Smart TVs are now the standard and nearly every TV set manufactured in the past few years is an HDTV with some level of smart capabilities.
So what does it mean for a TV to be “smart” and what does that mean for your entertainment? Smart TVs are the latest in a long line of developments that have allowed us to turn our television set into a portal for viewing content that is streamed or downloaded from the internet instead of requiring us to tether ourselves to a cable or satellite box.
The “smart” portion of the TV refers to its ability to connect to the internet and access content that previously would have required the use of a set-top box.
This content can come in many forms, including live television, streaming video services like Hulu or Netflix, or built-in web browsers to allow you to browse online media such as YouTube videos.
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How do I tell if my TV is a smart TV?
Many modern TVs are labeled “smart” on the box that comes with the TV set and may have a line indicating a device such as “USB” or “HDMI”.
If you don’t see this, then your TV probably does not come with the ability to connect to the internet via its built-in wireless or Ethernet connection.
A smart TV may also be advertised as one that has apps specific to television activities, but in reality, these apps will allow you to view content from sources other than what would be visible through an integrated web browser.
If your TV is not labeled as “HDTV” or has no network connectivity ports such as USB or Ethernet, then it is not a smart TV.
Lastly, when you press the Home or Menu button on your smart TV remote, look to see if a series of boxes representing various media outlets appear on the screen.
These are typically apps such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Vudu, but you may also see other apps such as Facebook or Twitter.
What is the difference between a smart TV and a regular TV?
A lot of this depends on how you want to use your television. If you want a TV that simply allows you to watch broadcast or cable content, then you do not need a smart TV but may still find features such as USB ports and full high-definition resolution desirable.
If you are looking for a new TV and want the ability to access streaming services or use an internet browser, it probably makes sense to consider getting one of the new smart TVs. In other words, a smart TV has the added functionality of having internet capability and access to online media services built in.
This can provide a lot more entertainment options than just watching cable or broadcast television, although you may still be required to pay a separate fee for the service such as Netflix or Hulu.
A smart TV can also allow you to view content from other sources such as YouTube or Facebook while you do not have an external device such as a tablet or laptop that is on the same wireless network.
A regular TV, on the other hand, requires you to have an external device that is networked with the TV set to access this additional functionality.
How can I make my TV a smart TV?
The first step to making your TV smart is purchasing one that has the functionality built in. If you already have a non-smart TV, there are other options.
A media streaming device like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV provides added functionality over a regular television, including access to video streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu or web browsing through their respective internet browsers.
The media player becomes the “smart” component of your TV set and allows you to add smart functions without having to purchase a new television. You will, however, need to plug a device such as a Roku box or Amazon Fire TV into your TV’s HDMI port to access this functionality.
Is every flat-screen TV a smart TV?
Not necessarily. It depends on the manufacturer and model of your TV that determines whether or not it is a smart TV, though there are generally several features that come standard with newer smart TVs.
Firstly, look for an external HDMI port. This is used to plug a media player or game console into your TV to give you access to the additional content it provides.
If you are missing this port on your TV, then you will need to purchase a media streaming device such as a Roku or Apple TV box, which also has its HDMI port on it. The other thing that is almost always found on smart TVs is an Ethernet connection port, which provides internet access if the TV does not have built-in wireless capability.
What is the best way to make a TV smart?
If you are looking to convert your TV to a smart TV, the easiest path is to purchase one that already has the functionality built-in.
If this is not an option and you want to use a media streaming device such as Roku, FireStick, or Apple TV to access content from various services, then the only extra thing that you will need is an HDMI cable. It would be better and so much easier if your non-smart TV has a USB port or HDMI port.
You also have to think about compatibility. Even though your TV has an HDMI port, there are no guarantees that the device that you purchase will work with it.
This means that you need to make sure you get a streaming device that is compatible with the model of your TV, including a Roku and Apple TV box.
In addition, you also need to check what type of content exists on the various apps that you will be using. So, you must research each one before purchasing the device.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to buy a new TV set, you should do your research before purchasing. Not all TVs are created equally and some models have more features than others. Even TVs with the same brand name can have different designs and so some brands may be better for you than others depending on your needs.
FAQs
Does a smart TV need Wifi?
A smart TV will always have Wifi capability and you can check the settings to see if it is connected to your network. If you intend to stream or use applications that require an internet connection, then you should make sure your TV is connected to your Wifi network.
How many HDMI ports does a smart TV have?
Most smart TVs will have at least one or two HDMI ports and some may even have three. These are used to plug in devices such as game consoles or media streaming devices, which will provide you with added features such as the ability to stream content from online sources.
