How to convert CRT TV to a smart TV / Android TV

If you want a Smart TV or Android TV experience then you have two options. You can buy an expensive new smart TV or you can convert CRT TV to a smart TV. I think any smart consumer will go for the second option. But then the major question is how? So In this article, I will tell you how to convert your ordinary TV including the old CRT TV to a smart TV or an Android TV.

What is the difference between a Smart TV / Android TV and an ordinary TV

So, on a smart TV, you will get an android os interface just like an android smartphone and which can be connected to the internet and run various apps. But ordinary TV cannot do that. It can only be connected to a set-top box and provide you the service given by your service provider.

In a smart TV or android TV, you get both the facilities, TV channels by the service providers, and shows, movies, music, games available via the internet. Using smart TVs you can access web browsers and search the web.

A smart TV is just one way to add internet streaming and related features to your TV viewing experience

Why Should you convert old TV instead of buying a new smart TV / Android TV

1. Cost: Smart TVs are more expensive than ordinary TVs and if your old TV is working fine then no need to go overboard and purchase a new one.
2. Limitations: If you are not going for a high-end Smart TV then you may suffer some limitations. The low-end TV will be able to run only some specific pre-installed apps and the user cannot install any new app from outside.
3. Resell Issue: If you are thinking that you will sell your old TV and buy a new smart TV, then you can suffer a big loss as CRT TV second-hand market is very limited and the selling price is too low.

How to convert CRT TV to a Smart TV or Android TV

So if you have finally decided to convert your old TV to a smart TV or android TV, then the first question that arises in your mind is how to do it and how much it will cost.

So the cheapest way to do the task is to use different TV sticks on the market. you can also use an Android TV box which costs higher and with some extra facilities. But using a TV stick is sufficient for a decent smart TV or android TV experience. The two most popular tv sticks are – Fire TV Stick and Mi TV Stick.

Fire TV Stick Specifications

• Weight : 32g
• Processor : MediaTek Quad-Core ARM 1.3 GHz.
• GPU : Mali450 MP4
• RAM : 1GB
• ROM : 8GB
• Bluetooth : 4.1
• WiFi : Dual Band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi, supports 2×2 MIMO 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Other : Voice Support Yes, with Voice Remote (included) or free Fire TV Remote App (available for download on Fire, Android, and iOS)
• Cloud Storage : Free cloud storage for all Amazon content
• Ports : HDMI output, Micro-USB for power only
• Audio Support : Dolby Audio, 5.1 surround sound, 2ch stereo, and HDMI audio pass-through up to 7.1
• Content Formats Supported : 
  • Video: H.264 1080p30H.265 1080p30, 
  • Audio: AAC-LC, HE-AACv1 (AAC+), HE-AACv2 (eAAC+), AC3 (Dolby Digital), eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus), FLAC, MIDI, MP3, PCM/Wave, Vorbis, AMR-NB, AMR-WB 
  • Photo : JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP
• Output Resolution Supported : 720p and 1080p up to 60fps

If you watch content from Amazon Prime Video then you should get this TV stick that will allow you to stream content on a big screen i.e. your TV. This Fire TV Stick is running Fire OS. The interface is pretty good, easy to navigate.

The special remote comes with a voice input button, press and holds the button then speak and let go of the button when done. So voice input is supported, all you need to do is ask the Amazon TV stick.

Mi TV Stick Specifications

• Weight : 28.5g
• Processor : Quad-core Cortex-A53.
• GPU : ARM Mali-450
• RAM : 1GB
• ROM : 8GB
• Bluetooth : 4.1
• WiFi : Dual Band, dual-antenna 2.4GHz/5GHz, supports 2×2 MIMO 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Other : Voice Support with Voice Remote
• Ports : HDMI output, Micro-USB for power only
• Audio Support : Dolby Audio, 5.1 surround sound, 2ch stereo, and HDMI audio pass-through up to 7.1
• Content Formats Supported : 
  • Video decoder: VP9-10, H.265, H.264, VC-1, MPEG1/2/4, Real8/9/10
  • Video Format: RM, MOV, VOB, AVI, MKV, TS, MP4
  • Audio decoder: DOLBY, DTS
  • Audio Format: MP3, AAC, FLAC, OGG
  • mage decoder: JPG, BMP, GIF, PNG
• Output Resolution Supported : 720p and 1080p up to 60fps

With both of these devices you can convert your normal TV to a smart TV or android TV, just plug the TV sticks into the HDMI ports of your TV. The TV will boot up and you have to set up the TV like an android device with your Google or Gmail account. This is a one-time process and if you are an android user then you can do it pretty easily.

How to use Mi TV Stick or Fire TV Stick with TVs without HDMI port?

So If you have an old TV or monitor without an HDMI port then there are two possibilities. Your TV should have an AV port or a VGA port. So there is an easy solution to fix this issue. You have to get adapters with the HDMI female port which will work as an intermediate between two devices.

For a TV with a VGA port, you will be needing HDMI to VGA converter and for a TV with an av port(CRT TV), you will need HDMI to av converter. These adapters will not cost much, you can get these under Rs 700 or 800.

For CRT TV with AV port

For Normal TV with VGA port

Conclusion

So if you have a good working old CRT TV or normal TV then you must consider converting it to a smart TV and android TV as it will not cost much and you will get an Android TV experience.

Also Check –

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Have you had success using a Mi TV Stick or Fire TV stick on an older TV? Let me know in the comments!

FAQ

Updated on February 11, 2023 by top5deals