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I had the Spectrum streaming service included with my Spectrum internet and TV connection that I had signed up for.
I could watch content from it on my main Google TV, and I wondered if I could get it on my Vizio TV downstairs.
That way, I could have easy access to the kitchen if I wanted to grab a bite to eat and not miss anything.
I read up on what SmartCastOS, Vizio’s TV OS was capable of, and all the apps compatible with the system.
Vizio support was really helpful to me in getting more information, and I spent a lot of time sifting through a ton of forum posts in my quest to know more.
After a few hours of research, I managed to find quite a bit about the Spectrum app and Vizio’s SmartCast OS.
I always found incomplete or unclear information about this issue, so I compiled everything I found to create this article.
After reading through my piece, you’ll know everything there is to know about Vizio TVs’ compatibility with SmartCastOS.
To get the Spectrum TV app on your Vizio TV, you’ll need to mirror the Spectrum TV app from your phone or PC to your TV.
Read on to find out how to work around the fact that Vizio TVs don’t work with the Spectrum app natively.
Which Vizio TV Model Do I Have?
To know if your Vizio TV works with the Spectrum TV app, you’ll need to know what model your TV is.
Once you’ve found that out, you need to make sure if its a model released in 2018 or later; only those TVs support the Spectrum TV app.
To check your Vizio TV’s model number:
- Turn the TV on.
- Press the Menu button on the remote.
- Go toHelporSystem.
- SelectSystem Information.
- You can see the model number beside the model number label. Make a note of this before turning the TV off.
You can also find the model number on the TV packaging if you still have it with you.
Which Vizio TV Models Support the Spectrum App
Not all Vizio TVs support the Spectrum app, so knowing which model you have will help determine whether your TV supports the app.
For the Spectrum app to work, your Vizio TV needs to have Chromecast built-in, which is the case for newer Vizio TVs.
You’ll need to cast the Spectrum app from your phone or computer to your TV; that is why you need Chromecast support.
All new Vizio TVs, including the V-, M-, P-series, and the OLED TV, have SmartCast support.
If your TV remote has a button that says ‘V,’ your TV supports SmartCast.
Vizio started rolling out SmartCast TVs in 2016, so if you purchased your TV new after that year, the chances that your TV supports SmartCast are very high.
SmartCast lets you use the TV as a Chromecast and stream almost anything on your phone to your Vizio TV.
Prerequisites to Installing the Spectrum App
Before you use SmartCast to get the Spectrum app on your TV, you’ll need to make sure that you meet some of the prerequisites for the app.
First, make sure that you have a stable internet connection and a stable Wi-Fi signal.
You’ll be casting the Spectrum app through your Wi-Fi network, so make sure that your phone or another device you’re casting from is close to the Wi-Fi router for the best possible signal.
You also need to have a good internet connection because the Spectrum app requires stream content.
An unstable connection can cause frequent buffering and sometimes stop the stream altogether.
Make sure these two requirements are covered before you start casting.
Install the Spectrum App from the Play Store
You’ll need to install the Spectrum app on your phone before you can start casting to your Vizio TV.
To do this:
- Open the Google Play store on your phone.
- Use the search bar to find the Spectrum app.
- TapInstalland wait for the app to finish installing.
- Log in to the app with your Spectrum account.
After installing the app and logging in to your account, you’re ready to start streaming to your TV.
Cast Spectrum TV from an Android Device to Vizio TV
Now you can move on to getting the Spectrum app to stream to your TV.
Whatever is on your phone’s screen and whatever you see in the Spectrum app on the phone will show up on your TV when you do this.
To cast the Spectrum TV app to your Vizio TV:
- Make sure your TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open theGoogle Homeapp on your phone.
- Tap your Vizio TV from the list of devices.
- Mirror your phone screen to your TV by tapping the cast button.
- Open the Spectrum app on your phone and start playing content on it. It will be mirrored to your TV.
Cast Spectrum TV from a PC to Vizio TV
You can also do the same with your computer if you primarily use the Spectrum app or don’t have access to your phone.
To do this:
- Make sure Google Chrome is installed and updated to the latest version.
- OpenGoogle Chrome.
- Sign in to the same account you had on the Google Home app.
- Click the three dots on the top right of the screen.
- ClickCast.
- Select your Vizio TV from the list of devices.
- Go to the Spectrum streaming website and play the content you want to watch.
Spectrum TV Subscription Plans
You can watch content from the Spectrum app with any Spectrum plan that you can get.
However, when it comes to their TV services, other plans offer more channels as we go up the list of plans.
The basic plan, Spectrum TV Select, offers 125 channels for $45 a month, while the intermediate plan, Spectrum TV Silver, offers 175 channels at $70 a month.
Their highest plan, Spectrum TV Gold, offers 200+ channels at $90 a month.
The Spectrum streaming services that you can access with the app are included with all these plans.
Keep in mind that plan availability is subject to where you are located, so contact Spectrum to know what plans you can go for.
Alternatives to the Spectrum App
If you aren’t a fan of Spectrum Originals, there are a ton of streaming services that you can move to.
Some of these have more content than Spectrum’s streaming service and even have subjectively better exclusive shows.
Netflix is the best alternative because it offers almost every show you would ever need, thanks to its ever-expanding catalog, and its original content is better than most.
HBO Max or Disney+ are alternatives to Spectrum streaming but are more focused on HBO and Disney content, respectively.
Amazon Prime Video is also a strong choice with its large library of original and licensed titles available to watch at any time.
All of these apps run natively on your Vizio TV, which means you won’t need to cast your phone or computer screen to watch content.
Final Thoughts
The Spectrum app is adding content as time goes on, but they don’t support every TV out there.
Most smart TV operating systems, like Samsung’s Tizen and Google TV, are supported, but it doesn’t extend to the less popular brands.
You could upgrade your TV to a non-Vizio one if your Vizio TV is old, and I wouldn’t recommend getting a Vizio TV if you want to have every app for smart TVs under the sun.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Spectrum TV app compatible with Vizio Smart TV?
The Spectrum TV app isn’t natively compatible with Vizio smart TVs, but you can cast the app from your PC or Android by using the TV’s casting features.
Do I need a spectrum cable box if I have a smart TV?
You don’t need a Spectrum cable box if you have a smart TV because you can watch all channels on your Spectrum connection with the Spectrum TV app.
Can you watch Spectrum TV with just internet service?
If you have Spectrum internet, you can watch all channels available under the Spectrum TV Choice TV plan.
This plan only lets you watch 15 cable channels of your choice and some local channels, but you’ll still have to pay, but the monthly fee would be lesser.
What channels do you get with Spectrum TV stream?
Spectrum TV Stream has all the major channel networks like FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC, and more.
All of this is available at $25 a month, and if you want more channels, you can upgrade your plan.
