Smart TVs are able to do so many incredible things. They make it easier to access the best of TV and film content and much more. The only problem is, it can sometimes be unclear what benefits a smart TV offers you right out of the box, and what services you may need to opt into!

In fact, you’re probably reading this now because you want to know whether smart TVs are synonymous with Freeview. Does owning a smart TV preclude access to the Freeview service?

Having trouble finding the answers you seek elsewhere online? Then you’ll definitely want to keep on reading down below. Today, we are dedicating this article to finding out everything about the connection between smart TVs and the Freeview service.

Does Owning A Smart TV Entitle You To Freeview?

Unfortunately, simply owning a smart TV is not enough to provide you with access to Freeview or the streaming platform Freeview Play.

However, there are some smart TVs that come with Freeview and Freeview Play already installed. These are a great option if you want to dive right into your favourite content as soon as your new TV is plugged in.

Not all smart TVs provide access to Freeview out of the box. If your smart TV does not provide access to Freeview, you can easily install the Freeview Play app from the app store!

In order to access Freeview Play on your new Smart TV, you’ll need to make sure that you have access to a stable internet connection. Content can only be streamed at higher resolutions if your connection is stable enough. If you don’t have access to a stable internet connection, you can still watch terrestrial TV through the use of Freeview.

How Do You Access Freeview?

If your smart TV comes with Freeview pre-installed, then it really is as simple as tuning into your favourite shows. If you’re planning to access Freeview Play, you’ll need to make sure you have a stable connection that can support streaming at higher resolutions.

Freeview is incredibly easy to access, even if you don’t have it pre-installed on your TV. If you have a smart TV, simply head to its associated app store, and search for the Freeview app. The Freeview app is also available on various other devices, such as smartphones and games consoles. If you don’t have a smart TV, but you want to stream content directly from Freeview, you can simply hook your internet-connected device up to the screen!

Do You Need An Internet Connection To Access Freeview?

Not technically. You only need an internet connection if you are planning to access Freeview Play. Freeview Play is the online streaming platform offered by Freeview alongside their standard Freeview terrestrial service.

If you’re simply planning to enjoy terrestrial broadcast channels with Freeview, you don’t need an internet connection. If you want to stream from Freeview Play, then you will need a stable connection!

If you plan to enjoy content on standard Freeview, you will need to ensure you have an aerial. An aerial is essential for tuning into terrestrial broadcasts.

How Do You Set Up Freeview On A Smart TV?

If your TV does not provide you with built-in access to the terrestrial Freeview service, it’s quite easy to get it set up!

First, you’ll want to make sure you have access to an aerial. You can connect your aerial to your smart TV’s aerial socket. Once the aerial is connected to your TV, you’ll then need to head to the system settings of the TV.

Once you’re on your smart TV’s system settings, you should find your way to the “Tuning” menu. On this menu, you can discover what channels broadcast in your area. Your smart TV should have an auto-scan function that will allow the TV to scan through and find all of the channels available near you.

Look around for Freeview channels, and save them to your list of channels. This will allow you to access those channels whenever you want!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Smart TV Mean Freeview?

Smart TV and Freeview are often synonymous in terms of the fact that Freeview is often installed in many smart TV models. However, Freeview is not installed on all smart TV models as standard and may need to be installed externally. In order to access standard Freeview, you will need a television aerial. In order to stream content on Freeview Play, you’ll need a suitable internet connection.

Does My Smart TV Need An Aerial For Freeview?

Yes. No matter whether you are viewing on a standard TV or smart TV, you will need to make use of an aerial. An aerial will allow your TV to access terrestrial broadcasts from Freeview channels. If you don’t want to make use of a TV aerial, it’s still easy to access Freeview Play! Freeview Play is a streaming service that allows you to access a range of content with a simple internet connection.

Can You Get TV On A Smart TV Without An Aerial?

You will still need an aerial in order to watch terrestrial broadcast programs on a smart TV. If you don’t feel like hooking up an aerial, however, you can simply use the internet. Through platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, you can stream content online directly to your TV. If you plan to stream content on BBC iPlayer, you will need to make sure you have a TV licence!

What Can I Use For My TV If I Have No Aerial?

If you don’t have access to an aerial, you don’t need to worry about accessing content on your TV! There is still a wealth of content that can be streamed online from platforms like Netflix and Disney+. You can also use your TV to enjoy films via DVD and Blu-Ray discs. TVs are also perfect for enjoying the best of triple-A gaming!