For instance, you might wonder whether your new smart TV needs an aerial. Do you need one just to use a smart TV? Or can you stream to your heart’s content without having one?
In this guide, we’re going to take a look to find out. We’ll not only clear up whether you need an aerial but also whether there’s anything else you need to make the most of your smart TV. Ready to get started? Dive in down below!
Do Smart TVs Need An Aerial?
Technically speaking, an aerial isn’t required to make use of a smart TV. Many of the best features of your smart TV are fully accessible even without an aerial. However, if you plan to enjoy terrestrial TV broadcasts, you will need to connect the TV to an aerial.
You won’t need an aerial just to use a smart TV. However, if you plan to enjoy broadcast television, you will need one. For any other content, such as on a streaming service, all you need is an internet connection.
Many customers find themselves drawn to smart TVs that advertise built-in Freeview compatibility. However, without an aerial, it’s impossible to make use of the Freeview service. If you plan to enjoy broadcast television of any kind on your smart TV, you will need an aerial.
What Do You Need To Use A Smart TV?
Obviously, smart TVs are packed full of features that put them well ahead of standard non-smart TVs. But, in order to access those features, there are a few things you might need. Let’s take a look at some of the key things.
Internet Access
Of course, the most important thing you’ll need to make the most of your smart TV is a stable internet connection. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ require internet access in order to download content.
You’ll also want to make sure your internet connection is stable enough. A weak internet connection may have trouble loading online content. This will result in constant annoying buffering that ruins your viewing experience!
You’ll want to also consider the total resolution of the content you’re streaming. Higher-resolution content, such as 4K and 8K content will require a much stronger internet connection. If your internet connection is particularly weak, you may be limited to streaming content at standard resolution!
Specific Accounts
Top streaming services like Netflix require that you have a paid membership in order to access content. Simply owning a smart TV is not enough to entitle you to access to services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. It’s also worth noting that many streaming services have numerous option subscription tiers. For instance, Netflix has an upgraded membership for an extra cost. This gives users access to 4K streaming.
There are a few exceptions, as some services can be accessed entirely for free. However, many of these services will still require that you sign up in order to access content. Services like Channel 4 and ITVX are free to use but will need full memberships in order to access them.
Owning a smart TV does not entitle you to free use of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. To access these services, you will need paid memberships. You’ll also want to make sure your internet connection is strong enough.
You may also need to connect an account directly to your smart TV’s operating system to access extra features. For instance, if you have a Samsung TV, it’s recommended to connect it to a Samsung membership. This allows you to add the TV to your SmartThings network, which enables you to control the telly entirely from your smartphone. Connecting to your Samsung account also ensures your TV can update itself whenever a new firmware upgrade is released. This ensures the TV can always work at its best.
A TV Licence
It’s worth noting that you’re not technically required to have a TV licence for a smart TV. If you’re simply using the telly to stream content on Netflix and other services, then you won’t need a TV licence.
However, if you’re planning to watch live TV broadcasts of any kind, you will need a full TV licence. This applies not just to content you’re accessing through an aerial, but also live content you access online. For example, the Channel 4 streaming app allows you to tune into live Channel 4 content directly. You will need a TV licence to access this live content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Smart TVs Need An Aerial?
No. You don’t need an aerial just to use a smart TV. You only need an aerial if you plan to enjoy live television broadcasts. Other features, such as streaming, can be accessed with just a simple internet connection. Just make sure you have a paid membership for any streaming services you plan to use!
Can You Put A TV In A Room With No Aerial?
Absolutely. There’s nothing stopping you from putting a TV in any room, even if there’s no access to an aerial. However, without an aerial, you will not be able to access live TV broadcasts. To enjoy content on the TV, you will need to plug in an external device, or to connect the display to the internet, if it’s a smart TV.
Can You Watch Normal TV On A Smart TV?
While smart TVs offer a massive stable of internet-enabled features, it’s worth remembering that they’re still capable of displaying traditional broadcast content. However, in order to enjoy this content, the TV will first need to be connected directly to an aerial. Without an aerial, you will only be able to access content on your smart TV via the internet.
