I discovered my TV's USB port has 5 hidden benefits (and wish I knew sooner)

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET's key takeaways

• Most TVs hide surprisingly handy USB ports on the back.
• Plugging into them can unlock extra features and convenience.
• They can even help breathe new life into an older TV.

After the initial setup, most people rarely engage directly with their smart TV. With wireless connectivity, phone apps, and remote controls, there's little need to. Tucked next to the essential HDMI ports, a USB 2.0 port -- likely sitting unnoticed on the back or side panel -- offers more potential than you might expect.   

Also: Your Roku has hidden settings and menu screens - here's how to unlock them

USB ports are easy to overlook, but they're a standard feature on most TVs -- and more useful than you might think. Here are five clever ways to make the most of them.

1 ...