Modern television technology is able to independently connect to the Internet - this is usually used wired connection, which allows to make the device part of the local network. But the use of wires is very inconvenient, given that the TV can be located at a considerable distance from the computer and other devices, which are also able to go to the global network. That is why more and more modern TVs can connect to the Internet via wireless networks standard Wi-Fi. However, not all devices are equipped with a built-in receiver and do not always have their own operating system, which allows access to high-quality content. To connect them to the network, you will need to purchase a Wi-Fi adapter for the TV - we will tell you how to choose such a gadget.
If the TV does not have standard devices for connecting to a wireless network, this problem is solved in other ways.
Connection method
The owners of TVs with Wi-Fi Ready marking are most fortunate - they support Smart TV and are already adapted to the installation of a wireless module. The receiver for such equipment is a small card that conforms to the PCMCIA standard or its equivalent. The wireless module is installed in a special slot, due to which it does not protrude outward and does not occupy free connectors. Going to the global network with its help is extremely simple - the Wi-Fi receiver only needs activation, which can be performed in the TV system settings menu.
But to connect to the Internet TV, which was originally designed only for a wired connection, will be somewhat more difficult. Carefully read the instructions - if the device supports the installation of additional components, you can try to establish a connection through a USB receiver. Like a normal adapter for a computer, it looks like a standard USB flash drive and can differ only in its increased size and the presence of a folding antenna. Like the internal wireless module, this adapter must be recognized by the TV itself. You will only have to turn on the extension in the TV menu, and also enter the basic network data to establish an Internet connection.
However, the percentage of devices that do not have the designation Wi-Fi Ready and support connection through a receiver with a USB connector is small. All the rest will require a console, which can be connected via a standard RJ-45 network connector. In fact, it is a simplified router that receives Wi-Fi signals and transfers them further through the cable using the appropriate encoding. Thus, the TV will work with the usual wired connection, which is supported by its software, while the console will allow you to do without laying cables throughout the house.
The most difficult is the situation in which the TV does not support Smart TV - it cannot independently access the Internet to play online content. In such a case will help you prefix, which is connected to the device via the HDMI connector. In fact, this HDMI-set-top box is a full-fledged computer running on Android or the manufacturer’s own operating system. Of course, it does not replace the Wi-Fi adapter for the TV, since the latter only reproduces the video signal that the additional module supplies to it. However, the differences are small - the HDMI set-top box is controlled using a separate remote, but it allows you to get high-speed Internet access without any restrictions.
The set-top box that is connected to HDMI is very easy to use - however, only if you select the device that matches the specifications. To connect the TV to the Internet and not face traffic restrictions, give preference to a device that supports the Wi-Fi connection standard N. If you are going to frequently open websites created using modern technologies, use multimedia content, as well as launch various applications, HDMI- The prefix must have the following minimum specifications:
- Modern dual-core processor with an operating frequency of over 1.2 GHz;
- From 512 MB of internal RAM;
- Separate video chip.
An HDMI set-top box that allows you to connect a TV to the Internet is relatively inexpensive - you can purchase a device in the price range of 2500-10000 rubles.
Specifications
It has already been mentioned above that a computer connecting to television equipment via an HDMI connector must comply with the Wi-Fi connection standard N. This recommendation also applies to a regular receiver that can be connected to the device using USB, RJ-45 or an expansion slot. In addition, attention should be paid to the power of the antenna through which the connection to the wireless network is made. The optimal value of the power of the Wi-Fi receiver is 17-20 dBm, which provides a good range of work and stability of the connection.
In addition, the selected receiver must support the same encryption standard that is used by your router. Experts do not recommend purchasing devices that can encrypt a signal exclusively using the WEP method - unlike WPA2, it is outdated and can significantly limit the bandwidth of the communication channel used. If the receiver is connected via USB, make sure that it supports the same interface version as the TV. Wireless modules corresponding to the USB 3.0 standard are beginning to appear on the Russian market - of course, they will be able to work with the second version of the connector, but the data transmission speed will be limited.
The most simple solution for wireless communication with a TV router
If you own a TV manufactured by Sony, Samsung, LG or Toshiba, it is better to abandon the idea of purchasing a third-party adapter. Of course, a branded receiver connected via USB, or having the form of a card, will be much more expensive, but only it will provide a guarantee of a stable performance. The largest manufacturers in the world care about getting the maximum profit, so they block the ability to connect additional modules from other brands. Do not be in a hurry to rejoice if the adapter purchased by you works contrary to the above - most often the connection becomes impossible after the next firmware is released.
Connection details
An increasing number of televisions are equipped with Wi-Fi transmitters already at the factory, and this applies even to low-end models that are available to a wide range of consumers. However, devices that can only be connected to the network using additional modules are still widespread. When choosing adapters for them, pay attention to the compliance of these devices with various standards, as well as the transmitter power, which determines the detection range and the stability of the connection. If your TV does not have an operating system, you can purchase an HDMI set-top box for it, which will allow you to go online, use online content and various applications.