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We turn a regular TV into a Smart TV. Review of Smart TV set-top box Defender Smart Android HD2. How to make a Smart TV from a regular TV with your own hands

We considered the possibility of making maximum use of the AllShare function built into some TV models, which allowed us to implement some semblance of Smart TV (on TVs that do not have Smart TV), namely, watch videos and watch TV shows from the Internet. It is not possible to integrate a browser into a TV for viewing websites and surfing the Internet in this way. Meanwhile, today I will tell you how to make a Smart TV (no longer a semblance, but a full integration of the Internet into a TV) on a TV that does not support these features! Technology is developing so quickly that you don’t have time to keep up with all the innovations!

The article I mentioned generated a large flow of mail to me and good search traffic, a lot of people were interested in questions like " how to make smart tv on tv?", "how to turn a simple TV into a smart TV", "how to make your own smart tv", "how to turn a simple TV into a smart TV"... and some people even looked for it" programs for smart TV for computer".

Similar queries on the Internet are asked by buyers of televisions purchased until the end of the first decade of the 21st century. The Smart TV function began to be widely implemented on TVs only in 2009. In fact, owners of many large black screens feel deprived to some extent, since they cannot use Internet access on their TV (given the widespread Wi-Fi Internet penetration and the popularity of interactive Internet television). However, most of this majority, who regret that they rushed to buy the coveted flat and thin TV that does not have a Smart TV, do not even suspect that You can implement Smart TV on almost any TV! Moreover, TVs that have a built-in Smart TV are noticeably more expensive - the money is actually taken for the Smart TV, but often the built-in Smart TV can be limited in some way (functionality) and the buyer who pays money for the largest screen and implements the functions often wins Smart TV separately.

If your TV does not have Smart TV

If it's not on your TV, don't worry. This is a fixable issue. This can be solved by purchasing an external device that connects to your TV. The crucial moment is to choose exactly the functional device that will satisfy all your needs. But more on that later. First, let's give a little theory that will help us understand the essence of how Smart TV works.

Essentially, Smart TV is a TV with built-in Internet access. Internet access is provided by software, and it, in turn, must be executed in some operating system. Thus, it can be said that Smart TV is a symbiosis of a computer and a TV, or more simply put - computer system integrated into the TV. If your TV does not have a Smart TV, this means that it simply does not have a computer system that can be connected externally. And as already mentioned, buying an external Smart TV is sometimes even more profitable than buying a built-in Smart TV.

And since a computer system is integrated into the TV, the TV serves only as a monitor, and this opens up great opportunities for applications and services, the ability to update software, install the latest programs, and opens up great opportunities for application developers and for the development of the Smart TV concept itself.

How to implement Smart TV where there is none

Few people know, but Smart TV technology is not tied specifically to televisions, hence the thoughts of some owners to change their TV to a more modern one just because it lacks Smart TV. Don't rush to change your TV! This technology is being implemented in a wide variety of devices, such as

  • digital television receivers
  • Blu-ray players
  • game consoles
  • media players...

These and other external devices that can be connected to the TV give users the ability to search for video content and other media content on the Internet, local cable TV channels, satellite TV channels, etc. These devices support Internet surfing, run operating systems (Linux and Android are very common), support software updates, etc. Those. initially fulfill all the goals that were originally included in the definition of Smart TV.

Let's look at possible implementations of Smart TV:

An example of a Smart TV built into a TV
Smart TV on Android (external device)

In the screenshots shown, the difference between the built-in and external Smart TV is significant not only in the interface, but also in the ability to update Smart TV, supplement its functionality, etc. Often, the built-in Smart TV (despite its advertising appearance) does not provide for a complete upgrade or expansion of the required functionality (which sooner or later has to be done). Therefore, the implementation of an external Smart TV, say on Android, is perhaps the most successful solution.

Smart TV based on Android

Users of tablets and smartphones know this operating system well; its main asset is the Play Market - a library of many free and paid applications. In just a couple of minutes, a device based on this OS can be turned into the required tool: watch movies, read books, listen to music, play games, chat with friends... And there is nothing easier than to implement all this on your... TV!

Yes, there is nothing easier than implementing Smart TV on your TV using Android! This is done using a special mini computer; these gadgets are already sold in our stores - on average, a Smart TV for your TV will cost $100.

These gadgets are similar in size to a regular flash drive; connecting it to the back of the TV will not spoil the appearance.

Smart TV example using iconBIT Toucan Stick 3D PRO

I have already mentioned that Smart TV is being implemented in various devices today; listing them and reviewing their characteristics would take too much time. Therefore, let's consider the implementation of Smart TV based on such an interesting device as.

This gadget is one of the HD media players, but is essentially a network micro-computer. The entire media center fits into one case the size of a regular flash drive, connects to the TV via HDMI and is powered by USB from the same TV (if there is no USB, then from an additional power source). Speaking about technical characteristics, we can emphasize such details as: Android 4.2 platform, built-in Wi-Fi, dual-core processor (1 GHz), 4 GB NAND Flash, 1 GB DDR3, expandable up to 32 GB microSDHC.


Implementation of Smart TV based on IconBit Toucan Stick 3D PRO

By connecting this device to your TV, you turn it into a full-fledged media center, capable of playing any files from the Internet, over the network or via USB (including Full HD, Blu-ray 3D ISO, MKV), there is support for numerous IPTV services and downloading applications from the Play Market. You can connect Skype to your TV, surf the Internet, chat on social networks, play games, etc. The role of the mouse is played by the remote control - the so-called “air mouse” (it also works via Wi-Fi (the delivery includes a device for connection). Frankly, this mouse worked well for the default built-in applications, but for third-party cinemas installed through the Play Market , it was clearly not suitable - the tabs on the screen did not switch everywhere (for some reason I could not start the movie, for example, in Megogo, despite all sorts of combinations of clicks on the remote control. I had to get a standard mouse to the computer and connect it to a free one). USB connector on the device. Only in this way I was able to implement full control of Android applications installed on top only with a third-party mouse. Gourmets will be able to connect a keyboard, but you must be prepared for the fact that the device may not recognize all the connected gadgets. The majority of applications in the Play Market are designed for touch devices, which your TV is not, so you need to be prepared for all sorts of incompatibility between applications and your TV. And yet, you can get from your TV much of what your smartphone or tablet is capable of, on which you could see and experience Android 4.2 OS in action. The main advantage of Smart TV is, of course, watching movies, and with this, everything is fine.

At the time of writing this article, such a gadget cost an average of $75-80 in online stores. A model is about to take his place Toucan Stick G4- with more advanced functionality. Very quickly, some microcomputers replace others, so prices and availability of models in online stores can vary significantly.

A small personal photo report from the place of implementation of Smart TV with the help of (the used Samsung UE32D5000 TV - until recently considered an elegant execution of television equipment, very quickly discontinued and sunk into oblivion).




Megogo Cinema on Android (directly on TV)


Actually Android settings (almost like in a phone)
It has become possible to use an Internet browser on your TV
Or read the news feed in a separate news aggregator

Summary

Smart TV can be implemented on almost any TV! In the example I described of implementing Smart TV using a TV with the minimum requirement - HDMI input. If you don’t have that either, but only have so-called tulips (well, if the TV is already very old, and you really want the Internet), then stationary media players with tulip outputs (they are designed in the form of a television tuner) are suitable for you. But this is another topic for another author!

Today, developers offer Smart TV owners a wide variety of applications for watching television, online movies directly from websites, useful programs and even games. Each user can independently select the programs they need, but it is important to take into account the region of residence and the model of their TV.

  • LG – enter the Smart TV section and select interactive TV from the available widgets;
  • Samsung - enter the Smart TV section and select the Video item in the Samsung App store, where you can find and download Interactive TV.

This application is only available for models from 2012. As for synchronization with devices on the Android operating system, its version must be at least 4.0, and for iOS - at least 5.0.


Setting up IPTV

The application for watching IPTV television channels is now also available for Smart TVs. This program provides access to digital television, that is, to higher quality images and sound. There are several options for connecting this application, and in many cases a special set-top box is needed, but you can also do without it.

If we consider installing this program on Samsung Smart TVs, without a set-top box, then it’s immediately worth noting that this is only possible for models no younger than 2010. To watch television via IPTV you need to download the nStreamLmod application. The setup sequence is as follows:

  • Login to Smart Hub via a special button on the remote control;
  • Pressing button A from the remote control;
  • Go to the point of creating a work record and enter the develop login and password 123456;
  • Confirmation of data entry by clicking the “Create work record” button;
  • Enter your username and password to log into your account;
  • Pressing the Tools button from the remote control and selecting the “Settings” section;
  • In the open window, select “Development”;
  • Enter the server IP address through setup. Each TV model uses its own. For Samsung it is 188.168.31.14 or 31.128.159.40;
  • Clicking the application synchronization item (this action can remove all previously installed programs except standard ones);
  • When the process is complete, launch the nStreamPlayer application and enter the address http://powernet.com.ru/stream.xml in the Playlist URL 1 field.


Additional Applications

There are many additional applications for watching TV programs and movies online. So, one of them is an offer from the provider MegaFon.TV. This program is free and is supported by LG Smart TVs no earlier than 2013 (including TVs from v1.2.0 webOS), as well as Samsung Smart TVs from 2013, with the exception of those running on the Tizen operating system.

A current application today is Like TV - a free program that provides access to watching IPTV on Samsung Smart TV (all TV models).

On your TV, you would like to find out if this system can function on your computer as a regular program just as well and provide a full list of familiar options.

In fact, setting up the full package of Smart functions for LV or TV of other brands is quite simple; it easily connects not only to the TV, but also can be easily configured on a laptop and standard PC. This makes it easy to watch any multimedia content on a computer monitor.

A convenient and comfortable Smart TV program allows the user to use maximum capabilities, obtain the necessary information, use it for training, work on various projects, and also significantly save time. Even a beginner can easily create a home network; with the help of Smart TV, you will have to forget about unnecessary downloading of movies onto a flash drive; now you can watch movies with just a couple of clicks on the necessary buttons. With all the necessary modern devices that are interconnected, the user is able to choose the media for viewing the necessary files.

How to watch TV on a computer

Many users want to watch TV channels on their PC or laptop, since this method is the most comfortable. The Smart TV software package configured on a computer is gaining popularity every year. Viewing on a PC makes it possible to record the programs you need and then review them at any convenient time. The simplest connection option is to use an adapter for a TV tuner, which is sold in the form of a card for a PCI slot or in USB form.

The second type allows you to simply install the adapter software on your computer or laptop.

In the first case, you will have to spend a little more time connecting and first insert the tuner into a free PCI slot, which is located under the cover of the system unit or laptop. After that, you just need to start the computer and install the necessary software on it; if the installation is successful, all you have to do is connect an antenna, cable or satellite dish to the tuner. You can set up channels in the installed application, with which you can watch them on your computer at any convenient time, and also record the necessary programs on your hard drive.

Connecting TV to PC using DVI/HDMI

If your PC has a video card equipped with DVI, and you also have a TV with an HDMI input, you can easily connect both connectors with a cable and then watch movies from your computer on a more convenient TV screen. To connect, you may need a small adapter, since there are several types on sale; you need to choose the right one depending on the type of cable. If selected correctly, the connection will not cause any problems or difficulties.

Connecting using the S-Video connector

  • Not all users who want to figure out how to connect a computer to an LG or Samsung TV are aware that the most popular option is a convenient connection via S-Video. It is suitable for owners of TVs with comfortable 21-pin SCART connectors and video cards with S-Video outputs. For a full connection you will need several important parts, including:
  • cable of the required length, equipped with S-Video plugs;
  • adapter with SCART plug and video, audio and S-Video sockets;

Those who want to listen to sound through TV speakers will need an additional cord with a plug and so-called TV bells. When selecting cables and cords, you need to ensure that their length is the same. Before connecting, the equipment must be disconnected from the power source, and then connect the plugs to the sockets and connectors of the desired color. After this, the user will need to configure the computer; after turning it on, right-click on the desktop and select Properties.

In it you need to find the Settings tab, two monitors will appear there, one of which indicates a computer, and the other a TV. Use your mouse to click on the second monitor and check the box next to “Extend the desktop onto this monitor.” After simply selecting the “Apply” command, at this stage the configuration will be completed. Then you can go to the TV on which you need to turn on the Video channel; every standard remote control is equipped with such a button.

If you successfully set up Smart TV on your personal computer, your desktop wallpaper will appear on the TV screen. Smart functionality allows you to use two devices simultaneously in the most convenient way. For example, while the TV is watching the desired cartoons from the hard drive, another user can work on the PC in any applications or on the Internet without compromising the data transfer speed. You can also open photo and video files from your computer on TV by opening them in a special player.

The player window is then dragged to the right corner of the monitor, allowing it to be displayed on the TV. For more convenient viewing, you need to select full screen mode. Most users have already been able to appreciate all the advantages of LG Smart TV and other TV models that are compatible with the format of any computer. This is a very convenient way of viewing for those who prefer to evaluate all the benefits of innovative technologies, as well as enjoy their main advantages. Read also,.

Smart TV is a smart TV with built-in access to the Internet. This function is implemented by software, which, in turn, requires a specific operating system. Accordingly, in essence, Smart TV is a kind of symbiosis of a TV and a computer.

Based on this, logically, if your gadget is not equipped with a Smart TV option, then this only means that it does not have a computer system. But can it be connected correctly from the outside? How to make a smart TV from a regular TV? Let's take a closer look.

Is it possible to make Smart TV from a regular TV?

Very often the decision that it is necessary to buy a new TV is made only because there is no Smart TV. But don't rush to spend money. After all, this technology is not tied to the TV, but may well be implemented in other devices:

  • Game consoles,
  • Digital television receivers,
  • Media players,
  • Blu-ray players

By connecting the devices listed above to your TV yourself, you can be content with the same functionality as a Smart TV. They are able to work on various operating platforms, since, for example, Androi and Linux, they provide Internet surfing and support the ability to update programs. That is, they actually implement all the same tasks as the desired TV model.

What is the difference between outdoor and built-in Smart TV?

The difference between these two Smart TV implementations lies in several important points. First of all, this is the interface and the ability to update. As a rule, a built-in Smart TV does not provide for a complete upgrade or expansion of functionality (and this will still have to be done over time). Considering such nuances, an external Smart TV becomes a fairly good solution.

External Smart TV on the Android platform

Android has an important advantage - a colossal Play Market library (paid and free applications). This unique functionality allows you to turn almost any device into a powerful tool for reading books, watching movies, playing games, and communicating with friends in a matter of minutes. All these options are available for implementation on the TV.

What do you need to do for this? It is enough to purchase a special mini-computer (Smart-TV set-top box). Visually, such a gadget resembles a regular flash drive. We connect it directly to the TV.

Let's consider a specific example - Smart TV based on the iconBIT Toucan Stick 3D PRO HD media player. Essentially, such a gadget is a network micro-computer housed in a case whose dimensions correspond to the dimensions of a regular flash drive. We connect such a device via HDMI. Power supply is directly from USB from the TV. If there is no such connector, use any other additional source. The technical characteristics of this option are quite impressive: built-in Wi-Fi, dual-core processor (1 GHz), Android 4.2 system, expansion up to 32 GB microSDHC, 4 GB NAND Flash, 1 GB DDR3.

By connecting this device, you turn your TV into a real media center that is capable of recreating files of almost any format from the Internet via USB (including Blu-ray 3D ISO, Full HD, MKV), there is support for IPTV services, can be downloaded from Play Market various applications. Moreover, you can connect the Skype messenger, communicate on various social networks, search the Internet, and play games. But what about without a mouse? In fact, this problem is easily solved. After all, its role is successfully implemented by the remote control.

If this is not entirely convenient for you, then it is quite possible to connect a regular mouse via a free USB. And even more than that, you can connect a standard keyboard. But be prepared for the fact that some devices may not recognize the gadgets you connect. In addition, many applications on the Play Market are designed for touch screens, but the TV is not. Accordingly, inconsistencies are also quite possible.

Nevertheless, the most important advantage of Smart TV is that comfortable viewing of movies online is fully realized using this method.

How to make Smart TV from a regular TV - conclusions

The potential of Smart TV is quite possible to realize on any TV. There is no need to buy a new gadget. In fact, in the case of connecting this function via SmartTV set-top boxes, the only condition that is necessary is the presence of an HDMI input. But if your TV is an older model and is not equipped with such a connector, then you can use stationary media players made in the form of a television tuner.

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Quite often, owners of standard TVs ask the question of how to turn a regular TV into a modern Smart TV, because they do not want to purchase expensive equipment that can be connected to the Internet. In fact, such a system can turn out to be much cheaper, especially if you use special devices, for example, a tablet, as well as special adapters. There are other methods, and each of them is worth learning more about.

As the popularity of smart TVs increases every year, many users want to find out whether a standard TV can be converted into a Smart TV. Despite the extensive list of advantages of modern TVs, which are real multimedia centers and offer a huge list of options, not everyone is satisfied with their high cost. In fact, you can use such options using a standard television device; the following can help with this:

  • not too expensive network media player of compact size;
  • connecting a smartphone or tablet;
  • work with a Blu-ray player;
  • presence of a game console.

Each of these methods has its own characteristics, and you should choose the appropriate option only taking into account individual capabilities and needs. They have their pros and cons, which are also worth paying attention to in order to finally make your choice.

Features of connection via media players

Many manufacturers produce a large number of modern media players, equipped with all the necessary options, which are now quite high-class equipment. If you have a high-quality speaker system and a good TV, such a player can become a full-fledged and complete media center. With it, you can play HD movies from your PC, as well as any music and images, as well as access the Web and the widget store. When connected to external storage media, it will help display web pages. The main advantages of such a device are worth noting:

  • small sizes;
  • low cost;
  • ability to support the most common codecs and formats;
  • presence of WLAN module;
  • connecting an external hard drive and other devices.

This option has practically no drawbacks, except that some models are absolutely not compatible with Blu-ray disc images.

Connect using a tablet or smartphone

When it comes to how to make a Smart TV from a regular and standard TV, it would not be superfluous to remember the availability of Internet services in tablets and smartphones, but it should be borne in mind that not all models of such devices are suitable for this purpose. Full connection is made using special adapters, which must be purchased separately. Unfortunately, most mobile devices do not have a large amount of memory, which does not allow them to store the required amount of data. At the same time, they are quite capable of complementing the TV with the options of a standard PC, especially if you take advantage of special software.

Connecting the device will not be so difficult, especially if it is equipped with an HDMI or MHL connector, which will require separate cables and adapters to connect a smartphone or other device to the TV. Additional parts will have to be carried with you, especially if the user needs to constantly play multimedia files on a large screen.

Blu-ray players

Modern Blu-ray players have very rich functionality, but at the same time they are quite expensive. Now manufacturers are supplementing them with the Smart-TV function and the ability to support DLNA, which allows you to watch movies from a PC in any format on the TV screen. Using players, you can get unlimited access to a variety of movie services and install applications downloaded from online stores. Usually, when purchasing a player, a special HDM1 cable is included in the package; if it is not there, you can purchase it at any hardware store. To choose the right Blu-ray player, you should pay attention to the number of supported formats and the availability of advanced functionality.

Gaming consoles

When we make a “smart” TV using a standard TV and select the appropriate equipment, we want to find out information about all the options; another way to connect Smart is a game console. It is worth remembering that it has limited functionality, and some applications are paid. Known Xbox devices can be used to convert a regular TV system into a smart TV, and users will need to register with Microsoft's console system and get a paid account to access all the necessary applications and services. You can consider the option with the Sony PlayStation; its advantages are usually noted as the presence of two free services and the ability to store content on your own HDD.