Mantel Mount | August 29, 2024

The Future of TV Technology

Television technology has evolved significantly from the early 20th century to today. TV first emerged from radio and wireless telegraphy in the 1930s, followed by color televisions in the 1950s, and then satellite technology in the 1960s. 

The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw the rise of high-definition television (or HDTV), flat screens, and smart TVs, which have transformed television entertainment into a highly advanced, interactive medium. Today, innovations continue with the advent of 4K and 8K resolutions, touch screens, additional streaming services, and more.

Explore with us as we look at:

The Future of TVs

As you purchase a television for your home, here are some of the features you can expect to see in television technology and TV accessories today, as well as some insights into what’s to come in the subsequent years, whether it’s advanced display technologies or smart TV capabilities.

Advanced Display Technologies

  • MICROLED: This flat-panel television is assembled into LED modules that resemble wall tiles and are subsequently mounted together to create a uniform display. It was designed to create high-res video displays in different shapes and sizes with impressive brightness and picture quality. Television manufacturers are using the technology in their products, like this Samsung MICROLED TV.
  • OLED: An OLED (organic light-emitting diode) TV uses advanced technology to create images directly on the screen. Each pixel of an OLED screen is self-illuminating and can dim or turn off completely, resulting in a blur-free picture and thinner design. RTINGS.com has compiled the 4 best OLED TVs to buy this year. Additionally, if you’re looking for more comparisons between different LED TVs vs. plasma, make sure to read our blog on it.
  • QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED): Quantum dots can create a wide range of colors at any contrast level. A QD-OLED TV uses OLED display technology (described previously) and combines it with quantum dot technology to improve the final output of both displays. Samsung and Sony currently make and sell QD-OLED TVs that are available to purchase.
  • Mini LED and QD-Mini LED: Mini LED TVs enhance picture quality by using smaller backlights, allowing for more precise dimming on smaller screens and enabling higher peak brightness compared to OLEDs. Taking it a step further, QD-Mini LED technology combines these smaller backlights with quantum dots, resulting in lifelike images. Stores like Best Buy sell a number of these displays.
  • QDEL (Quantum Dot Electroluminescence): QDELs are designed similarly to OLEDs but use quantum dots instead of OLED material for the light source, giving it better color accuracy, brightness, energy efficiency, and durability compared to traditional OLEDs.
  • Touch Screens: While touch screen TVs do exist, they’re not as popular for home use. Most residential users prefer displays that use a remote you can use from your couch, voice search, and even casting, which we’ll explain in more detail later.
  • Foldable and Rollable Screens: Flexible and rollable OLED displays are portable, space-saving, and versatile. The caveat to remember with these screens is that they are more susceptible to physical damage with repeated folding and rolling. They are also more expensive than traditional screens.
  • Display Resolutions like 4K and 8K: In addition to light source technology like OLEDs, LEDs, QDELs, etc., is resolution. While the light sources determine the color, brightness, and contrast, the resolution is made up by the number of pixels, or bulbs, in your TV. As technology has advanced, the number of pixels used in TVs has increased. Most 1080p screens have 1,080 pixels, 4K screens have 3,840 x 2,160, and 8K doubles that with 7,680 x 4,320, according to PC Magazine. Why does it matter? It’s all contributing to the sharpness of the images on your screen.
two people holding video game controllers playing a soccer video game (likely FIFA) in the background

Smart TV Capabilities

While you have a number of benefits and features to enjoy with present and future TV displays and their resolution, there are also smart TV capabilities that continue to expand with a plethora of features included.

  • Streaming: We’ll go into this in more detail in the next section, but, briefly, smart TVs offer popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, and more, which you can access with the click of your remote.
  • Casting (Screen Mirroring): Using your smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can share your screen with your TV using in-app technologies or extensions like Chromecast, AirPlay, or Miracast.
  • Voice Control: Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri allow you to control your TV with voice commands. You can ask it to turn to a specific channel, access a streaming app, or search for what you want. This continues to evolve as voice control technology improves over time.
  • App Store Access and Internet Browsing: If you don’t have the streaming service you want, or another desired app, many smart TVs offer access to the Google Play Store so you can download what you need. Also, if you want to watch a video, search for a recipe, or access social media, you can do that directly from your television.
  • Gaming: Some app store and cloud gaming services can be accessed through a smart TV without needing a separate gaming console. We anticipate this will continue to expand over time.
  • Smart Home and AI Integrations: Some security cameras, lights, and thermostats can now be controlled and accessed using a smart TV. Another integration that’s new to TV technology — and continuing to expand — is AI-driven content recommendations on what to watch or read based on you and your family’s viewing habits for greater personalization.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Many smart TVs have Bluetooth connectivity so you can connect wireless headphones, speakers, keyboards, and video game controllers. This means less wires you have to hide when using a TV mount!

Anticipated — possible — integrations with Smart TVs include:

  • Augmented and Virtual Reality: One innovation that has not been fully adopted into TV technology is augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). However, it’s only a matter of time before support for AR/VR content could be integrated fully into smart TVs, allowing users to interact with immersive experiences through their TV. Currently, these systems are separate and have to be connected as such.
  • Advanced AI-Driven Personalization: As mentioned, with AI algorithms continuing to advance, improvements are expected to AI-driven personalization for your entertainment content recommendations.
  • Gaming Capabilities: While some gaming devices and systems are slowly being integrated into TV technology, more could be expected in the coming years.
  • Contextual Smart Home Integration: More and more smart home devices like doorbell cameras, smart bulbs, and others could be integrated into televisions in the future so they become somewhat of a command center for your home.
  • Voice Assistants: Voice command is another piece of technology that has already been integrated but is expected to advance in the coming years for greater accuracy and personalization.
  • Cross-Device Syncing: Better continuity between devices in your home - TVs, smartphones, tablets, and computers - could be expected in the coming years so you can seamless transition from one device to another.
  • Health and Wellness Integrations: Another benefit to VR/AR technology and gaming consoles is the prioritization of health and wellness with exercise and workout programs. Integrating these systems, as well as real-time monitoring and personalization of wellness content, could eventually be offered via smart TVs.

Streaming Services and the Decline of Traditional Cable

Another aspect of TV technology to consider as we anticipate the future of entertainment is streaming services versus cable. As new players have entered the streaming market following Netflix, like Disney, HBO Max, Peacock, Apple, Paramount, and Hulu, the wealth of options for what to watch has grown. This has also meant cable providers have had to adapt to changing consumer demands with more users prioritizing streaming subscriptions over cable.

Cable providers now offer their own streaming services while partnering with existing ones like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. Which streaming services you have access to with cable depends on your cable provider and the partnerships they have cultivated.

The future of cable television is still somewhat uncertain, but they are working to stay relevant in the midst of a changing market, which could be promising as this landscape continues to evolve.

The Future of Cable Management

With the advent of streaming services and advancements in smart TV capabilities, managing your TV displays and numerous stray cables for cable boxes, Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles, etc., may soon become a thing of the past. This is good news when mounting your TV on the wall for a better aesthetic, fostering a more minimalistic setup.

The Evolution of TV Mounts

As we explore future TV technology, we would be remiss to neglect mentioning current and future TV mount technology that you can use for your displays.

Current TV Mount Options

Presently, there are numerous TV mount styles and functionalities you can utilize in your living room, kitchen, or other home entertainment space. These include:

  • Fixed (Low-Profile) Mounts: This is the most basic mount that keeps your TV flush against the wall.
  • Tilting Mounts: You can use these to tilt your TV up or down to improve TV-viewing angle.
  • Full-Motion Mounts: These offer the most flexibility. You can pull the TV away from the wall, swivel left or right, tilt up or down, and sometimes rotate it completely. These mounts can be fastened above fireplaces and pulled down to eye level. As our name implies, we offer several options to choose from. 
  • Swivel Mounts: While similar to the full-motion mount, you can use this one to swivel your TV to the left or right but will have limited tilting capabilities.
  • Ceiling Mounts: This type of mount is most useful for commercial spaces like dental offices.
  • Under-Cabinet Mounts: Often found in kitchens or RVs, you can fold these TVs up flat against the cabinet when you aren’t using them.
  • Motorized Mounts: This is another mount with the capabilities of the full-motion mount. However, with this particular product, you can move the TV where you need it with the push of a button. Interested in having a motorized mount? You’re in luck with MantelMount’s MM815 Motorized Drop Down and Swivel TV Mount.

Future Innovations in TV Mounts

Some future innovations in TV mount technology you might expect to see in the coming years include:

  • Automated Multi-Angle Adjustments: With smart TV priorities shifting to more personalization for the user, future TV mount technology may include advanced automation that allows users to preset their preferred viewing angle for various scenarios (i.e. cooking in the kitchen, watching a movie, playing a game) and be able to switch between preferences with a remote control or voice command.
  • AI-Driven Positioning: Taking things a step further, AI technology may be able to detect the number of viewers, their positions, and even the time of day to adjust the viewing angle accordingly without the need for voice command or remote control.
  • Integrated Cable Management and Wireless Charging: As we move away from needing cables to more wireless devices, mounts may come with wireless charging pads for remotes and other devices.

The Role of TV Mounts in a Cable-less Future

With cables becoming less and less important, TV mounts should see a rise in popularity. There will be less concerns around dealing with dangling wires and a greater priority for a minimalistic approach to home decor.

TV technology is continuing to evolve as it strives to create more immersive and enjoyable TV-watching and gaming experiences. Shop our TV wall mounts to improve your home entertainment space with the latest TV displays.

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