A few years ago, I refused to even consider using a smart TV's built-in software over an external streaming box. The experience was typically too sluggish, the app selection too limited, and the features too far behind the times. Although I've bought three TVs in as many years, software was never part of my decision-making. But as I look back at CES, the tech industry's TV-centric mega-tradeshow held in Las Vegas last week, I'm starting to reconsider. Smart TVs are increasingly becoming first-class experiences, superior to what you'd get with a dedicated streaming box or stick.

At CES Samsung debuted a real humdinger of a product: a 146-inch modular TV called "The Wall." The new TCL 6-Series 4K HDR TV comes 9in 55 and 65 inch models, out this spring (no price set). LAS VEGAS -- Now that the Internet is nearly everyone's favorite TV station, content providers and device makers find themselves catering to consumers' desires for more, better streaming video. That was abundantly clear here at CES, where the biggest makers of streaming devices rubbed elbows with entertainment and Internet heavyweights such as Time Warner and Verizon, and every TV maker touted even smarter, more connected displays. CES 2018 attendees view the LG signature OLED 4K HDR Smart TV at the LG Electronics booth during the 2018 International CES.