Convert Your Basic TV into a Smart TV

A Smart TV is the primary device for any type of modern Home Entertainment. Jumping from a Basic TV to a smart one demands a hefty amount of money including many other things. But how would it be if you could turn your already existing TV into a Smart TV in minutes? Well, fasten your seatbelt as we are about to take you through a quick journey of getting smart with TVs.

Advantages of Converting a Basic TV to a Smart TV

We spoke to our experts at Star Tech and asked a question. Would you buy a Smart TV or convert your old one? Though each had their preferences, we also came up with some solid “Convert To” replies. Let’s take a quick look.

Save Your Time: Suppose you own a fairly recent Basic TV with no complaints. All it lacks is the Smart feature. In such a case converting a TV is THE BEST option. Since time is money, you are saving precious time too.

Saves You The Hassles: Buying a new TV is a tough job for many. First, you have to choose a brand, then a specific model out of an ocean of letters & numbers. Next comes aesthetics & looks, placement, maybe an additional power solution, a TV stand or bracket, and whatnot! The list continues to such an exhausting length, that many just skip the idea and forget over time. In a few months, you are back into frustration looking at your old “unsmart” TV, and can not complain enough. By converting your Basic TV into a Smart one, you can completely forget the nightmare of buying a new one.

Your Monitor Can Be a Smart TV Too

Maybe you have the time & money ready for a new TV but already own a darn good Monitor. The refresh rate is high, the size is right, and probably looks better than any Basic TV. Year after year it’s collecting dust without any real use whatsoever. Wouldn’t it be amazing if this monitor becomes a Smart TV? Well, the good thing is, that’s also possible!

Since 90% of our watching demands go down the line of OTT & platform-based content, a computer serves pretty well. Young minds at Star Tech spend a large part of their day on computers. At home, they prefer to stay away from one. They want a cozy, 10 feet distance from the screen. And a brand new Smart TV just for the bedroom seems fairly odd. Converting their Monitor to a Smart TV can be a deal breaker.

How Do I Convert My Basic TV into Smart TV?

To convert your existing TV or Monitor to a Smart TV, all you need is an HDMI interface on the old device and a TV Box. Just like a Set Top Box (STB), a TV Box is a small box-shaped gadget that connects to your display’s HDMI port. However, a TV Box comprises several electronic units - namely a CPU, GPU, RAM, and Flash Storage. An operating system (e.g. Google’s Android TV OS) is pre-installed and this is the key player of the whole game. TV Boxes use apps developed by open-source developers or corporations like Netflix or Amazon. You can almost say it’s a Mini PC, or even a smartphone. The only difference is that it’s intended for a 10 ft+ operation. Hence, called a TV Box and you cannot make phone calls using a SIM Card.

Types of TV Boxes Available in Bangladesh

Though they are known as TV Boxes, these devices come in several types. And the market is submerged in cheap, non-branded variations. It is important to know the types, pros & cons of each before buying.

Android TV Box

An Android TV Box is a box-shaped, smart tv converting gadget. This type is the most famous out of all other types. It requires an external power source and usually offers 2 or more USB ports. Typically 2 HDMI ports are provided with these. The Xiaomi MI Box S is one of the best Android Smart TV devices out there. You can get 4K streaming with ease, all the famous streaming platforms are pre-installed. The device is as easy as using your Android Tab.

The Xiaomi Mi BOX S is the latest one out there, which runs Android TV OS v8.1. The 3.1 mm audio output port expands the audio option for external Soun Boxe or Bars. With 8 GB eMMC storage, you can store files of your choice and enjoy them on the TV. The USB port gives access to extend the storage with any portable HDD, SSD or Pendrive. A budget-friendly option can be the TX3 Mini-A Box, which offers almost all similar features but at a significantly low price.

Apple TV 4K

Apple’s TV Box is a counterpart of the Android Android Boxes. Apple TV 4K converts your TV with its proprietary Apple TV OS. It brings an unprecedented number of 4K content. Using the famous A15 Bionic Chip, Apple TV 4K can take down any Mini PC. HDMI 2.1 port opens up all the features you will demand in a modern TV. The dedicated Ethernet port turns it into an iMAC with the fastest internet. Dolby Vision Support gives the Director’s Vision in your content. With Dolby Digital 7.1 and Dolby Atmos, 3D immersive audio is a snap away.

Although it can not be upgraded with extra storage, it addresses that with sheer speed and connectivity. You can pair all your Apple Magic Devices and use them with the TV. Convert your Basic TV into an iPad or iMac in minutes with it. If you have the budget, it is the best TV Box option for you. Consider the Apple ecosystem if you already own apple devices.

TV Dongle

Apart from boxes, super low-profile dongles are available in Bangladesh. These attach to the HDMI port of your TV and draw power from there. The good thing about them is that they completely hide behind your TV and need no wire whatsoever. This gives them an edge over other TV-converting boxes. You can stream up to 4K at present with these. Some famous Smart TV Dongles are Realme TV Stick, Mi TV Stick, and Google Chrome cast. Many of these dongles come with audio ports, look for those if you will be using an external Audio System with it.

Where To Buy A Smart TV Box?

In Bangladesh, you can convert your Basic TV with a TV Box or TV Stick from any renowned gadget store like Star Tech. When making a purchase, look for a price that is within your budget. Always buy from a genuine vendor. Look for pre-installed apps and the latest OS version. For more such tips & tricks, stay with us.