How to Set Up a Smart TV
Upgrading to a brand-new smart TV is exciting. However, before you can start watching your favourite films and shows, you’ll need to set it up properly. Thankfully, modern Panasonic smart TVs are designed to make this process as easy as possible.
Whether you’re wondering how to set up a smart TV for the first time, how to hook up the internet to a smart TV, or even how to connect a DVD player to a smart TV, this guide has everything you’ll need to know.
Unbox and Position Your Smart TV
The first thing you need to do is carefully unbox your Panasonic smart TV and check the contents. You should find the TV unit, a stand, a remote control, a power cable, and a user manual.
It’s important to position your TV where it will receive minimal glare, but don’t forget to ensure it has access to power sockets. If you’re using a stand, follow the included instructions during assembly. Make sure you position your television at the correct viewing distance for the screen size too.
Connect Your External Devices
Before you turn your smart TV on, you might want to connect any other entertainment devices you’re intending to use.
How to Connect a DVD Player to a Smart TV
- HDMI Connection (Recommended): Most Panasonic smart TVs come with multiple HDMI ports, so you’ll simply need to connect your DVD player’s HDMI cable to one of them.
Once you’ve connected your devices, note down which HDMI or AV input you’ve used. This will make life easier later when searching for the correct input.
Power On and Follow Setup Wizard
Once you’ve connected external devices, turn on your smart TV using the remote. Modern units feature an on-screen setup wizard, which will guide you through the initial configuration:
- Select your language and region
- Choose your input source, such as HDMI
- Prepare for internet connection
Connect Your Smart TV to the Internet
Connecting your new TV to the internet is one of the best things you can do because it allows you to enjoy its smart features, such as apps, streaming services, and software updates.
You can connect your Panasonic smart TV via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable:
How to Hook Up Wi-Fi to a Smart TV
1. Press Menu or Home on your remote.
2. Navigate to Network Settings > Network Connection.
3. Select Wireless (Wi-Fi).
4. Choose your home network from the list and enter your password.
How to Create a Wired Connection
If your TV is near your router, you might prefer to connect an Ethernet cable from the router to the TV’s LAN port. Many people choose to do this because it often provides a faster and more stable connection.
Once your TV is connected to the internet, you can start exploring the wide range of apps and streaming platforms available. However, there are plenty of other ways to make the most of your TV, and these can be found in our guide: What Does a Smart TV Do?
Install and Access Your Favourite Apps
Once the internet is connected, your Panasonic smart TV is ready for streaming. You can browse popular services, such as Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, by heading to Apps to scrolling through the Home Screen.
- If you’re interested in watching the latest Disney films, follow our guide on how to get Disney+ on your Panasonic TV.
- If you’d prefer to stream content directly from your mobile device, read through our step-by-step guide on how to cast your phone to your Panasonic TV.
Fine-Tune Your Picture and Sound Settings
Whether you’ve chosen a Smart OLED TV, Smart LED TV, or Smart HD TV, all Panasonic models come with preset modes to optimise your viewing experience. These include Cinema mode for films, Sports mode for fast-moving images, and Dynamic mode for bright rooms.
You should experiment with these modes through the Picture and Sound settings in the menu until you find the perfect setup for your viewing preferences. It’s also easy to switch between modes for different content or occasions, which means you’ll receive the best experience possible no matter what you’re watching.
Perform a Software Update
Before you start streaming content, it’s always a good idea to check for any firmware updates. Panasonic regularly releases updates for your TV to improve performance and add new features.
- Go to Menu > Setup > System > Software Upgrade
- Select Check for Update and follow any subsequent prompts if an update is available.
Enjoy Your Smart TV
With your Panasonic smart TV now fully set up, connected to the internet, and optimised for your viewing pleasure, you’re ready to enjoy hours of entertainment.
