What is a TV adapter

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How to connect your old TV without Smart TV to the Internet – everything you need to know

Very many people are interested in how to connect an ordinary TV to the Internet to watch online TV channels, YouTube, videos from the Internet and so on. All because of the ambiguity and lack of comprehensive information on this request. If you dig in the settings of the TV, you can not get an answer, too. Another difficulty is the difference in the input data: whether it's an old or new TV, no Smart TV or just no Wi-Fi module, is there a possibility of installing additional equipment or not. Now we'll take an in-depth look at the situation.

An ordinary TV is one that doesn't have Smart TV. However, not even all Smart TVs have the ability to connect to Wi-Fi. Logically, they don't really need an Internet connection, since the device can't use apps anyway. For this reason, many TVs, both old and modern, do not add Wi-Fi connectivity. There are exceptions, there have been plasma TVs that supported a wireless network connection, but this is rare.

As for the LAN connection, it is already present on most devices. It is not intended to go online, as it is practically impossible to use it anyway (the functionality is very limited). The wired connection is designed for DLNA connection, that is, for the transfer of media files from other devices within the home network.

Nevertheless, do not get upset prematurely. In some cases, it is still possible to connect a simple TV to Wi-Fi.

What are the ways out of the situation?

The task in front of us is interesting, but quite achievable. Only you need to understand that without additional devices there is no possibility to connect to Wi-Fi. In each case you will need to buy something more, but these devices are not very expensive, at least several times cheaper than buying a new TV.

Installing a TV set-top box

This is the best way, which turns a regular TV into a Smart, that is, it adds all the "smart" functions. A special set-top box has its own operating system, which processes any signal and converts it into content. The TV itself will not be connected to Wi-Fi, but only the TV box, but it does not change the fact that it will have all the modern features. At the same time, the set-top box is relatively expensive, costing from 2000 to 10000 rubles, depending on performance.

Connecting via LAN network via a router

As we found out, connection via LAN is provided on most TVs, including quite old ones. But it is not always possible to connect the Internet to a regular TV this way because of the physical and obstacles. If there are none, the only thing to do is to plug the cable and set up DLNA (we have already written about this before, of course, the link is attached a little below). All those who can not connect the cable directly, can use the original method using Wi-Fi.

1. Purchase or borrow an old router that supports the receiver mode, usually called an adapter. Even the most budget-friendly device will do.
2. Open the admin panel of the router (all the login details are on the label on the router body) and select the robot type to "Adapter", but you can also use the bridge mode.
3. Connect the TV to the router with an ordinary Ethernet cable.
4. Done, the Internet works via Wi-Fi.

How it works

It is envisaged to place in the CAM module some smart card for subsequent decoding, which is provided by the satellite or cable TV provider.

Without this card, the module will not work, given the fact that all the data relevant for decoding are located directly on this element. The presence of this card represents access to the paid material provided by the service provider.

Are all TVs equipped with a CAM module

As a rule, CAM-module is included directly in the TV set. But we can note that not all televisions are equipped with this device.

If there is no modular element, you will need to buy it separately. As an option, service providers will be able to provide this equipment directly with the service itself. However, it is often offered for rent for very little money.

Pros and cons of connection

The advantages of this audio transmission method are as follows:

• No connecting wires and docking stations between the sound source and receiver and as a consequence, increased comfort when watching movies or playing games on the console.
• Sound quality is no longer influenced by room acoustics, TV speaker quality and extraneous noise.
• Hearing-impaired people can watch TV without disturbing family members.

• Reduced sound quality and volume when the receiver is 10 or more meters away from the source or the presence of impenetrable barriers for radio waves.
• The limited number of devices that can be connected to the adapter. The more of them, the more expensive it is.
• Lags between the sound and the picture due to poor compatibility between the adapter and headphones.

Connecting

1. Insert the adapter into a free USB port or connect external power.
2. Connect the audio cable into a suitable connector, located near the Output label on the back of the TV.
3. Press the power button on the adapter.
4. Turn on the wireless headphones.
5. Wait until the LEDs on both devices light up to confirm that pairing is complete.

Here is a brief review of famous brands

Samsung WIS12ABGNX is compatible with electronic devices supporting the DLNA technology (smartphones, tablets, videocameras, media players, etc.) and TV sets from the Samsung lineup since 2010 (Samsung D5000, Samsung D8000, Samsung C550, Samsung D550, Samsung E 490, etc.). Connection via USB port. Support for IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 8, the working frequency of 2.4 / 5 GHz, data protection protocols WPA / WPA2 / WEP.

Users note the stable operation of the device, the presence of the included adapter and extension cord for easy connection to the TV. The price of the device is about 3850 rubles.

LG AN-WF100 – The USB adapter is compatible with LG TV models of 2010-2014. Supports 802.11n, 2.4GHz / 5GHz, HDTV 720p (HD), WPA/ WPA2/ WEP encryption. Not suitable for FullHD video. The price of the device is about 3850 rubles.

Philips PTA127 – This USB receiver is compatible with Philips TVs of 2012-2013 model years. The equipment provides a stable wireless connection with speeds up to 300 Mbit/s. The kit comes with an extension cord. The price is about 2950 rubles.

Sony UWA-BR100 (Pix-Link) – This is an analogue of the proprietary Wi-Fi adapter for Sony TVs, home theaters and video players. The price of the device is 2-2.5 times lower than the original device. Compatible with TV sets of 2010-2011 years of production. USB connection interface. The price is about 2650 rubles.

Peculiarities of choosing a Bluetooth transmitter

1. The version of Bluetooth. Technology is improving all the time, generations of bluetooth connections regularly replace each other. Previously, most devices supported bluetooth 1.0, then 2.0. Now there are adapters working at speeds of 4.0 and 5.0. The newer the version, the more powerful the device.
2. NFC support. The technology makes it easy to connect the adapter to the main device.
3. Range. There are adapters designed for 5, 10, 15 m, etc. The greater the range, the farther the user can move away from the TV without hearing impairment.
4. Built-in rechargeable battery. Its presence is not necessary if the user does not need the autonomous use of the adapter. In fact, a battery is not necessary if the transmitter/receiver will be located near the screen.
5. Number of devices to be connected. If the adapter supports Dual Link technology, two or more devices can be connected simultaneously.
6. Cost. The cheaper the adapter, the less chance of quality and correct operation. Budget devices give bad sound, create interference, and operate intermittently.

And most importantly, make sure that the adapter has the same audio output option as the TV. All technical parameters of the device can be clarified in the documentation. Important details are warranty, equipment, brand, and connection methods.

How do I find out about bluetooth on my TV?

Buying a TV, it is useful to find out in advance – whether it supports Bluetooth. This question may also arise in relation to your existing TV.

1. If your TV comes with a smart remote, then it definitely has Bluetooth support.
2. If the TV does not come with a smart remote, go to settings. There, select the Sound tab, and then select Audio Output. The presence of the "Bluetooth Speaker List" option indicates support for this type of wireless communication.
3. If you can't access the menu, open the manual or look on the Internet – enter the name of the TV model and find out the question of interest.
4. When you buy a TV, ask the consultants about bluetooth connectivity.

The best Wi-Fi adapters for your TV

We have previously written about the best Wi-Fi adapters for TV. This niche is updated not so often, so the article is still relevant. With the caveat that it describes universal modules, the official products are usually better and more stable, but not always.

During the Wi-Fi module connection setup, you may have had some difficulties. Here are the main problems and how to solve them:

• The TV doesn't see the adapter. Most likely the problem is in the HDMI device, you need to change the source.
• The TV does not have the ability to search for Wi-Fi. Most often it is about TVs without Smart TV, and they do not support such receivers.
• Cannot connect to the network. It is worth trying to manually specify the connection parameters: IP-address, subnet mask, gateway, DNS-server.
• Poor connection quality. The problem is either a bad signal or a low-quality receiving/transmitting device.

Wi-Fi adapters are really useful devices, but when used properly. If you need to connect to the Internet an old TV without Smart, just use a TV set-top box. It should already have the module by default.

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What is a Wi-Fi adapter for a TV?

Wi-Fi adapter for Samsung , LG, Sony, etc. TV, to put it simply, is a regular signal receiver. Outwardly, it resembles a normal USB flash drive, which is plugged into the same USB sockets. There are also HDMI analogs, which should be recommended for streaming video from the network. Such devices can operate at higher speeds, allowing you to watch a movie in high quality. In this case, the requirements to the TV itself are minimal – the presence of the necessary ports for the connection.

Connection can be made in several ways, which depend on the type of adapter:

• Wi-Fi HDMI adapter connects via a digital HDMI connector. It is installed on all relatively recent TVs, but is missing in older models. The main advantage is high speed and the ability to transmit video in good resolution. In order for it to work properly, you need to check for pre-installed technologies in the adapter, like DLNA, AirPlay or similar. You only need to insert the device into the HDMI connector.
• USB. There is a similar input on most TVs, which makes the device more practical and versatile. Connection is easy, you just need to insert the adapter into the appropriate slot. If it supports a direct connection, it is also possible to connect a cable into it. In this case, it acts as a network card.

Once connected, you may need to download and install the drivers. They may come with or be available on the official website.

Top Wi-Fi adapters for TV:

Choosing the best Wi-Fi adapters, you need to take into account: their type of connection, bandwidth, distance to the router and the presence of the necessary technologies. The combination of the above criteria with the price policy is best implemented in the following devices.

PIX-LINK

PIX-LINK
Compatibility	Compatible with any Smart TV that does not have built-in Wi-Fi or the adapter is out of order.
Max wireless connection speed:	300Mbps
Wireless standard:	802.11n, 2.4 GHz frequency
Information Security:	WEP, WPA, WPA2

One of the simplest Wi-Fi adapters for a low price, which supports popular network standards IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b. With a maximum data transfer rate of 150 Mbps, it is enough even for watching 4k content. Flexible remote antenna allows you to receive a strong signal from up to 10 m away, provided there are no reinforced concrete partitions between it and the router. Supports virtually the entire 2.4GHz frequency range, as well as common encryption methods: WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK.

Possible connection problems

It is not always possible to configure the network the first time. Sometimes a "Network Error", "Check your hardware key", or "No Internet connection" message pops up on the screen.

If all your devices are connected to Wi-Fi and the TV can't, it may not be set up correctly. What to do:

1. Go to "Menu" – "Settings".
2. The section "Network" – "Connection to Wi-Fi network".
3. Item "Advanced settings".
4. Press the "Change" button, uncheck the "Automatic" box and specify DNS: 8.8.8.8.
5. Select the "Connection.

The menu items may differ depending on the TV model.

Sometimes Smart TV doesn't want to connect to the Internet because of errors accumulated in the software. To avoid this problem, you should update the software in time.

Another problem is technical work on the part of the provider. In this case, it is sufficient to call the operator and see if he carries out service work or fixes the problem.

Wi-Fi adapter for TV is a practical addition, which will allow the TV to access the Internet. Wireless connection is much more convenient and practical than a wired one – nothing gets under your feet, does not get in the way while cleaning. The main thing is to choose the right module, making sure that it is compatible with the TV model. It's easy to set up – just plug it in, plug it in and enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows.

Boosting and Improving Your Signal

It happens that the adapter is already connected, but the video is broadcasting of poor quality. The image is interrupted, freezes, and lags. Such signs indicate that the transmission speed is dropping.

1. Move the router closer to the TV.
2. Remove obstacles in the signal path. It is especially important to move appliances that cause interference – microwaves, phones, etc.
3. Open the router settings and then the wireless network. Select the desired country so that the device determines the communication channels by itself. In this case, Wi-Fi will not conflict with standard phone waves. If the adapter does not have a country setting, set the mode to 1, 3, or 5.
4. Turn the antennas of the router toward the TV. Install them so that they create a 45 degree angle with the floor surface.

Connecting Problems

It is not always possible to successfully connect and configure the adapter the first time. Sometimes "network error" or "no internet connection" messages appear on the screens. The first step to solving the problem is to find the reason for its occurrence.

Incorrect autosetting

If of all the devices "powered" by home Wi-Fi, only the TV has problems, most likely it has the wrong autosetting. To fix the problem, you need to enter the Google DNS address in the appropriate field.

Procedure:

1. Press the "Menu" → "Settings" button on the remote control. Go to "Network" → "Wi-Fi connection".
   
2. Then go to "Advanced Settings" → "Change". Uncheck the box next to "Automatic" and enter the numbers: 8.8.8.8. Click on the "Connect" button.
   
3. If the problem is really due to Autosetup, then after this work, you will see a message on the TV screen that the Internet was successfully connected.

Problems with software or hardware

As the Smart TV is used, errors can appear in the hardware, causing problems when connecting the TV to the Internet. To prevent them, it is necessary to preventively update the software.

If there is no Wi-Fi connection, the reflash is performed via a wire or a flash drive. Software update instructions are usually published by the manufacturers on their websites.

When updating the software of the equipment you should keep in mind that using third-party firmware leads to a denial of warranty service.

Problems from the provider

Lack of signal can be due to incorrect operation of the provider's equipment. To clarify the issue, call your service provider and find out if any work is being done or if there is a global breakdown.

How to connect and configure?

It is not enough to successfully pick up a quality Wi-Fi adapter with suitable parameters. It must be installed correctly. You must connect the device to an existing device, and then configure it. In these procedures there is nothing too complicated and incomprehensible.

Let's break down how to properly connect and configure the devices in question for the TV.

• First, you need to carefully insert the Wi-Fi adapter you bought into any of the available slots (it all depends on what type of connection your device has, most often USB).
• After that, you will need to take the remote control. Using this control, you will need to go into the settings or options on your TV.
• Then go to the "networks" section. Depending on the type of firmware on the equipment, the name of the section and configuration may be different, such as "Wireless Networks" or "Wireless Connections". The main thing is to grasp the meaning of the selected item.
• You will now need to connect to a wireless network. Select your network.
• Next, you will need to enter your access password and make the connection.

WPS connection is performed as follows.

• The user must go to the router. Locate the WPS hot button. It is usually located on the back panel of the device. If you have a Zyxel Keenetic router at home, you can see the button on the front side of the router – it is indicated by a key or a wave symbol. Press the button.
• Set it to WPS in your TV settings. Enter your password or an active PIN.
• Now you need to go back to the router again. Press the same WPS button again to grant access.

As you can see, the whole procedure for connecting and setting up the Wi-Fi adapter is elementary. Don't be intimidated if you don't understand something.

Possible problems

Despite the fact that modern models of Wi-Fi adapters are made high-quality, reliable and durable, this does not mean that there will never be problems with them. Let's consider what kind of problems the user may encounter and how they can be corrected on their own.

Many people encounter the fact that the wireless connection cannot be set up and the TV does not see the adapter. Such a problem can occur due to the operation or fine-tuning of the router. It can be solved by data entry and manual network settings. The algorithm may not be the easiest. Let's consider step by step how to proceed if the equipment does not connect to Wi-Fi.

• Open the menu of your TV. Again, go to "Wireless Networks" (in your case, the name may be different depending on the firmware).
• Next, you'll need to select the "Manual Setup" type.
• Open the field where you will need to enter the appropriate data to configure the technique.
• Write down the IP address carefully. Usually, the entry is made with the remote control.
• Then you will need to go to the next input field. Here you need to specify the gateway and subnet mask.
• You need to enter the DNS values.
• Select the desired network and press "Ok" or "Enter". If you do not see the desired network in the list, you will have to create it yourself. To do this, you will need to enter the password and name that you entered and set when you set up your router.
• At the end of all the procedures, check that the network is working properly.

See the video on how to connect a Wi-Fi adapter for your TV.

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