Best Options for Upgrading a Standard LED TV to a Smart TV in India

Upgrading your standard LED TV to a smart TV can enhance your viewing experience by providing you with access to various streaming services, smart apps, and additional features. While the Indian market offers fewer options when it comes to directly converting a standard LED TV to a smart TV, there are still several affordable and reliable solutions.

Connecting via Media Players and Smart Apps

One effective way to enable smart functionality on a standard LED TV is by connecting it to media players or devices that have internet connectivity and pre-installed smart apps. These devices include:

Fire Stick/Fire TV: Available at competitive prices, the Fire Stick and Fire TV are excellent choices. Both offer a wide range of streaming services and can cast content from your smartphone, making them a cost-effective option. However, you may need to pay for 3-5 credit card conversion charges and up to 38 customs charges if ordering from international sites like Banggood, Gearbest, or Alibaba. MI TV Box: Another popular choice, the MI TV Box can be acquired from platforms like Banggood, Gearbest, or Alibaba. Keep in mind that there may be additional charges for credit card conversion and customs, but these options are still more affordable than other premium smart TV boxes. Google Chromecast: If you prefer a simpler setup, you can use a Google Chromecast to cast content from your smartphone or tablet to your TV. It's a budget-friendly solution, but it only supports casting from mobile devices, not from the TV itself. Amazon Firestick: While it doesn’t provide a pure Android experience, the Firestick offers the ability to stream content from major services in full HD/4K, depending on the model. The full HD model supports Miracast casting, which can be buggy, while the 4K model includes HDR and Dolby Atmos compatibility. Android TV Boxes: Various brands offer Android TV boxes on Amazon and Flipkart. While these devices may not come from well-known brands, some, like Alfawise, Tanix, and BeeLink, can provide good value for money. These boxes typically run the official Google Android TV OS and offer a wide range of apps and features. Nvidia Shield TV: For gamers, the Nvidia Shield TV is an excellent choice. It comes with built-in Chromecast Ultra and an official Google Android TV OS. Though it offers the best hardware available in a TV box, it comes at a higher price point. It is ideal for those who prioritize gaming and want a seamless experience. Xiaomi Mi Box S: This device provides a perfect balance in terms of cost and functionality, making it a great choice for those who don’t need the gaming functionality offered by the Nvidia Shield. It includes built-in Chromecast Ultra and runs the official Google Android TV OS, offering a competitive value proposition.

Conclusion

While the availability of options for directly converting a standard LED TV to a smart TV is limited in India, using a media player or smart box is an excellent workaround. The above recommendations cover a range of budgets and feature sets, ensuring that you can find the right solution to fit your needs. Whether you're looking for a cost-effective, budget-friendly, or advanced gaming experience, there is a suitable option available to enhance your viewing experience.