“Smart Tested” Devices Certification for outstanding Smart TVs

Dec. 12, 2012 - PRLog -- In recent years, all major TV manufacturers have brought Smart TVs to the market. Smart TVs are a development extension of connected TVs, and add interactive functionality to a TV, in the same manner as smart phones have for mobile phones. While in 2011 only 25% of TVs sold offered connectivity, it is expected that 47% of all TVs sold by 2015 will be connected TVs.

Smart TV functionality

Nowadays, many products are called “smart”: cars, phones, washing machines, buildings and TVs. Unlike traditional TVs, Smart TVs have the ability to display online interactive media, integrate Internet capabilities, and allow the usage of plug-ins, also know as apps. The idea is to deliver multimedia content from other computers, both in your home and from Internet-based services, on a large-dimension screen, and to transform your TV from a passive entertainment provider into a two-way interactive interface with the world.

Studies have shown that in recent years consumers have become less brand-oriented when buying a new TV, instead choosing the ‘best’ TV on the basis of functionality, picture quality, size, and price. The TÜV Rheinland Smart TV certification service shows the consumer that a worldwide-recognized third party has independently confirmed the Smart TV’s safety, quality, and functionality, elevating trust in the product.

Major global TV manufactures have already recognized the importance of this service, and have been granted Smart TV certifications.

Test items and product scope

TÜV Rheinland “Tested Smart Devices” certification can be applied to TVs, set-top boxes, and other devices. The three major items checked are:

1. Basic functions

2. Advanced functions

3. Safety

Basic functions must cover the existence of a smart user interface, support of WLAN and Bluetooth, connection to additional devices via USB, ability to connect to Internet-based service and social media, the capacity to upgrade the operating system, support of HbbTV protocol (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV), recording function, and fulfilment of requirements regarding image quality. Advanced functions must include a subset of gesture recognition, voice recognition and control, interconnectivity with home automation, the capacity for hardware upgrades, content sharing, support of wireless image transmissions, and more. As with all TÜV Rheinland-certified products, national safety requirements must be met. Possible future developments are closely observed, and considered in upcoming Smart TV certification requirements.

In addition to our Smart TV certification service, TÜV Rheinland also offers 3D certification. Please contact your closest TUV Rheinland office or our DISPLAY competence teams for more information.

TÜV Rheinland in Germany: Mr. Stephan Scheuer (+49 221 8064914)

TÜV Rheinland in Japan: Mr. Stefan Hartter (+81 45 914 3838)

TÜV Rheinland in Korea: Mr. Deok-Seop Shim (+82 2860 9860)

TÜV Rheinland in Shanghai: Mr. Stanley Liu (+86 21 6108 1594)

TÜV Rheinland in Shenzhen: Mr. Martin Eichenseder (+86 755 8268 1557)

TÜV Rheinland in Taipei: Mr. Christian Rüther (+886 2 21727000 1013)

TÜV Rheinland in Turkey: Mr. Holger Schmiede (+90 216 665 3245)

TÜV Rheinland in USA: Mr. Stefan Braun (+1 925 249 9123 103)