Smart TVs are becoming more common these days. They offer a host of features such as voice control, apps, and even games. But how do you tell if yours is truly smart or a dumb TV?
This article will cover how to know if you have a smart TV or not, along with other helpful smart TV information and its benefits.
What is a Smart TV?
A smart TV is basically a television with built-in Internet capabilities. These devices connect to the web via Wi-Fi networks and allow you to access streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu.
Some also include apps that let you use your phone’s camera to stream live video from your smartphone or tablet.
Learn all in this article: Smart TV All Your Questions Answered.
How Do I Know If I Have a Smart TV?
If you recently purchased your TV in the last 5-6 years, you most likely have a Smart TV.
If your TV has Wi-Fi capabilities and/or an Ethernet cable port in the back of it, you have a smart TV. Those options give your TV the ability to connect to the Internet and use the various streaming apps.
If your TV has apps pre-installed and/or has the ability for you to download and install apps, then you have a Smart TV.
As you can see, the key difference between a smart TV and non-smart TV is the ability to connect to Internet. Other than that, they’re pretty much the same.
When Did Smart TVs Come Out?
The HP MediaSmart released in 2007 is often considered the first smart TV. In 2008, Samsung’s Pavv Bordeaux TV 750 was released and was more popular.
Most of TV manufacturers started making only smart TVs by 2015-2016, helping to bring down prices overall. There are many budget models available now.
How To Turn Your Old TV Into A Smart TV
You may be wondering how to turn your old TV into a smart TV. It’s actually very simple. You just need to connect to a device that will give the old TV internet capabilities.
Here are the most common options:
- HDMI cable and a laptop, desktop, tablet, and smart phone
- Streaming devices and set-top boxes
- Gaming consoles
- Blu-ray players
It’s important to note that some of these items require additional setup on your part and cables/adapters.
Learn more in this in-depth article on How to Connect Non-Smart TV to the Internet.
Does My TV Have Wi-FI?
If your TV has Wi-Fi capabilities, your Settings menu will have options for Network Connections or Wi-Fi settings.
You can access Settings by pressing the Menu or Home button on your remote or on the TV itself with the physical button.
One other way to find out the technical specifications of your TV is to go to the manufacturer’s website and see if your TV model has Wi-Fi built in.
Another option is to use Google to search if your TV has Wi-Fi. Find your model on the TV itself and then put it in Google to see if it has Wi-Fi capabilities.
Which Companies Make Smart TVs?
There are several companies that make smart TVs including Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Vizio, Hisense, Sharp, TCL, and others. These are the top brands in the market today.
Why Should You Have a Smart TV?
Smart TVs offer a lot of benefits over traditional TVs. They provide better picture quality, faster speeds, and easier connectivity. They also come with lots of great features such as voice control, apps, games, and more.
Having a smart TV means having access to tons of content online. You no longer have to rely on traditional channels such as NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, and various Cable TV channels.
Smart TV vs Regular TV
A regular TV is not a smart TV unless it has the ability to connect to Wi-Fi. This includes all TV sets from any brand.
While there are some differences between a smart TV and a regular TV, they both serve the same purpose of watching your favorite shows.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Smart TV?
Many people love smart TVs because it allows them to watch their favorite shows anywhere at anytime. With a smart TV, you can stream live sports, news, movies, and music directly from the web.
You can download apps from the App Store or Google Play Store to do even more like browse the web on your smart TV and play games.
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