On a smart TV, you get traditional free-to-air channels (ABC, SBS, 7, 9, 10) via an antenna, plus hundreds of extra free channels and on-demand content through apps like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Stan, and free services like Samsung TV Plus or Freeview, all delivered via broadband internet, offering live TV, movies, shows, and more.
What channels can I watch on Freely? You can stream all the TV channels available from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. These include ITV2 and ITV3, BBC News and BBC Four, Film4 and More4, and 5STAR and 5USA.
Short answer: No. A smart TV does not require a cable subscription to deliver live channels, on‐demand shows, movies, or streaming apps. It only needs an internet connection and, for over‐the‐air broadcast channels, an antenna.
While some smart TVs come with a range of free channels built-in, others may require you to connect a streaming device to access these channels. Streaming devices like Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV can provide access to a wider range of free channels and apps, enhancing your viewing experience.
If you've been wondering how to get local channels on a smart TV, you'll either need to purchase a high-definition TV antenna. Using an antenna only has a one-time cost and doesn't even require an internet connection. Alternatively you, may be able to download a free app or two from your TV's app store.
Yes, your Smart TV can work as usual without an internet connection. You will be able to watch cable TV channels, connect to Bluetooth and use your TV as a standard TV without any issue at all.
If you are experiencing picture break up or missing channels, your problem might be a reception problem and not due to interference. Therefore, you may just need to manually re-tune your television, this can often solve a number of common problems.
Smart TVs' main disadvantages include potential security vulnerabilities, privacy risks from data collection, performance issues like freezing or lagging due to underpowered hardware, and rapid obsolescence as apps become unsupported or software updates cease, making them less functional over time compared to dedicated streaming devices. They can also be more expensive and have clunky interfaces.
To enjoy access to all free-to-air TV channels on your smart TV, you can connect an antenna to the back of your TV. Depending on where you are, you may be able to use an indoor antenna. Equally, if you are in a more remote region you may need to use an outdoor antenna.
Today, most areas in the United States broadcast 50+ channels over the air. Locations like Los Angeles have as many as 175 channels. We're talking about over-the-air broadcast television channels -which are transmitted in Full HD 1080p and with 5.1 surround sound- you receive for FREE once you have a TV antenna.
While the Netflix app itself may be free to install onto a smart TV, the service is not free to access. Purchasing a smart TV does not entitle you to free access to Netflix's streaming library. In order to use Netflix on your smart TV, you will need to choose from one of the three available subscription tiers.
The right accessories make smart TV installation much smoother. Essentials include streaming device options like the Roku Streaming Stick, Amazon Fire Stick, and Apple TV to access smart apps and channels. Get HDMI cables long enough to neatly wire devices to your TV in the chosen setup.
We've got a full suite of your faves including (but definitely NOT limited to): BBC (One, Two, Three, Four, Scotland, ALBA, CBBC, CBeebies) ITV (1, 2, 3, 4, ITVBe) STV.
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.
On the supplied remote control, press the (Quick Settings) or HOME button (depending on the model). Select Settings. Select Channels & Inputs → Channels → Cable/Antenna → Show/Hide channels → Shown channels. Navigate up and down to select the check box for show channel, and unselect to hide channel.
Yes, smart TVs can access normal TV channels using a cable or satellite connection, antenna, or built-in tuner, in addition to streaming services and apps.
Perhaps you're in a period property where Wi-Fi struggles to reach certain rooms, or you're not interested in streaming services and just want to watch Freeview in peace. The short answer is yes, a smart TV works perfectly well without the internet.
Setting up a Freeview-ready TV
Plug in the TV and fit the batteries to the remote. Plug in the aerial and turn on the TV. If you have a smart TV you'll be asked for your wi-fi network and password, so have these ready. You'll then be asked to tune your TV to find the available Freeview channels.
It's almost always better to buy a smart TV for convenience, as it integrates streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube), internet browsing, and smart home features directly, eliminating extra devices, but you can add smart features to any TV with a streaming stick (like Chromecast), so a regular TV might suit if you prioritize picture quality over built-in apps or fear software obsolescence. Smart TVs offer seamless content access and unified remotes, while a "dumb" TV focuses solely on display, letting you choose your own streaming "brain" for better control over updates and performance.
Not all models have cameras in them and a majority of smart TVs don't have cameras in them. But there are some smart TVs with cameras embedded in them. Typically, the camera is hidden in a bezel at the top of the TV screen.
This article describes the most common problems with smart TVs, including crashing and freezing, overheating, malfunctions of the TV menu and slow loading speeds. The most effective solution for solving the issues described above is to take advantage of different smart TV forums and communities available online.
Check if your equipment is adequate for your location
You need your reception equipment professionally set up for the transmission site that provides the strongest signal to your location. Visit the mySwitch website . Enter your address (or suburb or postcode) to check the digital TV coverage in your area.
Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the output jack on your antenna. Attach the other end to the 'Antenna In' or 'Coaxial In' port on your smart TV. Access the settings menu on your smart TV and look for a section dedicated to channel tuning or antenna setup.
Yes, if you find yourself without the internet you can still enjoy watching your smart TV. You'll be able to watch cable TV channels, connect to Bluetooth and use your TV just like a traditional TV without any issue at all.