Can You Make an Old TV Smart? A Comprehensive Guide
With the rise of smart TVs, its easy to feel like your old television is outdated. But did you know that you can make your old TV smart with just a few extra gadgets? In this article, well provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to make an old TV smart.
Firstly, lets define what a "smart TV" is. A smart TV is a television set that can connect to the internet, allowing you to access streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Smart TVs come with built-in Wi-Fi and an operating system (such as Android TV or Roku TV), which enables them to function like a computer.
Now, back to the question at hand. If you own an old TV (that is not already a smart TV), fret not! You can upgrade it with a few external devices and accessories.
1. Streaming Devices
The easiest way to make an old TV smart is by getting a streaming device. These devices are small and easy to set up, and they enable you to turn your TV into a smart TV with just a few simple steps. Popular streaming devices include:
- Amazon Fire TV Stick: plugs into your TVs HDMI port and gives you access to Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more.
- Google Chromecast: lets you stream apps and content from your phone/tablet/PC to your TV via Wi-Fi.
- Roku Streaming Stick: turns your TV into a smart TV by letting you access more than 500,000 movies and TV episodes across 5,000+ paid and free channels.
2. Smart DVD/Blu-Ray Players
If you still use a DVD or Blu-Ray player, upgrading to a smart device can be a good option. Many DVD and Blu-Ray players nowadays come with streaming capabilities. Some of the smart DVD/Blu-Ray players available in the market include:
- Sony BDP-S6700: offers 4K upscaling and supports popular streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
- LG BP175: provides access to streaming services through its built-in Wi-Fi and supports both DVDs and Blu-Rays.
- Panasonic DVD-S700EP-K: allows streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Instant Video, and provides easy access with its built-in Wi-Fi and a web browser.
3. Smart TV Boxes
Another option is to get yourself a smart TV box. These devices essentially convert your old TV into a smart TV, and they come with an operating system (such as Android TV or Kodi) that enables you to stream content via apps. Examples of popular smart TV boxes include:
- NVIDIA Shield TV: offers 4K HDR streaming, Google Assistant voice commands, and access to thousands of apps from the Google Play Store and more.
- Apple TV 4K: provides access to popular streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, and allows you to control its interface using Siri.
- Xiaomi Mi Box S: supports 4K HDR streaming, Google Assistant voice commands, and comes with Chromecast built-in.
In conclusion, making an old TV smart is possible and quite easy. There are numerous options available in the market these days, from streaming devices to smart DVD/Blu-Ray players and smart TV boxes. Simply choose the device that suits your budget, preferences, and needs, and enjoy a world of streaming content right from your old TV. |