How to Convert a Digital TV to Smart TV In Kenya

Did you know you can convert your digital tv to a Smart TV? Here’s how. Well, one thing that you all need to agree with me is that technology changes overnight.

People around the world are constantly working on new innovations. The technologies of yesteryears seem really outdated compared with what the world has achieved this far.

One of the fields that have benefited significantly from innovations is the broadcast and media industry.

Today, someone in Kenya can stream their favourite channel or TV show from the UK or America on their television through Netflix and or the Internet.

Smart TVs are now becoming a technological marvel in modern homes that have taken entertainment to a whole new level.

How to Convert Digital tv to Smart tv in Kenya

Understanding Smart TVs and Dumb TVs

As I said before, the technologies of yesteryears seem to be rather outdated. Going back to almost seven years ago, the concept of flat-screen TVs had just taken over the country. Any home with a flat-screen was a decent home.

However, the technology has since become popular and almost every homestead today has a flat-screen. Innovation did not stop there, the current trend is Smart TVs.

A TV that will enable you to stream the internet, watch Netflix, YouTube and DSTV now among other online channels.

 turn a regular TV to a smart TV

Ordinary HDTVs that most people have do not have the ability to access the internet. This is because they are not Wi-Fi enabled and they do not have an operating system built-in them.  For that reason, regular flat screens TVs are called Dumb TVs.

On the other hand, modern Flat-screen TVs come with a built-in operating system and are Wi-Fi enabled. They can be used lightly as a computer and they allow access to games, apps, online search engines and a couple of other interesting features.

As online media like Netflix, DSTV Now, VUDU and YouTube become more popular, the smart TV will soon become the best addition to your office or home.

However, if you own an old version of a flat-screen TV, you do not have to buy a new smart TV because we are about to show you how to change your digital TV to a smart TV.

Related: Best Free Football Streaming Apps in Kenya

There are various unique gadgets that you can buy to transform your TV into a smart TV. And, they aren’t expensive at all! Make sure your TV has an HDMI port.

If it doesn’t, you can purchase an HDMI-to-RCA adapter that plugs into the red, yellow, and white cables on the back. Are you ready for the Magic?

How to Change A Digital tv to Smart tv & watch Netflix and YouTube:

These are the devices that will change a digital TV to smart TV;

1. Google Chromecast

Google Chromecast is preferably one of the best streaming devices that you can buy to turn a regular TV to a smart TV.

It is one of the most affordable, decent looking and compact devices that is a plugin powered via the USB port or wall socket. Google Chromecast is easy to install and use and no monthly charges are involved. To start using the Chromecast,

 turn a regular TV to a smart TV

  • Plug it into the HDMI port on your TV set located at the back.
  • Connect it to the home Wi-Fi
  • Open the Google Home app on your phone, laptop or tablet
  • Set up your Chromecast via the App
  • Start casting your favourite shows and content.

Read Also: DSTV Now App

2. Amazon Fire Stick

Do not let the name scare you. It is just a small device serving the same purpose as the Chromecast only that its design is different. Amazon Fire Stick is relatively pricier than the

Chromecast although they serve the same purpose.

Even strange, Google Chromecast is more versatile and has access to more apps than the Amazon TV stick. All the same, The Amazon Firestick will serve all your basic requirements of converting digital tv to smart tv.

3. Roku Streaming Stick

This streaming device is one of the most affordable yet reliable devices money can buy. It’s is an intuitive device that supports almost every video platform in an easy-to-browse library. The Roku Streaming Stick is easy to set up on your TV as it requires you to plug it into the HDMI port on your ordinary TV and set it up in a very straightforward way. It is easily available on Jumia and other online platforms in Kenya.

Read Also: GoTV monthly packages and their prices

4. Apple TV

Perhaps this is the most expansive streaming device in this category but I am sure that does not come as a surprise. We all know how Apple is. However, if you worship at the altar of Apple, then Apple TV is the obvious option.  turn a regular TV to a smart TVThough significantly pricier than Roku and Amazon’s offerings, it supports very fast and beautiful 4K streaming. I would, however, recommend this device as the quality of its streaming is lite years ahead of the rest.

5. Android TV Box

Now, this is the part that most of you have been waiting for. You’ve been probably wondering where you’re going to enjoy you live matches from. As it is pretty difficult to watch a live match under the blanket or in the bed.

Here we go… Do you know that you can convert your current tv into a smart tv? How? By connecting it to an Android TV box just like you do for a decoder.

But with an Android box, you need a good internet connection. See How to Access Free Internet in Kenya.

The average cost of an affordable Android TV box is about Ksh 3,500 available on Jumia Kenya. Click here to buy one if you are interested.

The above devices are called streaming devices. Think of them like small computers that can access the internet, decode data and transmit it to your screen. For Smart TVs, the streaming devices come built-in.

Buying one of these streaming devices will help you to change a digital TV to a Smart TV where you can now access; Google Play, Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, Disney Life, and Amazon.

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Brian is a founding writer at Urban Kenyans. His work is focused on how to improve the digital literacy of Kenyans online. He has been able to do so with his mastery of Kenya and the English Language.

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