The Ultimate Guide to Turning Your Normal TV into a Smart TV

Tired of your basic television with limited channels and no streaming capabilities? I‘m going to walk you through the many easy and affordable ways to make even an older, non-smart TV into a connected streaming hub.

Upgrading to a smart TV opens up a whole world of entertainment options but can be costly. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover the pros and cons of each method to add smart features and WiFi connectivity to standard televisions.

You‘ll learn which options are simplest for getting your TV streaming quickly, and which provide the most robust smart TV experience. Let‘s dive in and make your television as smart as the newest models without spending a fortune!

What is a Smart TV and Why Upgrade Your Regular TV?

A smart TV includes built-in WiFi connectivity and downloadable apps that allow you to conveniently stream movies, TV shows, music and more from popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video and YouTube.

According to Statista, global shipments of smart TVs are projected to reach over 292 million units in 2024 as they become the new norm for home entertainment.

Compared to a regular television, a smart TV offers:

• Instant access to top streaming services without the need for additional devices
• Web browsing, social media apps, games and much more
• Voice control assistants like Alexa along with smart home device integration
• Ability to wirelessly cast or mirror content from compatible mobile devices
• Receiving timely updates to add new features and apps over time

Upgrading an older TV saves you money compared to purchasing a brand new smart TV. It also makes a basic television much more useful in a modern connected home.

According to a survey by The Manifest, 77% of consumers stream content daily. With streaming dominating home entertainment, a non-smart TV severely limits what you can watch.

Main Ways to Make Your TV Smart

Here are the primary options to add smart features and WiFi connectivity to standard televisions along with their key pros and cons:

Streaming Media Devices

Dedicated streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and Chromecast plug directly into your TV‘s HDMI port to connect it to your home WiFi network.

Streaming devices include simple remote controls to browse, launch and control content from hundreds of entertainment, music and app channels.

According to Park Associates, over 30% of U.S. broadband households own a streaming media player. They are inexpensive yet powerful options for making "dumb" TVs smart.

Pros:

• Very easy to set up and use, ideal for beginners
• Intuitive interfaces designed for TV viewing up to 4K
• Models start under $30; great value for money
• Support virtually all major streaming apps

Cons:

• Require purchasing an additional gadget
• Can‘t integrate with TV‘s internal tuners/ports
• Require power cable; some block second HDMI port

We recommend Roku devices as the best overall choice for simplicity, value and vast app support. Roku OS and remote are designed specifically for TV streaming.

Video Game Consoles

Your existing video game consoles like Xbox One, PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch can be used to add smart TV capabilities to a standard television.

These consoles connect to your home WiFi network wirelessly or via ethernet. You‘ll need an active subscription like Xbox Live Gold to access entertainment apps on Xbox.

On PlayStation, you can use apps like Netflix, YouTube, Crunchyroll and more without a paid account. Nintendo Switch offers some streaming apps but is more limited.

Use your game controller to navigate between gaming and streaming apps. Consoles take more space and have cluttered interfaces compared to dedicated streaming devices. But they serve double duty for both gaming and entertainment.

Blu-ray Disc Players

Many modern Blu-ray disc players now include support for the major streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and more.

Connect a Blu-ray player to your TV‘s HDMI port and it can instantly add smart capabilities. Some models even aggregate streaming services into a single interface.

Look for a new Blu-ray player advertised with built-in WiFi and streaming platforms. Sony, LG, Samsung and other brands offer models with robust smart features.

Pros:

• Stream box and Blu-ray player in one
• Simple smart TV platform included
• Often support casting and screen mirroring

Cons:

• More expensive than streaming sticks
• Apps can be slow and buggy
• Fewer app options than dedicated platforms

HDMI Connection from Laptop or Smartphone

You can mirror your laptop, tablet or smartphone‘s screen and audio directly to an old-fashioned TV using a simple HDMI cable.

This method lets you access streaming services, websites and apps on those devices through your television display. It works for iPhones, iPads, Android phones and Windows/Mac laptops.

For iPhones and iPads, enable AirPlay mirroring in Control Center to cast to the big screen. For Android devices, use an MHL or Slimport adapter cable for HDMI output.

On Windows laptops, use the Project menu and "Duplicate" display to mirror video. On Macs, enable AirPlay in System Preferences to wirelessly cast your screen.

You may need to purchase HDMI adapters for your particular mobile device model. Also ensure your TV has enough HDMI ports – some older sets only include one.

While not as polished as a dedicated streaming box, screen mirroring repurposes devices you already own to deliver smart TV capabilities on the cheap.

Smart TV Adapters

Companies like Matricom, Actiontec and Moretv offer adapted that plug into HDMI ports to add limited smart platform functionality to standard definition and HDTVs.

These TV adapters connect to your home WiFi network and include apps, web browsing, screen mirroring and media playback. But setup is often less user-friendly than a dedicated streaming stick.

After connecting to WiFi, you‘ll need to sideload additional apps that may be buggy. Cost savings is the main appeal of a smart adapter – models start under $40. But you get what you pay for in terms of capability.

Choosing the Right Smart TV Solution For You

Here are key factors to consider when selecting which device to make your television smart:

• Budget – Streaming sticks like Chromecast and Roku Express start under $30. Pricier models like Apple TV 4K cost up to $179. Smart adapters are $40 to $70.

• Ease of use – Roku, Fire TV and Chromecast designed for simplified setup and intuitive navigation suited for all ages. Casting and smart adapters require more tech know-how.

• Your must-have apps – Ensure the solution supports all the streaming and entertainment services you want. Roku has over 10,000 apps for the biggest selection.

• Available HDMI ports – Your television will need at least one free HDMI port to add any streaming gadget. Older TVs often only have a single HDMI input.

• Cables/adapters needed – Do you already have the necessary HDMI, power and other accessory cables? Wireless casting options like Chromecast and AirPlay help avoid cable clutter.

According to a 2022 survey by Statista, Roku and Fire TV make up over 70% of streaming device market share. Their plug-and-play designs make upgrading easy for smart TV beginners and experts alike.

Let‘s go through how to set up some popular options to start streaming on your newly smart television!

Setting Up Roku, Fire TV and Other Streaming Devices

Here are step-by-step instructions to connect and configure streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV Stick:

1. Connect the device to your TV‘s HDMI port using the included HDMI cable. Make sure your TV is powered on and set to the correct HDMI input.

2. Connect the device‘s power adapter to an outlet to power it on. The device will guide you through initial network setup prompts.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your WiFi network or use the optional ethernet port for wired connectivity.

4. Next, create an account or sign in to your Roku/Fire TV account. If new, provide your email and a password.

5. Browse through the available free and paid channel stores. Download any apps you wish to install like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, etc.

6. Use the included remote to easily launch apps, search for content, control playback and manage settings. The interface is designed for big screen entertainment.

Roku Tips

– For the widest selection of apps and best performance, we recommend the Roku Streaming Stick+ for under $50. The Roku Ultra offers conveniences like USB and ethernet.

• Take advantage of Roku features like search across multiple apps, universal watchlist and live TV integration. Enable voice commands via the remote for hands-free control.

Fire TV Tips

– The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is Amazon‘s most powerful streaming dongle with WiFi 6 support and picture-in-picture viewing for under $55.

• Pair Fire TV with an Echo device for robust Alexa voice control. Use Alexa to launch apps, search for content, play music and check sports scores.

Chromecast Tips

– Chromecast plugs directly into an HDMI port and is powered via USB. Use the Google Home app on your smartphone to set up and cast content to the big screen from hundreds of supported mobile apps.

• At just $29 for the standard 1080p model, Chromecast is the most affordable way to make a television smart. But you will need to control it from your phone rather than a remote.

Position your streaming device for the best WiFi reception to enjoy smooth 4K streaming. For extra range, many models now support the latest WiFi 6 standard. Or use the Ethernet port if available for the most reliable wired connection.

Mirroring Your Computer or Smartphone to an Old TV

Here are the steps to mirror your smartphone, tablet or computer screen directly onto an older television:

iPhone and iPad

1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your TV‘s HDMI port using Apple‘s Digital AV adapter or Lightning to HDMI cable.

2. Swipe down from the top right to open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring.

3. Select your TV from the list to begin casting everything on your iOS device‘s screen. Apps with AirPlay support like Prime Video will stream directly in up to 4K resolution with HDR.

Android Phone or Tablet

1. For phones without HDMI ports, you‘ll first need a MHL or Slimport adapter cable. Connect this adapter to your device‘s USB-C or micro USB port and to your TV‘s HDMI input.

2. Swipe down from the top of your Android screen and select the option to enable screen mirroring. Your smartphone or tablet display will now be cast to the television.

3. Alternatively for Android, setup Chromecast to wirelessly cast apps like YouTube and Netflix from your mobile device to your formerly non-smart TV.

Windows Laptop

1. Press the Windows logo key + P keyboard shortcut and select "Duplicate" to mirror your entire Windows desktop to the television.

2. Or choose "Extend" to use the TV as a second display. Drag windows and apps between screens.

3. Connect via HDMI or VGA cables from your laptop‘s video output directly to open ports on your television.

Mac Laptop

1. From System Preferences select Displays > AirPlay Display and choose your television. Click "Mirror for AirPlay" to cast your entire Mac screen.

2. With macOS Catalina or newer, enable Sidecar to use your iPad as a wireless second display for your Mac.

Repurposing existing phones, tablets and computers you already own using HDMI cables or wireless casting is an inexpensive way to gain smart TV capabilities without purchasing any additional equipment.

Common Connectivity Troubleshooting

Don‘t get frustrated if you‘re having trouble getting connected – there are fixes for most connectivity issues:

• Reset your streaming device or smart adapter to factory default settings. Reactivate your accounts and reinstall any apps.

• Power cycle modem/routers by unplugging them for 60 seconds. Reboot your smart TV and related devices afterwards.

• Ensure your TV, streaming device and router have the latest firmware. Old firmware can prevent casting and apps from working properly.

• Try swapping HDMI cables and ports on your devices. Damaged cables or dusty ports on TVs can cause signal problems.

• Improve WiFi performance by moving your router and streaming device closer together and away from interference. An ethernet connection is most reliable.

• Disable sleep timers, Eco modes and energy saving settings which can disrupt connectivity when devices power down.

• On smart TVs, follow troubleshooting steps like checking for error messages under network status and rebooting.

A bit of trial and error can resolve most new device setup headaches. Patience and starting with the basics goes a long way towards getting your upgraded TV streaming like a modern smart television.

Using Your Smart TV‘s Full Potential

Once you‘ve added wireless connectivity to your dated TV, don‘t forget to take advantage of all the great smart features:

• Cast photos, videos and music from your smartphone to the big screen
• Use Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri via a streaming device for hands-free voice control
• Link smart light bulbs, thermostats and other devices to your new smart hub
• Enable parental controls to restrict inappropriate content and set viewing time limits
• Customize your streaming service profiles and get intelligent recommendations
• Use your smart TV‘s tuners to access free over-the-air TV broadcasts

Think beyond streaming by embracing the web-connected ecosystem that a smart television enables. Modern touches like voice commands and smart home integration will breathe new life into any aging television.

Conclusion

As you can see, converting even the oldest standard definition tube television into a web-connected smart TV is quick, painless and budget-friendly with the myriad gadget options available today.

Dedicated streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV Stick provide the simplest plug-and-play solution. But repurposing existing gaming consoles and connecting your smartphone or computer via HDMI cable also does the trick.

I recommend trying out the streaming stick route first. The interfaces are designed for smooth big screen navigation using the included remote. Compact and wireless, you‘ll be up and streaming your favorite services in minutes.

Think about which streaming apps and features are essential to you. Compare products and prices to select the best smart solution for your needs and budget. And don‘t hesitate to reach out if you need help getting your upgraded TV set up and streaming! Ditch cable and unlock a new world of smart entertainment.