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How to Use Screen Saver on Android TV
Edited 4 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
Screen SaverCustomizationDisplaySmart TVAndroidVisualsSettingsElectronicsGadgetsHome Entertainment
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Most people are familiar with screen savers on computers, but you may not know that your Android TV has this feature too. Screen savers on Android TV are a great way to show off a beautiful view when your TV is not actively in use. It adds a personal touch to your living room or entertainment area. This guide will take you step-by-step through how to use, set up, and customize screen savers on Android TV.
Understanding android TV and screen savers
Android TV is similar to the Android operating system you find on your phone or tablet, but it's designed specifically for television. It allows you to stream content, play games, and use apps just like any Android device. One of the most distinctive features of Android TV is the screen saver, which not only prevents screen burn-in but also serves as a digital display for art, photos, or useful information.
Why use a screen saver on Android TV?
There are many advantages to using a screen saver on your Android TV:
- Prevent burn-in: Screen savers help prevent static images from burning into the display when the TV is on but not being interacted with.
- Customization: Screen savers allow you to personalize the look of your television with images and backgrounds to suit your taste or mood.
- Information display: Some screen savers can display useful information such as weather updates, time, news, or photos.
How to set up a screen saver on Android TV
Step 1: Accessing the settings
The first step to setting up a screen saver on your Android TV is to access the settings. Here's how you can do it:
- Turn on your Android TV and use the remote to go to the home screen.
- Scroll down to Settings. This may be represented by a small gear or wrench icon, depending on your TV model.
- Press Enter on the remote to open the Settings menu.
Step 2: Find the screen saver option
Once you're in the Settings menu, you'll need to find the Screen Saver options:
- Opening the Settings menu, find the Display & sound or Device preferences section.
- Scroll down and select Screen Saver from the list of options.
Step 3: Choose a screen saver
Selecting a screen saver lets you decide what views or information you want to display:
- In the Screen Saver menu, you will see a list of available screen savers.
- Select one of the options. If you don't see a screen saver you like, don't worry as most Android TVs allow you to install more from the Google Play Store.
- To find more screen saver options, you can select Get More Screen Savers to visit the Google Play Store. From there, you can browse and install additional screen savers according to your preference.
Step 4: Customize your screen saver
Customizing your screen saver adds a personal touch. Once you've chosen your screen saver, you can often tweak it to your liking:
- In the Screen Saver menu, go to Screen Saver Preferences or an option with a similar name.
- Here you can find settings to change the delay before the screen saver activates, adjust transition effects, or select specific image folders if the screen saver allows browsing personal media.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to customize the options to your liking.
- Once you’re satisfied, make sure you save any changes to the settings or confirm any adjustments.
Popular screen saver apps for Android TV
There are many screen saver apps available for Android TV, each of which offers a unique visual experience. Here are some popular choices:
- Backdrop: This is often the default screen saver for many Android TVs. It pulls photos from your Google Photos account and from selected sources like news or art collections.
- Aerial Dream: Shows beautiful aerial photos from around the world. This app is great for anyone who enjoys stunning landscapes and breathtaking views.
- Weather Backgrounds: Combines beautiful images with real-time weather information, making it as visually appealing as it is functional.
Troubleshooting screen saver problems
Common problems and solutions
Sometimes, you may encounter problems with the screen saver functionality on Android TV. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Screen saver not activating:
- Check that the screen saver activation time is set correctly under Screen Saver preferences.
- Make sure that no active content, such as playback or alerts, is preventing the screen saver from starting.
- Images not displaying:
- If using a custom photo screen saver, make sure the correct folder is selected and can be accessed by the TV.
- Try restarting the Android TV as a simple reboot often resolves display issues.
- Screen Saver App is Crashing:
- Check for updates to the screen saver app via the Google Play Store.
- If the app keeps crashing, consider uninstalling and reinstalling it.
Programming ideas
If you're a developer interested in creating custom screen savers for Android TV, there are a few programming considerations to keep in mind. Android TV supports apps developed using the Android platform, and you can use the same tools and methods:
- Development environment: You will need to set up Android Studio as it is the official IDE for Android app development.
- Code sample: To develop a screen saver, you can refer to the official Android developer documentation. Here is a simple example of setting up a basic screen saver service:
<declare-styleable name="Screen Saver"> <attr name="duration" format="integer" /> <attr name="images" format="reference" /> </declare-styleable><declare-styleable name="Screen Saver"> <attr name="duration" format="integer" /> <attr name="images" format="reference" /> </declare-styleable>
Remember to replace reserved characters such as <, >, and & in your code snippet to make them display correctly in HTML.
Conclusion
Setting up a screen saver on your Android TV can enhance your viewing experience by adding a personal touch to your screen when not in use. By following the steps outlined, you can easily choose and customize a screen saver that suits your style and preferences. With many available options, from photos to dynamic scenes, you can turn your TV into a storytelling backdrop or a vivid presentation of art.
Final notes
Android TV screen savers aren't just visually appealing; they serve a practical purpose by preventing burn-in and displaying information efficiently. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more interactive and functional screen saver options that will further enhance the smart TV experience. Whether you're a casual user, a developer, or someone just looking for options, taking advantage of screen saver functionality adds depth and utility to any Android TV setup.
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