How to make a regular TV into a smart TV. We make Smart TV if it is not

Today I will talk about how to make an ordinary LCD TV a full-fledged Smart TV. Yes, there is nothing special in trendy Smart TVs, and there won’t be until a full-fledged OS appears there. Even monitors with integrated Android OS have more options. You can throw rotten tomatoes at me, but all Smart TV buyers have almost wasted their money. What gives you Smart TV? Online services, no more… All of them are available on PC. Nobody bothers you to buy an inexpensive nettop with support for hardware HD-video decoding and enjoy your favorite movies downloaded from torrents without brakes, use any online services in a familiar browser, as well as having a full-fledged PC that is suitable for simple 3D games and arcade games, not to mention playing HD movies over 10 GB without delay.

Smart TV is just the integration of the Internet into television. In this article, I will tell how to turn old tv in Smart TV. If you ran to the balcony or to the pantry for your "Rainbows", "Temps", etc., then I'm not talking about this junk 🙂

I will not argue that modern TVs are full-fledged multimedia centers. There is also the possibility of access to the Internet, and support for network services. But! Firstly, the higher the functionality, the higher the price. Why do you need such a combine? From 50000 rub. I can organize a multimedia system at home much cooler. Secondly, content management on Smart TV is disgusting. Take even an additional remote control for navigation. Third, you can get smart features TV on your old TV:

• with a compact and inexpensive network media player,
• by connecting a smartphone or tablet to the TV
• using a Blu-ray player as a universal playback device
• don't forget about game console(prefix).

We will consider the listed options for upgrading your TV, focusing on the features, advantages and disadvantages of each of the solutions. Rather, it will be said, we will consider alternatives for implementing the functionality of Smart TV. So let's get started..

Yes, I know, I did not discover America. And now let the owners of Smart TVs go over the characteristics of any decent model of a network media player and recognize their long-suffering Smart TV in it. Previously, network media players were just a hardware player with a USB port, but now it is quite a promising class of equipment. Smart TV is an attempt to use only one device to store and play home multimedia content, but it is limited, especially when it comes to usability. What can not be said about the network media player, because in conjunction with a TV and speaker system, it will be a full-fledged hardware media center. The media player is able to play HD quality movies, music and images from a computer, displaying content on the screen of a TV device, and access to the Internet and application stores will turn your old TV into the same Smart TV. The network media player is also capable of connecting to external media and display full web pages.

Benefits of network media player:

• compact dimensions
• low cost
• support for all modern formats and codecs
• built-in WLAN module
• possibility of connecting an external hard drive and peripherals

disadvantages

• some media player models do not work correctly with Blu-ray disc images

SMART features of network media players

No matter what anyone says, network media players are the embodiment of the Smart TV functions of the most modern TVs. Let me tell you, not everyone. But worthy competitors many that can easily surpass top model Smart TV.

Main Criteria for Choosing a Network Media Player

• format support,
• comfortable control
• work with Internet services

Wish network media player with rich equipment, I advise you to take a closer look at the Western Digital TV Live model, which fully meets the criteria listed above. Users who often enter information on the TV screen and communicate with friends on social networks will like the Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link DX model with a QWERTY keyboard.

It is especially important for convenience that most modern media players support connecting a mouse or keyboard in USB port. Users who are attracted to Russian-language network services should take a closer look at the LG ST600 model, as you will get access to the proprietary LG Apps store.

When choosing a media player, do not forget about supported interfaces and connectors. HDMI is a mandatory port, it will not be superfluous and digital audio S/PDIF connector, as well as built-in card reader. It should be noted that media players with built-in hard drive becomes smaller, but the USB connector for connecting an external HDD and flash drives is a standard. Some users will need to connect the player to a TV composite and component video outputs for TVs without HDMI port. An important factor is number of supported formats media player, especially for those who store and play various media files, neglecting Internet services. And users who need full device support for Blu-ray and DVD images we advise you to take a look at Philips models HMP7001.

Internet services with app store

Model LG ST600 has by far the richest set of Russian-language Internet applications from the branded online store LG Apps. Also good option in terms of quantity and quality of software and widgets will be the Philips HMP7001 model.

Flash drives and set-top boxes with the Android operating system

Thanks to compact set-top boxes, the TV acquires Smart functions, but you can also access media content and the Internet using flash drives with Android OS.

We have long assumed by default that any PC or tablet supports YouTube playback, network media libraries, Internet radio, and also plays MP3 and video files. As for TVs, so far not every model can display all media formats and has access to the network. Fundamentally new category hardware media stick and set-top boxes on the Android platform offers a flexible and cost-effective solution to the problem. With their "stuffing" these devices almost do not differ from smartphones and tablets: an ARM processor, graphics chip Mali, 1 GB of RAM and up to 8 GB of flash memory. In addition, there is an HDMI port for outputting sound and images to a TV, several USB connectors for power supply and connecting a wireless keyboard or USB drive, as well as a WLAN adapter for connecting to a network. Such devices can be made in the form of a flash drive, others are a mini set-top box that connects to the TV and is installed below or to the side of it. As an alternative to ready-made options, we will consider, which can be turned into a media center of your own assembly.

Media set-top box or flash drive - which is better?

From a practical point of view, set-top boxes are more convenient than flash drives. They have more connectors and USB ports, they come with a remote control and, most importantly, they have a separate audio output and autonomous power supply, that is, they do not depend on the TV.

The main advantage of flash drives is their compactness. They are so small that, in theory, they can be easily connected to the back of the TV, where they will be completely invisible. However, in practice, not everything turns out so smoothly: a flash drive sticking out behind the TV most often interferes, and given that in most cases a USB cable is also connected to it for power supply, then you can forget about invisibility. Connecting to the HDMI port on the side of the TV is also not always convenient, since the HDMI connectors are often located very close to each other and there is simply not enough space for a wide flash drive, and it has to be connected not directly, but via an HDMI cable. Another disadvantage of such solutions is that for most models you will have to buy an additional wireless keyboard with a touchpad.

The power of the flash drive is enough to play Full HD video from USB media, but attempts to broadcast in streaming mode home network movies are doomed to failure in most cases. The antenna located on the mini-stick is usually too small to provide good wireless communication, so the video starts to “slow down”, and the “unfavorable” position of the drive behind the TV worsens the reception quality even more.

Also, HDMI media usually offer too few USB ports, one of which is also constantly occupied by a wireless keyboard. Models such as Pearl TVPeCee and Motioncoding Nova have only one USB port. Considering the poor quality wireless connection for these mini-PCs, you have to use the microSDHC slot to watch the video, and this is quite inconvenient. Another serious disadvantage of media flash drives is that they do not have their own audio output and send sound signal through the HDMI port to the TV. Therefore, their work is completely dependent on the TV device. Often these media are connected with a USB cable to the TV for power supply. In this case, the flash drive and the TV device turn on and off at the same time. Also, some TVs will automatically switch to HDMI input whenever the flash drive is loaded. This is often very inconvenient.

Touch control without touch display

Many models of media flash drives have two serious problems. First, Android apps are designed for touchscreen, so managing them with the touchpad is unusual. Secondly, all test participants, including players equipped with dual-core processors, are unconditionally inferior to modern smartphones in terms of response speed. At the same time, they are noticeably faster than first-generation Smart TVs (two years and older).

For example, the iconBIT and Hama remote controls are equipped with motion sensors and resemble the Wii game console remote control in principle: to move the arrow on the screen, the remote control is used as a pointer.

Both manufacturers managed to quite successfully replace the mouse, but the remote control from IconBIT seemed less convenient: the arrow-pointer now and then “flies out” of the display. In fairness, it should be noted that the Hama controls are also not so easy to adapt to, because the selection confirmation button is not under the thumb, as we are used to, but under the cross. The rest of the models that I had a chance to use cope with the task even worse. The problem can be partly solved by purchasing an additional wireless keyboard with a touchpad. However, it will be most convenient to combine the keyboard and the remote control supplied with the player, for example, control Android applications and the Internet browser using the touchpad, and use the remote control to start and stop playback and select songs in playlists.

Most manufacturers prefer the standard Android interface. The exceptions are IconBIT, TizzBird and Pearl TVPeCee, who have relied on their own launcher. All players except Xoro, TizzBird and TVPeCee have a file manager or media center application installed to help you find the desired file on a USB drive connected to the device or on your home network. As for the media player, most manufacturers have opted for the built-in player from Android, and this is quite reasonable, because it supports wide range formats, excluding only the most exotic ones (for example, MKV encoded in VC-1). The combination of hardware and software in most mini-PCs is quite decent. This type devices without problems broadcasts video in Full-HD quality from a USB drive. Even the Raspberry Pi, equipped with a frankly weak processor, perfectly reproduces FullHD thanks to the built-in decoder.

Installing applications and Play Market

Despite the fact that the developers have not yet been able to fully adapt the Android interface to the requirements of the TV screen, the inconvenience in control is compensated by the flexibility of the Android OS. The user can install almost any application that is presented in the online store Play market. By default, all media players have android browser. I recommend downloading Google Chrome as well. You don’t have to wait for timely software updates, so I advise you to purchase devices with the latest OS version at the time of purchase, which also support the technology wireless transmission data. In practice, this means that the system will receive updates via the Internet, and you do not have to install them manually every time from a USB drive.

A rather interesting Raspberry Pi mini-PC device, which I talked about in detail in. The media shell from XBMC can be easily supplemented with various plug-ins, and provided permanent connection with the Internet, the update happens automatically. The mini PC from Hama and IconBIT has a serious flaw: if you select reset to factory settings in the Android settings menu, you will lose all the default applications.

• Xoro HST200
• TizzBird F20
• Rikomagic MK802 IIIS

Smartphones and tablets

Probably no one will argue that in modern tablets and smartphones are integrated with all the necessary Internet services, supplemented by applications, not to mention playing video and other multimedia. Of course, not all, but many smartphones and tablets can be connected to a TV. To connect mobile devices, you will need additional adapters, which are often not included in the package and are purchased separately. Smartphones and tablets have one significant drawback: the amount of memory of mobile devices is limited and you can not carry the entire media collection with you, but despite this, smartphones give the TV the functionality of a computer. Specialized software will especially help to succeed in this smartphone. For example, . Soon I will tell you more about its capabilities.

The big advantage of a mobile device can be its compact dimensions and the ability to take your multimedia content with you, but to play it on a big screen, you will always have to have cables and adapters on hand.

The performance of modern smartphones and tablets is enough to play video high definition and launch 3D games. The amount of their memory is certainly not large, but it allows you to store multimedia news. The downside of this solution is that playing high-definition video that is physically located on network drive or NAS by wireless network will not work.

Outputting an image from a tablet or smartphone to a TV

Some smartphones are equipped with mini-HDMI output. In some cases, the devices are already equipped with the cable necessary for communication with the TV, which is suitable for different models smartphones. In more modern gadgets actively implemented universal MHL connector, designed to transfer multimedia content, charge the device and synchronize with a PC. Smartphones and tablets various manufacturers require their own adapters or cables to output video via HDMI, and they are not always compatible. To connect Apple tablets and smartphones to an HDMI-enabled TV, you will need an AV adapter (≈ 2,000 rubles). It serves as an adapter between the iPad / iPhone connector and HDMI cable. While playing a video, it is better to connect the power cable to the adapter, as the device will be quickly discharged. Samsung was one of the first to use MHL in the Galaxy S line. Note that the HDMI adapter for the Galaxy SII is not compatible with the S III (about 1200 rubles). On Android devices, you can set the resolution of the image output via HDMI (480p, 576p, 720p, 1080p), and on some devices, select the audio format. iPad and iPhone do not have these settings. Due to the aspect ratio of the screen, the image during games will have black bars on the sides, but when playing YouTube videos in full screen, they stretch to full width.

Blu-ray players

Yes, many modern models Blu-ray players have quite high cost, but on this moment offer a very rich set of options: support for numerous video formats and codecs, built-in WLAN module, the ability to connect external devices and expand functions by installing additional Smart applications. Most interestingly, they appeared smart TV features, Wi-Fi modules and LAN interfaces for providing access to network multimedia content. Playing YouTube videos is commonplace. Support for the DLNA standard will allow you to display movies on the TV screen directly from home computer(like Allshare - another name for DLNA, if someone does not understand). Also, Blu-ray players are equipped with various integrated applications for accessing services with extensive movie collections. In addition, select player models allow you to further expand functionality by installing additional programs from branded online stores.

Connecting a Blu-ray player to a TV

All modern Blu-ray players are equipped with an HDM1 interface (version 1.3 or 1.4). If the cable was not included with the player, you need to purchase it at the nearest electronics store. If your old TV does not have such an interface, you can use adapters for the appropriate SCART or RCA (“tulip”) connectors. It happens that these adapters are bundled with the players, then you do not have to make extra purchases. Naturally, when the player is connected via the SCART or RCA interface, the image will be worse than via HDMI, but this is not critical for older TVs. An RCA-to-SCART or HDMI-to-SCART adapter may be required to connect your Blu-ray player to a TV with a SCART connector. If your TV is equipped with RCA ports, the player can be connected using the "tulip", which, as a rule, comes with the device.

Attention! When connecting to RCA, you will have to set the TV to AV mode yourself, since this connection does not provide automatic switching to the decoder, as is the case with SCART. The choice of an adapter should also be approached with caution: cables that are too cheap can cause interference when playing media content.

When buying a Blu-ray player, make sure it's supported a large number multimedia formats, as well as the possibility of expanding functionality (connecting peripherals, installing applications). Blu-ray players access YouTube and other video portals through special application, while the Philips BDP7700 and Samsung BD-D5300 models also allow you to install additional programs to expand functionality.

Game consoles (video consoles)

Compared to full-fledged media players, game consoles provide much less functionality, and some applications are paid. For example, to get the most out of the Microsoft Xbox 360 console, users need to sign up for Xbox Live and pay for a Gold account. Otherwise, they will not be able to access applications and online video services. A huge minus is that the video set-top box from Microsoft does not allow you to record on your HDD content other than games.

The Sony PlayStation 3 provides users with two free videos service, and also allows you to store media content on your internal HDD, which is easy to replace with a more capacious one (read about this in the PS3 section). Set-top boxes from both manufacturers do not play files larger than 4 GB due to file system limitations.

SONY PLAYSTATION 3

The PlayStation 3 is capable of playing videos from Blu-ray discs as well as DVDs, CDs or flash drives pre-formatted in file system FAT32 (movie size should not exceed 4 GB). The device supports MP4, AVI, AVCHD, DivX, WMV formats and resolutions up to 1080p. The console from Sony allows you to download multimedia content directly to your HDD. With this set-top box, you can listen to music, view photos on the TV screen, and also get access to free services online video: AXN Sci-Fi and Sony Entertainment Television.

MICROSOFT XBOX 360

Xbox 360 does not allow you to copy movies to your HDD, but plays them from DVDs, CDs and flash drives (Blu-Gau discs are not supported, but it is possible to connect an external HD-DVD drive). Like the PS3, the Xbox 360 accepts flash drives formatted in FAT32. H.264, MPEG-4, WMV and AVI formats are supported. To get maximum functionality, you should always keep your media PC on, configured as DLNA server(). The PS3 has an analogue of this program called. Members who have purchased Gold on XBOX 360 will have access to the Netflix service, Facebook application, Twitter and YouTube. In addition, the owners of the "gold" account, who live in Moscow and use the Beeline provider, get access to the IPTV service and can use the console as an IPTV set-top box.

Highlights when choosing multimedia devices as an alternative to Smart TV

VIDEO/AUDIO. Before buying a media player or Blu-ray player, make sure your TV has RCA or HDMI connectors. If your model does not have these ports, you can connect the device to it via DVI input using a special adapter. Required condition: This connector must support HDCP copy protection. If there is only a SCART interface on the back of your TV, take care to purchase a special SCART-RCA or SCART-HDMI adapter. Also, if you are using a separate audio system, make sure that it can also be connected to the media player.

NETWORKING CAPABILITIES. Make sure the devices are equipped with a LAN port (Ethernet connector) to connect to your home network and watch HD video on your TV screen with desktop computer, laptop or NAS drive. However, with regard to the built-in WLAN module, in this case it will only be relevant for surfing the Internet from a TV screen or watching videos from YouTube service and other video hosting sites, while not exceeding 480p resolution.

CONTROL. If you plan to use your TV for Internet surfing and frequent social networking with friends, choose a media player with a convenient remote control. Ideally, it should be equipped with a QWERTY keyboard for speed dial text. You can also use your smartphone or tablet as a universal remote control if your TV is connected to a wireless home network.

CONNECTING EXTERNAL DEVICES. The vast majority of media players and Blu-ray players equipped with USB connectors for connecting external HDDs and flash drives. As a rule, before connecting such media, it is necessary to format it in the FAT32 file system.

I will talk about how to make an ordinary LCD TV a full-fledged Smart TV. Yes, there is nothing special in trendy Smart TVs, and there won’t be until a full-fledged OS appears there. Even monitors with integrated Android OS have more options. You can throw rotten tomatoes at me, but all Smart TV buyers have almost wasted their money. What gives you Smart TV? Online services, no more… All of them are available on PC. Nobody bothers you to buy an inexpensive nettop with support for hardware HD-video decoding and enjoy your favorite movies downloaded from torrents without brakes, use any online services in a familiar browser, and also have a full-fledged PC that is suitable for simple 3D games and arcades, not to mention already about playing HD movies over 10 GB without delay.

Smart TV is just the integration of the Internet into television. In this article, I will show you how to turn an old TV into a Smart TV. If you ran to the balcony or to the pantry for your "Rainbows", "Temps", etc., then I'm not talking about this junk

I will not argue that modern TVs are full-fledged multimedia centers. There is also the possibility of access to the Internet, and support for network services. But! Firstly, the higher the functionality, the higher the price. Why do you need such a combine? From 50000 rub. I can organize a multimedia system at home much cooler. Secondly, content management on Smart TV is disgusting. Take even an additional remote control for navigation. Third, you can get Smart TV features on your old TV:

with a compact and inexpensive network media player,

by connecting a smartphone or tablet to the TV

using a Blu-ray player as a universal playback device

do not forget about the game console (prefix).

We will consider the listed options for upgrading your TV, focusing on the features, advantages and disadvantages of each of the solutions. Rather, it will be said, we will consider alternatives for implementing the functionality of Smart TV. So let's get started..

Network media players

Yes, I know, I did not discover America. And now let the owners of Smart TVs go over the characteristics of any decent model of a network media player and recognize their long-suffering Smart TV in it. Previously, network media players were just a hardware player with a USB port, but now it is quite a promising class of equipment. Smart TV is an attempt to use only one device to store and play home multimedia content, but it is limited, especially when it comes to usability. What can not be said about the network media player, because in conjunction with a TV and speaker system, it will be a full-fledged hardware media center. The media player is able to play HD quality movies, music and images from a computer, displaying content on the screen of a TV device, and access to the Internet and application stores will turn your old TV into the same Smart TV. The network media player is also capable of connecting to external media and displaying full web pages.

Benefits of network media player:

compact dimensions

low cost

support for all modern formats and codecs

built-in WLAN module

• connectivity external hard disk and peripherals

disadvantages

• some media player models do not work correctly with Blu-ray disc images

SMART features of network media players

No matter what anyone says, network media players are the embodiment of the Smart TV features of the most modern TVs. Let me tell you, not everyone. But there are many worthy competitors who can easily surpass the top model of Smart TV.

Main Criteria for Choosing a Network Media Player

format support,

comfortable control

• work with Internet services

If you want a network media player with rich equipment, then I advise you to take a closer look at the Western Digital TV Live model, which fully meets the criteria listed above. Users who often enter information on the TV screen and communicate with friends on social networks will like the Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link DX model with a QWERTY keyboard.

It is especially important for convenience that most modern media players support connecting a mouse or keyboard to a USB port. Users who are attracted to Russian-language network services should take a closer look at the LG ST600 model, as you will get access to the proprietary LG Apps store.

When choosing a media player, do not forget about the supported interfaces and connectors. HDMI is an obligatory port, as well as an S/PDIF digital audio jack, as well as a built-in card reader. It is worth noting that there are fewer media players with a built-in hard drive, but a USB connector for connecting an external HDD and flash drives is a standard. Some users will need composite and component video outputs for TVs that do not have an HDMI port to connect the player to a TV. An important factor is the number of formats supported by the media player, especially for those who store and play various media files, neglecting Internet services. And for users who need full support for Blu-ray and DVD imaging devices, we advise you to take a closer look at the Philips HMP7001 model.

Internet services with app store

Model LG ST600 has by far the richest set of Russian-language Internet applications from the branded online store LG Apps. Also a good option in terms of quantity and quality of software and widgets will be the Philips HMP7001 model.

Smartphones and tablets

Probably, no one will argue that modern tablets and smartphones have integrated all the necessary Internet services, supplemented by applications, not to mention playing video and other multimedia. Of course, not all, but many smartphones and tablets can be connected to a TV. To connect mobile devices, you will need additional adapters, which are often not included in the package and are purchased separately. Smartphones and tablets have one significant drawback: the amount of memory of mobile devices is limited and you can not carry the entire media collection with you, but despite this, smartphones give the TV the functionality of a computer. Specialized software will especially help to succeed in this smartphone. For example, HVMS. Soon I will tell you more about its capabilities.

The big advantage of a mobile device can be its compact dimensions and the ability to take your multimedia content with you, but to play it on a big screen, you will always have to have cables and adapters on hand.

The performance of modern smartphones and tablets is enough to play high-definition video and run 3D games. The amount of their memory is certainly not large, but it allows you to store multimedia news. The disadvantage of this solution is that it will not work to play high-definition video that is physically located on a network drive or NAS over a wireless network.

Outputting an image from a tablet or smartphone to a TV

Some smartphone models are equipped with a mini-HDMI output. In some cases, the devices are already equipped with the cable necessary to connect to the TV, which is suitable for different smartphone models. In more modern gadgets, a universal MHL connector is being actively introduced, designed to transfer multimedia content, charge the device and synchronize with a PC. Smartphones and tablets from different manufacturers require their own adapters or cables to output video via HDMI, and they are not always compatible. To connect Apple tablets and smartphones to an HDMI-enabled TV, you will need an AV adapter (≈ 2,000 rubles). It serves as an adapter between the iPad / iPhone connector and HDMI cable. While playing a video, it is better to connect the power cable to the adapter, as the device will be quickly discharged. Samsung was one of the first to use MHL in the Galaxy S line. Note that the HDMI adapter for the Galaxy SII is not compatible with the S III (about 1200 rubles). On Android devices, you can set the resolution of the image output via HDMI (480p, 576p, 720p, 1080p), and on some devices, select the audio format. iPad and iPhone do not have these settings. Due to the aspect ratio of the screen, the image during games will have black bars on the sides, but when playing YouTube videos in full screen, they stretch to full width.

Blu-ray players

Yes, many modern models of Blu-ray players are quite expensive, but at the moment they offer a very rich set of options: support for numerous video formats and codecs, a built-in WLAN module, the ability to connect external devices and expand functions by installing additional Smart applications. The most interesting thing is that they have Smart TV functions, Wi-Fi modules and LAN interfaces for providing access to network multimedia content. Playing YouTube videos is commonplace. Support for the DLNA standard will allow you to display movies on your TV screen directly from your home computer (like Allshare - another name for DLNA, if someone does not understand). Also, Blu-ray players are equipped with various integrated applications for accessing services with extensive movie collections. In addition, selected player models allow you to further expand the functionality by installing additional programs from branded online stores.

Connecting a Blu-ray player to a TV

All modern Blu-ray players are equipped with an HDM1 interface (version 1.3 or 1.4). If the cable was not included with the player, you need to purchase it at the nearest electronics store. If your old TV does not have such an interface, you can use adapters for the appropriate SCART or RCA (“tulip”) connectors. It happens that these adapters are bundled with the players, then you do not have to make extra purchases. Naturally, when the player is connected via the SCART or RCA interface, the image will be worse than via HDMI, but this is not critical for older TVs. An RCA-to-SCART or HDMI-to-SCART adapter may be required to connect your Blu-ray player to a TV with a SCART connector. If your TV is equipped with RCA ports, the player can be connected using the "tulip", which, as a rule, comes with the device.

Attention! When connected to RCA, you will have to set the TV to AV mode yourself, since this connection does not automatically switch to a decoder, as is the case with SCART. The choice of an adapter should also be approached with caution: cables that are too cheap can cause interference when playing media content.

When buying a Blu-ray player, make sure that it supports a large number of multimedia formats, as well as the possibility of expanding functionality (connecting peripherals, installing applications). Blu-ray players get access to YouTube and other video portals through a special application, while the Philips BDP7700 and Samsung BD-D5300 models also allow you to install additional programs to expand functionality.

Game consoles (video consoles)

• Compared to full-fledged media players, game consoles provide much less functionality, and some applications are paid. For example, to get the most out of the Microsoft Xbox 360 console, users need to sign up for Xbox Live and pay for a Gold account. Otherwise, they will not be able to access applications and online video services. A huge minus is that the video console from Microsoft does not allow you to record content other than games on your hard drive.
• Sony PlayStation 3 provides users with two free video services, and also allows you to store media content on your internal HDD, which is easy to replace with a more capacious one (read about this in the PS3 section). Set-top boxes from both manufacturers do not play files larger than 4 GB due to file system limitations. SONY PLAYSTATION 3 The PlayStation 3 can play videos from both Blu-ray discs and DVDs, CDs or flash drives pre-formatted in the FAT32 file system (the size of the video must not exceed 4 GB). The device supports MP4, AVI, AVCHD, DivX, WMV formats and resolutions up to 1080p. The console from Sony allows you to download multimedia content directly to your HDD. With this set-top box, you can listen to music, watch photos on a TV screen, and also get access to free online video services: AXN Sci-Fi and Sony Entertainment Television. MICROSOFT XBOX 360 Xbox 360 does not allow you to copy movies to your HDD, but plays them from DVDs, CDs and flash drives (Blu-Gau discs are not supported, but it is possible to connect an external HD-DVD drive). Like the PS3, the Xbox 360 accepts flash drives formatted in FAT32. H.264, MPEG-4, WMV and AVI formats are supported. To get maximum functionality, you should always keep your media PC configured as a DLNA server turned on ( Windows Media center). The PS3 analogue of this program is called PS3 media server. Users who purchase Gold on XBOX 360 will have access to Netflix, the Facebook app, Twitter and YouTube. In addition, the owners of the "gold" account, who live in Moscow and use the Beeline provider, get access to the IPTV service and can use the console as an IPTV set-top box.

Highlights when choosing multimedia devices as an alternative to Smart TV

VIDEO/AUDIO. Before buying a media player or Blu-ray player, make sure your TV has RCA or HDMI connectors. If your model is not equipped with such ports, the device can be connected to it via the DVI input using a special adapter. Prerequisite: This connector must support HDCP copy protection. If there is only a SCART interface on the back of your TV, take care to purchase a special SCART to RCA or SCART to HDMI adapter. Also, if you are using a separate audio system, make sure that it can also be connected to the media player.

NETWORKING CAPABILITIES. Make sure the devices are equipped with a LAN port (Ethernet connector) to connect to your home network and watch HD video on your TV screen from a desktop computer, laptop or NAS. However, as for the built-in WLAN module, in this case it will only be relevant for surfing the Internet from a TV screen or watching videos from YouTube and other video hosting services, while not exceeding 480p resolution.

CONTROL. If you plan to use your TV for Internet surfing and frequent social networking with friends, choose a media player with a convenient remote control. Ideally, it should be equipped with a QWERTY keyboard for fast typing. You can also use your smartphone or tablet as a universal remote control if your TV is connected to a wireless home network.

CONNECTING EXTERNAL DEVICES. The vast majority of media players and Blu-ray players are equipped with USB connectors for connecting external HDDs and flash drives. As a rule, before connecting such media, it is necessary to format it in the FAT32 file system.

Stop hoarding rubbish! Everything is in business!

Each of us has a couple of old gadgets from the “it’s a pity to throw away, but nowhere to use” category. Why not make him free prefix for TV or monitor?

What for?

I don’t know about you ... But I (taking into account the next of kin) will have at least 5-10 old devices lying around idle.

I suspect everyone does. Android smartphones, iOS smartphones, a couple of tablets. Some of them are quite functional and can be used, "change before buying a new one". Some are incorrect.


First, we systematize such devices according to fault classes:

1. Fully serviceable - obsolete morally.
2. Fully serviceable - outdated technologically.
3. With a battery that has lost its capacity.
4. Without battery (completely defective element nutrition).
5. With a faulty communication module.
6. With a faulty screen.

All, except for categories 4 and 6, are able to work as a multimedia combine. Today we will talk about hardware limitations.

Wired connection of iOS devices

iOS devices capable of operating on two types of wires. Obsolete ones used a "30-pin -> AV" or "Lightning -> AV" cable. There are several exit options:

- VGA (scaling is supported);
- composite (576p and 480p supported);
- component (576p and 480p supported);
- HDMI/DVI (Scaling supported).

Wired connection of Android devices

They support video output in two ways, each must be supported by hardware (see - in the specifications):

- HDMI (full, mini / micro - it doesn't matter) - connect directly to the display;
- MHL - connection via the appropriate microUSB-> HDMI / miniHDMI adapter.

Permission to external display on an MHL connection, matches the resolution of the device.

What is preferable to choose?

As you can see preferable look like iOS devices. Although there are suitable wires for Android gadgets, you will have to blindly buy them in Chinese stores. Otherwise, old monitors without HDMI cannot be connected.

If HDMI is available on a TV or monitor, and the choice of devices is quite wide, it is better to stay on an old tablet with mini / microHDMI. Even 512 MB RAM will be enough for HD movies. It is not difficult to choose a codec, the resolution of the original video stream.

Required to function working display. Individual devices by default, they transmit a video stream to the corresponding connector, so you should try to connect the device even with broken screen. In the absence of phantom touchscreen clicks, the console is on hand.

Connecting using Wi-Fi

The easiest way to turn a smartphone or tablet into a media set-top box is to use one of the options for streaming through the network WiFi. Unfortunately, it will be problematic to do anything with a non-working touchscreen.

In addition, the display must be equipped Wi-Fi module. Most modern TVs are already have the appropriate hardware. Otherwise, you need an HDMI port and an additional set-top box ( Chromecast or its Chinese counterpart).


Devices on Android based offer to use Miracast technology, which allows you to transfer over wifi video with resolutions up to 1920×1200 and audio up to 5.1ch AC3. In system settings, enable " Wireless display”- nothing more complicated. Some devices support similar technology from Intel.


Most iOS devices are equipped with support for AirPlay, familiar to our readers. Unfortunately, due to license restrictions, it will not work to connect to a TV or even more so a monitor. An additional link is required. This complicates the task, and it loses all meaning.

…And I have!..

Surely among our readers there are those who use mobile devices as content sources for a TV or monitor.

Tell me how do you do it?

We considered the possibility maximum use the AllShare function built into some TV models, which allowed us to implement some kind of Smart TV (on TVs that do not have Smart TV), namely, to watch videos and watch TV shows from the Internet. It is not possible to integrate a browser into a TV for viewing websites and surfing the Internet in this way. Meanwhile, today I will tell you how to make Smart TV all the same (no longer a semblance, but full integration of the Internet into a TV) on a TV that does not support these features! Technique is developing so fast that you don't have time to keep up with all the innovations!

The article I mentioned gave birth to a large flow of mail to me and good search traffic, a lot of people were interested in questions like " how to make smart tv on tv", "how to make a smart TV out of a simple TV", "how to make your own smart tv", "how to turn simple tv into smart tv"... and some even looked for " smart tv software for pc".

Similar requests on the Internet are asked by buyers of TVs purchased up to the end of the first decade of the 21st century. Massively, the Smart TV function began to be introduced into TVs only in 2009. In fact, the owners of many large black screens feel left out to some extent, since they cannot use Internet access on their TV (given the rampant Wi-Fi Internet penetration and the popularity of interactive Internet TV). However, most of this majority, who regret that they rushed to buy the coveted flat and slim tv who does not have a Smart TV, do not even suspect that You can implement Smart TV on almost any TV! Moreover, TVs with built-in Smart TV are noticeably more expensive - the money is actually taken for Smart TV, but often the built-in Smart TV can be limited in some way ( functionality) and often wins the buyer who paid money for the maximum big screen and implemented the functions of Smart TV separately.

If your TV does not have Smart TV

If your TV does not have it, don't worry. This is fixable. It is solved by purchasing an external device that connects to your TV. The crucial moment is to choose exactly the functional device that will satisfy all your needs. But more on that later. First, let's give a little theory that will help us understand the essence Smart work TV.

In fact, Smart TV is a TV with built-in Internet access. Internet access is provided by software, and it, in turn, must be executed in any operating system. Thus, it can be said that Smart TV is a symbiosis of a computer and a TV, or more simply - computer system integrated into the TV. If your TV does not have a Smart TV, this means that it just lacks a computer system that can be connected from the outside. And as already mentioned, buying an external Smart TV is sometimes even more profitable than buying a built-in Smart TV.

And since a computer system is integrated into the TV, the TV plays the role of just a monitor, and this opens great opportunities for applications and services, the ability to update software, install current programs, there are great opportunities for application developers and for the development of the Smart TV concept itself.

How to implement Smart TV where there is none

Few people know, but Smart TV technology is not tied specifically to TVs, hence the thoughts of some owners are born to change their TV to a more modern one just because it does not have Smart TV. Do not rush to change the TV! This technology is being implemented in the most various devices, such as

• digital television receivers
• Blu-ray players
• game consoles
• media players...

These and others external devices, which can be connected to a TV, allow users to search for video content and other media content on the Internet, on local cable TV channels, on satellite TV channels etc. These devices support surfing the Internet, operate on operating systems (Linux and Android are very common), support software updates, etc. Those. initially fulfill all the goals that were originally laid down in the definition of Smart TV.

Let's look at the possible Smart TV implementations:

An example of a built-in Smart TV TV
Smart TV on Android (external device)

On the screenshots, the difference between the built-in and external Smart TV is significant not only in the interface, but also in the ability to update Smart TV, supplement its functionality, etc. Often, the built-in Smart TV (despite its advertising appearance) does not provide for its full upgrade or expansion. desired functionality(which sooner or later has to be done). Therefore, the implementation of an external Smart TV, say on Android (Android), is perhaps the most successful solution.

Smart TV based on Android

Users of tablets and smartphones are well aware of this operating system, its main strong point is the Play Market - a library of many free and paid apps. In just a couple of minutes, a device based on this OS can be turned into a required tool: watch movies, read books, listen to music, play games, chat with friends... And there is nothing easier than to implement all this on your... TV!

Yes, there is nothing easier than implementing Smart TV on a TV using Android! This is done using a special mini computer, these gadgets are already sold in our stores - on average, Smart TV for your TV will cost $ 100.

These gadgets are similar in size to a regular USB flash drive, plug it in on the back of the TV, appearance you won't spoil it.

An example of Smart TV on the example of iconBIT Toucan Stick 3D PRO

I have already mentioned that Smart TV is being introduced into various devices today, listing them and reviewing their characteristics would take too much time. Therefore, consider the implementation of Smart TV based on such interesting device as .

This gadget is one of the HD media players, but in fact it is a network micro-computer. The entire media center fits into one case the size of a regular USB flash drive, connects to the TV via HDMI and is powered by USB from the same TV (if there is no USB, then from an additional power source). Speaking of technical specifications, you can highlight details such as: android platform 4.2, built-in wifi, dual core processor(1 GHz), 4 GB NAND Flash, 1 GB DDR3, expandable up to 32 GB microSDHC.

Implementation of Smart TV based on IconBit Toucan Stick 3D PRO

By connecting this device to your TV, you turn it into a full-fledged media center capable of playing any files from the Internet, over a network or via USB (including Full HD, Blu-ray 3D ISO, MKV), there is support for numerous IPTV services and download applications from the Play Market. You can connect Skype to your TV, surf the Internet, chat on social networks, play games, etc. The role of the mouse is performed by the remote control - the so-called "air mouse" (it also works via Wi-Fi (there is a device for connecting in the delivery). To be honest, this mouse worked well for the default built-in applications, but for third-party cinemas installed through the Play Market , it was clearly not suitable - the tabs on the screen did not switch everywhere (for some reason I could not start the movie, for example, in "Megogo", despite all possible combinations of clicks on the remote control). USB connector on the device.This is the only way I was able to implement full control installed on top of Android applications only with a third-party mouse. Gourmets will be able to connect a keyboard, but you have to be prepared for the fact that the device may not recognize all connected gadgets. You should also take into account the fact that the majority of applications in the Play Market are designed for touch devices, which your TV is not, so you need to be prepared for all kinds of inconsistencies between applications and your TV. And yet, you can get a lot of what your smartphone or tablet is capable of from the TV, on which you could see and experience Android 4.2 OS in action. The main advantage of Smart TV is, of course, watching movies, and everything is fine with this.

At the time of writing this article, such a gadget cost an average of $75-80 in online stores. His place is about to take the model Toucan Stick G4- with more advanced functionality. Very quickly, some microcomputers replace others, so prices and availability of models in online stores can vary significantly.

A small personal photo report from the place where Smart TV was sold using (the used Samsung UE32D5000 TV - until recently considered an elegant performance of television technology, very quickly discontinued and sunk into oblivion).

Cinema Megogo on Android (directly on TV)

Actually Android settings (almost like in a phone)
It became possible to use the Internet browser on your TV
Or read the news feed in a separate news aggregator

Summary

Smart TV can be implemented on almost any TV! In the example of implementing Smart TV that I am describing, using a TV with minimum requirement - HDMI input. If you don’t have it either, but there are only so-called tulips (well, if the TV is already quite old, and you really want the Internet in it), then stationary media players with tulip outputs will suit you (they are made in the form of a TV tuner). But that's another topic for another author!

Today, developers offer Smart TV owners a wide variety of applications for watching TV, movies online directly from websites, useful programs and even games. Each user can independently choose the programs he needs for himself, but it is important to take into account the region of residence and the model of his TV.

• LG - enter the Smart TV section and select interactive TV from the available widgets;
• Samsung - enter the Smart TV section and select in the store Samsung apps App item Video in which to find and download Interactive TV.

This application is only available for models from 2012 release. As for synchronization with devices on the Android operating system, its version must be at least 4.0, and for iOS - at least 5.0.

Setting up IPTV

Viewer App TV channels IPTV is now also available for Smart TVs. This program provides access to digital television, that is, to more quality image and sound accompaniment. Connection options this application several, and in many cases a special prefix is ​​\u200b\u200bnecessary, but you can also do without it.

If we consider the installation of this program on TVs Samsung Smart TV, without a prefix, it is immediately worth noting that this is possible only for models not younger than 2010 of release. To watch TV via IPTV, you need to download the nStreamLmod application. The setup sequence is as follows:

• Login to smart hub through special button on the remote control;
• Pressing button A from the remote control;
• Go to the point of creating a working record and enter the develop login and password 123456;
• Confirmation of data entry by pressing the "Create work record" button;
• Entering a username and password to enter the account;
• Pressing the Tools button from the remote control and selecting the “Settings” section;
• AT open window select the "Development" item;
• Enter server IP address through setup. Each TV model has its own. For Samsung, this is 188.168.31.14 or 31.128.159.40;
• Clicking the application synchronization item (this action can remove all previously installed programs except for the standard ones);
• Upon completion of the process, launch the nStreamPlayer application and enter the address http://powernet.com.ru/stream.xml in the Playlist URL 1 field.

Additional Applications

There is a mass additional applications to watch TV programs and movies online. So, one of them is an offer from the provider MegaFon.TV. This program is free and supported by LG Smart TVs from 2013 or later (including TVs from v1.2.0 of webOS OS), as well as Samsung Smart TVs from 2013, except for those running on the Tizen operating system.

The current application today is also Like TV - free program, providing access to watching IPTV on Samsung Smart TV (all TV models).