs, you don't need to stream your favorite movies or music to your TV. Samsung Smart TV is one such TV that offers great content without the need of a set-top box. Powered by Samsung Smart TVs are fast and responsive, but in order to enjoy this great feature, users need to have it installed on their TV. Samsung Smart TV apps are readily available on the Samsung store, and there are plenty of programs to choose from depending on your needs. So, here are the top 10 apps that will help you get the most out of your Smart TV.

Best Samsung Smart TV Apps

  1. is almost a household name all over the world when it comes to online video streaming. He has remained ahead of the curve since he invented the entire concept almost ten years ago. Netflix currently offers an impressive selection of existing TV shows and movies in its arsenal. But that's not all! The company is also investing heavily in its own exclusive productions, including the political drama House of Cards and comedies such as Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. When we talk about the amount of content in Netflix's database, it is by far the largest streaming service. However, the available content depends on your location. Content available in the UK app store may not appear in the US app store. Netflix is ​​also a great starting point if you decide to become a streamer. It's also worth noting that you can find movies in 4K resolution on Netflix.

2. – Amazon is another amazing app that offers you great TV content. The video content offering has improved significantly in recent years, with Amazon now offering its own catalog of exclusive shows. Amazon also has a notable collection of content from other providers, but like Netflix, the content is different from the US and UK stores. One good thing about Amazon Prime Video is that you don't need to sign up for an account before you can view movie titles, unlike Netflix. The Amazon Prime list is available directly on Amazon's website so users can see what they like before signing up.

3. Hulu(USA only). Hulu previously offered two types of services, which included a free service with limited content and ads between movies, and a paid service that expands the content selection but still has ads. However, last September the company finally introduced a completely ad-free subscription service, putting the service on par with rivals Netflix and Amazon Prime. Hulu is still several steps behind Netflix and Amazon Prime in the number and quality of exclusive offerings. Another problem is that a small number of videos will still show ads even if you are on a paid subscription.

4. IPlayer(UK only). The BBC's iPlayer app is only available in the UK and streams high-quality TV, radio and movies. You get to watch some of the best TV shows the BBC has produced in recent years, such as Doctor Who, Sherlock and Luther. Although the BBC makes its shows available to watch for 30 days after they are first broadcast, iPlayer makes up for this by having arguably the widest selection of shows available on any of the streaming services on this list.

5. All 4(UK only). While the BBC has an iPlayer, Channel 4 also has its own All 4 app, which covers content from Channel 4, E4 and More 4. Its offering, however, differs from the BBC iPlayer in that it offers access to unlimited time-honored most popular shows. So, if you want to sit down and watch every episode of Peep Show since it aired in 2003, All 4 makes it very easy.

6. Playstation Now is not a video streaming application, it is a gaming application that allows you to play various PlayStation 3 games on your TV. Well, the processor on a Samsung TV isn't designed for heavy games like Assassin's Creed II, but the app can stream the game directly from Sony's server, so the game isn't actually driven by your TV's processor. The app relies heavily on Internet speeds to make games feel as responsive as if they were running natively on the console. To use this application you will also need a game controller (joystick)

7. HBO Go/HBO Now(US only) - HBO Go and HBO Now are available in the US only. They offer streaming from the Home Box Office TV network, which includes the now classics The Sopranos, The Wire and of course Game of Thrones. HBO has the largest number of classic series in its arsenal, giving the service a big advantage on the network. Amazon Prime Video has some of HBO's best shows, like Game of Thrones and others, but HBO's own apps give you access to shows as soon as they air. So, if you watch the next episode of Game of Thrones on the day it's released, you'll have to subscribe to HBO Go or HBO Now. HBO Go is only available to HBO cable subscribers, but HBO Now is available to everyone, whether you pay for a premium channel or not.

8. YouTube- OK OK! Everyone knows what YouTube is! The only thing you may not know is that in addition to amateur videos of skateboarders and cats falling, YouTube has begun to host a variety of content in recent years, from comedies to reality shows and documentaries. YouTube also provides full movies that can be rented for 30 days or purchased directly.

9. Spotify- If you have a great sound system for your home theater, it would be a good idea to also play music on it rather than just stream video. Spotify is perhaps the world's most famous and largest music streaming service. There are more than 30 million tracks in its database. There is a free package with advertising, and a paid package - without advertising, and with music in the best quality.

10. VUDU(USA only). We come to yet another video streaming service, VUDU. The service is only available in the United States and you can only rent or buy movies on an individual basis. The website often runs sales where you can save big. Rental prices range from $0.99 to $5.99, and purchases range from $4.99 to $24.99. VUDU has a much smaller library of movies compared to Netflix, but they publish them immediately after release, unlike Netflix, which tends to use older movies in their library. VUDU is best used as a complement to Netflix and Amazon Prime.