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How to make your TV smart

Not minded to shell out for a smart TV? The good news is you don't have to. Set top boxes, games consoles and streaming sticks can turn your standard TV into a smart TV in no time. And often for a lot less outlay.

Key points

  • Set top boxes turn your regular TVs into a smart TV, allowing access to streaming services and internet directly on your TV
  • Streaming sticks are portable devices that plug into a TV's HDMI port, enabling smart TV functions and access to various streaming platforms
  • Gaming consoles like the PS5 serve dual purposes, offering both gaming and built-in streaming capabilities, making them comprehensive media hubs

What are your options for making your TV smart?

You can make your TV smart by investing in a set top box, a streaming stick or a games console. Here, we'll take a look at each one in turn and explain what they've got to offer.

What are set top boxes and what can they do?

Set top boxes connect your TV to the internet. They convert digital signals into visual content on your screen. This allows you to access streaming platforms and internet services directly on your TV.

You can get set top boxes from all of the major TV providers. Sky Stream is a firm favourite. Its small footprint and plug and play functionality means it’s great for those who want the smart TV experience.

You can access streaming services including Now TV, Netflix, Disney+ and even Spotify. Just remember you’ll need to pay for a subscription for these services in order to access them, as well as a monthly fee to access live TV, movies and sports

Other notable options are the BT TV Box Pro, which offers Freeview access and 4K ultra high definition streaming and Apple TV, which lets you stream Apple TV+ and other streaming services, as long as you have the right subscriptions.

Amazon’s Fire Cube serves up 4K capabilities, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos sound, making it one for true TV lovers.

What are the benefits of opting for a set top box?

  • Ease of use: Set top boxes are easy to set up and have user friendly interfaces, not dissimilar to smartphones, making them good for those who prefer streamlined and straightforward tech with no fuss
  • Versatility: Most set top boxes support the biggest streaming services and apps, such as Netflix, Prime, Disney+, Paramount+, Apple TV+ and Now TV
  • Cost-effectiveness It’s usually more affordable to pair a regular TV with a set top box than buying a smart TV. What’s more, you can keep the set top box when you change TV
  • Not just a TV - set top boxes also allow access to video services like YouTube and music streaming platforms including Spotify, turning your TV into a wide-ranging entertainment hub

What are streaming sticks and what can they do?

Streaming sticks are compact devices that plug into your TV's HDMI port, transforming it into a smart TV.

These gadgets connect to your home Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream video content, use apps, and browse the internet on your TV screen.

The most well known is Amazon’s Fire Stick, popular for its affordable price point, ease of use and wide range of apps. Amazon also offers different versions of its Fire Stick, ranging from a basic model through to 4K versions.

Each one comes with Alexa voice control. Google’s excellent Chromecast slides into your HDMI port and lets you stream from your phone, meaning you can choose your favourite shows on your device and then sit back and enjoy them on a bigger screen.

What are the benefits of streaming sticks?

  • Compact: Smaller in size than set top boxes, streaming sticks tend to offer much the same technical prowess, although if you want hundreds of channels you may want to invest in a set top box from one of the major TV and broadband providers.
  • A lot of features for not much outlay: The main advantage of streaming sticks is their ability to enhance your TV's capabilities. This is achieved without costly hardware upgrades or extra subscriptions.
  • No need to upgrade to a smart TV: With a games console, services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or BBC iPlayer can be accessed on older TV models

Using a games console for streaming TV

Games consoles can double up as streaming boxes, meaning you don’t need to splash out on extra kit while taking advantage of the powerful visual tech which powers devices such as the PS5 and Xbox One.

They typically offer...

  • Dual functionality: Modern gaming consoles, including the PS5, feature built-in apps for popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. This allows you to switch from gaming to watching your favourite shows without needing extra devices
  • Access to even more content: The PS5 supports 4K video playback, enhancing your viewing experience. It also offers a user-friendly interface that integrates your gaming and media libraries seamlessly. The PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X also support Sky Go, Sky’s paid for streaming platform,
  • Better all round entertainment: Unlike streaming sticks and set-top boxes, which are dedicated to media streaming, gaming consoles offer a more versatile solution. They not only provide entertainment through games but also serve as a comprehensive media hub. This versatility often justifies their higher price point compared to other streaming devices.
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