Tired of your old, basic TV? Wish you had access to today‘s popular streaming platforms so you could cut the cord with cable? Well, I‘ve got good news for you. Transforming that outdated television into a smart TV is easier than you might think.
In this comprehensive 2500+ word guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know to make your TV smarter, faster and better connected than ever before.
Why Should You Turn Your Regular TV into a Smart TV?
Upgrading to a smart TV comes with some major perks. Here are three excellent reasons to make the switch:
1. Access Thousands of Streaming Apps and Services
A smart TV opens up a whole new world of on-demand entertainment. You‘ll be able to access popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max and many more. This gives you an alternative to expensive cable packages.
According to Consumer Reports, the average cable TV package runs $217.42 per month in the US as of 2022. With smart TVs providing easy access to lower cost streaming alternatives, you stand to save big by cutting the cord.
2. Enjoy All Your Favorite Movies And Shows
In addition to apps, smart TVs also connect you to channel streaming services like YouTube TV and Sling. This grants you access to live TV in a more modern, customizable package. According to Nielsen, viewers watched 142.5 billion minutes of YouTube TV content in 2022 – a 28.4% growth over last year. The demand for these lower-cost live TV replacements keeps rising.
3. Control Your Entire Smart Home
Most smart TV operating systems integrate with Alexa, Google Assistant and various smart home brands. This allows you to check security cameras, adjust the thermostat, control lights and more straight from your couch. According to CEPro, the smart home market is expected to grow steadily by 15-20% per year, meaning device integration remains a key feature.
The 6 Best Devices for Making Your TV Smarter
From streaming sticks to set-top boxes, gaming consoles and more, many options exist for adding smart capabilities to your television. Here are six top contenders:
1. Roku Streaming Stick
- Starts at $40
- Easy-to-use interface
- 4K/HDR streaming support
- Universal search across most apps
- Roku Channel free ad-supported content
2. Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Starts at $40
- Alexa integration
- Huge Prime Video content library
- Expandable storage available
- Frustrating ads on home screen
3. Apple TV
- Starts at $130
- Sleek, powerful Apple interface
- Massive app selection
- Original Apple TV+ programming
- Seamless iOS device integration
- Lack of ad-supported channels
4. Google Chromecast
- Only $20!
- Turns phone/tablet into remote
- Casts YouTube natively
- Integrates with Google services
- Limited interface features
5. Nvidia Shield
- Starts at $180
- Targeted towards enthusiasts
- High-end 4K/HDR streaming
- Built-in gaming capabilities
- Lots of redundant bells & whistles
6. TiVo Stream 4K
- $40 device
- Intuitive new TiVo interface
- Innovative content recommendations
- Limited app selection
- Lacks gaming/smart home features
No two streaming devices work exactly the same, so think about which features matter most before deciding. Let‘s compare them in more detail.
Streaming Device Comparison Chart
| Device | Price | Resolution | HDR | Interface | Remote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roku Express | $24 | 1080p | No | Simple | IR Remote |
| Fire TV Stick | $40 | 4K | Yes | Clunky | Alexa Voice |
| Apple TV | $130 | 4K | Yes | Slick | Siri Touchpad |
| Chromecast | $20 | 4K | Yes | App Only | Phone/Tablet |
| Nvidia Shield | $180 | 4K | Yes | Custom | Alexa Voice |
| TiVo Stream | $40 | 4K | Yes | Guide-based | Old-school Buttons |
Are Smart TVs Better Than Streaming Devices?
Modern smart TVs come with built-in operating systems that connect directly to streaming and smart home services. Often from brands like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and more. This can make you wonder – why buy an external streaming device when many new TV sets have those capabilities?
Here are a few pros and cons to consider regarding smart TVs vs dedicated media players:
Pros of Smart TVs:
- All built into the television already
- Generally simple interface
- Often lower price tag
- Auto-updates with new apps/channels
Pros of Streaming Devices:
- Wider app and channel selection
- More processing power
- Eliminates need for smart TV purchase
- Regular updates guarantee speed/feature improvements
According to Consumer Reports testing, some smart TV platforms feel sluggish compared to dedicated streaming boxes. So if quick responsiveness matters to you, an external Roku or Apple TV may provide snappier performance. Evaluate your options to decide what works best.
Step-By-Step: Connecting Your New Streaming Player
Ready to get started? Let‘s walk through the simple process of setting up an Amazon Fire TV Stick:
1. Plug In
Insert the Fire TV Stick directly into your TV‘s HDMI port. For older TVs without USB ports for power, you may need to connect the device to wall power using the included cable.
2. Connect
Your Fire TV Stick will automatically connect to the internet via Wi-Fi. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi password handy!
3. Complete Setup
Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setup. Sign into your Amazon account to activate Alexa and personalize streaming suggestions based on your viewing history.
4. Start Streaming!
Once setup is complete, jump right into the Fire TV interface. Browse channels and streaming services to start watching your favorite movies and TV shows.
That‘s all there is to it! Most streaming devices follow a similar process. Within minutes, you can unlock smart capabilities ranging from voice search to customized recommendations.
But devices like the Fire Stick have greater capabilities beyond just entertainment streaming. Keep reading to understand everything your new media player can do.
Use Your New Streaming Device Beyond Entertainment
While access to streaming movies and shows stands as the main appeal of these devices, they actually come packed with additional functionality:
Web Browsing
Models like the Roku Ultra, Fire TV Cube and latest Apple TV boxes allow for web browsing right from your television screen. Pull up Facebook, Wikipedia, Reddit or any other internet destination for easy big screen access.
Music Streaming
If you subscribe to services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music or Tidal, enjoy ad-free tunes through your television‘s speakers or sound system. Bluetooth support on higher end devices even allows direct wireless playback from your phone.
View Photos
Utilizing apps like Google Photos, devices like the Nvidia Shield allow you to show off personal pictures and home movies on the big screen. This opens up new opportunities to share memories with visiting friends and family.
Play Games
Gaming stand as another key feature of streaming boxes and sticks. The latest versions of Apple TV and Fire TV offer a wide range of casual games to play with the included remote or a compatible wireless controller.
Smart Home Management
As mentioned earlier, leading smart assistants like Amazon Alexa allow streaming devices double as smart home hubs. Check in on connected cameras, sync IoT appliances and more without switching inputs or using your phone.
So in short, today‘s affordable media playersdeliver entertainment and practical smart functionality making them useful beyond just streaming shows.
Integrating Your Streaming Player with Whole Home Audio/Video
Once you‘ve begun streaming shows and movies through your new Fire Stick, Apple TV or other device, you may want take the experience to the next level. Integrating your streaming setup with whole home A/V opens up additional ways to customize and enhance.
Soundbars & Speakers
Connecting a soundbar via HDMI-ARC or optical cable takes audio quality way beyond basic television speakers. For a truly immersive surround sound experience, consider a full home theater speaker system.
Multi-Room Audio
Devices like Sonos smart speakers now integrate directly with leading streaming platforms. This means you can start a show in the living room then keep watching/listening on your patio, in the kitchen or bedroom.
Universal Remotes
Replace the multiple stock remotes from your TV, disc player and streaming device with a single universal smart remote like Logitech Harmony Elite. This simplifies control of your complete home theater.
Whole Home DVR
TiVo makes DVR receivers that connect directly to services like YouTube TV and Sling to enable recording streaming channels anywhere in your home.
Distributed Video via Matrix Switch
High-end Crestron & Control4 smart home systems can distribute video from your streaming device to any TV in the house. So no need to purchase and connect multiple media players.
These are just a few of the ways to integrate streaming functionality into a broader smart home A/V experience. As you choose devices, maintain the future-facing flexibility to incorporate new standards and innovations still to emerge.
Troubleshooting Connectivity & Performance Issues
Like any new gadgetry in your home, you may encounter the occasional tech hiccup when setting up your streaming player.
If things don‘t work as expected, try the following basic troubleshooting tips before panicking or returning your new Roku/Fire TV/etc:
Won‘t Connect to Wifi?
Double check password entered during setup. Try disconnecting then reconnecting. Move device closer to router if signal strength insufficient.
Can‘t Find/Load App?
For missing apps, check that your device matches minimum OS/hardware requirements. Also confirm TV input set correctly. Slow loading may indicate insufficient processing capability or network bandwidth.
Buffering/Video Stalling?
Buffering issues typically stem from weak wifi signals or insufficient internet speeds for streaming source quality. Power cycle modem/router and test wired speeds to isolate root cause.
No Sound?
If streaming video works but there‘s no audio, check TV speakers/sound system are powered on and connected correctly. Adjust volume settings on streaming app/device as needed.
Remote Not Working?
Point remotes directly at streaming device. Replace batteries if unresponsive. Re-sync or re-pair remote if inconsistent functionality.
System Freezing/Crashing
For any general sluggishness or repeated crashes to home screen, try restarting streaming device and home network equipment. If issues persist, you may need to factory reset device or exchange under warranty.
Hopefully walking through connectivity basics eliminates teething issues. But for ongoing problems reach out directly to customer support teams at the respective manufacturer.
Alternative Ways to Add Smart Features to TVs
I‘ve mainly focused on dedicated streaming boxes, sticks and HDMI dongles. However, a few other creative methods exist to add a layer of smart functionality to standard televisions.
Game Consoles
As mentioned earlier, today‘s top PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles provide access to leading entertainment apps and streaming services. So you can play your game library and gain smart hub features.
Blu-Ray Players
Many Blu-ray disc players manufactured in recent years integrate streaming capabilities for popular services. So one player delivers high-def media playback as well as instant access to Netflix and Prime Video.
HDMI Switch/Splitter
An HDMI switch like the Kinivo 5-Port lets you toggle between various HDMI source devices connected to one display. An alternative approach is an HDMI splitter to display two inputs simultaneously via picture-in-picture.
Wireless Screen Mirroring
Devices like Google Chromecast allow for direct streaming from your phone, tablet or computer over WiFi. This grants access to mobile apps. Or a WiDi/Miracast adapter mirrors anything on a laptop screen up onto the TV.
These alternatives provide the means to merge smart features into existing components. But dedicated streaming devices still reign supreme in terms of performance, versatility and ease of use.
That wraps up this comprehensive deep dive on exactly how to turn your regular lame TV into a dripping-with-awesome smart TV for the modern streaming era! Let‘s recap the key takeaways:
Summary & Next Steps
- Smart TV features like streaming access and device control provide major benefits over basic sets
- Leading options for upgrade include Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast and gaming consoles
- Players connect to TV via HDMI just like DVD/Blu-Ray players – simple setup
- Enjoy thousands of streaming apps & channels plus smart home integration
- Extend capabilities by connecting additional audio equipment & universal remotes
- Troubleshoot wifi, software and remote issues if needed
- Game systems, disc players & HDMI tools provide alternate paths to smart functions
Hopefully the detailed information, expert research and easy-to-follow recommendations provide everything you need to decide which device suits your smart TV streaming needs.
I‘m confident that adding one of these affordable media players will take your home entertainment experience to incredible new heights! Never hesitate to reach out with any other questions about your television transformation journey.
