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Tech how-to: 4 secret things your TV can do
I always want you to get the most out of the goodies you buy. Your TV isn’t just for watching Netflix or live sports; with a little know-how, it can become a productivity powerhouse, a charging station, a photo album and a streaming hub (even if it’s old). Let me show you how.
1. A big honkin’ workstation
Working on a tiny laptop screen is no fun, especially if you’re staring at spreadsheets, giving a presentation or trying to join a Zoom meeting. Use the big screen instead.
How to: Connect an HDMI cable to your TV and to your laptop. Pair a keyboard and mouse, too. If your TV has Bluetooth capabilities, you can connect directly; if not, use your laptop to pair these devices while your TV acts as a monitor.
Get the gear: An HDMI cable with 4K support will give you the best display quality. For seamless compatibility, grab a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse combo like Logitech’s.
💡 Pro tip: If your keyboard and mouse won’t pair, try turning them off and rebooting your TV. Here’s the trick: Be patient! Wait 30 seconds to let everything fully disconnect before you try again. You’ll get a fresh start, and it should pair like a charm.
2. An extra spot to charge
Ever feel like you never have enough outlets? Here’s where your TV’s USB ports come to the rescue. Plug your charging cable directly into the TV. USB ports typically deliver less power than a wall outlet.
How to: Plug in your charging cable, and you’re all set.
Get the gear: Keep a few spare USB cables handy for emergencies. A dual-purpose cable with multiple connector types (like USB-C and Lightning) can save the day.
3. Turn your TV into a digital photo album
Many TVs let you cast photos directly from your phone, but not all of them make it easy. If yours is older, you probably thought you were out of luck.
One simple fix is to load your favorite pictures and videos onto a flash drive. Just plug it into your TV’s USB port, and most TVs will let you start a slideshow automatically.
How to: Upload your photos or videos onto a USB drive. Make sure they’re in a file format your TV supports, like JPEG or MP4. Plug the USB into your TV’s port, and follow the on-screen prompts.
Get the gear: You’ll need a USB drive with plenty of storage space. If you have a few extra bucks to spend, go with an encrypted model for added security.
4. Give your old TV a smart upgrade
Still holding onto that trusty old TV without apps built in? Good news: Adding a streaming device is the easiest way to bring your TV into the 21st century.
⚡ Before you buy the latest model with all the bells and whistles, check the power requirements. Many newer devices need an A/C outlet, but older streaming sticks can often run directly off the TV’s USB port.
How to: Plug the streaming stick into your TV’s HDMI port. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to Wi-Fi, and you’re ready to stream.
Get the gear: The Amazon Fire TV Stick HD, Roku Premiere or Google Chromecast will all fit the bill.
🎷 That reminds me … When Ian was little, I made the mistake of letting him watch the symphony on television — way too much sax and violins.
Don’t get left tech-behind – Stay tech-ahead
Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.
- National radio show: Find your local station or listen to the podcast.
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- Watch: On Kim’s YouTube channel.
- Podcast: “Kim Komando Today” — Listen wherever you get podcasts.
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