TVs with Wi-Fi and Smart TV function have not surprised anyone for a long time. Since progress does not stand still, almost every day something new appears, and things already familiar to everyone are improved. So it happened with the TV, which is experiencing a rebirth. New models are constantly emerging in which wireless technology works very well.
Wi-Fi TVs
With the advent of the Internet at home, and even with good speed, the younger generation has moved to computers, laptops and tablets. And a few years ago, TVs appeared, first with a LAN connector, and later with a Wi-Fi adapter (first external, as a function, and then built-in). At the same time, the developers added multimedia capabilities to TVs - the ability to connect to the Internet, integration into a home network, a built-in video player and social networking clients. Later, the entire software package complex was brought to a relatively general form and receivedname Smart TV.
In fact, the user now receives a computer system in flat-panel TV format. In addition, some Wi-Fi LCD TV manufacturers use Android and Linux operating systems as their main Smart platform.
The next level of TVs
More and more popular among users are gaining the functionality of modern TV to display video and photos directly from a variety of gadgets on the screen. And with Wi-Fi, you can easily turn your TV into a wireless monitor for your smartphone or tablet.
This article will discuss how to connect and set up a TV with Wi-Fi to the Internet. If you purchased a Smart TV TV, then, of course, you just need to connect it to the wireless Internet, although any similar model can be connected using a network cable (via a router or directly from a provider). If you do not have the opportunity to lay a network cable or simply do not want to do this, then you can connect the TV via Wi-Fi to the router. To do this, the TV must have built-in Wi-Fi or you must purchase a branded special receiver. It connects via the TV's USB port. A simple Wi-Fi receiver will not work, you need a branded one. Therefore, if you are just planning to buy a TV and are going to connect it to the Internet using wireless technology, then immediately purchase a model with built-in Wi-Fi. Be sure to carefully study the characteristics and better - on the official website.
How Wi-Fi TV works
With the well-known Wi-Fi technology, which allows you to connect to the Internet wirelessly through specialized equipment, the user will be able to keep up with the times and not get tangled in wires. TVs with wireless technology are deservedly one of the most popular options for such devices. LED TV models with Wi-Fi are divided into two available categories:
- the first category includes TVs with the ability to connect to Wi-Fi via a special USB port, which is designed for the standard installation of a Wi-Fi adapter;
- the second one includes a variant with a built-in Wi-Fi module. The configuration of such models is carried out through the main router of a standard modem. But they also have their drawbacks, the main of which is too high a price.
Of course, it's worth remembering that a standard HDMI TV with Wi-Fi and an Internet connection will be much more limited than a PC, but still:
- by connecting to a TV headset with a microphone and a webcam, you can make video calls in Skype;
- you can easily watch your favorite programs and movies directly on your TV without having to download and copy them to a flash drive in advance;
- you can also access a certain list of websites, including social networks and special media services.
Available connection options
ActuallyIn fact, setting up and connecting a “smart” TV with Wi-Fi is not so difficult - just decide on the method that suits you. To get started, create a home group of Wi-Fi enabled devices. Then the TV will need to be connected to it.
Consider the two most common connection methods - a laptop that is used as a home access point, or a router. To avoid problems with the Internet during work, a laptop or a configured router must be connected to the Network in advance.
Tip: regardless of the manufacturer and model of the TV, they all connect in the same way.
Using a router
To connect this way, you will need a TV with built-in Wi-Fi, as well as a standard router you use:
- First connect your device to the Internet and then set up your router.
- Turning on the TV and entering the settings menu, you need to configure the connection separately - find the "Network" option and select the type of wireless connection. The information is sent to the device automatically thanks to the DHCP option that each embedded router is equipped with. That is, it is able to independently set the IP address of each device that connects to it additionally.
- Next, select "Network settings" from the menu and follow the prompts on the screen to complete the connection process.
- Having done all the manipulations with the settings, you will be able to view the entire list of available Wi-Fi connections. One of them needsconnect (it must be a router).
With the WPS option built into modern TVs and routers, setup is kept to a minimum. It allows you to connect the router to the TV and greatly simplifies the entire setup process for any user. The TV in this case will automatically start searching for all possible connections and establish a connection automatically.
Via laptop
If you want to learn about connecting a TV with USB and Wi-Fi to a wireless network, but you don't have a router for this purpose, there is another option - connect via a laptop. To do this, you will need to carry out the procedure for creating a direct type of communication between a TV and a laptop. This is very important for those who plan to play on the TV screen any content that is downloaded to the computer. When your laptop has an optional Internet connection, you can easily surf the Web right from your TV screen.
First of all, we create an access point on the laptop. This procedure is quite simple to carry out, since the wireless module is already built into the laptop, as in a router. The built-in software of a personal computer is much more stable than third-party applications. To create your own wireless group, follow these steps:
- turn on the laptop and through the "Start" enter the command line;
- write the following code netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=My_virtual_WiFi key=12345678 keyUsage=persistentorder and sequence of characters);
- after pressing the "Enter" key and running the command, the computer will automatically download the required driver;
- Start network connection through the command netsh wlan start hostednetwork.
For example, let's talk about some of the most popular models of LCD TVs with wireless connectivity.
32" TV with Wi-Fi
The compact entry-level LG 32LJ610V TV has enhanced connectivity. In addition to the affordable price, as a distinctive feature of this model, many note the wide functionality of the LG Smart TV platform, which has the control of the latest webOS 3.5 operating system. It also includes a CI slot, media player, zoom function and Time Shift. The 32-inch IPS screen serves high-quality visual purposes and supports a resolution of 1920x1080. Ergonomics and design are defined by VESA 200x200 standard wall bracket compatibility.
Philips 32PFT4132
Compact TV 32 with Wi-Fi is endowed with the widest multimedia capabilities and is designed for viewing both digital and analog TV broadcasts. In its arsenal, the model has a tuner supporting analog SECAM, NTSC, PAL standards, as well as DVB-C, DVB-T/T2 digital standards. The contents of external USB media can be played using the built-in media player, and the HDMI connector is able to turn the Philips 32PFT4132 into a monitor for third-party sourcesImages. This is made possible thanks to a 32-inch backlit LCD screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels.
Budget Smart TV
Saturn LED32HD900UST2 will serve well to meet the basic needs of today's users. The model is notable and popular on the market, primarily for its affordable price, combined with the functionality of the Smart TV platform running the Android OS. The compact and attractive body of the TV is installed on a convenient stand, and the 32-inch LED-backlit screen forms the picture directly.
