Connecting a Smart TV to the Internet

How do I install my Smart TV?

Smart TV is exciting stuff at the cutting edge of entertainment. Your telly is connected to the internet and can access an ever growing range of services, bringing movies and TV shows straight to you whenever you want them.

It’s normally simple to set up these TVs, but there might be a couple of steps you need to go through before everything is running smoothly. Our guide will give you all the Smarts you need.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Television
Internet connection

The Knowhow

Smart TV or Internet TV?

Smart TVs are not the only TVs that can connect to the internet. Other internet Televisions are slightly different and might have different services available. If you’re unsure what your TV supports, check the manufacturer’s manual or website for more details.

There are three main types of internet TVs:

TVs that can only connect to the internet to perform updates
TVs that can use the internet through other devices; such as “internet TV” set top boxes, gaming consoles or computers
TVs that are internet-ready like Smart TVs, where you can control the TV and internet from one screen

Connecting your TV or Smart TV to the internet is relevantly straightforward. Like computers, they need a wired or wireless internet connection.

Wired internet connection:

Look at the back of your TV for an Ethernet port, similar to the one shown below.
Plug an Ethernet cable into your router and then into the back of your TV
If no options come up manually, go into your TV’s menu/setup and find the networking settings. From here, you’ll need to enable wired internet and if applicable enter any passwords associated with your router.

Wireless internet connection:

Wireless networking can take a little longer to set up, but many smart TVs have built-in hardware and an automatic connection feature that make things very easy. If you don’t have a wireless adapter built into your TV, you’ll need to buy one.

Please note: You will need a wireless home network in order to connect your TV to the internet this way.

Plug the wireless USB adapter into the back of the TV
Go into your TV’s menu/setup and find the networking settings. From here, you’ll need to find the settings for wireless internet. If you need to, enter the key or password for your network. This may be called the WEP or WPA key.

When you’ve setup internet on your TV there should be a menu you can access and configure, to allow you to view online content and browse the web. On newer TVs you’re also allowed to file share between devices using DLNA.

Connecting to the internet with a gaming console:

If you haven’t already, setup your gaming console (Wii, Playstation3, Xbox etc…)
Plug an Ethernet cable into the console and router, if applicable
Turn the console on and from the menu screen there should be an internet/network option
- Xbox: Go to My Xbox > System Settings > Network Settings
- Playstation 3: Settings > Network Settings > Internet Connection Settings
- Wii: Click on the Wii button and then Wii Settings > Internet > Connection 1

Enter any information needed: Network name, WEP/WPA keys if wireless

Each console allows you to connect to different internet services. This varies from console to console, and is constantly being expanded.

Connecting your TV to the internet with a laptop or computer:

Check the back of the TV and your laptop/computer for a HDMI port, similar to the one below. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) provides the best quality when watching videos. If your computer and/or TV don’t have an HDMI slot you can also use DVI, VGA or an S-Video cable.