How do I know if my TV is a smart TV?

The technology used to make television has significantly advanced over the years. Modern TV manufacturers have not only made televisions light but also equipped them with features that make them smart.

If you are wondering if your TV is smart, look at the TV’s menu section to confirm if it has an application store. Your remote control can also help you determine if you have a smart TV. If you see buttons dedicated to channels such as YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, or Netflix, it shows that your TV is smart. You can also confirm if you have a smart TV by checking the back part. If the frame contains a LAN port, it indicates that the TV is smart. You can also find this out by focusing on the manufacturer’s website and entering the television’s model number.

Introduction to a smart TV

Though televisions have been in existence for many years, they can be categorized into two classes, namely smart and dumb TVs. Most people relied on dumb TVs that got their signals from a cable or HDTV antenna in the past. Though such TVs were entertaining, they had a lot of limitations. Emerging technology has changed the way many viewers watch televisions. Since the modern audience expects a lot from televisions, manufacturers of these devices incorporate many features that make current TVs smart.

A smart TV is a digital device that contains a built-in computer. It enhances entertainment through the use of different features. Smart TVs are therefore more versatile than dumb ones since they can help you watch shows, conduct video conferences, listen to music, or even communicate with people on different social media pages.

The modern smart TV contains numerous apps and can connect to wifi, thus allowing you to download more apps. Through this TV, you can access live channels or navigate different websites just like you would from a computer. A smart TV features its own operating system and a processor. You should therefore be able to enjoy high-resolution images from a smart TV. Modern smart TVs also include voice recognition,which allows you to switch channels through voice commands.

Finding out the type of TV you have

There are different ways you can find out if you are dealing with a smart TV or not. A smart TV comes with a unique remote that offers more than the regular buttons. Apart from the menu, volume, and input buttons, you should also notice unique buttons that are dedicated to different streaming services such as Hulu and Netflix. If your remote has such buttons, it shows that you are dealing with a smart TV.

If you are not the one who bought the device, you can also ask the person who bought it if it is smart or dumb. Smart TVs often come with a network port at the back part. This is often labeled as LAN, enabling you to connect the TV to your router through a cable. Once you get a new TV, you should also go through its menu section to learn more about it. If you notice an App store, this should tell you that you are dealing with a smart TV. The app store can help you download different apps when you are not satisfied with the preloaded apps the TV comes with.

Check the website for the manufacturer. This can help you find more details regarding the TV you have. On most sites, you will find a section where you can enter the model number of the TV. Once you do this, you can quickly learn if you bought a smart or dumb TV. Every television has a specific model number that you should check either on the box or the user manual.

Can I make a dumb TV smart?

If you don’t find any of the indicators that we have mentioned above, you are probably dealing with a dumb TV.  You can make it smart and still get access to some of your favorite apps. To achieve this, you have to get a streaming device. Every TV, whether smart or not, should have an HDMI port. This is the port that can help you convert a dumb TV into a smart one.

You need to pick the right streaming device then plug it into the HDMI port of your TV. Doing this gives you access to most of the features that are common in smart TVs. You can now stream live content, view images, watching different movies, play games, or even browse the internet with the help of the streaming device.

Finding the right streaming device that can help you convert a dumb TV into a smart one takes time. Get one from a reputable brand so that you can enjoy an enhanced streaming experience. Some of the streaming players that can help you achieve this include Google Chromecast, Amazon Firestick, or Roku streaming stick.

Differences between a dumb TV and smart TV

Conclusion

If you intend on purchasing a TV today, you need to find out if the model you want is dumb or smart. Look at the menu section, remote, or the back part of the frame. Choosing a smart TV can give you access to numerous functionalities since this device can help you enjoy streaming, conferencing, and even gaming. If you already have a TV and find out that it does not have smart features, you can still boost its capabilities by investing in a streaming device.

FAQs

Does smart TV have a hidden camera?

It depends on the specific model you choose. While some smart TVs come with a built-in camera, others do not.

Should I replace my dumb TV with a smart one?

If you have the budget for another TV, you should consider this. If not, you can still access the features found on a smart TV by choosing an affordable streaming device.