The global era of Smart TVs is coming
When consumers look for a TV to buy, they find that the products currently available on the market are all Smart TVs with internet connectivity capabilities. This technology has heralded a new age of television, where Smart TV is the popular choice. Since 2021, Google has vigorously promoted this new era with Google TV, an upgraded version of Android TV. Other major brands have followed suit by launching models equipped Google TV’s operating system. Major companies including LG, Samsung, Panasonic, etc., have developed their own Smart TV platforms. It’s evident that all these companies are bullish about this burgeoning market.
Why Smart TV Wi-Fi connectivity dissipates
As Smart TVs increase in popularity, it is important to understand how users actually use them. What is often questioned by users is whether or not Smart TVs are truly intelligent. Consumers have varying experiences with the networking capabilities of smart TVs. One of the most common issues encountered, both new and existing, is “Wi-Fi connection anomalies.” These kinds of problems are like zombies—when you believe they’ve been resolved, they come back from the dead to trouble you at inconvenient times. In this article, we will list several abnormal scenarios and their causes that are common for consumers to encounter.
Scenario 1
User: OK Google, turn on the TV.
OK Google: Your TV is not online.
User: OK Google, why is it offline?
OK Google: Please check if your device is properly connected to the Wi-Fi.
User: Why is my device offline again? I set it up a few days ago, didn’t I?
Reasons
The TV should remain connected to the Wi-Fi continuously. However, it sporadically goes offline, causing it to appear offline when the smart speaker attempts to connect.
Scenario 2
Wife: Honey, why does the YouTube video on the TV keep buffering with a loading icon in the middle of the screen?
Husband: Really? I’m watching YouTube on my tablet right now and the connection is great. There shouldn’t be any network issues! Wait a bit longer and see if it improves.
Wife: But I’ve been waiting for 10 minutes already.
Husband: Hmm, it seems like there might be an issue with the TV then!
Reasons
Although the TV is properly connected to the Wi-Fi, there may be compatibility issues between the app and the TV. This results in problems such as inability in loading or playing videos properly.
Scenario 3
Sister: Hey Sammy, why does the TV keep showing, “Wi-Fi connected” then, suddenly, “Wi-Fi disconnected”?
Brother: It seems the Wi-Fi is being unstable. Try restarting the access point (AP) and see if that helps.
Sister: Okay, I’ll give it a try to see if it resolves the issue.
Reasons
When the TV encounters Wi-Fi connection issues, it continuously attempts to reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. However, after successfully reconnecting, it encounters another abnormality, leading it to disconnect again. As a result, the TV displays a repetitive cycle of “connecting” and “disconnecting” messages.
Scenario 4
Mom: Danny, why is it so difficult to set up the Wi-Fi on the new TV you gave me?
Son: Really? Setting up Wi-Fi on Smart TVs is usually straightforward.
Mom: Yes, I followed the steps exactly, but it still won’t connect.
Son: Are you serious? Let me try. What!? It really can’t connect to the Wi-Fi!?
Reasons
Due to compatibility issues between the wireless AP and the TV, the initial attempt to set up the TV’s Wi-Fi connection failed. However, after several more attempts, it succeeded.
While reading the aforementioned usage scenarios, it is possible you have experienced such dilemmas. According to research conducted by Allion’s Smart TV consulting team, despite manufacturers conducting verification prior to mass production, some issues are low-probability. This means that hundreds, or even thousands, of repetitions are required before they are capable of being identified. Some issues are related to compatibility with wireless AP’s. If consumers encounter Wi-Fi connection problems on a weekly basis, they would likely file a complaint or return the product. To prevent these issues from occurring once the product reaches consumers, it is necessary to plan a low-cost and effective quality assurance plan requiring limited manpower, resources, and timelines capable of detecting these issues.
What Smart Home Key Scene Testing does for your Smart TV
Your Smart TV prayers have been answered by Allion. The Smart TV Consulting Team has developed the “Smart Home Key Scene Testing Solution” (Allion Critical Scenario Test Solution, ACSTS). Allion is capable of assisting you in identifying potential issues related to your wireless network connectivity when you utilize their “Network connection functionality and stability test” scenario.
Figure B (right): Displays network connection being lost on Smart TV
Smart Home Key Scene Testing
Allion has provided a solution called, “The Smart Home Key Scene Testing” (Allion Critical Scenario Test Solution, ACSTS), which is based on data collected across a decade of Smart TV issues. By integrating the application scenarios from the Smart home ecosystem and offering customized AI verification solutions tailored to the functionalities developed by various manufacturers, it addresses the limitations of manual testing and breaks free from time and labor constraints. This helps identify low-probability risks in complex usage scenarios. Ultimately, it meets the demand for automation, leading to a reduction in time and costs.
More from Allion
Why choose Allion for your Smart TV Consulting Service!
Faster
Allion’s professional testing technology and experience is capable of significantly reducing the testing time for your application ecosystem validation. Regardless of the stage of development your product is in, it will quickly and accurately provide testing services.
Easier
Through AI technology and automated testing solutions, Allion ensures that every test measures to its standards, which are characterized as “reliability, accuracy, and repeatability.” Our services are designed to streamline the testing process, assisting you in improving product performance while saving time and resources.
Better
Having amassed over 30 years of industry experience, Allion has a state of the art testing environment and facilities equipped with a professional technical team. By integrating real-world application scenarios, we ensure that your products perform optimally when they reach the market. Allion is committed in providing its clients with quality services, assisting in the advancement of your product technology by achieving top-tier industry standards.
