# Hooking up a Smart TV. Is it the same as a Computer? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 11, 2022, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560 "2022-01-11T02:15:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/1 "2022-01-11T02:15:46Z")
I have DirecTV in my living room. The box is connected to the Dish by coax. The box also connects to my wireless network for software updates. It would be very difficult to snake coax into my bedroom. There’s a vaulted ceiling blocking access to that end of my house. I’m thinking about buying a Smart TV. Would the wireless connection be all that’s needed? I could connect to Streaming like Paramount, Disney etc? I already use my **DirecTV account** to sign my Tablet into A&E, History, Discovery and even ABC, NBC. I watch a few shows on my Tablet in bed. I think that type of connection would work the same with a Smart TV? I’m trying to confirm that I can watch TV in my bedroom without Coax. DirecTV offers a wireless box but they charge extra for that feature. I rather not increase my monthly bill. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/2 "2022-01-11T02:21:16Z")
When I got my first smart TV the instructions recommended hard connection and, since it was three feet from the router, that’s what it got. OTOH, the Firestick I got last year, while plugged into an HTML port on the TV, can get its input only wirelessly even though it’s the same distance from the router. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/3 "2022-01-11T02:24:16Z")
It may be bandwidth. Stuttering or freezing video would be worse than no video. I’m not sure if I can only use Wireless Internet for a bedroom Smart TV. My internet is DSL. I think 8 to 10 Mbps? I haven’t run speed test in awhile. Uploads are barely 2 Mbps. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/4 "2022-01-11T02:29:53Z")
My Roku TV has a built in wifi receiver. You can download all kinds of streaming services such as Disney +, Paramount +, Apple +, or Hulu. I have no problems with it such as freezing or buffering. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/5 "2022-01-11T02:38:42Z")
You should call DirecTV and ask them to comp you an extra wireless receiver. They just might. I know I pay an extra $5/mo for mine. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/6 "2022-01-11T02:41:17Z")
Wouldn’t _any_ new smart TV be able to receive WiFi without needing anything else? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/7 "2022-01-11T02:50:36Z")
I think so. I haven’t used a Smart TV before. It seems like it’s very similar to a Wireless ethernet computer or Tablet. There’s some network channels that won’t allow streaming. I tried to sign into a Live ABC feed with my DirecTV account. I got a message saying it wasn’t allowed with that provider. I can watch ABC shows the day after they air. A&E is creating Crime Central a premium streaming service. I’m concerned they may move some of their old shows off the A&E streaming feed. Force people to sign up for premium. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/8 "2022-01-11T02:51:49Z")
I’ve got the opposite problem. Have to get a new TV for my mother and it is hard to find a decent TV that isn’t “smart.” They do exist but they tend to be lower quality and besides I might as well do a tiny bit of future-proofing in case I can ever convince my mother to get internet. But she doesn’t currently have an internet connection and doesn’t want one. She just wants something to play physical media like DVDs/Blu-ray. Which makes it tricky because I’ve heard anecdotally that at least some smart TVs insist on an internet connection at setup and those setup programs can be hard or impossible to bypass. Only reviews rarely mention this because who buys a smart TV without internet 😉? And the kids that work in places like Best Buy may be able to spit out specs but rarely have they gone through the setup process for every TV on the shelf 😆. It’s a bit of a head scratcher. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/9 "2022-01-11T02:55:35Z")
I’m willing to bet the lower level TCLs can be setup without a connection. I’m very partial to the Roku setup on smart TVs, and my elderly parents navigate it very easily - I think because the tiles are such a visually simple concept. Plug everything in, rename the inputs to something she’ll easily understand, and you’re set. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/10 "2022-01-11T12:12:37Z")
You can definitely connect any modern smart TV through wi-fi. It’s possible that your wi-fi router is too slow to stream video, or that your DSL connection is too slow, but the bottleneck won’t be the TV. I think it’s better to ignore the smart functions on your TV and go with a Roku, Firestick, or Chromecast with Google TV. The interface will probably be snappier, and it’s better for future proofing – if new apps come out that won’t play on your TV, they will likely play on your Roku, and if not, toss the Roku and spend $25 on a new one. /IMHO ---
**Author:** ![Icarus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icarus/32/72_2.png) [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/11 "2022-01-11T12:38:47Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > if new apps come out that won’t play on your TV, QFT - My 5 year old Sony won’t update apps, so Fire Stick to the rescue! ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/12 "2022-01-11T13:04:10Z")
Sounds like you need an “old” tv … the good news is that people often give these away (or sell very cheaply) ! Have a look on your local FreeCycle group or similar. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/13 "2022-01-11T13:21:12Z")
I’ll look into the features and costs of a Roku Tv and Firestick. Upgrading my DirecTv service to wireless is also worth researching. I am thinking more about Streaming content instead of older Blu-ray and DVD. I’m getting tired of the clutter of physical media. Thank you for your suggestions. They’ve been very informative. I’ve already begun my research. > **[Beginner's Guide: What Is Roku and How Does It Work in 2023?](https://www.cloudwards.net/what-is-roku/)** > > Have you wondered, "What is Roku?" Well, this beginner's guide explains everything, from how Roku devices work to how much it costs. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/14 "2022-01-11T13:37:02Z")
> [@Tamerlane](#): > > Which makes it tricky because I’ve heard anecdotally that at least some smart TVs insist on an internet connection at setup and those setup programs can be hard or impossible to bypass. _IF_ that happens just use your cell phone as a hot spot and have the TV connect to that during setup. Turn the hot spot off once done. Most smart phones have this ability. Hopefully it will let the TV be used after that without an internet connection (I do not know). ---
**Author:** ![Uncle\_Jocko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uncle_jocko/32/2932_2.png) [@Uncle\_Jocko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncle_Jocko)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/15 "2022-01-11T13:40:07Z")
Another thumbs-up for Roku here. TCL TVs have Roku built in (at least some of them), which means you don’t have to buy a separate Roku device to plug in. I also have a TiVo dongle on one of my TVs (YouTube TV sent me that one for free). I only use that for HBO Max but it works fine. LG smart TVs have their own list of onboard apps, but they don’t have everything (no HBO Max, hence my TiVo), and if you’re using a browser to stream from Dish, their browser is pretty worthless. I used to have DSL. I was able to use my smart TVs with that, I didn’t notice too many problems. Another thing you can do with many smart TVs is just cast your mobile device to the TV. So if you have your program streaming on your tablet, you could cast it to the TV and watch your tablet stream on that screen. Those work in different ways depending on your devices/TV (Apple/Chromecast/Firestick etc). Throwing my iPad/iPhone stream onto my Vizio smart TV is pretty easy, but it’s basically impossible on my older-model LG. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/16 "2022-01-11T13:56:56Z")
> [@Uncle\_Jocko](#): > > LG smart TVs have their own list of onboard apps, but they don’t have everything (no HBO Max, hence my TiVo), and if you’re using a browser to stream from Dish, their browser is pretty worthless. My 2021 LG TV has HBO Max and most of the other streaming services. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/17 "2022-01-11T15:12:36Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > _IF_ that happens just use your cell phone as a hot spot and have the TV connect to that during setup. Turn the hot spot off once done. Most smart phones have this ability. Aha! That hadn’t occurred to me, but good advice. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/18 "2022-01-11T15:19:06Z")
I’ve got a ROKU with a subscription to DirecTV stream. Gets all the channels having a DirecTV dish with coax would get. Live local channels and live local sports. The interface looks just like the DirectTV channel guide. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/19 "2022-01-11T15:45:28Z")
> [@Uncle\_Jocko](#): > > Another thumbs-up for Roku here. TCL TVs have Roku built in (at least some of them), which means you don’t have to buy a separate Roku device to plug in. I also have the Roku app on my smartphone. The app has a mirror of my TV’s remote control. When I have my phone on wifi, I can take control of the TV without using the remote. ---
**Author:** ![Uncle\_Jocko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uncle_jocko/32/2932_2.png) [@Uncle\_Jocko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncle_Jocko)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2022, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560/20 "2022-01-11T15:53:10Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > My 2021 LG TV has HBO Max and most of the other streaming services. Yeah, mine’s an older model. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooking-up-a-smart-tv-is-it-the-same-as-a-computer/957560.md?page=2)