Do I have a smart TV? Everything you need to know about smart TVs explained

A smart TV connects to the internet and allows you to access streaming services, apps, and other smart features directly through the TV. But how can you tell if your TV is a smart TV? And if it‘s not, what are your options for adding smart capabilities? This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know.

What is a smart TV?

A smart TV is a television that is connected to the internet either wirelessly via WiFi or through an Ethernet cable. This connectivity allows you to access online services like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more directly through the TV using pre-installed apps. Smart TVs also let you browse the web, interact on social media, play games, and access other smart features.

How to tell if you have a smart TV

There are a few easy ways to determine if your TV is a smart TV:

• Check for a "Home" or "Smart Hub" button on your remote control – this is usually a dedicated button for launching smart TV features
• Look for built-in apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc. These usually appear as tiles or icons on the TV screen
• If your TV connects to the internet or has options for WiFi connectivity in the settings, it is likely a smart TV
• Try searching for and downloading apps directly on the TV interface itself through an app store

If you see apps, internet connectivity options, or a Smart Hub menu, your TV is equipped with smart capabilities.

Overview of smart TV features

Here are some of the key features that smart TVs enable:

• Streaming services – Access Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max and other streaming apps directly through the TV
• Web browsing – Smart TVs have built-in web browsers to surf the internet on your TV screen
• Apps – Download apps and games through the smart TV’s app store for added functionality
• Casting – Stream content from your smartphone or tablet directly to your TV screen wirelessly
• Smart home control – Many smart TVs can connect with and control other smart home devices like lights and thermostats
• Voice control – Use voice commands and smart assistants like Alexa to control your TV hands-free

These features require an internet connection to work fully.

Differences between smart TVs and regular TVs

The main difference is that regular TVs can only play content from sources that are physically connected to the TV, like a cable box, DVD player, or antenna.

Smart TVs can access content wirelessly over the internet in addition to playing content from physical connections. This allows you to stream movies, shows, music, and more without any external devices.

Many smart TVs also come with far more processing power and higher resolutions like 4K and 8K. Overall, smart TVs provide a much more customizable and connected experience.

Pros of smart TVs

Here are some of the benefits that smart TVs offer:

• Access to streaming services without needing to purchase any additional devices
• Sleek, minimalist appearance without any wires or external gadgets attached
• Ability to browse the web, use apps, and access other online features directly on the big screen
• Smart home and voice control capabilities for hands-free use
• Regular updates add new features and apps over time

Cons of smart TVs

However, there are also some downsides to consider:

• Can sometimes feel sluggish or be prone to crashing/freezing
• Privacy and security concerns around data collection and cameras/microphones on smart TVs
• Outdated apps that stop getting supported over time
• Requires stable internet connectivity to use all features fully

How to make a regular TV smart

If you don’t already have a smart TV, you can “make” a regular TV smart using one of these options:

• Streaming stick – Plug in a streaming device like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV or Chromecast directly into your TV
• Game console – Connect your PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo Switch to add apps and streaming
• Smart Blu-ray player – Modern Blu-ray players often have smart capabilities built-in
• Smart TV box – A smart box like the Apple TV 4K or Nvidia Shield TV attaches to your TV

These streaming devices add smart functionality through their own operating systems. All you need is an HDMI port on your TV to connect them.

Smart TV connectivity requirements

To take full advantage of smart features, your smart TV needs:

• Internet connection – Smart capabilities require an internet connection, either via WiFi or ethernet cable. Without this, you won’t be able to use any apps or streaming services.
• WiFi network – Your smart TV connects wirelessly to your home WiFi network to access the internet. It needs to be positioned within range of your router.
• Cables – At a minimum, you need an HDMI cable to connect your TV to the streaming device. Coaxial cables or RCA cables allow you to display content from other devices too.

Faster internet speeds enable better performance and 4K streaming. WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 routers are recommended for optimal connectivity.

Using a smart TV without internet

You can use a smart TV without internet access or WiFi, but you won’t be able to use any of the smart capabilities. This limits you to only watching content from sources directly connected to the TV like:

• Cable box or satellite receiver
• Antenna for access to basic over-the-air channels
• DVD, Blu-ray, or media player connected via HDMI or RCA cables
• External tuner box like TiVo
• Game console

You won’t have access to any streaming services, apps, web browsing, or smart home controls without an internet connection.

Using a smart TV without cable

Cutting cable TV doesn’t mean you have to lose access to TV channels on your smart TV. Here are some options for watching live TV without cable:

• HD antenna to access local over-the-air broadcast channels
• Live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV
• Individual TV network apps like ABC, NBC, CBS, etc. Some offer live streams in their apps.
• News streaming services like NewsON that offer local news feeds

You can supplement free over-the-air TV with streaming service subscriptions to gain access to many popular cable channels at a lower monthly cost compared to traditional cable.

Accessing Netflix and apps on a smart TV

Apps like Netflix come pre-installed on many smart TVs and can be launched through the Smart Hub or menu screen. If not, you can download the app by:

• Searching for the app in the smart TV’s app store
• Going directly to the website on the TV’s web browser and downloading from there

Once downloaded, you can sign into Netflix and other apps using your existing account credentials. Apps are free to install but require paid subscriptions for full access.

Downsides of smart TVs

While smart TVs enable great connectivity, there are some downsides to be aware of:

• Performance can be slower than dedicated streaming devices
• Apps may feel clunky or unintuitive to navigate
• Outdated processors quickly lose support for new app features
• Buggy firmware and unreliable WiFi connectivity can lead to crashing/freezing
• Privacy concerns around TV cameras, mics, and data collection

Using an additional streaming stick often provides smoother streaming and more frequently updated apps.

Getting broadcast channels on a smart TV

There are a few ways to access common broadcast channels on a smart TV without a cable subscription:

• Connect an HD antenna – Receives over-the-air signals from broadcast towers within range
• Use individual network apps – Many networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS offer some shows for free via their apps
• Check for live streams on network websites – Local news broadcasts are sometimes available to stream
• Use a live TV streaming service – YouTube TV, Hulu Live, and others provide broadcast channels

An antenna combined with a service like Locast can provide a cable-free local channel solution.

Do you need a Roku/Fire Stick with a smart TV?

Standalone streaming devices are not required for smart TVs as the essential apps are built-in. However, in some cases an additional Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV can provide benefits:

• Faster processing and smoother streaming performance
• Easier, more intuitive interface compared to some smart TV systems
• More frequently updated apps with latest features
• Access apps or services that may not be available on all smart TVs
• Ability to upgrade to a new device easily rather than replacing the entire TV

But try using the built-in smart capabilities first before deciding if an external streaming device is necessary.

Why is Roku charging me $5.99 a month?

This recurring $5.99 charge indicates you signed up for a premium Roku channel subscription through your Roku account. This could happen by:

• Accidentally selecting a paid channel subscription during device setup
• Enabling auto-renew by default on a free trial for a premium channel
• Another user on your Roku account signing up without your knowledge

To cancel the charges, log into your Roku account online and navigate to “Manage account” then “Subscription management” to cancel any unwanted paid subscriptions.

Roku vs Fire Stick – Which streaming device is better?

Both Roku and Fire Stick offer easy streaming in a compact device, but there are some differences:

• Apps – Roku has more apps overall including some exclusive ones, but Fire Stick may have better support for Amazon content
• Ease of use – Roku has simpler menus while Fire Stick mirrors the Amazon Prime Video interface
• Audio – Fire Stick supports higher quality Dolby Atmos audio on some apps
• Newest models – Fire Stick 4K Max currently delivers faster speeds and better performance
• Remote – Roku’s remotes feel higher quality with headphones and voice commands

Ultimately, both provide robust streaming access. Go with Roku for broader app support and simpler interface or Fire Stick for tighter Amazon integration.

In summary

Smart TVs connect to the internet to open up tons of streaming content, apps, voice controls, and other features. While handy, they can sometimes suffer performance issues compared to dedicated streaming boxes. With the right accessories like an antenna and streaming device, you can unlock free broadcast TV and smooth streaming on any smart or regular TV.