Technology keeps evolving, and many TV brands want their customers to have so much fun while watching their TV.
Most people have a smart TV at home BUT keep asking “how do I know if my TV is a smart TV.”
In this article, we will guide you on how to know if your TV is a smart TV or a regular TV and the differences between a smart TV and a regular TV.
How Do I Know If My TV is a Smart TV
A smart TV has built-in WiFi that allows you to access the internet over a WiFi connection and they run on an operating system (OS) just like a mobile phone.
The operating system (OS) controls and coordinates apps that run on your smart. Each TV brand runs on a different Operating system.
Panasonic TV operates on Firefox OS, LG TV runs on webOS TV and Samsung TV operates on Tizen OS. While brands like Philips, JBL, Sony, Sharp, Nvidia, Hisense, and TCL operate on android TV OS.
Each Smart TV hosts new content that is available in their built-in app store. You can download or stream from apps including Netflix, Hulu, Disney, Apple TV, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, etc.
You can also mirror or screen share content such as audio, videos, and pictures from your smartphone, tablet, or PC to your Smart TV.
You can also airplay from apple devices such as your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to display on your smart TV.
Voice control is another feature that can be found in a smart TV. This feature allows you to interact and control your Smart TV with your voice, just like you are interacting with a friend.
You can select from multiple voice assistants such as Bixby, Alexa, Siri, ThinQ AL, and Google Assistant.
All you need to do is to say the word and the voice assistant will immediately respond.
How Can I Find Out if my Samsung TV is a Smart TV
You can find out if your Samsung TV is a smart TV by looking at the back to check if there is a socket for an Ethernet cable.
You should carefully note the model and serial number while looking at the back of your Samsung TV.
Now go on the internet to the Samsung website and input the model number in the search box. The search will display the features and specifications of your Samsung TV
You can also check your owner’s manual to check the features and specifications of your Samsung TV.
How do I Know if my LG TV is a Smart TV
To find out if your LG TV is a smart TV check your owner’s manual to determine the specifications and features of your LG TV.
If you don’t have your owner’s manual, check the back of your LG TV, then go to the LG website and input the model number and serial number in the search box to display the features and specifications of your LG TV.
How do I Know if my Sony TV is a Smart TV?
The easiest way to determine if your Sony TV is a smart TV is to check your remote control if it has a Mic button or if a Mic icon is displayed on it.
The other way is to go to the support page of your Sony TV, and then tap the specification link on the page. Now scroll down to view the Software section to view if android is listed under the operating system.
What Does a Smart TV do That a Regular TV Doesn’t
A smart TV has an operating system, has a built-in WiFi network that can connect to the internet, use apps, browse the web, shop on various apps, and stream audio or videos.
A regular TV on the other hand does not have an operating system or built-in WiFi and can’t connect to the internet unless it is connected using an extra plug-in device.
What Device Turns Your TV Into a Smart TV
The following devices turn your TV into a smart TV:
Amazon Fire TV Stick
Using an Amazon fire TV stick allows you to access music, movies, and TV episodes from apps such as iTunes, Spotify, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, etc.
Roku Stick Amazon Fire TV Stick
Roku devices allow you to access the internet by connecting your TV with a Roku streaming stick or Streaming Stick 4K+ with a Roku player.
Roku streaming devices support Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, HBO Max, Roku Channel, etc.
Apple TV
Apple TV 4K is supported by various TV and you can connect your Apple device via the HDMI port of your TV. You can choose how you want to watch, on your TV, on your Apple devices, or on the web.
Smart Android
You can connect your TV to the internet with an Android TV box through the HDMI port.
A Smart android TV box is compatible with all streaming platforms and it supports streaming platforms such as Hulu, Prime Video, HBO max, Spotify, Apple TV, etc.
Google Chromecast
Google Chromecast allows you to cast your TV with Google TV by inserting it into the HDMI port on your TV.
Google Chromecast supports a wide range of streaming apps such as Netflix, Peacock, Apple TV, Slings, Prime Video, Youtube, ESPN, etc.
Tivo Stream 4k
Tivo Stream 4k is a media streamer that allows you to search, browse and create watch lists across all of your apps. It supports a variety of streaming apps and free content with Tivo+.
Gaming Consoles
When you connect your TV to a gaming console, you can stream the internet. You can also stream on apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, and other streaming channels supported by the gaming console.
How to Know if TV Has Wifi
A smart TV has an operating system and a built-in WIFI network that allows you to access the internet. If you have a smart TV various apps will be displayed on the home screen and your TV will be able to connect to the internet.
How do I Make my TV a Smart TV
You can make your TV into a smart TV by connecting a streaming device, an internet connection box, or an extra plug-in device to your TV.
How to Tell if a TV is a Smart TV Without a Remote
If you want to Tell if a TV is a smart TV at home without remote control, then you should check your owner’s manual for specifications and features.
You can also check and note the model number on the back of your smart TV. Then go to the official website of your TV model and input the serial number in the search box to display its features and specifications.
How Can I Turn my TV Into a Smart TV?
You can connect any of the following devices to access the internet on your TV: Gaming Consoles, Tivo Stream 4k, Google Chromecast, smart Android TV, Apple TV, 4k Roku Stick, or Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Is Every Flat-Screen TV a Smart TV?
The earlier models of flat-screen TV cannot access the internet, they do not have built-in WiFi or an operating system. Only Flat-screen TV that can access the internet without connecting to an internet connection box can be considered a smart TV.
What TVs are Considered Smart TVs?
A smart TV allows you to access the internet, use apps, browse, shop and stream, on your TV without the use of an extra plug-in device, a streaming device, or an internet connection box.
What is The Difference Between a Normal TV And Smart TV?
A normal TV does not run on an operating system and cannot access the internet unless when an internet connection box is connected.
A smart TV has an operating system and you can access the internet, use apps, browse, shop and stream.