Turn TV into Smart TV - how it works

In this practical tip you will read how you can turn your old TV into a Smart TV in order to be able to use many new multimedia functions.

Turn a TV into a Smart TV: AppleTV

The most popular devices for upgrading TVs include HDMI set-top boxes.

The best known model of these devices is probably the AppleTV. Depending on the version, you pay around 80 euros for the box.
The AppleTV is likely to be of particular interest to Apple users, since the range of functions focuses primarily on the use of purchased iTunes content. So you can play movies, series or music purchased in iTunes on your TV.
In addition, there is the option of streaming the screen content of your iPhone or iPad to the AppleTV via AirPlay, as well as the use of external apps such as Netflix.

If you’re looking for a cheaper solution, check out Google’s Chromecast Stick.

The Chromecast is roughly the size of a conventional USB stick, which you plug into an HDMI input on your TV and supply via a USB socket.
After a short setup, you can now stream films and series from your smartphone to the TV. In apps that have Chromecast support, a "stream symbol" now appears, with which the currently played content is played on the television.
The supported apps include Netflix, YouTube or the ZDF media library.
You currently pay 35 euros for the Chromecast.

A third solution is the FireTV Stick from Amazon. This is a little more expensive than the Chromecast, but still offers some new functions.

In contrast to the Chromecast, you do not operate the FireTV Stick via your smartphone or tablet, but via a small remote control (unless you have an Amazon tablet).
In addition to the well-known apps such as Netflix and YouTube, you can also access Prime Instant Video (if you are a Prime customer) or Amazon Instant Video with the FireTV Stick.
You currently pay € 39 for the FireTV Stick. For € 99 you can also buy the more expensive version, the Amazon FireTV, which is even suitable for some games.

You can find a more detailed check on the devices described in this article. We have put together the best televisions for you here.