Do Smart TVs Require An HDMI Cable?

Modern televisions can be divided into two distinct categories: regular TVs and smart TVs. A video cable – like an HDMI cable – will be required with regular televisions if you want to use the TV. However, do smart TVs require an HDMI cable to be operated? 

Internet connectivity sets smart TVs apart from regular televisions. Due to this, smart TVs can be operated without an HDMI cable. When connected to the internet, you will be able to use various apps to stream content. However, HDMI cables can still be used to connect other devices to the smart TV. 

Do Smart TVs Need An HDMI Cable?

When setting up your smart TV for the first time, you’ll likely notice HDMI ports located at the back of your television. 

Typically, most televisions are equipped with two to three HDMI ports. However, these ports beg the question: do smart TVs need an HDMI cable to function? 

To adequately address this question, we need to consider the functionality of smart TVs and how they differ from non-smart variants. 

The difference between these two types of televisions comes down to internet connectivity. While a smart TV can connect to the internet, a regular television cannot. 

Of course, there’s a good reason why smart TVs can connect to the internet: they can run apps that are installed directly on the TV. 

From YouTube to Netflix to Spotify, there are plenty of fantastic applications that can be run directly from a smart TV – all without the need for an HDMI cable. You’ll even be able to browse the web on one of these advanced televisions! 

To connect a smart TV to the internet to use these apps, you’ll need an internet connection. This is accomplished through connecting to a wireless hotspot or using an ethernet cable. 

This means that you’ll be able to use your smart TV without an HDMI cable. 

The Reason Your Smart TV Has HDMI Ports

As we discussed in the previous section, smart TVs can be operated without an HDMI cable. Of course, to do this, you will need to be connected to the internet. 

For many consumers, this is viewing convenience at its finest – especially in the age of streaming. 

However, you might be wondering why your smart TV has HDMI ports if it doesn’t really require them. 

The answer to this is simple: HDMI ports allow you to connect other media devices to your television. This functionality of a smart TV is identical to that of a non-smart television. 

While HDMI ports and cables are among the newest types of video cables used today, they have quickly become commonplace around the world. This is because an HDMI cable allows for better refresh rates, little to no signal interference, all the while transmitting high-quality video and audio. 

The HDMI ports on your smart TV will allow you to create a high-quality video and audio connection to various devices that can be linked to your television. Read on as we look at the ways your smart TV can be cabled! 

Do Smart TVs Need To Be Cabled? 

Smart TVs do not need to be cabled to function. This is due to the advanced capabilities of these televisions, which allow them to be connected to the internet. 

Essentially, this means that the only cable you really need is your TV’s power cord. 

In fact, you don’t even need a cable to connect your smart television to the internet. Most modern variants can connect to your home’s WIFI network. 

However, it is also possible to plug an ethernet cable into many smart TVs, allowing for a more stable network connection when using applications to stream content. 

Of course, there are many external devices you may wish to connect to your TV. 

Typically, these devices will be connected to your television via an HDMI cable. For instance, connecting a digital decoder box will require this cabled connection. Using a gaming console, such as a PlayStation or Xbox, will require an HDMI cable.  

While smart TVs do not need to be cabled, there are many possible reasons why you’d want to do this. 

Ultimately, the choice is yours. If most of your activity on your television is internet-based, you might only need the power cord. However, if you’re a gamer, you might need to add some cables to your smart TV setup. 

What Kind Of Cable Do I Need For My Smart TV? 

As we discussed earlier, smart TVs only require a power cord and internet connectivity to function. 

However, your smart TV still has many ports, which allows you to use certain cables to create connections between your television and external devices. 

Generally, your television’s HDMI ports will be the primary way to connect these external devices, such as game consoles, decoder boxes, or computers. 

This means that you will need an HDMI cable  to connect these devices. Luckily, many modern devices are equipped with HDMI cables, making them highly universal. 

Your smart TV can even connect to older external devices that do not have HDMI ports. In order to create this connection, you will need to make use of a suitable adapter. 

This will allow you to alter one end of an HDMI cable to create a connection with another type of port, such as a VGA port. 

Conclusion

Unlike regular televisions, smart TVs can be connected to the internet, allowing them to stream content directly from the web. 

Of course, this means that smart TVs do not technically require an HDMI cable to function. 

However, if you wish to connect an external device to your television – such as a decoder box or gaming console – you will need to make use of your television’s HDMI ports.