Get To Know Your Home Screen
Every smart-TV platform has its own unique layout, so take a moment to get to know your TV’s home screen. LG and Samsung TVs have very similar home screens, each with a single row of apps that runs along the bottom of the screen. Sony’s Android TVs have several rows of apps, inputs and settings, and Roku TVs offer a tiled layout that’s more like that of a smartphone.
Whatever TV you have, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with four key details:
- How to find and select your installed apps.
- How to access different inputs.
- Where the app store is, for finding new apps and services.
- How to pull up the Settings menu.
Once you have a handle on your apps, inputs and settings, you will be able to use the TV’s several functions without getting lost in the various menus the set offers.
Add Apps To An Lg Smart TV
LG Smart TVs use the webOS platform, which includes app management. Like many other smart TVs, LG includes a package of preinstalled apps you’ll see on the home screen. Here’s how to add more apps:
Press the Home button on the Remote control.
Select the LG Content Store from the home page.
On some LG TV models, you may need to select More Apps from the home screen before you’re able to select the LG Content Store.
In the LG Content Store, access the Apps section, and then select a category of apps or search for an app.
The LG Content Store also has both paid and free movies and shows available for download.
Choose the app you want to download to go to its dedicated screen.
Select Install. The app will begin downloading.
If the app requires a fee, there will be a notification and additional prompts for payment options.
When the app finishes downloading, select Launch to launch it immediately, or access it later from the home screen.
How To Set Up A Vpn On A Smart TV
Like any software or service, your first step here is to work backward from what’s available for your operating system. The most VPN-friendly smart TV OSes are Amazon Fire TV and Google’s Android TV and Google TV platforms. That said, if you use Roku, Apple TV or the built-in operating systems for Samsung, Vizio, LG or any other platform, you still have options.
Here are a few of the most practical ways you can go about hooking up a VPN to your smart TV.
Read Also: How To Stream To My Tcl Roku TV
Types Of Wireless Network Names
Wireless Network names can be up to 32 characters long. The names are case sensitive.
There are really no restrictions as to what you can name your network. Some people really bring the creativity when naming their wireless networks.
But most wireless routers are named after the associated Internet Service Provider. Look for a router such as Comcast001 or CharterWirelessRouter.
If someone personally setup your internet, they likely named your wireless network something youll easily recognize. Look for FAMILY NAME Network or something similar.
If you just cant find any familiar wireless network names your best option is to call your ISP. They should be able to identify which router is yours.
Hulu Live TV Cash Back
- Only valid for new Hulu Live TV subscribers.
- Only valid once per household.
- You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
- You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
- Youll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase .
- Cannot be combined with any other promotion and wont be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.
Recommended Reading: How To Screen Share To Samsung TV
Add Apps To A Smart TV With Built
Although Vizio incorporates Chromecast within its SmartCast platform, other TVs have Chromecast built in as their core streaming apps platform. These sets include select models from Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Philips, Polaroid, Skyworth, and Soniq.
The steps for using an app that isn’t preloaded on a Chromecast TV are similar to those for Vizio SmartCast TVs.
Make sure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV.
Using your mobile device, go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and then select and install an available Chromecast-enabled app. Once installed, the app becomes part of your cast selection.
Open the app and tap the Cast button.
The content from your mobile device will be cast to your TV.
Can I Stream On My Older Model TV
Even if you dont have a smart TV, there are many ways to stream on your TV. If your TV has an HDMI port, you can use an HDMI cable to connect it to a streaming device. With some devices, you can plug them directly into the back of your TV.
You can also connect your TV or computer monitor to a smartphone, a tablet, or a desktop or laptop PC. Most smartphones and tablets and some older computers dont have HDMI ports, but you can still connect these devices to your TV using a USB-C to HDMI adapter. When you connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, the same image on the screen will also show up on your TV screen.
When you connect your TV to a desktop computer, it acts as an external monitor or display. You can place a desktop next to your TV, connect the two devices, and control them both from your couch with a wireless mouse and keyboard. You can even find software that lets you operate your TV and the connected computer with a wired or wireless gaming controller.
If your TV doesnt have an HDMI cable, you may still be able to connect your device with a USB-C to coaxial cable adapter. If your phone has a USB-C port, you can plug either type of adapter into your phone, and then plug the other end into your TVs HDMI or coaxial cable outlet.
Understanding the steps involved in the process can make enjoying streaming TV much easier.
Also Check: How To Cast To My TV
Obsolescence Looms Large For Smart TVs
Raw processing power isnt as important for TVs as it is for smartphones or PCs, but you still dont want to be suffering through laggy UI animations, or long load times when jumping between apps and shows. The brute fact is that the processors in smart TVs can never be upgraded, whereas a separate streamer can be swapped out for a fraction of a TVs price tag, usually bringing you newer and faster chips.
Native TV hardware inevitably becomes slower over time, whether because new features are added to the UI, or its forced to handle more demanding audio and video. Roku, for example, has introduced more visual flair to its UI over the years, including themes and animated screensavers. Older Roku TVs can handle it with occasional hitching. That alone wouldnt be much of an issue, but the same TVs sometimes stutter during buffering and previews for apps like Netflix. If they can even handle 4K, its not necessarily the best experience. Aging is of course a problem with separate streaming devices as well, but the price delta means the cost of upgrading is far less painful than replacing your entire TV set.
On a long enough timeline, its virtually guaranteed that a TV will lose smart features outright.
Related:What is 4K HDR
To repeat, long-term features and app compatibility arent guaranteed with a streaming accessory, either. But your wallet wont feel the hurt buying a new Roku or Chromecast add-on over a four-figure TV.
What Is Streaming TV
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Hello again and welcome to another episode of AmazingLife Improvements brought to you by Tech Jury. Todays topic is Streaming TV 101.
To all the TV fanatics out there, this is for you! Its time to realize the control is in your hands. YOU get to decide what and when to watch.
Youve got the power!
Own it!
Okay. We already know how to cut the cord. Now its time to discover the answers to the following questions:
- What is streaming TV and how does it work?
- How to stream TV?
Check them out and decide for yourself which suits you best.
Finally, lets see why cable TV is inferior to stream TV.
Recommended Reading: How To Connect Android Phone To Roku TV
How To Find Your Wireless Network Password Using Windows
Suppose your wireless network is already set up. You have plenty of devices using the network without any problems.
All you need is the password so you can connect your Smart TV to WiFi. Fortunately, recovering that password is easy.
1. Open Any Windows Device Currently Connected to the Wireless Network
This will most likely be a laptop but anything currently on the network which uses a Windows operating system will work.
2. Click the WiFi Icon
This is the radio signal icon located in the far-right said of the taskbar.
3. Click Network & Internet Settings
This is located at the bottom of the WiFi menu.
4. Click the Wi-Fi tab
A settings window will pop up. The WiFi tab is on the tab. It might actually be selected by default.
5. Click Change Adapter Options
You have to scroll down a bit. The Change Adapter Options link is underneath the Related Settings heading.
6. Click on Your Home WiFi Network
You should know this one by name. Itll also have a monitor-shaped icon with green bars.
7. Click on Wireless Properties
8. Click on the Security tab
9. Check the Show Characters box
The Security tab will display the network security key but the details will be hidden from view with black dots. Checking the Show Characters box will make your password readable.
Thats the password you need to connect your Smart TV to your home WiFi network. You should be able to enter that password into your Smart TV and go online.
Connect The TV To The Internet
Note: If you do not consent to the Smart Hub Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy, you will not be able to use apps and some of the Smart Features on your smart TV.
To use apps, stream videos, or use other services, your TV needs to have an internet connection, whether it’s wireless or wired.
Wireless network
To select a wireless network for your smart TV, select Wireless and then select the name of your wireless network. If your network is secured, enter the password and then select Done.
Your TV will attempt to connect to your network and access the Samsung servers. After the wireless connection is established, select OK. Then, review the Smart Hub Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, select I Agree to all, and then select OK.
Wired network
You can also connect to a wired network if you prefer. Connect an ethernet cable to your One Connect Box or the back of your TV, and then select Wired. Your TV will attempt to connect to your network. When the connection is complete, your TV will access the Samsung servers select OK.
Review the Smart Hub Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and then select I Agree to all. Next, select OK.
If your TV does not see your wireless network, or is having trouble connecting to the internet, you can skip for now, and check out our troubleshooting guides.
Read Also: What TV Shows Are On Tonight
How To Install Directv Stream On Android & Google TV
Companies like Sony, TCL, and Hisense offer televisions with Android TV and Google TV OS. Unfortunately, Directv doesnt seem to care about these brands or the Android and Google consumers.
The steps for installing Directv Stream on Android TV or Google TV are pretty much the similar to Sony Bravia method. You can use the above method but if it confuses or doesnt work for you here is another way to get the job done.
Prerequisite: You need a Google drive account and the Directv Stream apk. Before you begin the steps below, download the latest apk file using your laptop, tablet, or smartphone and upload it into your Google drive. Now connect your TV to the internet and follow these simple steps:
The final step might give you a warning message if you are on the latest version of Google TV or Android TV. Once the installation is complete, you will see the Directv icon on Android TV home screen.
Smart TV Vs Streaming Devices: What Should I Do When Buying A New TV
When youre shopping, focus on size, image quality, and available ports. Ignore a TVs native UI if it can win you a better deal. Cinephiles should insist on a TV with 4K resolution, four HDMI 2.x ports, OLED or Mini-LED technology, and Dolby Atmos and Vision. These are all relatively common yet you can sometimes be faced with a subpar native OS if youre hunting for the best specs.
More:The best cheap 4K TVs you can buy
Superior display tech will always hold value far longer than most built-in smart functions, since a TV is really just a window into your media and games. Accordingly, the best streaming device can sometimes be your phone if your TV has support built in, it means youve got the freshest possible app updates, and access to tons of services with a few quick taps.
Recommended Reading: How To Connect iPad To Roku TV
Youtube And Youtube TV
YouTube has two offerings for live streaming: YouTube and YouTube TV.
YouTube is the second largest search platform, next to Google, and it has billions of videos available.
- YouTube allows content creators to premiere videos, stream live, and engage with their audience.
- Some TV stations also take advantage of YouTube as a platform for parallel broadcasting of programs found on free-to-air channels.
- The nice thing about YouTube is that its free with ads. If you dont want ads, youll have to subscribe to its premium service.
- If you are a content creator, YouTube is a great option since it features tools for audience engagement. You can even monetize these live streams you make.
YouTube TV, meanwhile, is a live broadcast platform that features TV channels.
- YouTube TV is different from the original YouTube platform, as it focuses on live broadcasting from TV networks.
- Some of the networks you can get on YouTube TV include ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN.
- Unlike the original YouTube, YouTube TV is not free and costs $65 a month with up to six people using an account.
How Do I Start Streaming
If your Samsung Smart TV doesnt have any streaming content, youll need to download the appropriate app and then open it. Most streaming devices connect to your home network via Wi-Fi, and you can also use an Ethernet cable. Try connecting to a stable network to avoid buffering. Most smart TVs come pre-loaded with streaming services, but you may have to download niche ones separately. Follow the directions on the website to download the appropriate application.
First, youll need to sign in to your home Wi-Fi network. Some streaming devices allow you to connect directly to your modem via Ethernet cable. This ensures a reliable connection and reduces buffering. Many smart TVs already come pre-downloaded with popular streaming services, but some niche services may require separate downloads. For most people, these streaming devices can work with an existing Wi-Fi connection.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Get Chromecast On Your TV
How To Set Up Roku
Once your initial prep is done, follow these steps to get your Roku device up and running:
Turn on your Roku TV or the TV your Roku streaming stick or box is connected to. The first thing you see is the Roku power-up page, featuring an animated logo.
Roku
Select the language used for the onscreen Roku menu system. For Roku TVs, you may also have to select the country you’re in.
Roku
Your country determines which features and services are available in your location, such as region-specific streaming apps.
Connect the Roku TV, stick, or box to your network router for internet access. Roku streaming sticks use Wi-Fi only, while Roku boxes and TVs provide both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity options. If using Wi-Fi, the Roku device searches all available networks. Choose your preferred network and enter your Wi-Fi password.
Roku
Once your network connection is established, you may see a message that a software/firmware update is available. If so, allow Roku to go through the update process.
If using HDMI, the Roku device automatically detects the resolution capability and aspect ratio of the TV and sets the video output signal of the Roku device accordingly. You can change this later if you wish.
Roku
This step is not included in Roku TVs, as the display type is pre-determined.
Your Roku remote should work automatically, as you need it to perform the steps outlined so far. If it does require pairing, you’ll see a notification and instructions on the TV screen.
Roku