Wi-Fi significantly expands the functions of the TV. With it on your television screen you can watch not only what is shown on connected channels, but also videos, films and TV series from major hosting sites. You can connect games and enjoy good video and sound quality. Almost every computer function becomes accessible on a large screen with vibrant colors.
Big, beautiful and smart
How to connect via Wi-Fi
All Sony Bravia TVs can connect to a wireless network independently or are compatible with adapters. For some models, the adapter is included, while others are subject to store promotions that allow you to buy two devices at once with a minimal additional payment. In other cases, network equipment must be purchased separately. The availability of an adapter should be checked in the store or upon delivery to protect yourself from unnecessary expenses.
In order for the TV to be able to access the Internet, you need to go to the settings menu and perform the following steps:
- Menu item "Network".
- Network configuration.
- Configure Connections/Wireless Setup.
- Connection method from those proposed.
At the last point, instructions will appear on the screen on how to set up Wi-Fi on your Sony TV. By following it, the user will receive a stable connection to the network.
ForkPlayer for Sony Smart TVs
ForkPlayer is a program or, as it can also be called, a browser that can be installed on Sony TVs that have the Smart TV function.
It can also be installed on computers, devices running Android, and Smart TVs from other manufacturers. With this application you can watch online channels, movies and other videos from various sites for free.
Important
In addition, ForkPlayer provides access to view data that is also stored on a flash drive, a connected removable device, or in the built-in memory of a Smart TV.
This application is available to any user. You can download it either from the official or unofficial website on the Internet, or from the application and widget store. Today we will take a closer look at what capabilities ForkPlayer has for Sony Bravia Smart TV, and we will also talk about the ways in which you can install and configure this application.
This application has the same operating scheme as Opera mini, which was developed specifically for J2ME phones that do not support the ability to launch a full-fledged Internet browser. ForkPlayer for Sony Smart TV receives all content directly from sites, after which it processes them and converts them into its own format.
Modern Sony Smart TVs, of course, have regular Internet browsers, but they are often stripped down, without a Flash player, and when launching some sites they can give an error that is due to the fact that there is not enough built-in memory.
- ForkPlayer is much better in this regard, as it allows you to watch videos or listen to music from any site without any problems.
- In addition, this widget, installed on Sony Bravia Smart TV, already contains a list of the most popular sites and online cinemas.
- You can also create and save your own playlists. You can view them not only from Sony Bravia Smart TV, but also from your other devices on which ForkPlayer is installed. To make this available to you, you need to register on the official website of the application, go to your personal account and add existing devices to the list.
In addition, in ForkStore you can download and additionally install other unofficial applications for your Sony Smart TV. At the same time, it is worth considering that the configuration and installation features, as well as the availability of certain functions, may differ on different TVs depending on the year of their release.
There are several ways to install the ForkPlayer widget on Sony Bravia Smart TV. Now let's look at two basic instructions for installing it.
First, you will need to go to the TV’s network connection settings menu; In the window that appears, select manual installation; After this, a window will appear in front of you in which the initial DNS will be registered. Instead, you will need to enter 46.36.218.194. If this does not work, then instead enter DNS 85.17.30.89 or 217.79.190.156; After this, the connection to the network will begin; After the connection ends, launch the now.ru Theta or Lifeshow application through the Opera Store. As a result, the ForkPlayer widget will launch on your Sony Smart TV.
Method No. 2
First, you need to go to publsh.tvstore.opera.com and register there; After registering on the above site, you can receive an ID from the developer, which will be displayed on the Sony Bravia Smart TV in the Opera Store. In order to view it, you will need to go to the Menu and go to the About tab. It is worth noting that the ID number will only be valid for 15 minutes. If during this time you do not have time to enter it in the required field, then you will need to get it again. To do this, click on #ID; The ID received from the developer will need to be entered into the appropriate field on the above site; After this, you will need to enter the name of the widget and in the URL Loader column indicate a link to the site https://operatv.obovse.ru/2.5/ and save it all; As a result, a special category called Develop will appear in the Opera Store.
If you need access to sites such as tree.tv or 6p6.to, then you will also need to change the DNS specified in the network connection settings of the Sony Smart TV. Instead of the DNS available there, you should register 46.36.218.194 or 46.36.220.208.
WPS technology
WPS is an algorithm that allows you to connect to a network without entering a security key. The button for this is located on the router (not on the TV!), and if it is not there, this option is not available.
Advantages: quick setup, no need to remember or write down the code, the connection is immediately secure and intruders will not be able to connect to it. Disadvantages - this algorithm is not provided on all routers.
Important button
Important! The WPS button on the router can be combined with the reset button. A short press activates a safe setting, a long press (5 seconds or more) resets the settings.
There may also not be a separate indicator, and the power signal will flash when the wireless setting is activated. Only on some models there is a separate button and dedicated indicator for WPS.
On Sony Bravia TVs, connecting to Wi-Fi via WPS is easy. In the menu item “Connection settings/Wireless settings” you need to select the appropriate sub-item (“connection via WPS”). Then press the WPS button on the router and follow the instructions on the screen.
How to set up Smart TV on a Sony TV
The Smart TV function on a Sony TV is necessary to use all the entertainment or information services on the big screen that the equipment manufacturer provides. And to use smart TV, you must have an Internet connection via Wi-Fi or cable.
After establishing a connection between the router and the TV, subsequent operations must be carried out from the TV menu in the “Network” tab according to the following algorithm (the instructions are suitable for all models of the TV in question, for example, Sony Bravia):
- Select wired or wireless connection type. The preferred connection option is via Wi-Fi - this way the wires will not get in the way and spoil the appearance of the house.
- The user will be required to enter the password that was provided in an envelope by the service provider.
If the data is entered without errors, connecting to the Internet will take a few minutes. At the end of the operation, the TV will automatically prompt you to update the existing Sony firmware. It is advisable to perform this operation to avoid further errors and malfunctions of the device.
To do this, you need to confirm the action by clicking “Start download”. Once the download is complete, you will need to confirm the installation and the TV will automatically begin downloading. If the TV starts to turn on, and then turns on itself, then everything went well.
After these operations, the TV device will be almost ready to work with Smart functions; all that remains is to update the existing Internet content (a feature of Sony Bravia and other varieties of this model), as well as install the necessary applications.
To carry out the operation, you must follow the instructions:
- Press the Home key on the remote control.
- Go to the “Network” tab.
- Select the item “Update Internet content”.
Now you can go to the Sony store to select the necessary applications, which will be displayed in the “Processed” tab in the main menu. To install additional utilities, you can click on the “All applications” button, and then “Select from the list provided”. A list of useful programs that can be downloaded to your Sony Smart device will open.
To download the application you like to your personal menu, you need to click on it and click on the “Add to my applications” item. The utility will appear in the main menu on the right side of the screen.
Having completed all these steps, you can fully use the capabilities of Smart TV on your Sony device.
Possible problems
In most cases, problems on Sony TV related to Smart functions arise due to firmware that has not been updated for a long time (a warning message with network error 2123 or similar may appear on the screen).
In this case, you need to download the latest version of the program and thus get rid of the problem. Experts recommend checking regularly (once a month) for updates to keep your TV device in working order.
Troubles may also occur with the operation of some applications that are available thanks to Sony Smart TV. In this case, you need to update the system again, but within a specific, problematic utility.
To get rid of most problems, you need to download stable versions of installed programs from trusted resources.
As practice shows, most malfunctions arise not due to problems in the network or applications, but due to the actions of the users of Sony devices themselves - incorrect settings, poor connection of devices, and so on.
If the problem arises due to the fault of the manufacturers, then the company’s employees try to fix it as soon as possible by releasing new updates. Therefore, if you find a “bug,” you should go to the Sony Smart TV website and use the feedback to contact employees who can correct the shortcomings of the current official software. If the user wants to fully use his TV, he must register and authorize the Smart function in order to gain access to the full capabilities of the Sony device. And the attached instructions will help you carry out this operation on your own in a matter of minutes.
Security Key
A security key is a universal way to connect to the Internet. It works on all routers, regardless of their model and year of manufacture - this is its main advantage. The disadvantage is that you need to remember the network name and security key. If you miss any of this or write it with errors, there will be no connection.
For Wi-Fi to appear, you need to select the “scanning” sub-item in the “Wireless setup” menu item. The device itself will find all available networks. You need to select yours from the list and enter the security key. There is no need to configure anything additionally.
You need to enter a key
Setup using automatic configuration
You can set up a network using automatic configuration by performing the following steps:
- Place an access point (AP) and a TV nearby, and then turn them on. Since download times may vary, you may need to wait about two minutes. Before connecting your TV to a Wi-Fi router, you need to make sure that the network cable is connected to the router port. Otherwise, auto-configuration will only confirm the connection with the access point, but there will be no confirmation of connection to Wi-Fi.
- After a few minutes, connect the adapter to the TV. After this, a pop-up window will appear.
- After connecting, you should place the router parallel to the network adapter no further than 25 cm from it.
- You need to wait until the automatic connection occurs. Otherwise, a window indicating a malfunction will appear on the screen. To try again, you need to reboot the router, disconnect the adapter and start again from step 1. You can also choose another connection method: auto, manual or PBC.
- Place the AP in the desired location. If its parameters have changed, or a new access point is being configured, the steps must be repeated from the beginning.
Why do you need network parameters?
Network parameters are a set of data that devices use to distinguish their network from strangers. This is the name of the network, security settings and a number of other network settings.
The TV saves the router settings to connect to it faster. If the network data has changed (reset or changed settings, new router, etc.), then the network settings on the TV need to be configured again - via WPS or a security key (new).
Important! Before you connect Wi-Fi to your Sony TV, you need to make sure that the wireless connection unit fits it.
The Bravia series requires the UWA-BR100 unit. The devices are not compatible with the rest, including those intended for computers. The unit is connected via a USB connector on the side surface; it is not required for models with a built-in wireless communication module.
What do you need to know?
The network adapter allows SONY BRAVIA HDTVs to access the Internet wirelessly. It can be integrated or connected to the TV via USB input. Using the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) option, the receiver is connected to the home network.
The built-in adapter helps you connect your Sony TV to Wi-Fi without installing additional equipment. Using this option, you can easily access the Internet and use all the features and services of Smart TV.
Reference! The availability of an adapter in the package depends on the TV model. Either it is available or purchased separately. For Sony, only the UWA BR100 model is suitable.
All about the Smart TV function here:
Benefits of Autoconfiguration
If you unplug your TV and then reconnect it to the same wireless connection, you can use automatic configuration.
To do this, you need to select the “Scan” menu sub-item and select yours from the resulting list of networks. The device will then connect on its own because the security key has been saved. The function is convenient when moving and unstable Internet.
If the connection suffers
Manual network setup
Manual setup is needed if it was not possible to connect the smart TV in other ways. Sony Bravia may have difficulty recognizing older routers and routers.
Difficulties may also arise if there is no router, and you have to connect directly from a computer or laptop. In this case, you need to go to the settings menu and set all parameters manually. If the user does not know them, you need to consult your Internet provider. Some router parameters may be written in its instructions.
Wi-Fi Direct and Screen Mirroring
Wi-Fi Direct is a feature that solves the problem of how to connect a Sony TV to Wi-Fi if you don’t have a router. It is available on computers, laptops, phones and tablets with any operating system.
To establish a connection with a computer or laptop, you need to do the following:
- Enable Wi-Fi Direct mode on the TV and make sure there is a network connection.
- Go to manual Wi-Fi Direct setup, enter the security key if necessary.
- On your computer, go to the network settings, find the name of the desired device - Bravia, and enter the password.
Two screens - one picture
After this, you can play audio, video and photos from your computer. For laptops, the steps are completely similar. On Android tablets and phones, the required item is located in the “Settings/Network Settings” menu. On iPhones and iPads - in the “Settings/Wi-Fi” menu.
The result is that the same image will be displayed on both screens, only on the TV it will be larger and more colorful. Screen mirroring technology is suitable for photos and pictures, and to watch movies with its help, you need to turn off the sound on your phone, otherwise it will also be duplicated.
How to connect an iPhone to a Sony Bravia TV via Wi-Fi
- Activate Wi-Fi Direct on TV using the instructions above.
- Go to your iPhone settings and select Wi.Fi, then Dir-ect-xx-BRAVIA.
- In the window that opens, enter the WPA key displayed on the TV receiver display and click Join.
- Wait while pairing between devices is established. This may take a few minutes.
- After this, the settings window will be displayed. If there is a mark for the SSID on the iPhone side, and a dash on the Sony Bravia side, it means the docking has been established.
LAN cable (wired connection)
Most Bravia TVs have a backup option for connecting to the network - using a LAN cable. It connects to the TV through a connector designed for it, and through the same connector to a modem or router. In the same way, a connection to the Internet is established for those computers that do not have a Wi-Fi module.
Once the wire is connected, the TV will tune in automatically - the router will transmit all the necessary parameters to it. These can be adjusted in the settings menu to make the connection work better, but this is usually not necessary.
Advantages: quick setup and the most reliable connection possible.
Disadvantages - you need to accurately calculate the location of both devices, the length of the wire to connect them to each other.
Attention! The cable is easily damaged, this is especially true if there are children and pets at home.
Simple and reliable
Possible problems when connecting SONY TVs to the Internet
A Wi-Fi connection may fail if the provider registers a permanent MAC address of the device and verifies its authenticity each time to prevent unauthorized access. Since the MAC address of the TV is different, the provider refuses to provide services and the connection does not occur. To solve this problem, you should contact your provider and find out if you can connect Wi-Fi to your TV.
If the provider (Rostelecom) asks for a login and password to install the Internet, then before connecting the TV via Wi-Fi, you must enter the required data.
Problems may occur due to the firewall. If this is the case, then you need to contact your provider.
Sometimes resetting the TV helps. To do this, open the menu item “Support”, “Self-diagnosis” and “Reset”. After entering the PIN and agreeing to the terms of the license agreement, the factory settings will be restored.
Important! If you cannot connect to the Internet even after fulfilling the requirements of the service provider, you should contact specialists for help. https://www.youtube.com/embed/oiyvWK85P_0
Smartphone or tablet in remote control mode
Reliable Wi-Fi allows you to establish a connection between your TV and your phone. It is needed to transfer images, videos and music from a smartphone, and you can also replace the remote control using a phone or tablet. To do this, you need suitable applications (they are available for Android and iPhone).
Connection options:
- Through the general network of the house, which is distributed by the router - convenient for a smart home with a stable and powerful signal.
- Via Wi-Fi Direct - a direct connection, with weak Wi-Fi it works somewhat faster than a connection through a router.
- Through a shared router, the TV is connected by cable, and the phone is connected via a wireless network. Convenient for unstable and slow Wi-Fi.
Applications that launch TV remote mode work on one of these three connections. You need to make sure that the Internet (Wi-Fi) icon is lit on your TV, router and phone (tablet).
This is how you can change channels
How to connect your phone to a Sony Bravia TV
Now let's look at the features of connecting devices running Android OS to Sony TV.
As with the iPhone, the first step is to go into the device settings. In it, find the WI-Fi menu and turn on the module, then click on the three dots, then on Wi-Fi-Direct.
After activating the Wi-Fi-.Direct button, the gadget will begin searching for suitable devices. It will take some time. Upon completion, you will be presented with a list of all gadgets available for communication. Select the SSID of your home theater from this list and enter Password. A request to connect a new device will appear on the TV screen. Click “Ok”. Next, the TV receiver performs synchronization and then displays a message about successful pairing.
Don’t forget that you can synchronize no more than ten external gadgets with TV via Wi-Fi Direct. To view the list of gadgets working on your home network, you need to go to the Direct debugging menu on your TV, then press the “Options” button on the remote control and select “Display list of devices.” If you want to delete any of the connections, click on the button located in the center of the remote control. The “Are you sure you want to remove from the list” dialog box will open. Using the arrows on the remote control, move to the word “Yes”, then click on the central button.
