It’s almost impossible to keep up with technology. Each week there are newer and better things being released. (I heard from a friend of a friend of a cousin, the iPhone 27 plus will be released on Black Friday 2015…) Although the cost of smart TVs have dropped, many people are not in need of them due to having recently just purchased a “regular” TV.
Having smart TVs can actually allow you to save money… Yes, you can actually use your smart TV to save money by getting rid of your monthly cable bill. Using your home’s current Wi-Fi, you can access multiple channels such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Pandora, Vudu, Fox Now, Amazon, Veno, and many others on your regular TB. Some channels are free, while others may require a minimum monthly subscription. You don’t have to pay for every channel, you can sign up for only the ones you and your family will use. In my household, we only pay for Netflix and Hulu Plus. (Hulu Plus has current shows that are in season, while Netflix has older shows which are out of season. They both have movies.)
There are multiple media streaming devices to pick from such as Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, Apple TV Media Player, and many more. From starting at approximately $50.00, these small devices can plug into the back or side of your TV using an HDMI input. Some devices come with a free trial revision of premium channels. I personally use a Roku 2 to transform an inexpensive small 18 inch TV in my home office and master bathroom into a smart TV. Using a Roku mount, I was able to mount the Roku on the wall behind the TV.
The Roku 2 is a great option of the many Rokus because it is affordable and has a lighting fast processor. You can also connect your tablet or cell phone to the Roku to share pictures or video on the TV. Netflix is only a touch of a button away. It is one of the four featured channels on the remote control.
Total Mount – Roku Mounting System $13.50
A Blu-ray player with wifi is also an excellent option for turning a TV into a smart TV and being able to play Blu-Rays and DVDs.
Sony BDPS3500 Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi $80.99
Check out my YouTube video to see first hand how I transformed a regular TV into a smart TV.
I hope you found this video helpful. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments. We would love to hear from you. As always, feel free to subscribed to this blog to stay updated on home decor ideas, organizational tips, and planning & productivity strategies. You may also visit our full site at www.divineelementsofdesign.net for additional information concerning our many services and to visit our Online Boutique.
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So many easy ways these days, it’s great!
I just have to convince my hubby and then I will celebrate the happy day when I can drop cable!
Good luck with trying to convince the hubby… That’s going to be a task. 🙂
<3 I use Chromecast on one TV and Roku on the other! Both of them are awesome!!!
Which do you like better?
I just bought a smart tv with Roku installed. I love it. Prior to that I had the chromecast. I loved it too because streaming to the TV was so easy. I’m probably going to eliminate cable really soon now that I have Roku.
Great idea… Thanks for posting.
Excellent advice. Keep the household happy and just energy stream radio and TV..
Great idea. Streaming from the radio is also a good option.
It’s crazy how easy it is to do this! I have the opposite problem, where I have too many things making my TV smart, haha. The actual TV has software, plus we have a Playstation and a BluRay player. It’s too much! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by.
We use our Xbox but I have my eye on a 4K Smart TV at Sam’s and hoping I can talk hubby into it at Christmas lol
I have been seeing a lot about this and makes me think of considering to buy the this too. Definitely just in time to add some replacement for my old one.
I wish I saw this article somedays before. I just bought our new smart TV from https://estore.fdl.com.bd/.
“These smart-tv are the perfect combination of form all function. smart-tv look great and offer great protection from the elictric problem – what more could you want?”
Your post about converting a regular TV into a smart one to save on cable bills is a brilliant money-saving idea. I’m inspired to give it a try!
Smart TVs make everything so convenient! Seamless streaming, voice control, and tons of apps all in one place. It’s like having an entertainment hub right in the living room!