If you have just bought the newest Samsung or LG smart TV, or you are looking to buy one soon, you may have wondered if you need an HDMI cable for your smart TV. The short answer is no, but there are some caveats to that.
We’ve taken the time to answer that question, and we’ve compiled a quick guide to help you figure out if you need an HDMI cable or not. So, if you’re wondering whether you need an HDMI cable for your smart TV, keep reading!
Summary
Do All Smart TVs Have HDMI Ports?
Absolutely not! In fact, the vast majority of smart TVs do not have HDMI ports at all. While many smart TVs do have some sort of HDMI connection, they are typically used for cable boxes and other devices.
If you have a Samsung or LG smart TV, there are a couple of different options for connecting your devices to your TV.
The first option is the TV’s built-in HDMI port. This is typically found on the back of the TV, but some models also have an HDMI port on the side.
The second option is an HDMI extender, which is an HDMI port on the TV that plugs into the back of a monitor or other device.
How Do I Connect My Laptop To My Smart TV With An HDMI Cable?
You’ll need to use a special HDMI cable to connect your laptop to your smart TV. If you want to use a laptop to connect to your smart TV, then you’ll need to use an HDMI cable with HDMI 2 connectors on both ends.
Here are the steps you need to follow to connect your laptop to your smart TV with an HDMI cable:
Step 1
First, plug your HDMI cable into the HDMI port on your laptop.
Step 2
Next, plug the HDMI cable into your smart TV HDMI port.
Step 3
Turn on the smart TV.
Step 4
Make sure both ends of the HDMI cable are connected to the smart TV and laptop respectively. After that, your laptop will be able to stream content to your smart TV.
Step 5
Open your laptop and play the movie or show on your laptop, and watch it on your smart TV.
Tips:
1. The HDMI cable must be compatible with the smart TV. So, you need to check your smart TV manual before buying an HDMI cable.
2. In case your laptop doesn’t have an HDMI port, you may need to use a VGA cable instead.
Why Would I Need an HDMI Cable For My Smart TV Set?
In another case, you may not need one. If you’re looking to buy a smart TV set, then you’ll need to know if it has HDMI ports. If it does, then you’ll need an HDMI cable for it.
If it doesn’t, then you’ll need to use a cable to connect to the internet, such as a Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable.
Moreover, if you want to watch a signal from a satellite receiver or a video player such as a Blu-ray or DVD, you are more likely to need an HDMI cable unless the players are able to connect to smart TV wirelessly.
Will an HDMI Cable Work on My smart TV?
Without a doubt, the answer is yes. However, you’ll need to use a specific model of smart TV, and the HDMI cable you use will depend on your TV’s HDMI input port. Most smart TVs will work with any HDMI cable.
However, if you want to connect your laptop to your smart TV, then you’ll need an HDMI cable. If you have a smart TV without HDMI ports, then you’ll need to use a cable to connect to the internet, such as a Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable.
Conclusion!
As you can see, an HDMI cable is not always needed for a smart TV. It is, however, necessary if you want to connect a laptop or a computer to your smart TV.
If you want to connect your laptop to your smart TV, then you’ll need an HDMI cable with HDMI 2 connectors on both ends. If you want to connect your laptop to your smart TV with a USB port, then you’ll need an HDMI to USB adapter.
Also, if you have a TV that supports 4K resolution, you don’t need to buy an HDMI cable to use it. However, if you have a 1080p TV or older, you will need a standard HDMI cable to connect it to your TV.
Similarly, if you’re looking to buy a smart TV, then you’ll need to know whether it has HDMI ports. If it does, then you’ll need an HDMI cable for it. If it doesn’t, then you’ll need to use a cable to connect to the internet, such as a Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable
I am Jeff Bortnick, the founder of SMART WISE HOME. I am also a husband, father of two, and a long-time technology lover. I have been obsessed with home automation since I was at University doing my MSc in Automation and Control Engineering