Smart TVs go far beyond the ability to watch channels and their programming. Thanks to the Internet connection, we can watch streaming content through Netflix, Prime Video, Pluto TV and others, and download apps that provide functions never before seen on a television. Today we are going to talk about a television application that will allow you to take screenshots.
There are so many things you can do with a smart TV. Usually, you focus on the option of watching on-demand and streaming content rather than free-to-air content, or browsing the internet. However, there are countless apps available and some of them can be useful at certain times.
If you’ve come to this article, it’s because you’re interested in taking a screenshot on your Smart TV. There could be several reasons, from wanting to make a tutorial for someone or report an error to a company, to sharing a photo of your favorite scene in a movie or the results in a video game. Whatever the reason you need to capture something on TV, we’ll show you which app you need for the different operating systems.
From Android TV or Google TV
Smart TVs with a Google operating system are usually the most common ones to see in homes. There are different models and, in addition, Android TV or Google TV is the software that comes with it if you use a Chromecast.
From the Google Play Store, which is the official app store for these Smart TVs, you will need to download two apps. One is Button Mapper and the other is FX File Explorer. Both are free, so you don’t have to worry about that.
Once installed, you will need to accept all accessibility permissions requested for Button Mapper. To do this, you will need to go to the TV settings and go to System and look for Accessibility. Once inside, click on the app in question, click on Enable and click OK.
Next, it’s time to configure the shortcut. For example, you can choose to have the screen capture feature activated by pressing the Home button. To do this, you’ll need to click Customize > Long Press > Screen Capture. This way, every time you want to take a photo of what you’re watching on TV, you’ll just need to hold down the Home button on your remote.
That’s where the other application, FX File Explorer, comes into play. This platform will make it easier for you to find screenshots within the Smart TV. All you have to do is go to Main Storage > Pictures > Screenshots. This will be the folder where all the screenshots saved thanks to Butter Mapper will be stored.
From Apple TV
If you’re using an Apple streaming player, the process for taking a screenshot is different. You’ll actually need to use a computer to save an image from the TV. Also, for the trick to work, the Apple TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the PC.
The application that we will need on the Mac or Windows will be QuickTime Player. Inside you will have to go to File and click on New Video Recording or New Player. This will activate the recording function and you will be able to choose Apple TV as the arrow by clicking on the arrow button.
You will then see a message appear on your TV and you will need to click Allow. At this point, you will be able to choose what type of action you want to perform: recording or screenshot.
