How to Turn Any Screen into an IPTV TV (Without Buying a New One!)
Last week, my neighbor came over to ask me for some advice. He wanted to cut his expensive cable bill and start watching television over the internet, but he was worried. He pointed to his five-year-old living room television and asked, “Do I need to go buy a brand new IPTV TV for this to work?”
I had to smile because I used to think the exact same thing! A lot of people believe they need to spend $800 on the newest, fanciest Smart TV just to stream their favorite channels.
Today, I want to expose that silly myth and show you exactly how easy it is to turn the TV you already own into the ultimate modern entertainment center.
What Exactly is an “IPTV TV”?
Let’s clear up the confusion right away. There is no such thing as a special television built only for internet streaming.
When people say “IPTV TV,” they are just talking about any television that is connected to the internet and can download apps. If you want a deeper look at the technology, tech experts at PCMag have a great explanation of what actually makes a television “smart.”
Scenario 1: You Already Have a Smart TV
If you bought your television in the last few years (like a Samsung, LG, or Sony), it probably already connects to your home Wi-Fi. If it does, you are already halfway there!
You don’t need to buy any extra equipment. You just open your TV’s app store, download a media player (like the Smart IPTV app), and log in with your TV provider’s details. It is that simple!
Scenario 2: You Have an Older Flat Screen
This is where the magic happens. What if your TV is a little bit older and doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi? Do you have to throw it away? Absolutely not!
As long as your older TV has an HDMI port on the back (the exact same plug you use for a DVD player), you can turn it into a smart TV for about $40. You just buy a small streaming stick—like an Amazon Firestick or a Roku—and plug it into the back. The stick does all the computer work for the television!
If you decide to go this route, I actually wrote a super simple tutorial on exactly how to set up IPTV on a Firestick that will get you running in five minutes.
The Most Important Part: The Service
Whether you use a brand new Smart TV or an older screen with a streaming stick, the television is just an empty box. To actually watch live news, hockey games, and movies, you have to plug a TV provider into it.
If you want the best picture quality without the screen freezing, I highly recommend checking out IPTV Canada. They have lightning-fast North American servers that will make any television look amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
Whenever I help my friends upgrade their living rooms, they always ask me these quick questions. Here are the simple answers!
Will an older TV have a bad picture?
Not at all! As long as your TV is capable of showing HD video (1080p or 4K), your streaming stick will push a crystal-clear, beautiful picture right to the screen.
Can I use multiple TVs in my house?
Yes! If you have a Smart TV in the living room and an older TV in the bedroom with a Firestick, you can use the exact same TV provider on both. You just download the app on both screens.
Does it matter what brand of TV I have?
Nope! Whether it is a giant Samsung in the living room or a small, cheap TV you bought for the kitchen, any screen with an HDMI port can easily be transformed into a modern streaming center.
Is streaming TV legal in Canada?
Yes, it is 100% legal. Using the internet to watch video is just the modern, smarter way to get entertainment. As long as you choose a reputable, premium TV provider, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.