You can connect a standard TV to Wi-Fi using a Blu-ray player, gaming console, or streaming device (like streaming boxes or sticks and Google Chromecast). Or you can use a special cable (specified below) to mirror your laptop or smartphone screen.
You can use a streaming device to turn your regular TV into a smart TV. What's a streaming device? It's a small box that plugs into your TV so you can watch on-demand services (like ABC iView or SBS On Demand) or streaming services like Netflix, Binge and Disney+.
Roku is one of the most accessible options for converting a regular TV to a smart TV, as they have affordable, easy-to-use products. All Roku streaming devices support Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Max, Apple TV+, Peacock, and just about every other streaming service you can think of.
Most non-smart TVs come from lesser-known brands, such as Insignia and Sceptre. Bigger brands still produce non-smart TVs in 2023 — but you may have to pay more for them or take extra steps to make your purchase.
The first and simplest device is the casting stick. These essentially operate as a portable receiver, connecting your TV directly to your broadband via your WiFi or a USB port. Most are controlled by an app on your phone or computer and are readily available to purchase online or at your local electronics store.
If you are using an Android phone, you should have a Micro USB to HDMI cable or USB-C to HDMI cable, depending on the type of USB port that your phone has. Well, once the required equipment is prepared, connect the old Tv to your smartphone, then you can enjoy YouTube videos on the TV.
To check if your TV is a smart TV, use your TV remote to go to the Settings menu and look for Network Settings. If you have that option, you can scan for, and connect to, your wireless network. Alternatively, you can look for the Wi-Fi symbol or Wi-Fi Alliance logo (both pictured below) on your TV.
Restart your smart TV and Wi-Fi router
A restart will refresh the settings on your smart TV without erasing any of your data. Just unplug your smart TV, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. To restart your Wi-Fi router, unplug it, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in too.
While it seems like streaming content over the internet is a popular way watch TV these days, it's just one of many. An antenna can be a lifesaver if your internet is running slow, and it gives you the ability to watch over-the-air TV for free — you don't even need WiFi or any internet connection to watch.
Those older TVs will likely be obsolete in terms of current video standards, but if that's not a concern, you can connect a cable or satellite box, DVD or Blu-ray disc player, Roku, Google Chromecast, or other source to it as long as it has an HDMI port (and even if it doesn't, you can always buy an HDMI-to-legacy ...
A small device that plugs into the HDMI port of a TV set and provides Wi-Fi streaming from the home network. It is designed to access movie content from the Internet but may also enable local content to be displayed.
Smart TV uses operating systems like android, Tizen, Web OS, etc. to provide modern services like built-in apps, web browsing, screen mirroring, etc. However, due to addition features, smart TVs are generally more expensive than regular TVs.
To check if your TV is smart, try pressing the Home or Menu button on your TV remote. If a number of squares showing small ads for TV shows, or logos for apps such as YouTube and Netflix appear, congratulations! You already have a smart TV!
Smart TVs are TVs that have the built-in capability to connect to the internet. This means that your TV itself gets online, instead of having to use a connected device like a Roku box or gaming console to access online services.
To watch TV shows and movies offline at any time, download them from the Netflix app. Learn more about finding, downloading, and watching downloaded TV shows and movies below.
Best budget streaming device: Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
At $30, it's one of the cheapest streaming sticks on the market (it's also frequently discounted, too). It supports FHD streaming with HDR and, just like its higher-end siblings, comes with an Alexa voice remote.