Cable providers and streaming services are not exactly thrilled about the idea of users taking screenshots, but it is a feature many Smart devices include out of the box. The presence of Android TV has only expanded its popularity, yet some users still don't know the exact process. If you need a screen capture tool for your TV, maybe this article can help you...
Start with the remote control
On traditional versions of Android, the combination for taking screenshots is to press the power button and the volume down button at the same time. When you hear the click, the capture will be saved on the device. And on many Android TV builds, you can do exactly the same using the remote control. Point it at the TV and press Power+Volume Down. Once the capture is confirmed, the recommendation is to use a compatible app to transfer the file to an external medium like a USB drive, or to a mobile device (using AirDroid or something similar).
Explore the settings and the manual
In some cases, the remote control combination doesn't work, but the option to capture screens appears within the settings parameters. Press the Home button, go into the gear icon, and inside its menu look for Screen capture or Screenshot. Another alternative is that the device manufacturer enables special methods. In the specific case of TCL televisions, their support page explains the available options, including three-finger gestures.
Use an app
Taking screenshots on your Smart TV shouldn't be that complicated, but there's always that stubborn device that refuses to cooperate. If none of the above works, then you lose nothing by downloading an app. Some fellow sites point in the direction of Button Mapper, a software that allows us to perform a remapping of the remote control, changing the function of its buttons. One of the main goals of Button Mapper is to associate those buttons with applications, but it also works with actions like muting the volume, opening the power dialog, and of course, capturing the screen.
Under certain apps, it's impossible
Remember: Some apps are loaded with DRM, and no matter how many tricks we use, activating a screen capture tool on TV will be impossible. The two most media-famous examples are Netflix and Disney+. That final frame of Luke Skywalker carrying Baby Yoda may be adorable, however, if you try to capture it, the application won't let you. Of course, there are external resources to get around DRM, but that's another story...
