Samsung Makes Smart TVs Smarter with SmartThings

Starting off as a budget TV maker in the 1970s, Samsung now holds the distinction of being the world's largest, and one its most innovative TV makers – with offerings across all price ranges and screen sizes. When it comes to TV innovation, Samsung definitely doesn't take a back seat to anyone.

Samsung Smart TVs include a full web-browser. Select 2019 models going forward also include Remote Access, which allows you to operate a network-connected PC or Laptop from the TV. 

In addition to the video, streaming, and PC control features, Samsung has added another bonus: Smart home control with SmartThings.

Home Control with Your TV and SmartThings

Ordinarily, home control is something that requires a separate physical and operating infrastructure (in many cases it can be expensive), but Samsung adds its twist to the fast-growing market of simpler and affordable alternatives, such as Alexa and Google Home-based systems by way of its SmartThings platform.

Samsung's alternative can take advantage of a TV and use it as part of the home control environment. When the SmartThings App is activated on both a smartphone (iOS or Android) and select Samsung Smart TVs, home control features can be accessed via the TV's own operating system, in addition to the smartphone.

Setting Up Your Samsung Smart TV to Work With SmartThings

To see if your TV is compatible with SmartThings, check the Supported Devices section of the SmartThings Smartphone app.

1. From the Smartphone App Dashboard, tap Supported Devices.

2. Tap TV, and look for your model.

If you successfully find that your Samsung Smart TV is compatible with SmartThings, you may be prompted to update the TV's firmware. If so, perform the update on your TV and, when completed, following follow these additional steps:

1. On your Samsung Smart TV Remote, select Apps.

2. Select the Search in the Apps Menu.

3. Type SmartThings to call up the TV version of the SmartThings App.

4.  Select Install.

5. Once the app is installed, you can open it to view, monitor and control your SmartThings hub and devices using your TV.

To make this work, you will need a SmartThings Hub and SmartThings-enabled devices, such as lights, surveillance cameras, locks, thermostats, multi-room audio components, and other compatible appliances SmartThings supports.

For the home theater fan, SmartThings can control several elements of your viewing environment (turn on the TV and set up commands that control other audio and video devices, dim the lights and/or shut the blinds, and maybe even turn on that popcorn popper).

In addition to Samsung's own branded SmartThings compatible appliances and devices, other brands provide products that work with Samsung SmartThings include: 

• Philips: Hue Lights
• Sylvania: Lights and smart plugs
• Kwikset, Schlage, and Yale: Locks
• Arlo: Security Cameras
• Ecobee: Thermostats
• Honeywell: Thermostats and switches.
• Ring: Video doorbells and security cameras.
• Casetta Wireless by Lutron: Light switches and dimmers.
• Bose: Select SoundTouch audio systems and wireless speakers.
• Sonos: Sonos One wireless speaker and Sonos Beam soundbar.

Using the SmartThings App With Samsung TV

SmartThings expands the role of your TV beyond entertainment and as a tool to enhance your lifestyle via control of many household devices.

You can use your TV two ways within the Samsung SmartThings environment:

• Control selected functions your TV via the SmartThings App (power off, channel selection, volume/mute) on your TV or mobile phone.
• Control and check the status of other SmartThings devices via your TV without having to use your Smartphone.

With a Smartphone or compatible TV voice remote, you can use Bixby to control your SmartThings or "Works With SmartThings" devices.