What kind of TV do I need to connect to the internet? (2023)

Do all TVs connect to the internet?

All Smart TVs have built-in WiFi and you should be able to connect to your home wireless network during the setup of your TV, or through network settings. Alternatively, you can use a wired connection and connect your router to your TV via an ethernet cable.

How do I know if my TV Has WiFi? If your TV has WiFi there should be a WiFi Alliance logo on the box and oftentimes at the bottom of the screen on the base of the television. In your settings menu, you'll also find a network connections or Wi-Fi Setup section.

A smart TV is a television connected to the internet that provides web-related features.

Connecting a standard or “non-smart” TV to the internet requires connecting a Wi-Fi capable device to your TV. These include gaming consoles (PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 or above), streaming boxes and sticks, and newer Blu-ray players.

This is actually usually very easy, simply plug you Ethernet cable into one of the RJ45 sockets on the rear of your internet modem/ router and then plug the other end into your TV. That should be it with no need to change any settings on your TV.

Power reset your modem/router

Unplug the power cable to your modem/router and wait about 60 seconds. Reconnect the power cable to your modem/router and make sure it's turned on. Wait until the device is finished making it's connection to the internet and your network. Perform the network diagnosis.

To connect a Non-Smart TV to Wi-Fi, use a streaming device, an HDMI cable, a Blu-Ray player, a gaming console, or even Mirroring/Screencasting from another device.

Smart TVs are meant to be used without cable.

The freedom to choose from numerous streaming services is part of what makes these devices so great. All you need to start watching content on your smart TV without cable is a high-speed internet connection. The device must be connected to your home's Internet to work.

Differences Between a Regular TV and Smart TV. Connecting to wifi is one of the biggest things that differentiates a smart TV from a non-smart TV. Wifi connectivity lets users access online content, download apps, and use streaming services without requiring additional research and payment for an external device.

Can you watch regular TV on a smart TV without cable?

If you've been wondering how to get local channels on a smart TV, you'll either need to purchase a high-definition digital TV antenna or download a free app or two from your TV's app store. Using an antenna only has a one-time cost and doesn't even require an internet connection.

On Netflix-ready TVs, the Netflix app is on the main menu or home screen. If your TV has an app store, search for Netflix to see if the app is available. Note: Sometimes a device update is needed to find and install the Netflix app.

Restart the TV and wireless router (unplug them then plug them back in). For Advanced Users: Make sure the router has MAC Filtering disabled. For Advanced Users: Make sure the router has DHCP enabled, or that you have the appropriate static IP settings programmed into the TV. If the issue persists, Contact Us.

Restart the router. Unplug the power, wait about 1 minute, and reconnect. Try connecting another device to the router. If it works, it's a TV problem, and if it doesn't, it's a router problem.

If your Samsung TV isn't detecting a wireless network (or continuously loses its network connection), the problem might be that your TV simply isn't properly connected to your network. There are a few things that can lead to connection issues, like old firmware or your smart TV needing a reset.

Smart TVs need an antenna to pick up local channels, so you'll need to purchase a high-definition digital TV antenna. You can also use streaming devices to watch local channels without an antenna.

Your smart TV is essentially an LED TV with internet connection and the ability to connect seamlessly to various portable devices!

Not all TVs are smart; a "dumb" TV doesn't connect to the internet, so it's simply a display device for whatever you connect to it (much like a computer monitor).

What is the downside of a smart TV?

To connect a Non-Smart TV to Wi-Fi, use a streaming device, an HDMI cable, a Blu-Ray player, a gaming console, or even Mirroring/Screencasting from another device.

With an antenna, you'll be able to watch dozens of channels that you might not have even realized you have free access to. Each of the “big four” broadcast networks — ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC — will come in over your antenna, allowing you to watch some of the most popular shows that air each week.

You may convert TV to smart TV in several methods, the best of which is to purchase an intelligent media player (also known as a streaming device) and connect it to your TV's HDMI connector. Smart media players come in various sizes and styles (and smart operating systems).

Comparison between WiFi and Internet

WiFi is a wireless network to connect nearby devices with each other and share the Internet via hotspots. Internet is a global network of networks where computers communicate with each other via Internet Protocol.

The cheapest live TV services for cord-cutting are the free ones: Pluto TV and Xumo. There are paid ones that cost very little, like Philo, Frndly TV, and Sling (especially the individual Blue or Orange plans).

To watch TV shows and movies offline at any time, download them from the Netflix app. Learn more about finding, downloading, and watching downloaded TV shows and movies below.