USB ports on TVs are often overlooked, yet their multifunctionality can be incredibly beneficial. Many users rarely interact with their smart TVs after the initial setup, thanks to a variety of wireless connectivity options, smartphone apps, and remote controls. You might even have forgotten that your TV features at least one USB 2.0 port, conveniently located next to the essential HDMI connections.
Despite being frequently disregarded, USB ports are a standard inclusion in most TVs and can serve a variety of purposes. Here are four innovative ways to make the most of your TV's USB ports that you may not have considered:
1. Transform Your TV into a Slideshow or Media Player
Most modern TVs come equipped with multiple USB 2.0 ports, and often a USB 3.0 port for quicker data transfer. Since your TV screen is likely larger than your computer monitor, why not use it to display a rotating gallery of images or play videos? At a recent family gathering, the host showcased scanned photos and videos on a 65-inch TV, and the results were impressive—both visually and audibly—thanks to a simple USB flash drive connection.
Any external hard drive, thumb drive, or data stick can be used just like you would on a laptop. Once connected, your TV will recognize the device and provide options for accessing and navigating your media files. For an added bonus, if you keep a flash drive plugged in solely for this purpose, your TV can be programmed to display a slideshow during idle times without transferring media to its internal storage. This way, you avoid duplicating files and keep your TV’s cache free from clutter.
2. Convert Your TV into a Workstation
Do you often find yourself juggling spreadsheets, documents, graphics, videos, and web pages on your computer monitor? You’re not alone! The standard monitor size for many professionals is around 27 inches, but investing in multiple high-quality monitors or large 32-inch displays can be quite costly. Instead, consider using a 55-inch TV screen as an alternative. While you may have to compromise on color accuracy and resolution slightly, you can connect wireless peripherals like a mouse or keyboard using a Bluetooth adapter to create an efficient workstation setup.
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