Adding Wifi/internet Ability To A Smart Tv

[Old_Geezer]

Probably a long shot but.

TV went faulty today so seeing what seemed a decent price on a full hd led tv we bought a samsung lt32e310. Sort of assumed if it was full hd it must connect to the internet, but having got it back (and against all attempts by the lack of instructions to ensure I wouldn't be able to connect the stand, I managed it) we now find it doesn't connect to the Net ! :-( (That'll learn me to spot a bargain and just go for it.)

It has a USB socket so surely there's something that can connect via WiFi to the router ? Preferably instictively so one can view steamed content from wherever without jumping through hoops.

Anyone ?

[Kidas]

There is a difference between a smart TV and one that can connect to the interweb. I have an old Panasonic with an ethernet port. I've connected it up, but there is no way to view streamed content on a dumb TV, as that one is.
Except...
You can buy various boxes such as Roku 3 (the one I bought), Chromecasts; Fire TV; Apple TV that can deliver streamed content to the dumb TV. They are not that expensive (£40-ish), but they do make it easier to access iPlayer; 4oD, ITVPlayer, as well as a range of other free streamed channels, as well as offering the option of paying for premium content.
You'll need a spare HDMI port to see the content, though.
Good luck

[Kidas]

Just to clarify, the Samsung lt32e310 is a dumb TV.

[Old_Geezer]

Cheers.

Got a chromecast back at my place. Not tried it since I was told I'd need to press the reset button. But that was to send tablet screen content to the TV rather than connect directly to the router. I'll check out the other stuff.

[Old_Geezer]

Must be. Wasn't obvious at the time. Think I made assumptions.

[Kidas]

Not sure about how to run a chromecast. You can definitely send your computer screen to it (by wifi/network) and display that on the TV.
I would guess it will connect to the router by either wifi or ethernet. Personally I tend to use wired connections as they are more reliable.
Reckon that'll be your best bet.

[Old_Geezer]

Wired isn't an option. Router upstairs, tv downstairs.
Roku refuses to show contact info for questions.
Think I'll check further tomorrow. Thanks.

[Old_Geezer]

Somewhat concerned with being forced to have an account. What happens if they go out of business and their server is no more. Does it all still work ?

[Buenchico]

The USB input on your TV is solely for accessing external media (such as photos, videos and music) via the TV. See page 77, et seq, in the manual:
http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201701/20170117201300674/MNLDVBEU6E-ENG-WEB-170117.1.pdf

As has been said, you can make your set 'smart' by adding on an external device. For example, a Now TV box will give you access to catchup services on your telly (such as BBC iPlayer, 4oD, etc). It will also let you watch Youtube videos on your set and provide access to other apps. (The full list is here: http://web.static.nowtv.com/images/NOWTV_2017/13_Docs/list-of-apps-on-the-now-tv-box-uk-dec-17.pdf ). If you choose to buy an Entertainment Pass (£7.99 per month, with no contract) you can get a good selection of extra channels too, such as Sky 1, Sky Arts, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Comedy Central, Gold, etc. (There are also 'passes' available for movies and sport).

Argos are currently offering the Now TV box, complete with an Entertainment Pass for 4 months, for just £19.99
http://www.argos.co.uk/product/7471931

[Old_Geezer]

I'd give a miss to extra (monthly pass) payments, but will check all suggestions, thanks.

[Old_Geezer]

They do like you to have an account, don't they. Unsure what that means for the customer. Can you start getting charged for catch-up in the future; does it stop working if the company goes bust ?

[Old_Geezer]

Just had a quick look at fire tv. It shows what I'm concerned about. Sudden removal of youtube video from January on a whim ! That this can occur makes it an unacceptable product.

[mazie]

Can't you just take it back and exchange it for a smart TV OG?

[Kidas]

//They do like you to have an account, don't they. //

Yes. BBC iPlayer, 4oD and other streaming channels mostly require accounts. So you have to identify yourself to pretty much all of the providers.
It's that old internet dilemma - how much can you deliver for free, and what are the customers (you and me and everyone else who uses those services) pepared to give in exchange: Personal information; subscription fees; Advertising views...
The advertisers increasingly want to know who is seeing their adverts -by age group, demographic, location etc, so the deal is that the channels provide the content (which costs money). That money is provided by advertisers (or subscripion fees), and in exchange for that, the advertisers get to know who is seeing the ads.

You pays your money (or not) and takes your choice.

Finding ways to work that balance in favour of the consumer is getting more and more difficult as the advertisers become much smarter and use sophisticated tracking techniques within the content they provide.

[bhg481]

OG //Wired isn't an option. Router upstairs, tv downstairs. //

Yes, it is. Buy a pair of these (many variants available with pass-through mains etc), ethernet cable from router to one plugged in near to it; ethernet cable from the other one, plugged in near the TV, to the TV. Job done.
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Old_Geezer]

Not really mazie; not after screwing the base together without instructions (only instructions given were for wall mounting (twice)).

[Old_Geezer]

BBC iPlayer, 4oD and other streaming channels are bad enough, but the supplier of the hardware to connect to them shouldn't need data, nor control what is reached. :-(

[Old_Geezer]

Thanks bgh. It's more expense again but worth thinking about.

[ummmm]

Get a child to do it.

That is not sarcasm ^^

[mikey4444]

You could try NOW TV, although the tiny little remote control will soon drive you mad !

http://www.nowtv.com/?DCMP=KNC-Brand&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsqLSBRCmARIsAL4Pa9TN3DP0YLgkvv97KlmC7b0ZCeGcePv3nAVPBRo1H62Hifhr3KHGobcaAtpVEALw_wcB

[Old_Geezer]

There seems good deals on Now stuff at present.

But here's the problem with understanding the issue. I've just been asked, out of the blue, if one can surf the Net using it. So not just TV channel streaming then. Unsure if one can connect keyboards: I think she's referring to connecting a laptop, which is an additional function. Any thoughts on whether the suggestions so far can do that sort of thing ?