Upgrading an old LED TV with newer features is a great way to extend its life and enjoy the benefits of modern technology without the expense of purchasing a new model. While LED TVs manufactured before 2015 may lack features like smart capabilities, 4K resolution, HDR support, or updated ports, you can still enhance their functionality with some practical and cost-effective upgrades.
Most older LED TVs don’t have built-in smart functionality, meaning they can’t access streaming apps directly. Fortunately, you can easily add smart capabilities by connecting a streaming device. Some popular options include:
Simply plug the streaming device into an available HDMI port on your TV, connect it to Wi-Fi, and follow the setup instructions. With this, you’ll have access to the latest streaming apps, internet browsing, and other smart features.
If your LED TV doesn’t support high-definition or 4K resolution, an HDMI upscaler can enhance the picture quality. HDMI upscalers take standard HD signals and convert them to 4K or upscale 480p/720p signals to 1080p or higher. While it doesn’t achieve true 4K quality, upscaling can significantly improve visual clarity and sharpness for an older display.
Older LED TVs often have limited audio quality due to smaller built-in speakers. To enhance the audio experience, you can connect a soundbar or external speakers:
An Android TV box or similar device can add more features to your old LED TV, including app installations, voice control, and smart home integration. These boxes are like mini-computers that run Android OS and can be connected to the TV via HDMI.
