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A smart TV can provide many features and functions that offer an integrated entertainment experience. From immediate access to online streaming services for music to everyone’s favourite film and series platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Video, there are many reasons to buy a cheap TV with smart functions. However, the most advanced feature to date is arguably the ability to game without additional consoles. We explore how you and your family can easily play their favourite games without needing an expensive new console.
Samsung Gaming Hub
Whilst Samsung Gaming Hub has been around since 2013, it hasn’t provided much of an experience until now. Newly revamped for 2022, this platform is a new era for gamers, particularly those who use Xbox for their gaming needs.
Since the introduction of the Xbox One series, gamers have been used to being able to download and save content without the requirement of a disc. With Samsungs new Gaming Hub, you can access Xbox Cloud Gaming directly from the app available exclusively on the new Samsung Smart TVs manufactured from 2022 onwards.
You will require the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a controller to play the content directly from your Samsung TV. However, unlike a console, the app will allow you to use most controllers, even a Playstation 4 and onwards, as a remote. They will connect through Bluetooth, and with a few minutes to set up, you can enter this futuristic portal to gaming. We are sure this is just the start of equipment integration as we move to a more single-device way of living.
Play PC Games on Your Smart TV
Whilst you have always been able to connect your PC or laptop to a TV using an HDMI cable, there is now an even easier way to access your games using your WiFi and a Smart TV. Available on most Android TVs and Samsung smart TVs, you can access your games remotely using the free Stream Link app.
Steam is an online gaming platform that ignores the requirement for discs. It allows you to easily play online with others and build a collection of games through online purchasing. Steam is free to download and, once installed on your PC or Laptop, can offer you the ability to cast your games directly to your smart TV.
Within the settings, you will see a subcategory called “Remote Play” on this menu, select “Enable Remote Play”, and your designated smart TV will establish a connection between the two. For best results, we advise using an ethernet connection on your TV and PC to reduce lagging and connection issues, which you may experience through basic WiFi. Once the connection is established, you can choose your game, connect your remote controller to the TV (this can be either Xbox 360/One controller or a Playstation 4 or 5 or even Steam’s own controller), and you will have access to your games through even a cheap LED TV.
App Stores and Play Stores
Depending on which of the brands you purchase when buying a new Android TV will depend on the platform for downloading. Essentially they are both the same, but if you happen to have a new Sony Bravia model, it will most likely offer a Google-based interface with the option of the Play Store, which is a popular platform for many android phone users.
Whichever your downloading app is called, they will all have a games section. Many of these games can be downloaded for free and entertain all the family with puzzles, quizzes and action games. Some of the more popular games are;
- Crossy Road – Using your chicken, you must navigate the busy road, a play on the age-old joke of “Why did the chicken cross the road”.
- Machinarium – Great for multiplayer involvement, this game provides puzzles and brain teasers that you must solve to help the robot Josef battle the evil Black Cap Brotherhood and save the city, the major and his girlfriend.
- The Wolf Among Us – Created by the same people responsible for the walking dead game, this adventure game needs little introduction. Investigate town murders as a family or play solo; this murder mystery game will have you hooked.
They offer a perfect way to spend a family evening in front of the TV without watching films and TV series.
Screen Mirroring
Perhaps you own a cheap LED TV which offers only the basic smart functions due to its age. In that case, screen mirroring would be the best option for playing games. This function is available with any smart TV and provides a mirror image of any smartphone or tablet you connect to. It enables you to play the game on your device but lets everyone else see the screen. This is perfect for family trivia nights or taking turns in a multiplayer game.
To screen mirror, you must have a smartphone or tablet which offers this function. On your device, the function will be in the settings menu as “Screen Mirroring” or “Cast”. Simply switch on the casting, and as long as you ensure your smart TV is on the correct connection (usually found in the AV button menu on your TV controller), you can view everything your device is showing.
Screen mirroring is a great way also to access content such as movies and shows, which an older Smart TV may not be able to provide. However, if your old smart TV is a bit intermittent with its connections, it may be time to upgrade to a new TV. We offer some of the best discount TVs online and have one for almost every budget. Take a look through our vast range or visit our showroom in Birmingham for a closer look at our incredible devices.
