How to convert your Old Analogue TV to a Smart TV

Here is a quick guide to modernizing your old device

Android TV Box
Android TV Box [Photo/ Courtesy]

In Brief

– In our previous series of cool gadgets, we looked in sufficient detail at the evolution of TV sets giving rise to Android TVs and Android Boxes.

– Are you worried about having to sell off your old TV in order to buy a new one? You don’t have to. 

– Here is a quick guide to modernizing your old device, spending less in energy and resources.

When it comes to TV sets, most households do not change models at regular frequencies as they do with most other devices. Now with even more advancement of technological know-how, it is becoming all the easier. If you happen to possess an old TV model that is working just fine and you don’t want to go through the haggles of exchanging it with a Smart TV, there are devices already in the market that will give you a Smart TV experience. These devices are Android TV Boxes.

Also Read: Bluetooth Speakers – Enjoy Quality Sound Anywhere

What is an Android TV Box?

An Android TV Box is a small media center box that once connected to a TV, it enables the viewing of movies, web-based TV shows, and game apps.

Android boxes have become increasingly popular among web users. The boxes can convert almost every TV into a smart TV while offering a wide variety of options. They are most popular for streaming movies or TV shows from set sites such as Netflix.

Which are the best Android Boxes to buy?

The best Android Boxes listed herein have the capability to turn any television into a smart device that can grant access to the latest streaming services and web browsing. These boxes can also excellently serve as replacements for standard windows desktop pcs.

These are practically the best multi-purpose Android Boxes you can currently buy;

  1. Nvidia Shield TV Pro
  2. Amazon Fire TV Cube
  3. Turewell T9
  4. MINIX NEO U9-H
  5. Mecool MK9 Pro
  6. Ematic Jetstream
  7. A95X Max
  8. Xiaomi Mi Box S

Also Read: What is an Android TV?

Android Box prices

Prices of Android Boxes are relatively within a reasonable range. A good number of online retailers have them marked at prices between KES 4,000 to KES 6,500 depending on type.

How does an Android Box work?

Once the box is connected to the TV via a plug using the box HDMI video cable, it is then set up to the internet through a wired Ethernet or WiFi connection. As soon as that is done, Android apps can then be installed.

The Operating System Android is installed in the boxes and aids in giving your TV better input and output options.

How do I install Apps to my Android TV Box?

The most commonly used path in installing apps to an Android TV Box is via the Google Play Store. In this case, a valid Google  Gmail address will be a compulsory requirement before downloading the Apps. You can create your Gmail account today if you don’t have one already.

The other viable option is installing Apps from other locations such as select websites. This option will require you to download APK files from the web before making installations.

How do I pair my Android Box with a Bluetooth Speaker?

Connecting your Android TV Box to a Bluetooth Speaker is a cheap task to carry out. You should note, however, that not all Android Boxes have in-built Bluetooth features. A majority nevertheless do have.

The following steps will work to guide you in pairing your Android Box to your Bluetooth Speaker;

  1. Find and click on the Setting Icon.
  2. Under Wireless & Networks, click on Bluetooth.
  3. Allow the box to scan for available Bluetooth devices.
  4. Set your Bluetooth Speaker in Pair mode.
  5. Select on the name of your Bluetooth Speaker on your box.
  6. After successful pairing, the sound will now boom through your speakers.

Also Read: Wireless Smart TV Keyboard and Mouse – Cool Gadgets

Why is my Android Box so slow?

The major cause of this hitch is usually internet speed. If your router is quite far, have slow internet, or have many devices connected at once, the problem may occur and recur. It could also be caused by a range of other factors such as overheating, low storage, background Apps, and using poorly developed applications.

It is also important to note that the longer you use your box, the more cache it accumulates and thus starts to become slow.