Connecting a laptop to a TV via wifi. Connecting your TV to Wi-Fi on your own

21.10.2019

In this article, we will tell you how to properly connect a computer via wifi to a TV, consider some of the most popular options today. The meaning of such a connection is the ability to conveniently watch video files and photos stored on a computer or broadcast via the Internet on a large screen.

What do you need to establish a wireless connection?

Since Wi-Fi involves data exchange over a radio channel, then, first of all, you need to make sure that your Smart TV, like your computer, is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module or optionally supports this technology.

As for laptops, almost all of their modern models have a hardware built-in Wi-Fi module. If you want to connect a stationary desktop to the TV, then you will have to additionally purchase a special Wi-Fi adapter for it.

The adapter can be designed as a built-in system block PCI cards with an antenna or an external USB module that looks like a regular USB flash drive. The same external Wi-Fi adapter may need to be connected to the TV's USB connector if it does not initially have a built-in module. To avoid problems when connecting and setting up, it is better to purchase adapters from the same brand as your TV.

It will not be superfluous to pay attention to the version of the Wi-Fi standard that the modules support. It is better to focus on the most current and fastest version of IEEE 802.11n. It has a wide bandwidth and will not cause delays and freezes on the TV screen. Also don't forget to update driver versions for all network devices.

The easiest way to wirelessly transfer images or music from a computer (laptop, tablet) to a TV is in the following ways:

Via LAN via wifi router(computer - router - TV).
Using Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) or Wi-Fi Miracast (wireless monitor) technologies.

Connecting a TV to a computer using a Wi-Fi router (DLNA technology)

To organize wireless data transfer between several devices, it is required that they have built-in or external Wi-Fi modules and be combined into a single local network through a Wi-Fi router. At the same time, the TV must support DLNA technology - a set universal standards for media sharing. You can check the availability of this feature in the accompanying technical documentation, although today all Smart TVs support DLNA.

1. Setting up the router

We turn on the Wi-Fi router, configure it to work in DHCP mode (automatic distribution of network settings) and assign a password to enter the local network.

2. Connecting the TV to the local network

From the remote control, we enter the TV menu, go to the "Network" item and open the "Network Settings" tab. In the network connection setup wizard that opens, activate the "Wireless connection" item. From the list that opens, select your Wi-Fi network, wait for the connection test to pass, and enter the access password.

If the router supports WPS technology, then connecting the TV to the Wi-Fi network is even easier. You must select the appropriate item (WPS / PBC) in the TV setup wizard and keep the WPS button pressed on the router for a while until the connection is established.

3. Installing a media server on the computer

Simply put, in order to transfer files to a TV over a local network, you will need to create several folders on your computer to store various types multimedia files (video, music, photo). After that, these folders should be opened for extended access from all devices connected to a common network, including from the TV.

The easiest way to do this is with any media server program that is convenient for you, which is designed to organize access to network resources from various connected devices. There are a lot of programs that solve this problem: AllShare (Samsung Link), Samsung PC ShareManager, SmartShare, Serviio media server, Plex Media Server, Home media server and others.

The program should be downloaded to a computer, installed, conveniently configured and launched. After starting the media server, you need to go to the TV settings, where you will see the folders you have assigned with multimedia content available for demonstration. Now you can view computer files by launching them directly from the TV screen.

Connecting a TV to a computer using WiDi/Miracast technology

Unlike DLNA technology, this version of wireless output of multimedia information from a computer to a TV allows you to view not only files recorded and stored on the computer's hard drive, but also those that are played online on its built-in web browser.

However, WiDi/Miracast technology (screen duplication) is very demanding on computer resources, therefore it is supported only by individual computers (laptops, tablets) with powerful hardware stuffing. And, of course, these advanced technologies should be implemented in the TVs themselves. If your TV only supports WiDi/Miracast as an option, then you will have to purchase a special adapter, which can then be connected to one of its HDMI ports.

The principle of wireless monitor technology is that the picture that is currently displayed on your computer screen is compressed according to a special algorithm, after which it is mirrored via a Wi-Fi radio channel to a large TV screen. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to connect the TV to the local wi-fi network along with the computer using a router: the TV receiver organizes a separate mini-network for communication only with the PC.

To start transmitting an image, you need to install a special Intel Wireless Display application on your computer (if it was not preinstalled) and start broadcasting in it. In the TV Menu, the WiDi / Miracast function must be activated. You can do this in its settings by entering the "Network" tab, and then go to the "Miracast / Intel WiDi" item.

If the materials in this article did not help you solve your question, ask it on our forum.

2) Using a wireless Wi-Fi network.

In this article, I will detail how to do this using Wi-Fi. For this method, you need a Wi-Fi router (more precisely, a configured Wi-Fi network) with Internet access and the TV itself that supports Wi-Fi connection. Whether your TV supports a wireless connection, you can check the technical documentation for the TV or the information on the TV's official website. If your TV does not support wireless networking, but does support Smart TV, you can purchase a USB Wi-Fi adapter for your TV model and thus provide yourself with a wireless connection.

What gives a TV connection via Wi-Fi ?! First of all, it frees you from unnecessary work, namely, pulling a network LAN cable from the router, sometimes it is very difficult. But if you have a low Internet speed, then Wi-Fi connection will not work for you. The best way, because no matter how good your router is, in any case, during wireless transmission, the Internet speed is lost and it may not be enough for the comfortable operation of Smart TV, in this case you'd better connect TV with LAN cable .

In this article, I will take a closer look at how to set up the Internet on a TV. LG with WebOS, but a similar setting will be on other TVs - Philips, Samsung, Sony etc.

First of all, you need to go to the TV settings, for this, if you have a regular TV remote control, press the "Settings" button.

If the path is Remote magic, press the "Input" button.

And in the TV menu, select the gear icon.

From the menu, select "Network" - "Connect to a Wi-Fi network".

A window will open in which you will see all available wireless networks and various ways connections to them. I propose to analyze each of the methods separately.

Connecting the TV to Wi-Fi by entering a password.

I propose to start with the most popular way by entering the password from the wireless network. To do this, select the network you want to connect to.

Enter your network password and click Connect.

As a result, you will see a checkmark appear next to your Wi-Fi network.

And in the Network menu, in the "Connect to a Wi-Fi network" field, the line "Connected to the Internet" will appear.

Connecting the TV to a hidden network.

If your wireless network is hidden, select "Set up hidden Wi-Fi" network from the connection menu.

Enter a network name, then select a security type and enter a password if the network is password protected.

Set up your TV to connect to a wireless network using WPS.

WPS(Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance (Wi-Fi Alliance) to simplify the process of setting up and connecting to a wireless network. In particular, for this method, you do not need to know the password from the Wi-Fi network at all, the main thing is to have physical access to the router.

To connect your TV to a wireless network using this method, select "Connect using WPS - PBC" from the TV menu.

Then no later than 2 min. press the WPS button on the router. Most routers have this feature enabled by default, but it's best to connect to the router's web interface and check it out.

After a few seconds, your TV will connect to your Wi-Fi network.

Connecting the TV to Wi-Fi using WPS-PIN.

For this method, select the appropriate item in the TV menu "Connect using WPS-PIN".

A code will appear on the TV screen, which must be entered into the router settings.

Connect to the web interface of the router, find the settings related to WPS, for example, on TP-Link routers, there is a separate WPS item, select it and click the "Add device" button.

After that, enter the password specified on the TV (if the password has already disappeared, repeat the action and select "Connect using WPS-PIN", a new password will appear different from the first one).

After that, you should see a window about the successful connection of the device.

Conclusion.

As you may have noticed, connecting a TV to a Wi-Fi wireless network is very simple task that even a child can handle. But sometimes there are problems connecting the TV to Wi-Fi, in order to fix them, try the following steps:

1) Turn off and on the router and try again;

2) Reset the router settings to factory settings and reconfigure;

3) Update the firmware of the router;

4) Update the TV software via USB flash drive.

Video connecting TV to the Internet using LAN, Wi-Fi.

In order not to be mistaken and not to waste money, when choosing an adapter, you need to take into account several features. They relate to the parameters and characteristics of the Wi-Fi module, as well as its compatibility with certain brands of TVs. The right adapter can provide a comfortable and unhindered user access to the Internet.

What it is?

After purchasing TVs that support the Smart TV function, users usually have a question about how to connect the device to the Internet via Wi-Fi. To do this, the TV itself must be equipped with a special module. If this is not available, then an external Wi-Fi receiver can be connected to the device.

To do this, you must separately purchase the module and connect to a wireless network. Externally, the adapter resembles a simple flash drive. At the same time, you can connect it to the TV via a USB connector.

In addition, it is worth considering that not every device will fit the same adapter. It depends on what drivers are installed on the TV. Thus, users have a question, which module should be purchased?

To date, the most popular receivers are:

Choosing a Wi-Fi module

Before buying an external network receiver, you need to study in detail the instructions that came with the TV.

Since most TVs are from well-known manufacturers such as:

Sony;
Toshiba;
Samsung;
Philips;

do not work with conventional wireless devices that are designed for computers.

Especially for such TVs, adapters of the same brand are produced. Thus, for Toshiba, you should buy a Wi-Fi receiver made by Toshiba.

In addition, in order to ultimately get the best network throughput, it is necessary to take into account several important parameters and basic characteristics that adapters have.

Video: NETGEAR WNCE2001 Universal Adapter

Device Options

It is worth highlighting several parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing an adapter.

As a rule, this is:

device compatibility;
signal standard;
operating frequency;
transmitter power;
radius of action;
encryption methods.

Compatibility

Before buying an adapter, you need to find out if it is compatible with certain brands of TVs, and also take into account their modifications.

You can check compatibility in the description for the external module. Often in the characteristics there is information about which TVs this receiver is intended for. If only the manufacturer's brand is indicated, this means that the module can be connected to any TV of this company, which is initially endowed with the ability to work with wireless networks.

Photo: Wifi adapter Samsung WIS09ABGN

In addition, you can study the documents that are included with the TV. Perhaps they contain information about which receivers manufacturers recommend to use with a particular brand of TV. Also, these data can be found on the official portal of the manufacturer.

Signal standard

Before buying a wireless Wi-Fi adapter for a TV, you need to consider the standard that is supported by this device.

To date, there are several common Wi-Fi standards, namely:

The speed at which data is transferred usually depends on the standard that is being used.

For each of them there is:

the maximum throughput, which is also theoretical, is measured in Mbps;
real throughput, also - Mbps.

Consider the throughput values for each individual standard. So:

802.11a - max up to 54, real up to 2;
802.11b - max up to 11, real up to 3;
802.11g - max up to 54, real up to 24;
802.11n - max up to 150, real up to 50;
802.11n - max up to 300, real up to 150.

Thus, it can be seen that the actual receiver throughput is much less than the maximum.

The difference between the highest bandwidth and the real one is due to various interferences that prevent the signal from propagating.

It can be:

walls;
furniture;
indoor flowers;
other signals.

Only under ideal conditions of use of the device can you get the highest speed values.

It is necessary to choose a standard depending on what parameters the router operates on.. If the router supports 802.11n 150 Mbps values, then it is advisable to buy a module of exactly the same standard. If the adapter will have a speed of 54 Mbps and the 802.11g standard, then the throughput of the device will be limited by the characteristics of the wireless network receiver.

Operating frequency

Another important factor to pay attention to is the frequency of the device. Therefore, when choosing an external wireless network receiver, it is necessary to take into account the frequency at which it operates. They generally support 2.5 GHz to 5 GHz.

Photo: wireless adapter operating frequency 2.4 GHz

In addition, each Wi-Fi standard has its own frequency range, namely:

802.11a - 5 GHz;
802.11b - 2.4 GHz;
802.11g - 2.4 GHz;
802.11n - 2.4/5 GHz.

It should also be noted that the router and wireless network receiver, which operate at different frequencies, will not function as a set. Therefore, if the router settings indicate a frequency of 5 GHz, and the TV module has only 2.4 GHz, then they will not be able to work together.

Transmitter power

This parameter determines the power value of the transmitter of the Wi-Fi module designed for the TV. This figure is measured in dBm. It is recommended to purchase receivers that have a power in the range of 17-20 dBm. Thus, the wireless connection will work efficiently and stably without interruption.

Radius of action

When choosing a device for receiving an Internet signal, you should also pay attention to its operating range. The range parameter is measured in meters.

As a rule, several values are indicated in the description of the characteristics of the module:

In order to select an adapter with an acceptable range, consider:

placement of the TV;
router placement.

The farther the TV is from the router, the worse the Internet signal strength will become. If all devices are located in the acceptable zone, which is indicated in the characteristics, however, there will be many different obstacles between them, the signal will also not be the best.

Encryption methods

This feature applies to:

burglary resistance;
encryption algorithm.

You should not buy modules with WEP protocol. Since today it is outdated and unreliable. Therefore, it is worth giving preference to newer ones.

Universal Wi-Fi adapter for TV

Often users are interested in information about whether it is necessary to buy branded adapters? After all, there are many analogues that are much cheaper. In addition, manufacturers promise that they will be able to work with any TV. On the one hand, their acquisition is quite economical, but at the same time, a number of problems can be encountered.

Universal external adapters can lead to inoperability of the Wi-Fi module directly bundled with the TV. Therefore, manufacturers are interested in customers buying devices made by them. Thus, such savings only lead to unnecessary costs.

There are times when non-original adapters work fine with specific TVs, but only up to a certain point. After updates in firmware devices, the modules cease to function. In order not to encounter such problems, it is necessary to choose only Wi-Fi adapters compatible with TVs.

Thus, we found out what rules to follow and what parameters you need to pay attention to in order to choose the right Wi-Fi receiver that will work great with your TV.

It is worth remembering that this device must be of high quality and original. Since universal modules differ only in an advantageous price category, but in unreliable operation. Therefore, savings may not always be economical.

There are 10 main ways to restore WiFi on modern TVs. Most of them are related to fixing the wireless network settings. The necessary settings on Samsung, LG, Panasonic and Sony devices can be changed at home, without contacting a service center.
Consider in turn all the main ways to fix configuration errors:

1. Reboot TV and router

The first action to take if WiFi does not work on the TV is to restart the Smart TV and the router. The failure can be programmatic in nature and can be easily corrected by re-initializing the device drivers. To restart your TV, turn it off and on again. Some experts also recommend unplugging the appliance and then plugging it back in. This advice makes sense for those TVs that remain connected to the local network even after the screen is turned off.

When rebooting the router, you must wait 10-20 seconds between turning it off and on. During this time, the previous Internet session will be closed on the provider's side. Therefore, the connection will be made again, with reset settings. When the Smart TV and router turn on again, try connecting WiFi.

2. Manually specifying connection data

Using the built-in Smart TV menu, go to the WiFi connection settings. Select the manual mode for specifying settings if the DHCP server is disabled on the router, and the connection with automatic settings does not work. In the "IP address" line, enter any IP from the local range. Valid start and end addresses are available for clarification in the admin panel of the router.

In the "Subnet mask" field, you must specify which part of the IP range will be used to address local network clients. A common value for this setting is 255.255.255.0. In the "Gateway" line, enter the IP address of the router, which is used to enter the settings.

Advice! The subnet mask and gateway can also be checked through any computer connected to your router. To do this, select Command Prompt from the context menu of the Start button. In the window that opens, enter the command: "ipconfig / all" and press "Enter".

3. Troubleshooting DNS Servers

This method is especially relevant for Samsung TVs. Accessing the Internet and multimedia content through the Smart Hub becomes difficult when Samsung's servers are overloaded. When specifying your own DNS server addresses, the connection to Internet resources will be made directly, without using the manufacturer's infrastructure.

DNS server addresses are specified in the provider's support. You can also use free public DNS. This service is provided by Google, Yandex, OpenDNS. For example, to use Google address servers, it is enough to enter the IP of the main server: 8.8.8.8 and additional: 8.8.4.4. If there is no text field for entering an alternative server, enter only the first address in the DNS settings.

4. Using a different WiFi connection method

If you have established a connection by manually entering a wireless network password, try connecting via WPS. WiFi Protected Setup technology allows you to activate the quick connection mode in the TV settings. After that, a similar mode must be activated on the router. This is done through the control panel or a special button on the back of the case.

To log in to the router's web interface, turn the device over and look for the login sticker. It is usually located on the bottom side and indicates the standard IP address, username and password. Enter IP in any browser and provide information account available on the sticker. Then go to the "WPS" section and activate this feature. Fast connection will be available within 1-2 minutes.

In the case when the WPS protocol was used initially, but at the moment the connection cannot be established, enter the information manually. When connecting to a hidden network, you will need to specify not only the access key, but also the WiFi name (SSID). TVs with early firmware versions do not always support the search for hidden networks. Therefore, before updating the software, it is recommended to remove the hiding of the network name in the router settings.

5. Reset your TV

A quick way, which in some cases helps to solve problems with WiFi on Smart TV, is restoring factory settings. Before its execution, it is desirable to rewrite the values of the main parameters that are not related to the network. After the reset, you will be able to return them based on the recorded information. Menu path to restore factory settings on popular TV models:

LG: "Settings -> Advanced -> General -> Factory Reset".
Samsung: "Support -> Self-diagnosis -> Reset".
Panasonic: "Settings -> System menu -> Initial settings".

Note! Factory settings will restore more than just the default network settings. Settings for picture, sound, power saving, and other smart TV features will not be saved.

6. Changing the location of the router

Wireless network problems on the TV may be due to poor signal reception from the router. If possible, move the router closer to the Smart TV and install it so that there is less interference in the path of radio waves. The main obstacles to signal transmission are walls, pieces of furniture and working household appliances.

Provide better connection via WiFi, installing an access point on a hill will help. For example, you can put the router on a cabinet or hang it over a door. If it is not possible to move the router closer to the TV, connect a more powerful antenna to it. The higher the antenna gain, the better the network will work on Smart TV.

7. Troubleshooting WiFi Router

The reason for difficulties when connecting to a wireless network may be incorrect router settings. To change them, go to the control panel. Click the DHCP tab and make sure the DHCP server is enabled and working properly. When it is disabled, the TV and other network devices will not automatically be assigned a local IP address. Normal routing and Internet access will not be possible.

Check the "Security" tab in the router settings. If client MAC filtering is enabled, disable it. On routers from ASUS, TP-Link, D-Link, Huawei and some other manufacturers, the MAC address of any device can be whitelisted. In the future, connections from devices from this list will not be blocked, so normal WiFi operation on the TV will be restored.

The MAC address of the Smart TV is listed in the settings. The exact path differs depending on the brand, on most TVs from popular manufacturers, the necessary information is in the menu:

Samsung: "Support -> Contact Samsung -> Down Arrow -> Wireless MAC".
LG: "Setting -> Support -> Product Information".
Philips: "Installation -> Manual network setup -> View network settings -> Start".

Important! After adding the MAC address of the Smart TV to the "white list" or changing other parameters of the router, restart it. To do this, use the "System" or "System Tools" menu item. You can also use the power button on the case or temporarily unplug the device from the outlet.

8. TV firmware update

The built-in software of Smart TV needs to be updated in time. Errors can accumulate during operation, resulting in difficulties when connecting to the Internet via WiFi. Depending on the TV model, the update can be done in several ways:

Via wireless network;
Using cable Internet;
Through an external USB drive (flash drive or hard drive).

If WiFi on Smart TV is not working, download new version software use the second or third option. Detailed instructions for updating the software are usually posted on the website of the company that released the TV. Possible titles for the desired section are Help, Support, or Help Center.

While the utility is running, it is important not to disconnect or de-energize the device. Any interruption may affect the further functionality of the Smart TV. Do not use third party firmware to avoid loss of warranty service.

9. Replacing the WiFi adapter with an external one

This method will not fix problems with the internal radio. But if it is because of them that errors occur when connecting, use an external device. The form factor of such a WiFi adapter resembles a regular USB flash drive. Like most other devices, it works when connected to a TV via USB.

On sale there is another type of adapters for receiving WiFi. They have an external multi-directional antenna that provides better signal reception from the router. Such modules are recommended to be connected via a USB extension cable, placing them at some distance from the TV. Thanks to this connection, interference from a working Smart TV will be minimized, and the data exchange speed will increase.

Important advice! Before buying an external adapter for connecting to a wireless network, check the list of supported devices in the instructions. This information can also be found on the manufacturer's website or in technical support.

Tutorial video: Connecting the TV to a WI-FI network

10. Using a cable connection

Breakdown of the radio module in the TV - main reason, in which the previous tips may not help solve the problem. If you have tried all the ways to solve problems with WiFi, most likely there is a malfunction at the hardware level. It is recommended to return the device to a service center. Within the warranty period, the WiFi module will be replaced free of charge.

If it is not possible to take the device to the workshop, you can use the cable connection. To do this, insert one end of the power cord into the "LAN" port on the router, and connect the other end to the TV. Routers usually have 2-4 Ethernet outputs, any of them can be used to connect a TV.

The TV can be connected to the router in different ways

The easiest way to connect a TV to a router is through a cable with standard RJ-45 connectors. To do this, just connect a wire of the appropriate length to the appropriate socket on the TV, as well as to the LAN connector on the router. Be careful - the cable should not be connected to the WAN port marked in a different color (most often blue), which is intended for access to the global network. To establish a connection with the router via a wire, it is necessary to enable support for the DHCP function in the settings of the router and TV.

The setup is extremely simple - in the TV menu, select the network connections section and activate the connection via wire. Connecting a TV via cable is always easier, because the user does not have to deal with encrypted communication channels and many settings. In addition, a cabled connection is more stable than Wi-Fi because, if the wire is well shielded, it is not affected by nearby radio signal sources. However, connecting via a cable will require it to be laid through special channels or electrical skirting boards so that the wire does not interfere with the movement of people. In addition, there is also a connection option using Powerline technology, which allows you to transfer data through a regular home electrical network by connecting special adapters to two sockets located on the same line.

Easy wireless connection

Owners of modern Smart TVs TVs with built-in Wi-Fi modules can be considered lucky because such devices are the easiest to connect to the Internet. Just enter the settings and select the "Wireless connection" option, and then select the communication channel you need. In order not to waste a lot of time trying to enter a password from the TV remote control, choose the WPS function, which allows you to connect the device with a single push of a button on the router.

You do not need to purchase a special router for the TV, no matter what many major manufacturers claim. To connect your TV to the Internet, all you need to do is select a quality device that complies with the N standard if you intend to do this via Wi-Fi. Setting up the router will be extremely simple - you need to set the parameters set by the provider, make sure that the distribution of data began after the reboot, and then create a wireless network by setting the SSID name, the best encryption method and password.

Additional devices

If your TV does not have a built-in Wi-Fi module and you do not want to connect via cable, then you will have to look for workarounds to establish a connection. First, you need to carefully study the documentation and promotional materials for the device you are using. If they indicate the Wi-Fi Ready mark, the situation can be corrected by installing an additional adapter, which will cost 500-2500 rubles, depending on the specific variety.

The best option would be to purchase an adapter in the form of an expansion card installed in a special slot. A device that complies with the PCMCIA standard or its equivalent provides several advantages:

Leave all connectors free.
Prevent the TV from increasing in size, which is important when installing the device in a limited space.
Ensure stable contact.

However, not all TVs have slots for expansion cards, so you will have to use a different method to connect them to the router via Wi-Fi.

Adapters can also be connected to a TV using USB, this option is the most common, since any modern device is equipped with one or more universal connectors. When choosing a USB adapter, you should give preference to models with a folding external antenna and a transmitter with a power of at least 16 dBm, as they provide a stable connection even over a long distance. In addition, it is advisable to purchase accessories that are manufactured by the same company that manufactured the TV, since only in this case their performance is guaranteed. There are quite a few cases where universal Wi-Fi adapters worked fine for a long time, but turned off after a firmware update by a manufacturer who cares about their profits. Branded adapters are on average 50% more expensive than third-party branded products.

Connecting to the Internet through an additional adapter will also not be a problem, since it is enough to activate the wireless connection function in the TV system menu. When doing this, make sure that the router uses the DHCP function and supports the same standard as the TV transmitter. In the settings, you will need to specify the encryption standard, as well as select the SSID of the wireless network and enter access data.

If marks of readiness for work in wireless networks there is no TV in the documentation, then you can connect it to the router through a special prefix. It is a miniature TV router that connects to the main router. However, the TV itself receives all data via an RJ-45 cable, which makes this method suitable for most modern devices. The set-top box has only one minus - like a router, it will have to be pre-configured by connecting it to a computer. In the TV settings, you will need to select the connection via cable, despite the fact that you will actually use a Wi-Fi network.

Last argument

Surprisingly, you can connect a TV to a router even without Smart TV support. Many will ask if there is any point in such a connection, and you will get the answer to the question by reading this section. You will need to purchase a compact computer running an operating system Android system or its alternative to the manufacturer's own design. Some of these devices use a cable, but most can be connected using a compact HDMI plug. The cost varies between 2.5-10 thousand rubles, which is determined by the technical stuffing and functionality.

A compact computer that connects to a TV is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module. This means that it can independently connect to the router using its own settings menu. In addition, it allows you to connect tablets and smartphones to use them as remote controls and keyboards or stream media. Its only drawback is the impossibility of using other accessories connected to the TV at the same time, for example, flash drives or external hard drives. However, most of these computers provide the ability to install a memory card, which solves problems with additional storage media.

Since such devices have their own operating system, they can not only access the global network and allow a person to use multimedia content online, but the user can run various applications: games, weather forecasts, information services, clients social networks and many others. In addition, most HDMI set-top boxes for TVs support Airplay, Miralink and some other technologies, due to which they are suitable for streaming audio and video files from smartphones and tablets, and can also communicate with other home electronics equipped with wireless modules. Also in this case, there will be no compatibility problems, since the manufacturer simply cannot control the type of signal transmitted through HDMI connectors, and the next firmware will not deprive you of Wi-Fi. But it is worth remembering that budget devices of this type rarely please the user with the same performance as a TV, so you will have to pay a considerable amount for convenience.

By any means

by the most in a simple way connecting the TV to the global network is connecting to the router via cable, and you do not need to spend time setting up the equipment, as well as encounter disconnections due to strong interference. However, laying a wire is far from always convenient, especially if the house has recently been renovated, and no one is going to destroy the finish for such a purpose. Therefore, most people prefer wireless WiFi connection, and even if the TV is not equipped with the appropriate module, you can always install an additional adapter. There is no limit to ingenuity, as incompatible with wireless connections devices can be connected to special set-top boxes, reminiscent of routers. Even if the TV does not have Smart TV, you can purchase a special set-top box with an HDMI connector, which is a miniature computer with its own operating system.