I hope you agree with me when I say:
In today’s time, a house looks incomplete without a Smart TV!
We have seen an evolution in technology be it smartphones or TV. All that a phone did in the past was to enable us to call or text. Similarly, the only access television gave us was to juggle between specific channels and make do with it.
However, now there is hardly anyone who does not own a smart TV. It has so much to offer, hence, has become a basic necessity. This article is a complete guide in case you are confused about whether my TV is a smart TV. For starters, let me run you through the basics to help you figure out whether your TV is a smart TV.
Moreover, if you want more smart home integrations in your house, check out the best robotic vacuums for dog hair and the best smart door locks with cameras
What is a Smart TV?
A smart TV comes with multiple features and programs, mainly for entertainment purposes. All the programs are run with internet connectivity. So, it is like a computer but large-sized!
You can surely host a great movie night for friends and family or perhaps a gaming competition with your pals! No wonder people have started to prefer “Netflix and Chill” overnight outs and cinemas.
You can customize your smart TV any way you want- pair anything with it or download any application as per your liking. However, the most common apps being used are Netflix, Youtube, Amazon Prime, etc.
How do I know if my TV is a Smart TV?
The most basic and easy way to figure out whether your TV is a smart TV is by going through the menu section of it. So take your remote, click on the menu and see if it has an App section. Also, it will also have an option for wifi connection for sure. You can also figure this out by googling your TV with its model number.
How to convert a TV into a smart TV?
There is nothing to worry about if you do not have a smart TV. We are here to help you find a solution.
An external streaming media player is what’s gonna convert your old Tv into a Smart Tv. In layman’s terms, a smart TV converter box. First and foremost, check if your Tv has a port to insert the HDMI cable. Most of the TVs have it, in case yours does not then grab an HDMI-to-RCA adapter which can easily be found on amazon.
You then have to decide which streaming media player should be used as a Smart Tv Converter.he n This will allow you to have access to Netflix, Youtube, etc by connecting you through the internet. Down below we will list some of the most suitable options for you.
1- Laptop/Computer
Most of us do have a laptop or a PC and that is what we use to watch Netflix and Youtube. However, that becomes a hassle if there are more than 2 people who want to watch it with you. But but but, we have a solution!
Pair your laptop with Tv using the HDMI cable or HDMI-to-RCA adapter. That’s all! Whatever you do on your laptop will now be shown on your TV screen. So, sit back and enjoy a movie!
2- Amazon Fire TV Stick
The Amazon Fire Tv Stick is basically a streaming video player. It is a tad bit larger than a flash drive but serves the same purpose. You just insert it in the HDMI of your TV and ta-da your TV would turn into a Smart TV.
This includes tons of streaming channels for you- you name it! Not just common niche platforms like Netflix and Youtube, but also channels related to sports, cooking, news, etc.
The best part about this is that it comes with a remote control that features a built-in Alexa feature. It is voice-enabled so you could give commands to play, pause or forward whatever you are watching. It is also available in a 4K resolution streaming option. Check it out here.
3- Amazon Fire TV Cube
This is a similar option to the one we mentioned above with a few changes. This cube, as the name suggests, is in a cubical shape and is larger in size. It is a single unit item that can be paired with the Television easily using an HDMI cable. You get access to thousands of channels related to various genres.
It gives you the ability to control every device attached to the TV including the sound system, cable box, etc. You can control all of it from anywhere in the house by giving voice commands to your Fire TV Cube. You can upgrade this to the 4K resolution as well! However, you may require strong wifi to support its 4K feature. Find more about pricing here.
4- Apple TV 4K
Another device that acts as a streaming media player and lets your stream your favorite content is the Apple TV 4K. It is a little distinctive from other streaming media player options as mentioned above. It lets you stream the media found within IOS devices such as music from iTunes.
The rest of the features are similar. It also has built-in Siri to help you give commands. However, it goes without saying that it is an expensive device. So we recommend this to you only if you have invested in other Apple devices already such as iPad, Mac book, and iPhone. To check the price details, click here.
5- Roku Premier
This is another media streaming player similar to the Amazon Fire Stick. However, it does come with slight flaws. It is lightweight and comes with 2 cords; one to be inserted into the HDMI port and the other one as a power cord.
The problem is that it cant lay flat because of the HDMI cable, so it would dangle itself to the cord. You could tape it down but that might also not be suitable. This one comes with a really good interface though. It has many Apps available and also sorts them out to correct categories, unlike the Amazon Fire Stick.
It does come with a remote as well, which is not as convenient. It would require Roku to be in a line of straight sight for it to be able to operate. So, in case you were to keep the Roku device, not around the TV, it would be a problem. You can get rid of this problem by buying Roku Premier. To check the current pricing, click here.
Is getting a Smart TV a wise decision?
If you are planning to buy a new TV, it most probably will be a smart TV because it is the standard now. Even if the one you already own is not a Smart TV, the above-mentioned options will be really helpful.
However, there are various things that you need to keep in mind before getting a Smart TV. First of all, do you like spending a lot of time watching TV? Do you watch channels on the basic cable or are you more inclined towards watching content on platforms like Netflix? Do you use other gadgets for entertainment purposes?
If you’re a person who loves to spend their time watching TV or a series, a Smart Tv is the best way to go! Check out the Best 55 inch TVs for the money or the Best 4k TVs on a budget for your needs!
Conclusion
Instead of wasting your money on buying an expensive new TV, we hope our guide will help you. Smart TVs may be the standard now, but that does not mean your old buddy can’t live up to the mark!

Hey! I’ve been a Home Improvement Expert for the past 40 years. Having smartened hundreds of homes through my TV shows “This Old House” and “Bob Vila”, I have gathered an expertise in the art of smart home gadgets, appliances, and everything else. Now, I want to share with the world what I have learnt!
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