All the TV shows and movies you want to stream are within reach if you own a regular TV. There are a few easy ways to access streaming services without having to consider buying a Smart TV.
All the TV shows and movies you want to stream are within reach if you own a regular TV. There are a few easy ways to access streaming services without having to consider buying a Smart TV .
5. Buy streaming equipment
Platforms like Roku and Amazon Prime have their own streaming devices that you can buy, plug into any old TV you have, and you can access dozens of streaming services. Here are a few to consider:
- Apple TV 4K
- Roku Express
- Amazon Fire TV: Stick HD
- Google TV Streamer
Any of these streaming devices will essentially turn your regular TV into a smart TV . And what's especially great is that you don't have to buy a subscription to any of these platforms. For example, you don't need an Apple TV subscription to use the Apple TV 4K . However, you do have to create a free account. This is the case with all of the streaming devices listed in this article.
You can also do some cool things with streaming devices. You can use the Roku Express as a way to stream to your Plex server, in addition to being your everyday streaming driver.
4. TV box can have streaming service
If you have a cable box connected to the Internet, you can quickly access Netflix content using that box.
This means digging through menus or talking to your provider to see if your cable box supports apps. Xfinity, for example, has an Apps tab, as does DirecTV. If you can't find anything but your remote has voice capabilities, try voice commands.
3. Reuse old computers
If you have an old laptop or computer lying around, connect it to your old TV via HDMI and you can easily access streaming services. It has the advantage of breathing new life into old hardware, especially if you're using a lightweight operating system like Linux, and can be more responsive than even a super cheap streaming device. You also don't have to worry about being bombarded with ads just by using a streaming device.
Depending on what you have on hand, you may need a few cables or adapters. For example, let's say you have a PC that doesn't have a Wi-Fi card; it's just connected via Ethernet . If you connect a Wi-Fi receiver, like the TP-Link Archer T3U Plus, it should work, or you can find an Ethernet cable long enough and connect it that way. However, connecting your laptop to a regular TV works just as well.
For cables, you'll need a cable that fits into the video port on your computer as well as your regular TV. If it's an older TV that's over 10 years old, it'll probably be an HDMI cable, but it's worth checking anyway. The same goes for any old computer you have. It should have at least one HDMI port. Just plug the HDMI cable from your regular TV into your computer and you're good to go. Don't forget your mouse and keyboard!
2. Download streaming service to game console
While many people prefer to use their consoles solely for gaming and use the Roku Express for streaming content, there are streaming apps available if you don't want to switch. This has been an option since the days of the Xbox 360 and PS3, but support for many streaming services has grown. If you have a gaming console, you already have a way to watch streaming services on your regular TV.
The best part is that you don't need any kind of subscription, like Xbox Live, PS+, or Nintendo Switch Online. You just need internet access to download free apps from the online store and enjoy the content, assuming you only download the streaming services you're subscribed to.
1. Connect your phone using a USB cable
Why bother with another streaming device or dedicated device when your smartphone can do it all? All you need to connect your phone to your TV is a USB cable that fits into your device's charging port and an HDMI cable on the other end. This method also works with tablets!
If you do this, make sure you're using Wi-Fi and not your data. You don't want to accidentally run up your bill. Also, remember that the entire screen can be viewed by everyone, not just the content you're streaming. And finally, depending on the USB cable you choose, you won't be able to charge your phone or tablet.
It's really helpful when streaming services are available on a variety of devices. Otherwise, we'd have to ditch our traditional TVs and go for smart TVs.