Have you noticed your trusty television feeling dated compared to the crystal-clear 4K pictures and voice-controlled gadgets at your friend’s smart home? Or maybe you feel frustrated flipping through channel guides trying to find something good to watch on cable TV.
Upgrading to a smart TV can solve these issues and bring your viewing experience into the 21st century!
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
- What makes smart TVs so useful and fun to use
- An overview of the top devices for making the switch
- Step-by-step instructions for quick, painless installation
- Answers to common questions about smart functionality
Let’s explore why adding streaming and smart capabilities can give old televisions new life!
Why You Should Convert to a Smart TV
Televisions with integrated smart platforms or standalone streaming devices offer some awesome benefits compared to old-fashioned sets. Let’s look at a few of the top reasons for making the upgrade:
Access Thousands of Streaming Apps and Services
Tired of paying for expensive cable packages just to watch the few shows you actually care about? Smart TVs provide easy access to all your favorite streaming platforms without needing a costly service bundle.
You can directly install apps from services like:
- Netflix: 175 million global subscribers proves you aren’t alone in cutting the cord. Enjoy Netflix‘s constantly refreshed library of award-winning original content.
- Disney+: Over 137 million fans stream everything Star Wars plus Marvel, Pixar and other Disney classics ad-free for just $7.99 a month.
- HBO Max: Prestige shows and movies from HBO, DC, Adult Swim and more for $14.99 a month. No cable subscription required.
- Prime Video: Amazon Prime members unlock free access to hit Paramount+ shows plus exclusive Amazon content.
And dozens more popular options exist like Hulu, Peacock, Discovery+, Paramount+, ESPN+, and niche picks for every interest. Smart TVs aggregate all these apps in easy-to-browse menus.
In 2020 alone, over 25% of US viewers canceled their cable plans in favor of à la carte streaming. And that number rises every year as services expand lineups while cable bills balloon. Smart TVs let you quit cable for good without losing access to movies, shows and more!
Enjoy Endless Entertainment Options
In addition to streaming platforms, smart TVs also provide apps for music, gaming, communications and much more. For example, YouTube alone boasts over 2 billion monthly active users watching billions of hours of content.
You can access popular apps like:
- YouTube: Stream music videos, viral clips, tutorials and much more in up to 4K resolution. Accounts stay synced from your phone for quick access to subscriptions.
- Plex: Manage your entire digital media library including personal video, audio, and photo files in gorgeous layouts optimized for big screens.
- Funimation/Crunchyroll: Anime fans gain access to endless episodes of classic and current shows, plus exclusive movies.
- Apple Music: Over 90 million songs integrated with the Apple TV app. Enjoy playlists and stations tailored to your tastes.
- NFL: Stream live games with no cable subscription required. Available as standalone app or via broader services like YouTube TV.
- Zwift: Turn exercise into a videogame by pairing smart trainers with virtual worlds. Compete against others in global races.
Of course you also get basic multimedia apps like web browsers, weather forecasts, calendars and more. Smart TV flexibility provides something exciting for everyone in the household!
Smart TV devices with advanced remotes offer convenience features like voice search, one-touch Netflix buttons and built-in mic support.
Control Other Smart Devices From Your TV Screen
Smart TVs do more than just stream great content – they also allow convenient control over your broader smart home network.
Rather than fumbling through various appliance remotes, you can manage connected lights, AC units, security systems and more directly through your television. Smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit enable seamless device integration usable via voice commands or on-screen menus.
You can conveniently:
- Monitor indoor and outdoor security cameras
- Adjust smart thermostat temperatures
- Turn lights on and off in specific rooms
- Check modes and schedules for robotic vacuums
- And much more!
With everything connected on one screen, you truly unlock a centralized smart home command center.
Top Devices For Adding Smart Apps and Streaming
Now that you know the benefits, here is a comparison overview of top options for upgrading older televisions:
| Device | Price | Resolution | HDR | Sound | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K | $49 | 4K, HDR10 | Yes | No | Simple interface, affordability and flexibility |
| Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K | $50 | 4K, HDR10+ | Yes | Dolby Atmos | Prime Video subscribers, Alexa users |
| Apple TV 4K | $179 | 4K, Dolby Vision/Atmos | Yes | Yes | Apple ecosystem integration, premium quality |
| Chromecast with Google TV | $50 | 4K, HDR10/HDR10+ | Yes | No | YouTubers, Google ecosystem users, affordability |
| Sony PS5 Disc Version | $499 | 4K/8K, HDR10 | Yes | 3D Audio | Gamers who also want Dolby media playback |
| LG UBK90 4K Blu-Ray Player | $196 | 4K, Dolby Vision/Atmos | Yes | Yes | Physical disc collectors who still want smart streaming |
Let‘s explore the standout features of each top option in more detail:
Roku
Roku makes some of the most popular and affordable smart streaming devices on the market. Models like the Roku Streaming Stick 4K offer low prices around $50 while still supporting 4K HDR playback.
The easy-to-use Roku interface provides quick access to virtually every major streaming service. You can download apps like Netflix or Spotify from the Roku Channel Store alongside cable-alternative apps like Sling TV and YouTube TV. This makes cutting expensive cable bills in favor of à la carte options simple.
The included Roku remote keeps things streamlined with preset streaming service buttons and voice search activated simply by pressing a mic button. If you want to keep things simple while unlocking smart functionality, Roku leads the market.
Amazon Fire TV
Amazon‘s Fire TV Stick 4K builds on the user-friendly Fire TV platform by cramming it into an affordable $50 streaming stick. Setup takes mere minutes – just plug it into any TV‘s HDMI port and connect to wi-fi.
The Alexa Voice Remote bundled with Fire Stick devices adds excellent hands-free control. You can search across services, play shows and adjust smart home gadgets completely via voice. This simplifies navigating compared to slower typing with an on-screen keyboard or D-pad.
Of course Prime members will enjoy the most seamlessly integrated experience thanks to Amazon‘s ownership. But all the top non-Amazon services also offer Fire TV support too.
Apple TV
The newest generation Apple TV 4K sits at the premium end of streaming devices starting around $179. But the powerful A15 Bionic processing chip inside combined with advanced visual/audio support via Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and HDR10+ helps justify the cost.
Apple Arcade and Apple Fitness+ subscription services both shine on the big screen for gaming and workout classes. Tight integration with iPhones/iPads for screen mirroring and AirPlaying media also appeals to existing Apple device owners.
Enhanced privacy controls, multi-user profiles, and HomeKit smart home support further elevate the polished Apple TV 4K as a top-tier (yet expensive) choice.
Google Chromecast
Google took the wildly popular Chromecast streaming formula (focused on phone casting) and merged it with full-fledged smart TV software. The result is the aptly named Chromecast with Google TV – an affordable 4K HDR streaming stick powered by excellent Google algorithms.
For just $50, the Chromecast adds voice search, remote control and on-screen interfaces previously missing from past Chromecast versions. If you already utilize YouTube TV for cable-cutting or subscribe to services through Google Play Movies & TV, the tight ecosystem integration proves extremely convenient.
Factor in Google Assistant integration for smart home control, personalized recommendations via Google TV and an extremely travel-friendly size, this stands firmly among leading options.
Gaming Consoles
Modern video game consoles like the PlayStation 5 provide outstanding 2-in-1 entertainment hubs. Their high-powered CPUs/GPUs capably stream 4K resolution games and media in stunning HDR quality with silky smooth framerates.
Support for immersive surround sound audio via Dolby Atmos or proprietary 3D audio tech also helps gaming consoles standout against cable boxes. Setting up popular streaming apps happens seamlessly as part of getting any new console online.
While not every streaming app supports the highest 4K quality possible, the convenience of consolidated gaming and video entertainment makes consoles excellent smart TV converters.
Blu-Ray Disc Players
In addition to dedicated streaming devices, certain Blu-Ray disc players also offer integrated smart TV capabilities. Many models allow you to install and directly login to apps from Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and more.
This transforms disc players into excellent 2-in-1 entertainment hubs. When you want to pop in a crisp 4K physical disc, you enjoy bit-for-bit quality surpassing compressed streaming. But when you feel like binging a show, built-in apps enable that without needing to switch devices.
Of course you won‘t get the smoothest streaming experience found on more robust media players. And disc load times vary between budget brands and premium players. But if you want one solution for physical media and smart streaming, multipurpose Blu-ray players check both boxes.
Making the Smart TV Transformation Step-By-Step
We‘ve covered why smart tvs are so great and the gadgets that power them. Now let‘s walk through exactly how to connect these devices to your existing television with a quick, painless setup process.
The overall installation works the same regardless if you choose a Roku, Fire Stick or other streaming media player. Follow the 6 key steps below:
Step 1: Verify Your TV Has an HDMI Port
Nearly every HDTV features at least one HDMI port – but double check the input area just in case. HDMI handles both audio AND video signals on one convenient cable. This beats older connections that required separate cables.
If your TV is over 10 years old, it may still rely on analog ports. But thankfully HDMI cables and adapters are inexpensive if your set needs a slight upgrade.
Step 2: Obtain HDMI and Power Cables
Most streaming devices include their own cables. But having spares on hand allows easier swapping if needed. Make sure cables are long enough to comfortably reach from ports to power outlets.
For neater setups, ties/wraps help wrangle wiring out of sight. Consider getting a small 5-port USB hub for powering multiple devices from one outlet if needed.
Step 3: Plug Power Cable Into Device and Outlet
Connect the streaming device power cable to match the following:
Wall Outlet/Power Strip ➡️ Power Cable ➡️ Device
At this stage DO NOT power the device on yet. We just want to get it connected to an active power source so it will initialize as expected in the next steps.
Step 4: Connect HDMI Cable Between Device and TV
Now grab your HDMI cable and insert it into the HDMI Out port located on your Roku/Fire TV/Apple TV/etc. Most streaming devices include a single HDMI out specifically made for hooking up to your television.
Next, connect the other open end of the HDMI cable into any HDMI In port on your TV itself. Match like this:
Device HDMI Out ➡️ HDMI Cable ➡️ TV HDMI In
Make sure both ends are securely inserted for reliable signal transfer. At this point your streaming player should be powered up and connected to the TV pending one last step.
Step 5: Power On TV and Switch Input Source
Turn on your television using the normal remote, THEN grab the smart streaming device remote to power it on. You should see a splash screen like "Roku is starting…" or "Fire TV is loading…"
If the device menu doesn‘t appear, use your TV remote to change the HDMI input source to match the physical port you plugged into during Step 4. Just keep cycling inputs until the correct one connects.
Tip: Most TVs list which HDMI corresponds to each input like "HDMI 2" or "HDMI 4". Match that to the port you used for fastest results.
Step 6: Complete On-Screen Setup
With the streaming device now properly connected and powered on, follow the on-screen setup prompts to finish configuration. This usually involves steps like:
- Connecting to your WiFi network
- Signing into streaming/smart home accounts
- Linking device to phones
- Enabling voice assistants
- Installing desired apps
- And more personalized preferences
Once finished, start enjoying your newly upgraded smart TV!
And there you have it – just six quick steps to convert traditional televisions into modern streaming entertainment powerhouses. Keep all the essential smart functionalities in mind as you customize an upgraded viewing experience.
Your cable box can collect dust forever now that age-old regular TVs gain new life from streaming device augmentation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about smart TV capabilities:
Do I need internet service for smart functionality?
Yes. Since smart devices rely on streaming and apps, an internet connection is required. You CAN still use the TV for antenna signals, DVDs, and inputs like gaming consoles without Wi-Fi. But smart features will be disabled.
Can I use a smart TV as a regular monitor?
Absolutely. Smart TVs work great as external monitors for office setups, security desk displays showing camera feeds, digital signage and much more. You can disable internal smart software if desired and utilize purely as a screen.
Do smart TVs support cable subscriptions?
Certain smart platforms allow installation of Comcast/Spectrum apps for cable subscribers, or over-the-top cable alternatives like YouTube TV. Support varies slightly across devices. But in certain cases cable packages ARE accessible without needing a standalone box.
Can I control smart home devices from my TV?
Yes! Top streaming gadgets like Fire TV, Apple TV and Shield TV allow managing other smart home gear from your television. You can enable features for checking doorbell cameras, adjusting thermostats and more based on wider IoT ecosystem.
Voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant takes this hands-free convenience even further!
I hope this guide serves you well on your smart TV journey! Let me know if any other questions pop up during your transition from traditional television to cutting-edge streaming entertainment. Enjoy!
