If you own an older TV that lacks smart features and streaming services, you might be considering a replacement. But there is a more affordable avenue for bringing smarts to an older screen.
You just need a streaming device. Many of the more popular models like the Google TV streamer, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick are reasonably priced, compact and easy to use.
Most of the latest models support all the major streaming services – Netflix, Disney+, Kayo Sports and more. They’re considerably cheaper than a brand new TV.
But that’s not the only way to get your old TV online. We outline all the options for you.
Your TV may not be able to get online on its own, but it can borrow the smarts of another device such as a:
Dedicated media streaming device
Games console like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S.
PC or laptop.
These are also easy ways to spruce up an older smart TV that may not play nice with newer services such as AppleTV+, HBO Max and Kayo Sports.
Each option requires HDMI connectivity. You can find converters for very old TVs that pre-date HDMI but in this case, it’s probably time to buy a new one.
Converters aren’t always reliable and usually lead to a drop in sound and picture quality.
Streaming devices are small dongles or boxes with internet access that support streaming services and other entertainment apps. They’re a simple, affordable way to bring modern smart functions to an older TV.
They connect via HDMI so make sure your TV has at least one free HDMI port. Many of these are small, low-cost dongles, which are the easiest and cheapest way to access streaming services on an aging screen.
Streaming devices connect via HDMI, so make sure your TV has at least one free HDMI port
“If you’re working on a budget, then you could buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for around $100,” says CHOICE TV expert Denis Gallagher. “There’s an even cheaper HD only version for about $80 if your TV can’t display 4K video.”
“The Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google TV Streamer and Apple TV products come with a remote control which is easy to use and will also allow you to control the volume of the TV.”
Once you’ve located it, check our TV streaming device reviews to see which products our experts recommend. You can filter by price, 4K capability, available streaming services and brand to find the right device for your needs and budget.
Look at the dimensions in particular. Some dongles may not fit into your TV if the HDMI ports are recessed. Check this before you buy.
A set-top box with internet access may also support streaming apps. These work just like a dedicated streaming device with the addition of a TV tuner.
If you live in an area with poor TV reception but still like to watch traditional broadcasts, a streaming dongle could be your saving grace.
Free-to-air catch-up services like SBS On Demand, 9Now and 7plus simultaneously stream live TV in their apps. It’s more or less the same as watching broadcasts, as long as you have a decent internet connection.
Streaming devices should support local catch-up services, but double check before buying just in case.
Streaming from a games console
Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series S (as well as the variants) can run all the major, and most of minor, streaming and catch-up services. If you don’t have the money for a new console, look into an older, cheaper option like the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One as these support most services too.
The original Nintendo Switch can run a few streaming services, but far fewer than the PlayStation and Xbox. However, these services aren’t available on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Connecting your smartphone to a streaming device
Did you know that you should be able to connect your smartphone to one of these streaming devices? There are three options available – AirPlay (iOS), casting (Android) and mirroring (iOS and Android).
They form a proprietary connection that lets you share content to the TV like music, videos and photos from your device, or control streaming apps from your phone. This may be easier than navigating with a remote.
For a full breakdown on how to try this at home, check out the link below.
Plug the streaming device into the spare HDMI input, and plug the other end (USB cable or power cable) into the power point or USB power adapter.
Turn the TV and the streaming device on and select the HDMI input your streaming device is plugged into, using the TV remote. You should then see a screen on the TV asking you to sign in to the service or set up your streaming device. This will probably include a few software updates.
Set up the device as per the instructions and connect it to the internet. You’ll then be presented with a screen showing the free and subscription services available.
In stall and sign up to your preferred streaming and catchup services. These will require accounts and monthly subscription fees in some cases.
Once you’ve bought the hardware, it’s time to start watching! Well, almost. There are a few steps to take before you can settle down with your favourite series.
Firstly, you’ll need an email address to set up an account to watch free on-demand services such as ABC iView, 7Plus and SBS On Demand.
Once you’re set up for free and/or paid watching, here’s what to do:
Plug the streaming device into the spare HDMI input, and plug the other end (USB cable or power cable) into the power point or USB power adapter.
Turn the TV and the streaming device on and select the HDMI input your streaming device is plugged into, using the TV remote. You should then see a screen on the TV asking you to sign in to the service or set up your streaming device. This will probably include a few software updates.
Set up the device as per the instructions and connect it to the internet. You’ll then be presented with a screen showing the free and subscription services available.
Now you can access all the free-to-air content on services like ABC iView, 9Now and SBS On Demand, plus streaming subscription services if you’ve paid for them.
If your laptop doesn’t have a full-sized HDMI port, you may need a USB-C to HDMI cable like this one.
How to use your laptop to stream on TV
An easy alternative to a streaming device is plugging a laptop or PC into your TV. This basically turns any TV with an HDMI connection into a big computer screen.
This requires HDMI, but many compact laptops, especially those released in the last few years, may not have a full-sized HDMI port.
A USB-C to HDMI cable is a simple solution that shouldn’t reduce sound and picture quality, unlike most converters. They’re usually pretty affordable at around $20.
Once everything is connected, just stream content as though you were watching it on the computer itself. This may be through software or a web browser, depending on the service.
Unlike streaming devices, which are typically plug and play, computers may not deliver a seamless experience:
They don’t come with a remote. You’ll probably have to navigate with a keyboard and mouse on your lap, which is fiddly.
Surround sound doesn’t always work properly and may require some complicated configuration to get going.
My computer doesn’t have HDMI or USB-C
In this case, look for a Mini DisplayPort (or miniDP for short), which will work with a miniDP to HDMI cable. The Thunderbolt port on older MacBooks is compatible with miniDP cables as well.
Why have my streaming apps disappeared?
Sometimes streaming services will end support for older TVs, consoles and streaming devices. It’s a case of decreasing demand, because particular versions of these services still need to be maintained for a shrinking user base.
New apps, meanwhile, don’t always work on older models for the same reason. For example:
in 2019, Netflix stopped working on some early 2010s Samsung and Panasonic smart TVs
SBS On Demand was removed from some Sony TVs that weren’t using Google’s TV software
Disney+ launched in Australia in 2019, but some Hisense TVs couldn’t support the Disney+ service until late 2021.
This is where a media streaming device, game console or laptop can come in handy. The latest iterations generally support almost all (if not all) the main streaming services that may not be available on your TV.
Quick troubleshooting tips for your older smart TV
Here are a few simple steps to start sprucing up your TV. If these don’t help, consider a streaming device.
If an app is playing up or won’t open, delete it and install it again.
Perform a manual software update for your smart TV via the settings menu.
Restore your TV to the factory default settings, clearing out all the setting changes you may have made over the years.
If picture quality is poor or the video keeps buffering, try using a Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.
You may need to upgrade to an internet plan with greater download speed/more bandwidth if you want to stream 4K video, or if multiple people are streaming video at the same time. This can fix quality and buffering issues.
Denis Gallagher is a Senior project officer for Digital home products and also works on test projects for the laundry and fridge labs. He produces tests for gadgets, phones, cameras and home entertainment gear as well as TVs, washing machines, dishwashers and fridges.
Previously at CHOICE, Denis worked as a Content producer for digital products. Prior to CHOICE, Denis worked as an Assistant editor on Golf Australia magazine and Editor for Multimedia and Videocamera magazine.
Denis has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales and a Diploma of Journalism from Macleay College.
Denis Gallagher is a Senior project officer for Digital home products and also works on test projects for the laundry and fridge labs. He produces tests for gadgets, phones, cameras and home entertainment gear as well as TVs, washing machines, dishwashers and fridges.
Previously at CHOICE, Denis worked as a Content producer for digital products. Prior to CHOICE, Denis worked as an Assistant editor on Golf Australia magazine and Editor for Multimedia and Videocamera magazine.
Denis has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales and a Diploma of Journalism from Macleay College.
Peter Zaluzny is a Content producer in the Digital home team. He covers everything from home entertainment and personal safety devices to tech for your car and mattresses.
Peter enjoys cutting through the nonsense to help people understand the products they’re considering to buy. He helps consumers make educated, informed decisions.
Peter has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wollongong.
Peter Zaluzny is a Content producer in the Digital home team. He covers everything from home entertainment and personal safety devices to tech for your car and mattresses.
Peter enjoys cutting through the nonsense to help people understand the products they’re considering to buy. He helps consumers make educated, informed decisions.
Peter has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wollongong.
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