Own a smart TV? These 13 features can dramatically improve your performance - here's how

2026-02-13 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Internet of Things (IoT) & Connected Devices, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy · Depth: Novice, long

Summary

ZDNET's Elyse Betters Picaro outlines 13 essential tips for optimizing smart TV performance, privacy, and viewing quality. The article details how to disable motion smoothing, select appropriate picture modes like Filmmaker or Movie, and connect via Ethernet for a more stable internet connection. It also emphasizes the importance of keeping TV software updated, clearing cache, and regularly restarting the device to maintain speed and security. Furthermore, the guide covers customizing the home screen, disabling automatic content recognition (ACR), limiting ad personalization, and understanding HDMI port capabilities. Finally, it suggests using external streaming devices for better performance and app support, exploring accessibility features, and leveraging the TV's USB port for various functions, including firmware updates and media playback.

Key takeaway

For IT professionals and general users seeking to maximize their smart TV experience, prioritize adjusting default settings for picture quality and motion, and ensure regular software updates and cache clearing. You should also consider a wired Ethernet connection for improved streaming stability and explore privacy settings like disabling ACR and limiting ad personalization to protect your data. These steps will enhance performance, security, and overall viewing enjoyment.

Key insights

Optimizing smart TV settings significantly enhances viewing, performance, privacy, and security.

Principles

• Default TV settings are rarely optimal.
• Regular maintenance prevents performance degradation.
• Privacy controls offer significant user benefits.

Method

Improve smart TV experience by adjusting picture and motion settings, ensuring stable network connectivity, performing routine software updates and cache clearing, and managing privacy controls like ACR and ad personalization.

In practice

• Disable motion smoothing for natural video.
• Use Filmmaker or Movie picture modes.
• Connect via Ethernet for stable streaming.

Topics

• Smart TV Optimization
• Picture Quality Settings
• TV Privacy Controls
• Software Maintenance
• Network Connectivity

Best for: General Interest, IT Professional

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.