If you’re considering disposing of your outdated smart TV due to sluggish performance or lack of updates, think again. There are numerous creative ways to breathe new life into your old device, offering functional opportunities that can enhance your living space in unexpected ways. Here are several ideas to consider.
### Photo or Art Display
One of the simplest and most visually appealing uses for an aging smart TV is to transform it into a dedicated photo or digital art display. By wall-mounting the TV in areas like your living room, bedroom, or hallway near a power outlet, you can showcase a rotating gallery of your favorite images or artwork.
To do this, load a USB drive with your selected pictures and plug it into the TV. Utilize its built-in slideshow feature to cycle through family memories, vacation snapshots, or beautiful artwork. If your smart TV supports art apps such as DeviantArt, you can keep your display fresh with new visuals automatically. For a more sophisticated gallery look, adjust the brightness settings to match your room’s ambiance, disable sleep timers, and conceal the visible cables for a cleaner appearance.
### Secondary Monitor for Enhanced Productivity
If you’re seeking to improve your workflow, an old smart TV can serve as a handy secondary monitor. Most models have HDMI ports, so connecting it to your computer with an HDMI cable (or a USB-C to HDMI adapter, if applicable) is straightforward. After selecting the appropriate input on your TV, adjust the display settings on your computer to expand your workspace.
This added real estate allows you to distribute applications across two screens, monitor communications via platforms like Slack, or stream media while you work. While it may not match the performance of a current 4K monitor in terms of refresh rate and color accuracy, it suffices for tasks such as checking emails or messages.
### Security Camera Monitor
Your retired smart TV can also function as a dedicated monitor for your home security system. Many contemporary security cameras—such as those from Ring, Arlo, Wyze, and Nest—offer compatible apps for smart TVs running on platforms like Android TV, Fire TV, or Roku. After downloading the relevant app and logging in, you can stream live feeds directly to your TV.
Some setups even allow for simultaneous viewing of multiple feeds, effectively transforming your TV into a full monitoring hub. If your TV lacks native app support, consider using a streaming device like Roku or Fire Stick to cast your camera’s feed from a smartphone or computer. Alternatively, connecting a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or Network Video Recorder (NVR) with HDMI output lets you view recorded footage comfortably.
### Retro Gaming Hub
Transforming your old smart TV into a retro gaming station is another exciting possibility. By connecting a classic gaming console or a Raspberry Pi loaded with emulators like RetroPie or Lakka, you can relive gaming nostalgia on a larger screen. Most smart TVs naturally support HDMI connections, making them suitable displays for games from consoles such as the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation One.
This setup can be especially appealing for Samsung models with a built-in Gaming Hub, which supports Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now. Similarly, LG smart TVs allow for Xbox Cloud Gaming. For Android smart TVs, you might even directly run emulators via app stores or sideloaded applications. Enhanced organization is easily achieved by setting up the TV in a game room and keeping controllers and games nearby.
### Video Conferencing Screen
Utilizing your old smart TV for video calls can significantly enhance your meeting experience. Instead of squinting at a laptop screen, connect your device to the TV via HDMI or a streaming device like a Fire TV Stick or Chromecast. This setup allows for clearer visuals during calls on platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.
Many smart TVs run these applications natively, eliminating the need for additional software. If your TV lacks an integrated camera, you can pair it with an external webcam and microphone. Position the TV at eye level for optimal comfort during video conferences, allowing you to keep important documents or screens open on your primary device.
### Children’s Entertainment Station
Transforming your smart TV into a dedicated entertainment hub for children is another practical use. Set it up in a playroom or similar space, allowing kids to enjoy their favorite shows, educational programs, or age-appropriate games without monopolizing the main family television.
If your device is pre-installed with kid-friendly applications like YouTube Kids, Disney+, or Netflix, you’re well on your way to creating a safe and engaging environment. Coupling this with parental controls can further enhance the safety of your child’s viewing experience. With the ability to mirror content from a tablet or smartphone, the possibilities for entertainment expand even more.
### Create a Virtual Aquarium
For those who appreciate the tranquility of an aquarium but want to avoid the maintenance, an old smart TV can simulate the aesthetic. Look for high-quality aquarium videos on platforms like YouTube and stream them to your television.
These visually stunning videos can be looped for continuous play, creating a calming illusion of aquatic life. For a more convincing effect, you can place the TV behind decorative elements like faux plants or shells, enhancing the overall illusion of a genuine fish tank experience.
### Repurpose for DIY Projects
If your smart TV is beyond repair, consider salvaging its components for DIY projects. Inside, you can find valuable parts such as speakers, LED backlights, Wi-Fi modules, and more, which can be repurposed for various endeavors like building custom speakers or crafting lighting solutions.
Before attempting to disassemble, ensure your safety by wearing gloves and goggles, and be cautious of any remaining charge in capacitors. Keeping a magnetic tray on hand will help organize small components. Whether you’re into microcontrollers like Arduino or Raspberry Pi, or simply want to give old materials a new life, the potential for creativity is limitless.
In summary, rather than discarding your old smart TV, consider these innovative ways to repurpose it. Together, these suggestions can provide functional and engaging uses that breathe new life into a once-obsolete device, reducing waste while enriching your living spaces.
