We can use Android and its apps in any TV with some simple HDMI devices
Android TV it is without a doubt one of the best operating systems that we can use on our Smart TV, given the high support for multimedia apps (many of which have already been seen on other Android devices) and the simplicity with which it is possible to select a streaming service.
Android TV is available as an operating system on many TVs on the market (particularly from the manufacturers Sony and Philips), but can be integrated into any TV that has an HDMI portregardless of whether it is already smart.
Let’s see together how add Android TV on Smart TVs and simple TVs, so you can use this system for home entertainment. In this guide, we will only refer to devices that support official Android TV (with Google updates)thus avoiding chinoises or other products they use modified versions of Android posing as Android TV.
READ ALSO -> Best Smart TVs for app system
1) Chromecast Google TV
The latest evolution of the Chromecast allows you to use a optimized version of Android TV (and the Google TV interface), so you can install apps compatible with Android TV without having to broadcast the screen from your phone (this function is also available on the new Chromecast).
To install it, all we have to do is connect the Google TV Chromecast to a HDMI input on the back of the TVconnect the USB power cable to a wall socket, take the TV remote control and change the video source, selecting the HDMI input used.
In a few minutes we will have access to the screen of the Chromecast Google TVwith the ability to use a Google account to unlock the built-in store (very similar to the Google Play Store seen on Android phones) and to install any multimedia app directly on the device, so you can use the small remote control included to select content to reproduce.
Currently the Chromecast Google TV is available in two versions: the HD version (cheaper) and the versione 4K (to play 4K UHD content with HDR).
2) TV Box con Android TV
As an alternative to the Chromecast with Google TV we can use some TV Boxes equipped with Google-certified Android TV; we will not cover any Chinese clone or modified Android, so that we can unblock the highest quality on Netflix and have access to all apps compatible with Android TV.
Thomson THA100 Ultra HD 4K
The cheapest certified TV Box model that we can view is the Thomson THA100 Ultra HD 4K.
This TV Box features support for 4K UHD resolution, integrated Google Play Store, compatibility with all major streaming apps (Netflix, Prime Video, DAZN, Disney+ and Youtube), HDR10 support, Wi-Fi connectivity, remote control with voice commands, Bluetooth connection, HDMI output, AV output and built-in Chromecast.
STRONG LEAP-S1 Ultra HD 4K
Another valid certified TV Box model to consider is the STRONG LEAP-S1 Ultra HD 4K.
Many of the functions follow those seen from the previous TV Box: in fact, we have support for 4K UHD resolution, the integrated Google Play Store, compatibility with all streaming apps, a remote control with voice commands, an HDMI output, AV output and Wi-Fi. Fi 5 Dual Band.
License 4K Android TV Box
A good alternative to the TV Box models seen so far is the License 4K Android TV Box.
On this decoder we find support for 4K UHD resolution, a USB Type-C socket, an HDMI 2.1 video output, a USB 3.0 port, an Ethernet port, a MicroSD slot, the integrated Play Store and support for Chromecast technology to transmit the screen.
Nokia Streaming Box
The best model of Android TV Box that we can buy is undoubtedly the Nokia Streaming Box.
This TV Box boasts support for Ultra HD 4K resolution, support for HDR10, a Dual Band Wi-Fi connection, an HDMI video output, support for the HEVC H.265 codec, Bluetooth connection, support for transmission of type Chromecast, voice commands via Google Assistant, integrated Google Play Store and support for all the most famous apps (Netflix, Prime Video, DAZN, Disney+ and YouTube).
MECOOL Android TV Box 11 KM2 Plus
The top of the range among decoders with Android TV is the MECOOL Android TV Box 11 KM2 Plus.
On this TV Box we find the Amlogic S905X4-B processor, 4K UHD resolution, certified Netflix app, original Google Assistant, apps downloadable from the Google Play Store, Dual Band Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth 5.0 connection, Dolby Atmos support (with Pass-through ) and Android TV 11 operating system.
3) Digital terrestrial decoder
If we have problems playing the new digital terrestrial channels we can focus on a DVB-T2 decoder with Android TV, so as to be able to combine the vision of the new TV channels with the most famous multimedia apps.
The best decoder we can bet on is undoubtedly the TeleSystem UP T2 4Kcertified for the new digital terrestrial and equipped with support for 4K UHD resolution, voice control via Google Assistant, pre-installed multimedia apps, integrated Google Play Store, Chromecast support and support for DVB-T2 HEVC, HDR10 and HLG technologies (required to play new digital terrestrial channels).
Currently the only notable alternative is the TIMVISION Boxthe decoder offered by TIM capable of functioning as a simple decoder but offering a valid multimedia component thanks to Android TV and the pre-installed streaming apps (Netflix, Amazon Video, DAZN, YouTube and others).
To learn more, we can read our ai guides best smart set top boxes for old tv come on how to see NOW on TV.
Conclusions
Android TV is certainly the most suitable operating system to be used on a modern Smart TV: even if the main manufacturers prefer to focus on their systems (see LG and Samsung), the flexibility offered by Android TV will lead more and more users to prefer this platform to access apps of streaming and to access the IPTV app (often absent on proprietary operating systems).
If our TV is too old and doesn’t have an HDMI port, we suggest you read the guide to best HDMI adapters to connect older TVs.
To watch TV channels without any decoder we can also read our articles on how to watch tv channels without antenna come on how to see Mediaset channels without decoder.