Last Updated on February 8, 2021 by Calvin C.
Brief history of video-on demand services
You can easily get devices to turn your old TV into a smart TV and start accessing video-on-demand streaming services.
To achieve this, you need a streaming device that you connect to your TV, an internet connection and a subscription to one of the popular video-on-demand services.
In addition, you can even connect the device to your laptop.
It is now much easier to watch your favourite shows and movies in HD any time.
Gone are the days when you used to hire VHS tapes or DVDs from Video shops.
Netflix even migrated from a DVD-on-demand service to a video-on-demand streaming service in 2008.
A lot of players have joined the streaming industry and competition for subscribers is fierce.
- For a secure and private experience without a risk of being hacked when streaming, we recommend one of the top VPN services:
- ExpressVPN – Fastest speed (Editor’s Choice)
- NordVPN – Has all the essential security features
- Surfshark VPN – Very cost-effective
- CyberGhost VPN – Widespread coverage
- Hide.me VPN – Strong security and has a free plan
What video input your TV should support
If your TV has an HDMI input, you are good to go because most streaming devices support HDMI
Most TVs have input for composite RCA cables (Yellow – video, Red/White – audio) and also component cables (Red/White – audio, 3 inputs for video).
In this case, you need an adapter that connects component cables to the HDMI cable.
Streaming devices available
Stream your favourite shows and movies in 4K with an Amazon Fire Stick. It also comes with built-in Alexa voice control in the latest versions.
If you want to know more about the Amazon Fire TV Stick, look no further than this in-depth article on the latest generation available on Amazon.
This device is praised for simplicity and allows you to stream audio-visual internet content from another device.
You can also mirror the Chrome browser on your Android phone or computer.
Any mobile and web apps that support Chrome cast technology can be displayed on your TV screen via Chromecast.
Android TV Box
You can easily convert your TV into an Android device and install streaming services like Netflix.
Although the operating system is usually older, you can run any app that you run on your Android smartphone.
If you want a best-for budget streaming device, look no further than Roku.
You convert your TV into a fully functional smart TV, with access to various streaming services online e.g. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and more.
Make sure you get the latest Roku because technical support of older devices is not solid.
For high-end streaming services with 4K display and excellent functionality, you should get Apple TV.
Major online content sources for Apple TV apps include subscription services for streaming television and film, cable and broadcast networks via TV Everywhere, and major sports leagues.
Although this is an Android-based streaming device, it is optimized for gaming.
You can stream games from through Nvidia’s on-demand subscription cloud-gaming service GeForce Now.
In addition, you can also stream straight from a local computer using the GameStream function of supported Nvidia graphics cards via the GeForce Experience application.
Conclusion
Use any of the mentioned devices to turn your old TV into a smart TV.
In fact, you even get better functionality as these devices are optimized for streaming.
Make sure you check out the top 20 streaming services you should subscribe to.
Every week we also give you top 10 Netflix shows and movies so that you stay informed on what’s exciting.
Which streaming device do you prefer? Let me know what you think in the comments.
