Yes, most smart TVs today have internet capabilities built right in. Simply connect the smart TV to your home network via WiFi or ethernet cable and you’ll be able to access internet-connected apps and services.
Some key questions about smart TV internet connectivity include:
– How do I connect my smart TV to the internet?
– Do I need any additional devices like a streaming stick to get internet access?
– What can I do with a smart TV once it’s connected to the internet?
– How fast will the internet connection be on my smart TV?
Let’s explore the answers to these questions and more in depth:
What Makes a TV “Smart”?
A “smart TV” is a television that has internet connectivity and can access streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and more. This is made possible by the smart TV operating system.
Most smart TVs today use one of the following operating systems:
- Roku TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Google TV
- LG webOS
- Samsung Tizen
- Vizio SmartCast
These smart TV operating systems power the interface and allow you to install and use apps. They also enable features like casting from your smartphone and voice controls via integrated voice assistants.
What Sets Smart TVs Apart From Regular TVs
Regular “dumb” TVs lack an operating system and can only access content through external devices you connect like a cable box, Blu-ray player or game console. They do not connect directly to the internet.
Smart TVs have the essential internet connectivity and smart platform built right in. This allows you to stream movies, shows, sports, music and more without any additional device needed.
Connecting a Smart TV to the Internet
Connecting a smart TV to your home internet is quick and straightforward. Here are the typical steps involved:
- Turn on your smart TV and initiate the setup process.
- Select your language preference for the menus and interface.
- Agree to any terms & conditions if prompted.
- Choose your wireless network from the list of available connections.
- Enter your WiFi password if required.
- Test the connection to ensure it’s active.
- Proceed through any additional setup steps as needed.
Once connected, your smart TV may automatically update its apps and firmware. Then you’ll be ready to start streaming!
Setting Up a Wired Ethernet Connection
While WiFi is the most common way to connect, you can also use an ethernet cable for a wired smart TV connection. Just plug one end of the ethernet cable into your router or modem, and the other end into the Ethernet port on the smart TV.
An ethernet connection typically provides faster, more reliable internet speeds compared to WiFi. So it’s ideal if your smart TV is in a fixed location near your router.
Do You Need Any Additional Devices for Smart TV Internet?
One of the best things about smart TVs is that everything needed for internet connectivity is built right into the television. So you do not need any extra streaming boxes or devices attached to get online.
Here are some examples of additional devices that are NOT necessary for a smart TV’s internet access:
- Roku stick
- Amazon Fire Stick
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
- Game consoles like Xbox or PlayStation
While you can use streaming sticks or consoles if you wish, the smart TV has all the essential internet capabilities baked right in. The integrated smart platform allows you to install apps, cast content from your phone, and browse the web without any accessories.
When You Might Still Want a Streaming Device
Are there any cases where getting an external streaming device still makes sense with a smart TV?
There are a couple instances where a device can be useful:
- Accessing apps or services that may not be supported on your smart TV’s platform.
- Upgrading an older smart TV with limited app selection.
- Using advanced features like private listening on Roku devices.
But for most everyday streaming, the built-in smart capabilities will have you covered without needing to plug anything else in.
What You Can Do With a Smart TV Online
Connecting to the internet opens up a whole world of entertainment, information and convenience. Here are some of the great things internet access enables on a smart TV:
Stream Movies & Shows
One of the most popular uses for smart TVs is streaming video from services like:
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Disney+
- HBO Max
- YouTube
- Prime Video
- Paramount+
The selection of available apps depends on the smart TV operating system. But you’ll typically have access to all the major streaming platforms.
Watch Live TV
Many smart TV platforms also support live TV streaming services like:
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- fuboTV
With one of these services, you can stream live sports, news, and other programs without needing a cable box.
Listen to Music
In addition to video, smart TVs allow you to stream music from apps like:
- Spotify
- Pandora
- Amazon Music
- Tidal
- iHeartRadio
So you can access playlists, radio stations, podcasts and more through your TV.
Play Games
Gaming services like Google Stadia allow you to play console-quality games directly through the smart TV interface. No game console required!
Browse the Web
Smart TV platforms also include web browsers so you can surf the web right from your TV screen. This allows access to any internet website or web app.
Cast Content from Other Devices
Most smart TVs support casting through standards like AirPlay and Chromecast. This allows you to send videos, music, photos, webpages and more directly from your smartphone or tablet to the TV.
Use Voice Assistants
Many smart TVs have voice assistants with wake words like “Alexa”, “Hey Google” or “Hi Bixby”. You can use these to launch apps, search for content, control playback, and more hands-free.
Smart TV Internet Speeds
When connected via WiFi or ethernet, your smart TV will have access to the same internet speeds as any other device in your home. Here are some factors that determine smart TV internet speeds:
Your Internet Plan Speed
The maximum internet speeds to your smart TV will depend on the plan you pay for from your ISP. Faster fiber or cable plans will enable quicker smart TV internet speeds.
WiFi Bandwidth
If connecting wirelessly, your WiFi network bandwidth can impact performance. Newer 802.11ac routers offer more throughput compared to older a/b/g/n WiFi.
Network Congestion
Other devices on your network streaming high bandwidth video can contribute to congestion and slow things down.
Smart TV Hardware
The processing power, memory and network hardware inside the smart TV impacts internet speeds as well. Newer model TVs tend to have improved specs.
Streaming App Capabilities
The streaming apps themselves also play a role. Some like Netflix allow you to pre-select your preferred resolution and bitrate settings.
To maximize performance, use updated apps, minimize other network activity, and connect your smart TV to robust home internet speeds.
Internet Security for Smart TVs
Like any device on your home network, it’s important to keep your smart TV secure. Here are some smart TV internet security tips:
- Set a strong password for your WiFi network.
- Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption for your wireless router.
- Enable the firewall on your router.
- Connect smart TVs to your guest network if you can.
- Use antivirus software on devices on the same network as your TV.
- Check for updates to your TV’s firmware and apps.
- Only download apps from trusted sources like the official app store for your platform.
- Beware of phishing scams and suspicious links.
- Don’t enter payment info or other sensitive details on your TV.
Practicing smart internet security habits will help keep your smart TV – and your entire home network – safe and secure.
Kid Safety with Smart TV Internet Access
Here are some tips to help keep your kids safe while using the internet features on a smart TV:
- Activate parental control settings on your smart platform and individual apps.
- Restrict installation of new apps without a PIN.
- Use kid profiles that limit access to only age-appropriate content.
- Don’t allow web browsing unsupervised.
- Set time limits for TV and app use.
- Keep the TV in a high-traffic area rather than a kids bedroom.
- Educate kids about smart internet safety habits.
With mindful parental oversight and guidance, the internet can be used safely and constructively by children through a smart TV’s connection.
Smart TVs vs. Streaming Devices for Internet
How does accessing internet-based entertainment through a smart TV compare to using a dedicated streaming device like a Roku or Firestick?
Here is a comparison of some pros and cons:
Smart TV Advantages
- All-in-one experience – no extra hardware needed.
- Larger screen size for streaming video.
- Shared platform/apps with mobile devices from same brand.
- Centralized smart home control hub.
Dedicated Streaming Device Advantages
- Works with any TV – smart or not.
- Small and portable.
- Access to some apps or features not on certain TV platforms.
- Often cheaper than buying a new smart TV.
For many situations, the built-in streaming and internet capabilities of smart TVs are adequate. But standalone streaming devices still work well for adding smart functions to existing “dumb” TVs.
The Future of Smart TV Internet
What does the future look like for internet connectivity and streaming on smart TVs? Some innovations that may be coming down the road include:
- 8K resolution streaming
- More advanced voice controls
- Immersive OLED and microLED display panels
- Bezel-less designs
- Enhanced gaming capabilities and cloud gaming integration
- Expanded app ecosystems
- Improved recommendation engines
- New screen mirroring and casting capabilities
- Expanded smart home device integrations
As technology improves, our smart TVs are only going to get more intelligent, connected and entertaining.
Conclusion
Having built-in internet access on today’s smart TVs opens up a whole world of great content and features. With quick setup, you can easily connect your smart TV wirelessly or via ethernet to enjoy seamless video streaming, music, web browsing and more – all without any extra equipment required. Just remember the basics of internet security and parental controls, and your smart TV connection will provide endless hours of smart entertainment and convenience.