Don't buy a new TV! Discover 5 affordable gadgets you can plug into your HDMI 2.0 port to unlock new features, improve performance, and enhance your viewing experience.
Got an older TV with an HDMI 2.0 port? Don't rush to replace it just yet! You can dramatically improve your viewing experience and add new features with these affordable gadgets. These devices plug directly into your existing HDMI 2.0 port, bringing modern functionality to your older display.
Before we dive in, let's quickly explain HDMI 2.0. It's a standard for transmitting video and audio signals. While not the latest standard (HDMI 2.1 is newer), HDMI 2.0 still supports 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps), which is more than enough for most viewing needs. It's widely available on TVs manufactured in the past several years. So if you have a 4K TV that's not brand new, chances are it has HDMI 2.0.
Smart TV interfaces can become slow and outdated over time. A dedicated streaming media player like a Roku Streaming Stick 4K, Apple TV 4K, or Google Chromecast with Google TV can breathe new life into your TV. These devices offer:
In our opinion, a streaming media player is the single best upgrade you can make to a slightly older smart TV. The improved interface alone is worth the investment.
Android TV boxes, like the NVIDIA SHIELD TV or similar devices from brands like Xiaomi, offer a powerful and versatile smart TV experience. They provide:
Android TV boxes are great for users who want a highly customizable and feature-rich smart TV platform.
Relive your childhood by connecting a retro gaming console to your TV! Many affordable retro consoles are available that plug directly into your HDMI port and come pre-loaded with hundreds (or even thousands!) of classic games. This is a fun and nostalgic way to enjoy your TV.
Running out of HDMI ports? An HDMI switch allows you to connect multiple devices to a single HDMI port on your TV. This is a simple and inexpensive way to expand the connectivity of your TV without having to constantly swap cables.
A dedicated media player, like those from Zidoo or Dune HD, is ideal if you have a large library of locally stored movies, TV shows, and music. These players often support a wider range of video and audio codecs than built-in smart TV players, ensuring smoother playback and better picture and sound quality. They can access media from USB drives, network attached storage (NAS) devices, and even internal hard drives.
This information is important because it empowers consumers to get more value out of their existing technology. It highlights that you don't always need to buy the latest model to enjoy modern features and improved performance. It's a cost-effective way to upgrade your entertainment experience.
The key takeaway is that HDMI 2.0 TVs still have plenty of life left in them. By leveraging readily available and affordable gadgets, consumers can bypass the limitations of outdated smart TV platforms and unlock new functionalities. The streaming media player option stands out as the most universally beneficial upgrade. However, the best choice ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences – are you a gamer, a movie buff, or someone who just wants a smoother streaming experience?
While HDMI 2.1 is the latest standard, HDMI 2.0 will remain relevant for years to come. As streaming services continue to evolve and demand higher bandwidth for 4K and even 8K content (though 8K adoption is slow), these gadgets will continue to provide a bridge, adding features not present on the original TVs. This could impact the sales of brand-new TVs, as consumers realize they can achieve a similar experience with a fraction of the cost. We expect the market for these types of HDMI accessories to remain strong in the coming years. The development of even more advanced streaming technologies will likely continue to drive the need for external devices that can surpass the capabilities of built-in smart TV platforms.
