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Starting a smart home is frankly overwhelming, so starting out with Turning your tv smart is a great way to break into the hobby, but if you bought your TV before 2015, then it’s probably not smart enough.
Well, what do I mean by that? Your TV might be smart, as it has Youtube or Netflix, but that’s where it ends. It won’t integrate with Google Assistant, Alexa, or any Smart Home Ecosystem. But don’t lose hope just yet, there are fixes for this problem, and we will mention our favorites below.
How to make your TV a smart TV
1. Use An Amazon Firestick
So how to make your tv a smart tv? The first solution is using a Firestick. Created by Amazon, the firestick is an HDMI Dongle that you connect to your TV’s HDMI port and just use the included remote to navigate the TV Menu.
The Firestick is great for users who already use the Amazon ecosystem, and especially their voice assistant, Alexa. There are also other versions with different capabilities, like the 4k Firestick, the lite Firestick, or the Amazon Fire TV Cube, which is like a voice assistant and a firestick-in one.
Using a ChromeCast with Google TV
if you are more integrated with the google and android ecosystem, however, then using this will be better, as it does everything the firestick does, but it does have some improvements over the firestick, most importantly the larger list of services available on the Chromecast.
it is more expensive than the Firestick, but I prefer this, especially if you have a couple of Google Assistant devices around your house.
IF you are planning on buying a new TV, There are some TVs with Chromecasts built-in, which you could buy.
Using a Roku Stick
If you are wondering how to make your tv a smart tv, then this is the most basic option,
if you don’t like the devices mentioned above, then using a Roku Stick might be your best option. Roku does offer multiple devices, like this one, which is the normal one people usually buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a smart TV?
A smart TV essentially has Streaming services and online applications built into the TV’s Software
What Apps Are Available On Smart TVs?
It depends on the Operating System available on your TV, but if use a streaming service then it is probably available on most mainstream TVs
What Are The Best Streaming Services?
There is no best one service, as it really depends on the show you want to watch, you could get a free trial of amazon prime video here to try it out and pick the best service!
Are Smart TVs Expensive?
Not at all, Smart TVs have been improved so much, that they cost the same price that normal TVs cost (if you can find one)
How do I Turn on My TV With My Voice?
If your TV supports HDMI-CEC then you can get a dongle that supports it, like the Chromecast with Google TV.
What Voice Assistants Work With Smart TVs?
If Your TV is made by a reputable company, like LG or Samsung, then they integrate with most voice assistants, but you should check out compatibility beforehand.
