Televisions have come a long way — from mechanical televisions, color televisions, to smart televisions. They have progressed not only in terms of appearance and features but also in terms of viewing experience.

The latest LED televisions come with a wide range of features. They offer great video and audio quality. They also consume much less energy compared with the traditional televisions. People have been investing in these televisions because of the amount of money they can save with electricity bills.

Once you have made the decision to get a new television, let’s say a smart television, what other things can you do with it besides just watching movies? It’s called a smart TV for good reason, right?

Here are few other things that let you take advantage of your smart TV besides merely watching movies. Try any of these things, and you are sure to look at your new television in a completely different way.

1. Access the Internet
Smart TVs are integrated with Internet connectivity. Now, you can access media services and applications with the use of your wide-screen TV.

There are two ways that let your smart TV connect to the Internet. First, you can use its built-in Wi-Fi by connecting it to your home network. Second, you can use a direct wired Ethernet connection. You can check details on wgtvboxes.com. Most smart TVs in the market are Wi-Fi-enabled. Just make sure to check this feature before you get one.

2. Surf the web
Surfing the web is always made better with a wider TV screen compared to your regular computer screen. You can do this by hooking your computer to your smart TV with the use of an HDMI cable. This cable is capable of mirroring your computer activity directly to your TV including web browsing and viewing YouTube videos. Check out the site cnet.com for some tips on buying the perfect HDMI cable.

Hooking up your computer to your smart TV just takes two steps. First, set your TV input to “HDMI” with the use of your remote control. Second, attach the special cable to both devices. Just keep in mind to use a special cord or adaptor that is compatible with both your devices.

A lot of smart TVs already come with built-in Internet browsers. As long as you have a fast Internet connection, you can now surf the web by only using your remote control and no longer your computer.

3. Stream videos and live feeds
If you cannot find a good show that is currently being aired, you now have the choice to stream videos straight to your TV. With your smart TV’s Internet connectivity, you can watch videos from several applications such as YouTube. You can also watch images and videos by simply plugging in your USB memory stick.

Live feeds have also become one of the most fascinating videos to be featured on the Internet. You can now get a glimpse of the mouth of an active volcano on your 60-inch screen.

Try downloading the Ustream app from ustream.tv to get free access to countless live video streams across the globe. This app lets you view some obscure places of the world such as aquariums and deep wilderness and even some sporting events.

4. Play video games without any console
Smart TVs now come with casual and fun mini-games that you can play without the need of any console. You can easily download these games from their corresponding app stores. You can play them with the use of your remote control. It may be hard at first, but you will eventually get used to it in the long run.

5. Stay fit
If you don’t have any time to go to the gym, then your smart TV can help. Currently, a lot of smart TVs have built-in fitness and training apps.

Take, for example, Samsung’s Fitness VOD app that comes with hundreds of bodybuilding, yoga, and aerobics videos. It also comes with a personal trainer that guides you through every workout routine. The good thing about this is no gym memberships or special equipment is needed.

6. Check detailed weather reports
Now, you can get hourly weather forecasts and satellite images with your smart TV. To get detailed reports on the weather and put it on your TV, download weather apps such as The Weather Channel, The Weather Network, and Accuweather (play.google.com). Some even offer live streams of weather reports across the globe.

7. Access your social media accounts
If you can’t live without checking your social media accounts, then you are in luck. Most smart TV providers like LG, Sony, and Samsung have dedicated social media apps such as Facebook and Twitter compatible with their respective platforms. Now, you will no longer have problems being left behind the latest trending news and gossip.

8. Listen to live AM/FM radio stations
With your smart TV, you can now easily listen to your favorite talk show and music stations. To stream live AM/FM radio stations, get a radio app such as iHeart Radio and TuneIn. If you are not more of a radio person, then you can play podcasts directly on your smart TV with the use of Google Play or iTunes.

Television experience for users has tremendously improved throughout the years. A remarkable improvement has been seen as regards its features and appearance since its first launch. And honestly, its development will never stop. There is still a lot to come in the near future, that’s for sure.