This article will answer the question is my TV a smart TV? Do you own a TV set and wonder if it is smart?
Well, you’re not alone as a lot of people aren’t able to tell if their TV is smart or not. So today, we have decided to put together a post to help you figure out if your TV is smart or not. Let’s jump right in, shall we?
Smart TVs have continued to grow in popularity since they launched a few years ago.
While newer models come with impeccable features, old smart TVs still get the job done without making you feel like you are missing out on a whole lot. The reality is all TVs can receive broadcast via an antenna, so it’s possible for people to not know the smart functions of their TVs even after using them for many years.
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How to check if your current TV is a smart TV
As we said, it’s possible to be using your TV all these years and not know it is smart. That said, knowing whether your TV is smart or not isn’t rocket science.
While many TV remotes have a button for menu or home, a smart TV will reveal more exciting features when you press any of these options.
On the flip side, if your TV remote doesn’t have a home or menu button, it most likely isn’t a smart TV. But then, if you’re a sucker for smart TVs but don’t want to spend your savings or fortune buying a new one, we will show you some tips on how you can make your regular TV smart.
But before then, let’s continue to show you how to know whether your TV is smart or not.
What is the function of the home and menu button on a smart TV remote?
The home and menu buttons on a smart TV remote have unique functionalities you’ll learn about shortly. For those who still want to confirm whether their TV is smart or not, try pressing the menu or home button on your TV remote.
If your TV is smart, you should be able to see several ads for TV shows. Pressing a smart TV remote’s home or menu button will also reveal apps like YouTube and Netflix. Should any of the above happen, then you have a smart TV.
On the flip side, if all you find is an option to tweak the TV setting or some basic TV guide after pressing the home and menu button, then it is a tell-tale sign that you have an ordinary TV.
Double-check to see if your TV is connected to the internet
One of the easiest ways to know whether your TV is smart is to check whether it is connected to the internet. Most regular TVs don’t make provision for wireless connection, so if your TV has wifi technology and can connect to the internet, then it is a smart TV.
If you click the home or menu button and come across apps like Netflix and YouTube, simply click one of the apps and see if it loads.
If it doesn’t, navigate to TV settings and follow the steps to connect your TV to a wifi connection.
If you’re not tech-savvy, you might find the entire process of connecting your TV to the internet challenge.
If this should be the case, you can request a family member to help you out or go to YouTube for some tutorials on connecting your Smart TV to the internet.
How to download your favorite Apps to your Smart TV
Now that you know your TV is smart, it’s time to make the most out of it, especially since you have been missing out on its functionalities for so long.
After connecting your TV to the internet, you can simply navigate to your Smart TV app store to find some of your favorite apps.
Keep in mind that Smart TVs aren’t created the same, so there is a possibility that your TV app store wouldn’t be the same as that of your friend.
If you’re finding it hard to navigate your way around your smart TV’s app store, you can get help from a friend or family member.
Alternatively, you can do a simple Google search to find tips on how to navigate your TV’s app store.
How to make your ordinary TV smart
Suppose you have finally figured out that your TV isn’t smart. You can still enjoy smart TV features on your regular TV without spending a ton of money.
All you need to do is get a small device called a streamer. A streamer plugged into your TV will turn your ordinary TV into a smart one.
With a streamer, you can connect your TV to the internet and enjoy popular apps like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and more.
How much does a streamer cost?
With the myriads of options on the market, we can’t say exactly how much streamers cost, and that’s because different brands price their streamers differently. But to be honest, you can get a decent streamer for $20 or more.
Visit retail websites like Amazon, eBay, and others, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the options available on the market.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a regular TV and a smart one?
There are a lot of differences between a regular TV and a smart one. To start with, Smart TVs allow you to access popular streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and more, but with your regular TV, you can’t do that, except you buy a third-party resource (Streamer), which converts your normal TV to a smart TV.
How much does a smart TV cost?
There are different types of smart TVs on the market. While some are affordable, others are a bit pricey. So depending on what you want, you’ll definitely find a smart TV that meets your budget. So as you know, an average smart TV should cost you a few hundred dollars.
Can I make my TV smart?
It’s possible to convert your regular TV to a smart one. You only need a device called a streamer, which you can easily get on a retail website.
