Do you have an old TV in the house? This article will show you how to turn any TV into a Smart TV that will allow you to view your favorite content from the internet. All you need is a spare TV and computer.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: HDMI or VGA
Step 1. Decide if you want to connect with an HDMI cable or a VGA cable with audio cables
Most modern televisions have HDMI ports - it's the easiest way to connect. But if your TV doesn't have an HDMI port, look for the VGA port and the audio port. Without an HDMI port, you will need both a VGA port and an audio port to turn your TV into a Smart TV.
Part 2 of 3: Connect the TV to an Old Computer
Step 1. Get a desktop or laptop that no one is using
You can also use a smartphone or tablet. The goal is to have a system to use to connect to the internet.
- Remember that your old TV doesn't have an operating system or a browser. Cannot connect to the internet. It is the computer that will allow you to perform this function.
- If you don't have a spare device and don't want to spend a lot to buy a new computer, you can always buy yourself a cheap tablet with HDMI output.
Step 2. Connect your computer to the TV
If your computer or smartphone has an HDMI output, connect the device to the TV with a regular HDMI cable. Smaller devices may need a mini HDMI adapter.
If you don't have an HDMI output, you will need a VGA monitor cable and an audio cable to connect to the TV. The VGA cable does not provide audio, so you will need a dedicated cable. The HDMI cable provides both image and audio, so you only need one cable
Step 3. Connect your device to the internet and start surfing
Use full screen mode for best results. Your old TV has just become a Smart TV!
Part 3 of 3: Add Other Gadgets
Step 1. Check if your TV has a USB port
In this case, you can buy devices like Chrome Cast, Apple TV, and many others.
Step 2. Buy a Chrome Cast or Apple TV
It will allow you to stream movies and browse the internet. This way you will improve your old TV a lot. All you have to do is connect the device to the TV via the USB port or an HDMI cable, then you can do everything you can do with a Smart TV.
Advice
- When buying an HDMI cable, make sure you buy the latest version (ver1.4), which allows for faster data transfer and also supports Ethernet. Also, make sure you buy a cable that is 100% pure copper. Cables made from other materials are cheaper, but they don't work as well.
- In case of fast connection, you will be able to see videos in HD quality, in full screen.
- There are devices on the market such as Android, Roku and Apple TV boxes that are specifically designed to turn your TV into a Smart TV. They are available at a good price and come with a remote control.
