Online TV: what equipment will ensure the comfort of watching TV over the Internet?

Universal access to the Internet means that more and more services are transferred to the network. Online you can order dinner, read a book and even watch TV. Access to the latter option is provided not only by smartphones, tablets and computers, but also by modern TVs. We will tell you what equipment to choose in order to enjoy all the delights of watching TV over the Internet.

Online TV - what is it?

The concept of the name is very general and covers several different services. Online TV includes:

• access to traditional terrestrial, satellite and cable TV channels in real time. Passes in the form of streaming; the same programs and advertisements are shown both on terrestrial television and on the Internet at any given time.
• Access to programs of traditional terrestrial, satellite and cable television online at the request of the user. At the same time, the viewer can play the selected program at any time without waiting for its official broadcast. It is "permanently" posted on the service provider's website.
• Access to network television stations; in streaming version or on demand.
• Access to traditional television programs broadcast exclusively online.

Websites where you can watch TV or a specific program are called VOD (video on demand) services. Depending on the provider, they give you access to all, some, or one of the above options. However, most often, the user can purchase both a package of TV channels broadcast on the network, and access to individual published films or series. Flagship examples of such websites in Poland are Ipla, Player and WP Pilot.

Online TV on TV - or only with Smart TV?

You can use VOD services on your smartphone, tablet and computer - but not only. Having a TV equipped with Smart TV and, therefore, Internet access, its owner gets access to Internet TV and other online services on a much larger screen. Does this mean that owners of old TVs will have to change their equipment in order to watch TV online? Fortunately not! All you have to do is arm yourself with a Smart TV box, also known as a Smart TV box. This is an inexpensive little gadget that, using an HDMI cable, turns an ordinary TV into a multifunctional device with access to YouTube, Netflix or online TV. Simply put, by connecting the box to the TV, the Internet is connected to it.

Another unusual device that will give you access to the network on an old TV: Google Chromecast works a little differently. Responsible for streaming data from applications and web browsers running on a smartphone or computer. So he "transfers" the image from the phone or laptop / PC to the TV screen, without interfering with the work on these devices.

However, these two solutions are not enough. It turns out that Xbox One owners do not have to arm themselves with Smart TV or Google Chromecast. In their case, it is enough to use the VOD services available through the console itself! It is then that he acts as an online "intermediary".

What to look for when choosing a Smart TV set-top box?

Accessing television via the Internet is very easy and certainly does not require investment in a new, much more expensive TV. This is a service that will be provided by small gadgets costing just over 100 PLN - and access to Wi-Fi in the apartment. However, before buying a Smart TV set-top box, you should pay attention to its main parameters so that you can choose the equipment that suits your needs:

• connection (HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi),
• operating system (Android, OS, iOS),
• the amount of RAM, affect the speed of its work,
• video card, on which the image quality will largely depend.

XIAOMI Mi Box S 4K Smart TV adapter is undoubtedly one of the models worthy of attention. It provides excellent 4K resolution, supports the most popular apps like HBO Go, YouTube or Netflix, and has plenty of RAM (2 GB) and internal storage (8 GB).

Another option is the Chromecast 3, which in addition to the above also allows voice control, or is slightly more budget-friendly, but also includes the Emerson CHR 24 TV CAST features listed.

Being able to watch movies, series and TV shows online is undoubtedly a convenience. It is worth testing this solution to see for yourself its capabilities.