If you have noticed, Smart TVs now park more connectivity ports than ever before in similar ways to your computer. And this is no mistake. TVs aren’t those self-contained boxes which you just sit and watch. That was TV in my Dad’s generation or while I was growing up. Now TVs connect to devices around the home and to the internet to make your entertainment experience just more than watching old school television.
To do that, Next generation of TVs come with a park of ports which allow for both cable and wireless connectivity options. These series of inputs and output channels are meant to give you the best sitting room entertainment experience via sharp images and crisp sound from across multiple devices.
Lets see what your TV ports are and what they do.
HDMI: One cable to rule them all
Short for High-Definition Multimedia Interface , HDMI has become the default for digitally delivering uncompressed audio and video data between devices all through a single cable. Almost all modern consumer-electronic brands now ship with one or more HDMI ports. You’ll not only find HDMI ports on your TV, but it also on AV receivers, DVD players, DVR, Blu-ray Disc players, and set-top boxes or decoders.
HDMI standard has really evolved. It started with HDMI 1.1 which supported only DVD audio and then evolved to HDMI 1.3 which increased speeds to bandwidth to 340 MHz (10.2 Gbps). HDMI 1.4 added 4K Resolution and HDMI Ethernet Channel support. The latest Standard HDMI 2.0 aka HDMI UHD supports total bandwidth of 18Gbps and 4K resolution support . It’s important that you find out which standard is supported by your TV to take advantage of its capabilities.
Related post: How to connect your decoder to your TV screen via HDMI cable
It’s also important that you know the different HDMI connector plugs. These vary depending on the device that you own and they include; Type A (standard), Type C (Mini), and Type D (Micro). Your TV most likely uses the standard HDMI connector.
To connect to the HDMI port of your flat screen or smart TV, you need an HDMI cable which come in different shapes and colors. There are about 5 different kinds of HDMI cables ;
- Standard HDMI Cable – up to 1080i and 720p.
- Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet.
- Standard Automotive HDMI Cable.
- High Speed HDMI Cable – 1080p, 4K 30 Hz, 3D and deep color.
- High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet.
You will most likely be fine with a standard HDMI Cable for your flat screen or smart TV. But if you want one which enables you to share internet with connected devices, then you will have to go with a standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet.
USB: Bring multimedia to your TV
It might seem a bit odd to have a USB ( Universal Serial Bus) port on your TV, but when you need to watch a movie or play music from a flash disk or external drive, you quickly know why you need a USB port on your TV. Most people are unsurprisingly familiar with this standard coming from the PC world. It has evolved from USB 2.0 with transfer speeds of 480 Megabits per second (Mbps) to the latest USB 3.0 which boasts speeds of 5 Gbps.
Related: The difference between Micro USB and USB type C
Most TV support USB 2.0 standard with only the most recent cutting edge TVs having a few USB 3.0 ports.
The other important thing to know is the USB interface connectors. They are about 5 different types of USB connectors/cables and they include;
- USB Type-A: Rectangular connector Used in most peripherals (such as keyboards and mice) and Personal computers, power adapters and TVs.
- USB Type-B: Square connector less commonly used but found in printers.
- Mini-USB: Used in some cameras.
- Micro-USB: current standard for mobile and portable devices.
- USB Type-C: Next generation reversible connector.
Your Flat screen TV is most likely supporting the standard USB Type-A similar to the one on your laptop. And most TVs come with one or two standard USB ports. That means you can hook up your external Hard drive, flash disk to your TV where you can watch video or play music or even charge your phone with your TV. Pretty neat.
Composite/Component AV: Back to the future
Do you remember the CRT-Tube TV you grew up watching as a kid? The memories of our Sony Trinitron is still fresh in my mind. Vintage TV screens used to use analog means to transmit data from speakers, DVD players, decoders to the TV via composite AV connectors.
Composite AV has 3 cables — one for video and the other two for audio left and right. While this was the standard with old TVs, newer flat screen and some smart TV still come with them. Component AV on the other hand is similar to composite except it comes with 5 cables — 3 for video and 2 for audio left and right. However, only the latest HDTV support this standard.
- Composite av cable : 3 cables (1 for video and 2 for audio).
- Component av cable: 5 cables (3 for video and 2 for audio)
When buying a flat screen/Smart TV, you want to make sure it supports one of the standards because you might still have that old DVD player, speaker, or satellite decoder that only accepts analog inputs. Older DSTV decoders and all GoTV decoders surprisingly don’t have HDMI ports and only support composite AV interface.
Headphone Jack
Typically TVs don’t come with headphone jack. I mean why would you need one? And wouldn’t it be such as inconvenience to be close to the TV so you can plug in your headphones and listen? Well, that’s relative. If you have some people around who don’t wish to be distracted by sound from the TV, then a headphone jack should do the job.
Some TVs come with a headphone jack allowing you to connect your normal headphones through the standard 3.5mm audio connector. Obviously you will have to change the sound output of your TV to send audio through the headphones. Some TVs which don’t come with headphone jack provide similar functionality through remote control. RokoTV remotes for instance are popular for having a headphone jack.
Digital Optical Audio Output
Have you noticed that very distinct trapezoidal port at the back of your TV you barely use? Trust me, you’ll notice it because it’s like one of those very unique kids in your high school classroom. It’s called digital optical audio output also known as TOSLink and S/PDIF. It’s a connector that carries audio data via an optical connection as opposed to conductive wires used in HMDI, USB and composite AV links. It’s important to note that optical audio output only carries audio signal and nothing else. Video data will require a separate connection just like with composite/component cables.
Developed by Toshiba back in 1983, TOSLink is capable of carrying up to 7.1 channels of very high-resolution audio. However, the standard has since been replaced by the immensely popular HDMI standard because of HDMI’s simplicity, wide adoption and ease of use.
LAN Ethernet
Your smart TV might already come with a Wireless LAN which enables you to hook up your screen to the home WiFi. However, WiFi has its limitations; its prone to interference and slightly slower. Your Videos might buffer on the TV if you are streaming full HD or 4K resolution media.
The solution is having a dedicated LAN ethernet port similar to the one you have on your computer.
LAN ethernet is much faster than WiFi. If your smart TV has Gigaethernet, then you can be rest assured that you’ll stream full HD or 4K video from a set-top box, media server or the internet without buffering. All you have to do is connect your TV to one of your home router’s ethernet port via standard RJ45 ethernet cable. Usually it’s a plug-and-play affair here as your TV will automatically pick a dynamic IP from your router.
RF Antenna Input
Because most people still have those old TV antennas around, RF or R adio Frequency connector still come with modern TV sets. After all, this is what makes TV the good-old Television. Using coaxial cable, TV radio frequency signals are sent from the antenna to the TV set. Normally, these cables have screw-in heads to help keep the connection secure and stable, so most RF antenna inputs look like small screws protruding out of the TV.
So there you have; a complete guide to smart TV connectivity. Chances are that your TV has 60% or all the ports mentioned here. However, we are more likely to see more ports completely deprecated from TV as is the current trend with smartphones and computers. Eventually, your TV might have only one or no port at all as most data transmission functions might be done wirelessly via Bluetooth or WiFi. That’s very likely because Smart TVs are getting thinner. Secondly modern TV are mostly wall-mounted which does not give enough room to fixing connections via ports usually located at the back of the TV.
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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