If you put a wifi adapter into your TV

There are options for apartments, where the radius is smaller, and there are outdoor options designed for longer distances. Always consider this nuance when choosing an adapter, and try to place it (along with the TV, of course) as close to the signal source as possible.

Wi-Fi adapter for TV – connection, characteristics

TVs used to be used exclusively for watching movies and TV series, but technology does not stand still. Now with their help, you can use the Internet, watching everything that the person himself wants. In some cases, a wired connection is used for this, but wires are extremely inconvenient. The best option for a modern TV is wi-fi connection. But a special adapter is not present in all devices. What to do? There is a way out. Modern manufacturers produce a variety of wi-fi receivers that have different capabilities. In this article we will answer questions about how to choose the right wi-fi adapter for TV and connect it to the device – PC or laptop.

Wifi adapters can connect to the TV in different ways. The best option for them are TVs marked wi-fi ready. If you see this marking, then the TV supports the Smart TV function and is already ready to install a wi-fi receiver. In this case, the desired adapter looks like a small card. Such an adapter uses the PCMCIA standard or similar. It is very easy to install. Find the correct slot in your TV and just plug the receiver in. Go to your TV's system settings. There, activate the wi-fi module, and use the internet on your device.

If your TV is designed only for wired type of connection, the situation is more complicated. First, read the instructions. If it says that the TV supports the installation of new components, then use wi-fi adapter for the TV in the form of a small flash drive. These are easy to find in stores. A good usb adapter has an antenna in it. If it has no antenna then you will be able to receive wifi network only on very close distances. If you have bought this device you should connect it to your TV. It should recognize it. Next, go into your device's system settings and enter your wifi network information. After that, you will be able to use the internet.

HDMI set-top box for TV

Let's take a closer look at this set-top box. Before you buy it, you need to be sure that it matches your TV in some features. In order to successfully open websites and watch different video content, the set-top box must have the following minimum characteristics:

But these are the most minimal and outdated characteristics. It is advisable to buy more modern devices.

If you do not want to be limited in the connection speed, then buy a device with the wi-fi N connection standard. It will not reduce the speed of your wi-fi connection.

HDMi set-top boxes have different features and capabilities. They will save you money on buying a TV with SMART TV functionality. Set-top boxes can be purchased at a hardware store for a price of 3000 rubles.

What to do if the TV without Smart TV?

There is no way to connect a TV without a Smart TV to the Internet. There is no need and there is no point. It is the function of Smart TV that provides access to the Internet and all these programs on the TV. If there is no Smart TV, there is no access to the Internet. This TV just doesn't need an Internet connection.

If you know for sure you have a TV without Smart, fine. If in doubt, check. Here's a detailed guide: Smart TV function in your TV: is it there or not, how do I check?

If there's no Smart TV, then there's no Wi-Fi and no LAN?

It's not always like that. Explanation. If a TV without Smart features, it definitely does not have built-in Wi-Fi (I have not seen any TVs that have it) . I've written on this topic before, you can read it if you're interested: Is there Wi-Fi in the TV? How do I find out where to look?

But there may be a LAN port on a TV like this. What is it for? It is needed to connect to the local network (not the Internet!) . The local network is DLNA, and this TV most likely supports it (see specs). I wrote about it in more details in the article why a LAN socket is needed on your TV.

Briefly about DLNA: DLNA is a technology that allows you to stream video, photos and music from other devices that are connected to the same local network to your TV. For example: Your PC and TV are connected to the same router. You can output a movie from your PC to the TV (not online, but start watching the file) . For example: DLNA server in Windows 10. Setup, output to the TV.

It happens that the TV with Smart TV, but without Wi-Fi. This means that you can only connect it to the Internet via cable (or an external Wi-Fi adapter, if it supports them) . Or use the method in this article: how to connect a TV without Wi-Fi to the Internet via Wi-Fi.

How do I make a Smart TV on a regular TV?

The solution is to buy and connect a Smart TV set-top box to your TV. This is a universal solution. It is suitable for both regular old and not that old TVs without Smart TV, and for older TVs with Smart TV function (when the majority of programs do not work, everything is very slow loading, freezes, etc.).

There are a lot of such set-top boxes (also called media players) on the market. How to choose them, which are better, etc. – is a topic for a separate article.

Almost all Smart set-top boxes run on the standard Android operating system (which is installed on phones and tablets), or on Android TV (this is the same Android, but it is optimized specifically for TVs and Smart TV consoles). There is also the Apple TV set-top box from Apple. It runs on the operating system tvOS.

The most popular set-top boxes: Xiaomi Mi Box S, Xiaomi Mi TV Stick, MAG 425A, DUNE HD RealBox, Rombica Smart Box, X96 Android TV Box. There are a lot of them. The choice is huge. I, for example, have the Xiaomi Mi Box S.

The smart box connects to the TV via HDMI. Even older TVs usually have an HDMI input. If the TV is very old, then you can connect through the RCA connector (cinch). There are set-top boxes with this output, or you can use an adapter.

The menu (home screen) of the Smart STB looks like this (on Android TV) :

What you need to connect

To connect your device to an online network, you need the following items:

• an Internet connection with the ability to go online;
• TV equipment instruction manual;
• router;
• HDMI wire in case the smartphone is missing or the Internet is not connected.

Further steps begin if the listed items are available. A total of 2 methods are highlighted, how to connect an ordinary TV to the Internet via Wi-Fi.

1. Connection via cable. Requires you to additionally purchase a wire, which is installed between the TV and another device.
2. Wireless connection via Wi-Fi. This is the most popular and easiest way. The user does not need to pull wires, everything happens through the network.

Once all the elements are assembled, proceed directly to the configuration.

Using a Wi-Fi adapter

Wireless connection is the easiest and most functional. It is required to stick to the algorithm in order to make the settings correctly. There are several features for this function:

When using this method, the user gets the following features:

• The interaction of different devices (laptop, tablet, smartphone);
• the use of a simplified method that reduces the period of connection and use of devices;
• the simplest method – WPS technology, which implies connection without a username and password.

To use WPS services, one agrees to the offer of authorization. Additionally, the WPS button on the router must be pressed so that you do not have to enter a password.

Rules for connecting and configuring the adapter

Debugging the equipment is not difficult and is performed according to the same algorithm for all existing models. The only difference is connected with the names and location of the items in the menu.

Debugging in brand-name models is performed according to the standard scheme.

Samsung

Before purchasing the equipment, you should visit the manufacturer's official page and study the list of models that support the existing TV receiver. There you will also find instructions that allow you to quickly create a connection between the equipment.

In order to connect, a universal algorithm is used:

1. The unit is inserted into the appropriate slot in the receiver – it is activated, which is an alternative to the built-in module "wireless lan adapter".
2. The network configuration is made via the buttons on the remote control: from the "menu" block to the "network" subsection and the "network debugging" sub-item.
3. The system, not having detected a cable connection, offers to create a wireless line.
4. Pressing the "start" key will result in a list of networks, in which you select the home one – it is distributed by the router.
5. After the connection, the password is entered.
6. The action is confirmed with the "ok" button.

The receiver will check the bundle and if there are no problems, it will display the corresponding message.

LG

After visiting the brand site, you need to insert the device into a specific slot and wait for activation. Further steps depend on the model of the receiver:

The equipment will independently display the available lines. After selecting the actual one, the login and password are entered.

Possible problems when connecting.

It's not always possible on the first try to debug the wi-fi to the TV set. Sometimes warning messages about network error, absence of Internet or hardware key appear on the screen. If all gadgets except the TV are connected to the virtual line, the problem is in the wrong setting.

• From the menu, go to "debugging";
• In the network subsection find the block "connect to wi-fi";
• select the sub-item "advanced settings";
• click on "change" and uncheck the box next to "automatically";
• type in DNS: 8.8.8.8;
• select the "connections" subsection.

Sometimes problems are due to a multitude of bugs accumulated in the software. To avoid them, you should update the software in time.

Another issue with the lack of connection arises when the provider performs technical work. In this case, you need to contact the technical support line to clarify whether the service changes or the failure is eliminated.

Are there alternative WI-FI adapters for TVs

Those who do not want to buy an expensive branded receiver can buy an inexpensive Wi-Fi router. It needs to be installed near the TV and connected to it with a network cable. After that, the router needs to be configured in bridge mode with the main router, from which it will receive the Internet.

A more complicated scheme for Samsung TVs is to buy a D-Link DWA, TP-LINK TL-WN727Nv3 or Zyxel NWD2105 Wi-Fi adapter and flash it.

The new identifiers can be sewn into the adapter in Ubuntu Linux. Other operating systems are not suitable as they can damage the adapter.

Video: Installing and Using the Usb WiFi Adapter EDUP

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. This port carries a high-resolution digital signal. If you have a TV with a very clear screen resolution, for accurate and better display of audio, video and photo content, it is better to choose an adapter with HDMI output. It differs from USB in that it has a higher speed and accuracy of data transfer, so even a movie that takes a lot of space, very clearly displayed on the TV screen.

Choosing a Wi-Fi adapter for your TV, you must take into account:

What is a Wi-Fi adapter for your TV?

Almost all modern TVs, as well as many other devices, are automatically equipped with their own Wi-Fi modules. This allows them to catch and process the wireless signal of the router by themselves, without the use of any external devices.

There are some that do not have such a module. However, this does not mean that such a TV cannot connect to the Internet at all. If we're talking about a Smart TV, it has this feature – it's just that sometimes the connection is only possible by wired means.

A Wi-Fi adapter for your TV allows the TV to receive a wireless signal from a router, replacing the missing internal module. When connected to your TV, the Wi Fi adapter takes over the function of receiving and processing the signal, giving the TV new capabilities and you the convenience of using and watching your favorite content.

The Wi-Fi adapter looks like an ordinary flash drive, also known as a "thumb drive":

And it's easy to connect, too – just plug it into a USB port. You can find one on any device that can, in principle, access the Internet.

Compatibility with TVs

Wi-Fi adapters will only be useful for Smart TVs that do not have their own wireless connection function. If the TV is not a Smart TV, such an external module will not replace all the functionality.

What to Pay Attention to When Choosing

If you are planning to buy a wi-fi adapter for your TV, there are several nuances that should be taken into account – otherwise there is a great chance of getting into trouble and spending money to the wind without proper results.

Manufacturer

It is best to buy the adapter from the same manufacturer as the TV. The reason is simple: only this company and knows all the features of their equipment, which can take into account in the development of additional devices. This way you minimize the risk of incompatibility of devices and possible failures in this regard.

Why do you need a wi-fi adapter for your TV?

Although at first glance adapters for TV and computers do not differ, in fact between them there is a significant difference. And it lies in the operating system.

For example, the standard system for most TVs – Android TV (or Apple TV of the company), but the list for computers is not even limited to the familiar and familiar "vinda" (different versions of Windows). In any case, you have to take into account for which specific devices this gadget was created, otherwise it simply will not work.

Supported types of connection

It was mentioned above that mostly Wi-Fi adapters are connected to TVs via USB. And this is absolutely true – for most devices. However, you can also find those designed for connection via HDMI or, for example, PCMCIA. The latter, by the way, is already an obsolete type of connection, you often do not see it: USB and HDMI, being more modern, are much more common.

Power

Any connection has two main parameters that we always want to see as high as possible. It's about stability and connection speed. The first indicates no interruptions, the second will avoid delays and ensure a smoother operation of the entire system.

Principle of operation and connection of the transmitter

All the processes of connecting and further debugging of the module are performed according to the following scheme:

1. The module is connected to the USB connector on the TV receiver. Most models of adapters can be connected via HDMI input, which will allow you to set a higher data transfer rate.
2. On the TV you need to go to the main menu, using the button on the remote control. In the settings, select the "Internet and network" block – it may have other names, depending on the brand of TV.
3. In the additional window, click on the block "network configuration" and select "Wi-Fi mode" in the register of possible options. The action is confirmed with the "ok" button on the remote from the receiver.
4. In the column with the names of network connections choose your own access point, enter the password from the wi-fi router.

Important! Accurate execution of the instructions will cause the process of synchronization of the equipment. The process is completed by pressing the "ok" key and checking the formed connection. If there are problems, it is necessary to reconsider the entire path of action, to find the error committed.

Why a universal model is disadvantageous

Choosing among the many adapters to connect the TV to the Internet via Wi-Fi, it is necessary to avoid non-original models of devices. Despite the outward resemblance of fakes with branded devices, on the visual similarity everything ends.

The workability of "analogs" ends at the stage of testing, later failures and rapid failure of the module begin. It is useless to repair cheap devices: most often they are disposable and cannot be repaired. Repair will cost half the price of a non-original module.

On the body of the adapter there is initially prescribed a list of suitable devices, but it is better to buy equipment of the same company that produced the TV. Branded gadgets are more expensive, but guarantee long-term operation and the absence of critical malfunctions.

Universal models are not difficult to control and quite well-functioning connection. But on the forums you can meet complaints that after updating the TV receiver, the hardware stops being recognized and cannot be restored. Given the regular changes in TV firmware and the inoperability of universal receivers, it is cheaper to buy a branded product with warranty service.

Modules with wi-fi function refer to practical add-ons that allow access to the Internet. Wireless communication is more advantageous due to the absence of a lot of wires, getting in the way under your feet and at risk of accidental damage. To get a stable connection it is enough to buy original compatible equipment, make adjustments and watch your favorite videos and movies on the big screen.

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