The world as we know it today is all about connectivity. Technology, especially the internet, is so pervasive in almost every aspect of society—in any part of the globe—that we can no longer imagine a day without having to connect to the internet. Besides the internet, another household “technological staple” is the television. These days, however, it is not simply about having a TV or having the internet alone.
Nowadays, connectivity has brought about the development of connected TVs, otherwise known as smart TVs. Smart TVs enable users to connect their TV to the internet so that the TV can be used for viewing online channels, scanning webpages, and gaming online.
Although this technology has become more common in recent years—and even made more affordable—there are still televisions in use that are still not considered to be smart TVs. This, however, does not mean that a TV is limited when it comes to connectivity, as there are ways to connect a regular TV to the internet, even without a built-in ethernet or WIFI connection.
There are actually five ways you can connect your regular TV to your home broadband connection:
- 1. Use of streaming devices
- 2. Use of a PC
- 3. Use of TV dongles
- 4. Use of smart players or game consoles
Use of Streaming Devices
The use of streaming devices is the simplest way to connect your regular TV to the internet. This usually utilizes a media box or streaming player. These devices usually include preloaded apps and channels, such as Hulu and Netflix, so they can be easily accessed from your TV. These devices can be connected to your TV using an HDMI cable or VGA/audio cable.
The steps needed to connect these types of devices to your TV vary depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to follow these instructions in order to properly pair the device to your TV and broadband connection.
PC Connection
Connecting your TV to your PC is probably the oldest and most tried-and-true method to connect a regular TV to the internet. However, this is also the most complicated method. If you plan to use this method, make sure that your PC has an “out” HDMI port, sound card, and video card. Be sure you have an HDMI cable, audio cable, or VGA combination cable ready as well.
To connect your PC to your TV, initially switch off both your PC and your TV. Plug one end of your HDMI cable into the HDMI port on your PC. Plug the other end of the cable into the HDMI port on your TV. Switch on your TV and select the AV option on the TV using either the AV button on the remote or scrolling through the screening options on your TV. Confirm and answer all prompts on your PC. After all these steps have been completed, you’re ready to begin viewing your internet content on your TV.
Using an Android or TV Dongle
TV dongles are small devices—usually the size of a USB drive—that can be attached to the TV via the TV’s USB port. The more well-known TV dongles on the market today are the Chromecast from Google or the Firestick from Amazon. Some dongles are available from other companies as well; however, many of these companies require monthly subscription fees.
One particular advantage of these dongles is that they come with preinstalled apps as well—apps commonly used for social media, games, and music playback. In terms of connectivity, these dongles are one of the better options available, since they are quite easy to set up. The preinstalled apps add convenience as well.
Smart Players and Game Consoles
For movie lovers, there are now WIFI-enabled DVD players that can help serve as a conduit to help connect your regular TV to the internet. These smart DVD players come with HDMI ports, allowing you to attach your HDMI cable. With one end of the cable attached to the HDMI port on your smart player and the other end attached to the HDMI port on your TV, you can easily connect your TV to the internet!
For gamers who want to connect their TVs to the internet, many game consoles, such as those from Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft, can also serve as conduits to connect your TV to the internet. Game consoles attach to your TV in pretty much the same manner as smart DVD players: via an HDMI cable attached to HDMI ports located on the backside of the game console.
Being connected in today’s world isn’t just about being a part of a trend. Instead, it involves changing our lifestyles in order to keep up with the times. Connectivity is meant to ease communications in a virtual world where moments are captured in real time. Many developments in technology allow for sustainable connectivity as well; that way, you need not keep on changing old gadgets just to keep up with connectivity’s ever-changing pace.
The options given above are ways that you can keep up with the changing needs in today’s connected world. These options provide not only convenience in the long run, but also methods for keeping pace with the demands that connectivity requires in today’s modern world.
