The question “how to transfer video from a computer to a TV” is relevant for all those who like to watch movies in good quality from the “big screen”. In one of the previous articles we talked in detail, here we will look at connecting a TV to a computer via wifi.
However, before you synchronize your TV with your computer wirelessly, you should make sure that:
- 1. Your TV is equipped with a “wifi module” or supports wireless data transmission/reception via a third-party connection.
- 2. Connectable to TV.
How to connect a computer to a TV via wifi?
Now about the connection itself.
- Communication between a computer and a TV via wifi can be carried out using Miracast and WiDi technologies.
Accordingly, it is necessary that both devices support this technology.
Synchronizing a computer with a TV is not particularly difficult:
- - In the network settings, enable “Miracast” or “WiDi” support (depending on the TV model), and the “wifi module” must be activated.
- - Go to the computer.
1. When using "WiDi"
Open the "Intel Wireless Display" program - you will be asked to connect to the found monitors - mark your TV and click "Connect". After this, a digital code will appear on the TV, which will need to be entered into the program on the computer.
2. When using "Miracast"
Most relevant for Windows 8/8.1/10 operating systems.
Click on the “Device” button in the lower right corner of the screen, then “Projector” - “Add a wireless display” and add your TV in the same way as the previous method.
For Windows 10, the procedure is slightly different. Open "Settings" - "Devices" - "Connected devices" and click "Add device".
A few words about the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies:
Broadcasting from a computer to a TV using WiDi:
- - support for high resolution - up to “4-K”;
- - ability to use screen extension (second monitor).
- - a relatively small number of devices support this technology;
- - slight playback delays are possible.
Connecting a TV to a computer via Miracast:
- - multiplatform standard;
- - connection is made directly.
- - frequent unstable work;
- - support (mostly) only new devices.
How to connect a computer to a TV via wifi using a “DLNA” server and the “Home Media Server” program?
Like the previous connection option, this connection of a TV to a computer via wifi is not particularly difficult: the program is intuitive and understanding it will not be difficult.
The main condition for synchronization is technology support from the TV and computer.
How to display a movie from a computer to a TV: setup steps
- Download and install the Home Media Server program: it is free, but it is best to download it from the official website.
After starting the program, you will be asked to make initial settings:
At the first stage, you select the “Device Type”, “File Support” and “Color Palette” of the program.
In the next step, choose which folders will be available for viewing: check only what you need and click “Finish”.
- - Carry out the proposed “Backup” of data;
- - In “Settings” in the “Network” section, specify the name of your server to make it easier to find on the TV (by default it is “HMS Comp”);
To turn on the “Media Server”, click “Launch” - your TV will appear in the “DMR Playback Device” section - click “Play”.
- Now on the TV, open “Sources” (usually the “Source” button on the remote control) and select the server created using the program from the list.
- Next, you will be asked to select the desired file to play from the folder directory.
How to display video from a computer to a TV using Chromecast from Google?
It should be noted right away that this device is worth the money spent, and setting up the connection between the computer and the TV is done as follows:
- - connect “Chromecast” to the “HDMI” connector on the TV, and the power cord to the network (or to a free “USB” port);
- - on your computer in the Google Chrome browser, go to “chromecast.com/setup” and click on “Set up a Chromecast device on this computer”;
- - the setup program will automatically detect the device - select it and click “Configure”: all you have to do is open the video of interest in the browser and click on the “Broadcast” button.
Here, in principle, are all the most current options for connecting a computer to a TV via wireless data transfer.
To do this, inspect the connectors available on the device. If you cannot determine the types of ports by eye, find their description in the documentation for your computer. Depending on the device model, you may see the following types of connectors:
- HDMI is a digital interface that is present on most modern computers. It transmits both audio and video, and therefore is optimal for outputting a multimedia signal to a TV.
- DVI is another digital port that is widely available on the market. It transmits only video, no sound.
- VGA is a popular analog connector. Like the previous type of port, it outputs only a video signal.
- Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 2, USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) are digital interfaces that are present in Apple computers. They all transmit video and sound. In addition, the Mac may be equipped with a regular HDMI connector.
There are other types of connectors. But we have listed the most popular ones. Surely your device is equipped with one or more of them.
2. Determine which connectors for signal reception are on the TV
Inspect the TV ports. Most modern models have HDMI and VGA connectors. Older ones are equipped with RCA format ports, the plugs for which are called tulips:
3. Select a cable according to the available connectors
If you have an HDMI TV
If both your TV and your computer have an HDMI connector, then everything is simple: you can connect the devices using an HDMI cable. This option will be optimal.
To connect a computer that does not have an HDMI port to an HDMI TV, you will also need a special signal converter along with an HDMI cable. Which one exactly depends on the connector available on the computer. This could be DVI → HDMI, VGA → HDMI or other adapters to HDMI.
In addition to the HDMI cable, such converters can often be connected to an additional audio cable, the other end of which is inserted into the computer. This allows audio to be transmitted bypassing the limitations of DVI and VGA. An audio cable is often sold complete with a converter.
www.amazon.com To connect to a Mac HDMI TV with Thunderbolt 2 or Mini DisplayPort, you will need a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter along with an HDMI cable. For it to transmit sound, ask the store for an adapter that supports audio.
If you have a VGA TV
For a VGA TV, the procedure will be similar. Only you will need an HDMI → VGA, DVI → VGA or other converter, depending on the computer port. The main thing is that it converts the signal to VGA.
If you have a TV with an RCA connector
If you have a very old model of TV with tulips at your disposal, then converters like HDMI → RCA, VGA → RCA and others that provide an RCA signal at the output are suitable.
In order not to make a mistake when buying a cable or converter, you can tell the seller the types of connectors on your TV and computer: he will select the appropriate option for you or check the compatibility of your choice.
4. Connect devices via cable
Turn off your computer and TV first for safety reasons. Next, connect the devices using a cable (and, if necessary, a converter). Only then turn on the devices. If the TV does not automatically detect the computer as the signal source, then do it yourself in the TV settings.
5. Adjust the TV picture using your computer
If the image is blurry, open the system settings on your computer and find the section responsible for the monitor. Here you can set the resolution that matches your TV and change the video display mode if necessary.
How to connect a computer to a TV via Wi-Fi
Modern smart TVs can be connected to computers wirelessly via a local Wi-Fi network. Technologies like DLNA and Wi-Fi Direct allow you to broadcast video, music and other content to your TV screen or completely duplicate the image from your computer on your TV, turning the latter into a wireless monitor. Moreover, in the case of Wi-Fi Direct, you don’t even need a router for this.
For example, on LG devices there is a service for similar functions. And Samsung TVs offer similar capabilities as part of the AllShare service.
Wireless connection settings may vary depending on the manufacturer and model of your TV. Some devices establish a connection in semi-automatic mode. Others require installation of additional software on the connected computer.
Therefore, it is difficult to formulate universal instructions that will suit all users. If you want to connect your TV to a computer via Wi-Fi, you will find the necessary information in the paper manual or on the manufacturer’s official website along with the software required for this.
Good afternoon, dear fellow electricians. My name is Valery. Not long ago I read an article on your website about how to connect a computer to a TV. I really liked the material, since this problem is, one might say, urgent for me. I bought an HDMI cable and connected my simple Acer laptop. The delight of the family members knew no bounds, after which constant viewing of movies and TV series began.
But, as usual, over time it became annoying that I constantly had to take out a long wire and stretch it across the floor of the room to the device. A couple of times my little son almost knocked over the device, and I thought about how to connect a laptop to a TV wirelessly, and in general, answer me, is there such a possibility.
Thank you in advance!
Good day to you, Valery. The author of the very article you referred to answers. Without confusing you, we’ll say right away that such a connection exists, but whether it will suit you is another question.
Wireless Connection Types
So, there are two ways to wirelessly connect your TV to your computer. The first is the TV’s support for Wi-Fi networks.
What is important to know here:
- Connecting in this way will connect your TV to the Internet or home local network, from where it can access open files on your PC. At the same time, the technical capabilities of your TV are very important.
- In the same article, we already wrote that there are various Smart TVs capable of connecting to networks, but some have access only to built-in services that stop working over time (for example, YouTube), while others have an almost full-fledged browser on board. with which we can visit many more sites.
- However, the cost of such models is frankly high, and you won’t change your TV just to watch videos from it.
- The option of connecting to your home network is also inconvenient, since you only have access to files located directly on your computer. Of course, if you are ready to constantly download movies and TV series via torrents, then this solution is acceptable, but we still think that this scheme is not the best solution.
In the photo above we presented a similar adapter. This particular model is more reminiscent of a flash drive, but there are other solutions with a more powerful body.
To summarize, let's say that when choosing a way to connect a TV to a computer wirelessly, this option is not entirely suitable, since you cannot use it as a monitor, which, in fact, is the ultimate goal. However, if you have a good modern TV, you don’t need a computer at all - connect it to the Internet this way and enjoy your home theater.
Video transmission over the air
To turn your TV into a monitor, you will need to purchase additional equipment.
- The first possible option is WiDi equipment from Intel.
- The device consists of two parts. The first is a USB transmitter, and the second is a receiver.
- To connect, you install the transmitter into a USB port and it starts broadcasting video and audio signals at a certain frequency.
- The response part connects to the HDMI connector on the TV and converts the signal into something that it can already understand.
Practice: creating a home network wirelessly
Long gone are the days when having a personal computer at home was an extraordinary event, and grandmothers near the entrance whispered about the owner of this “overseas miracle.” Today, it can be considered quite normal to have several computers at home (ideally for each family member), especially since the role of “personal computers” is often played by laptops, PDAs and other mobile gadgets. A characteristic feature of this computer park is the need to periodically (or constantly) connect them to each other. Information exchange, data synchronization, access to the Internet, joint games - this is an incomplete list of reasons that push the user, in the end, to create a home network.
Several years ago, the solution to this problem was quite clear - a wired local network. However, it is at least unreasonable to consider that such an option is acceptable today. Wireless technologies have gradually turned from a transcendental dream into an objective reality and provide an excellent chance to create a modern and convenient home network that is a paradise for home occupants and guests. A wireless home offers many benefits over a traditional wired network, so today we'll look at the basic principles of creating a wireless home network. Despite the fact that the main method of creating a network is Wi-Fi, we will still pay a little attention to Bluetooth, since in some cases creating a network based on this protocol is a completely suitable option.
The option is slow and not always convenient - BlueTooth
Generally speaking, Bluetooth is not a protocol for implementing a wireless network; it is intended for connecting various devices with each other, since it has a low data transfer rate (just over 700 Kbps) and a short range. As for the latter, it is regulated by the corresponding device class: Class 3 - 10 meters, Class 2 - 20 meters and Class 1 - 100 meters. Note that the distance is calculated without barriers to the propagation path, so the ideal option for an apartment or office where there are several interior partitions is to use first-class devices. The main disadvantage of this protocol in the network version is the low bandwidth, but if you do not download gigabytes of information every day, Bluetooth can serve very well.
BlueTooth modem and special module
To implement the network, each device must have a Bluetooth module. Built-in options are quite rare, so most often you have to turn to external modules. For a desktop computer or laptop this will be an adapter connected via USB (the so-called USB Dongle), for a pocket computer - a card of the appropriate form factor (Compact Flash, Secure Digital, etc.). Network participants can also include other devices that support this protocol, for example, mobile phones, digital cameras, etc. By the way, there are also Bluetooth adapters equipped with a parallel interface; they are most often used for wirelessly connecting printers, but they can also find other uses .
Connecting an external Bluetooth module usually does not cause problems, although some troubles may await the user during the software installation process. Most of the products we came across were equipped with software from Widcomm, and the installation process requires a fair amount of patience and endurance. Interestingly, the user does not influence the installation process in any way (except that you can choose the location where to install the files), you only need to agree with the messages displayed. The result of the program will be the appearance on the desktop of the Bluetooth environment icon (My Bluetooth Places) and the appearance of a huge number of virtual ports, which, nevertheless, work as if they were quite real.
List of services available when working with a BlueTooth device
Many people may find it interesting to connect Bluetooth devices to an existing local network. This process is very simple, and is one of the ways to expand an existing LAN. Essentially, a Bluetooth hotspot is installed and connected to the wired network. The ability to serve up to seven Bluetooth devices with one access point at a time (using PPP over Bluetooth) is a good opportunity to extend the life of an already established network.
Option fast and promising - WiFi
However, using Bluetooth to create a wireless network is only suitable in rare cases (for example, if the speed of the network is not important to you) and does not fully implement the task. Wi-Fi (or IEEE 802.11) is a technology that is designed not only to replace the existing wired network, but also to significantly improve its characteristics. Bandwidth up to 54 Mbit/s, sharing of files and network resources, shared Internet connection (all computers in the house can use one common broadband access channel), a minimum of settings, etc. have ensured the enormous success of this technology.
WiFi routers differ in design, but not much
The first and mandatory attribute of organizing a home Wi-Fi network is an access point, which is responsible for creating a “zone” of a wireless network (by analogy with a wired network, it can be considered a network concentrator or hub). Usually it is a small plastic box with one or two short antennas. On the front panel there are several LEDs indicating the status of the access point, and on the back there are several connectors. This is a socket for connecting a power supply, a standard RJ-45 connector for connecting a 10/100BaseT network cable, and sometimes there may be a serial port connector that allows you to fine-tune the access point (in our case it will not be needed). There is usually a “Reset” button nearby, which can be useful in case of any problems with the device or the need to change the operating configuration. Some access points have an additional connector for connecting an external antenna, which makes sense when organizing a relatively long network (for example, between several houses).
Let's make a small digression regarding the choice of version of the Wi-Fi standard. Of the three currently existing options (a,b,g), preference should be given to 802.11g, which provides the highest speed, operates in the standard 2.4 Hz range and is backward compatible with 802.11b (in this case, this participant has a speed will be lower than that of faster modules on the network). As for 802.11a, in some situations this version may be the only solution. The 2.4 GHz range is “pseudo-free”, and moving to 5 GHz implies the presence of a special permit in our country (although here the speed is higher and the distance that information travels is greater).
Best Selling Wireless Access Points
| Model | Price | |
| 1 | D-Link DWL-2000AP+ | 91 $ |
| 2 | Pheecom WAP-154G | 77 $ |
| 3 | Cisco 1231G | 140 $ |
| 4 | Linksys WAP54G | 259 $ |
| 5 | Pheecom W-118C+ | 103 $ |
| Source: ZOOM.CNews based on store data |
The ideal place to install an access point, oddly enough, is the ceiling, which provides the greatest range of the network (mounting holes are usually provided on the case). Setting up a network usually does not cause problems and is similar to setting up any network equipment. A traditional interface, the main parameter of which is the IP address of the access point, which must be specified in the properties of any browser. Now any device with a Wi-Fi module (built-in version, PCMCIA card for a laptop, CF/SD card for a pocket computer, USB module for a computer, etc.) can access the wireless network.
However, this is the simplest option and the least valuable. In most cases, you need to provide wireless Internet access for several devices, provided that the computer is connected to the World Wide Web via a cable modem or ADSL. Of course, this problem can be solved by installing on a computer with Internet access a program that distributes network resources (for example, the well-known WinGate). This option is quite workable, but such a load on the computer actually turns it into a network server, which is not always desirable. Therefore, our next object is a router.
An ADSL router is distinguished by the presence of a corresponding connector
A router (sometimes called a gateway) is precisely the dedicated device that is capable of distributing high-speed cable or ADSL Internet access between all devices on the wireless network. The advantages of using it are ease of setup and ample capabilities; the only disadvantages include the relatively high cost. The set of connectors is similar to that of the access point, the main difference is three (or more) RJ-45 connectors. In the vast majority of cases, a WiFi router includes the following devices:
- Hub (in the photo – for 4 ports);
- The router itself (smart router, which, for example, allows you to “distribute” rights and mac addresses);
- ADSL modem or port for connecting to a leased line;
- WiFi access point;
- FireWall (this doesn’t always happen, but lately finding a device without it has become a problem).
Now about its capabilities. Firstly, you can use the router as a regular network switch, but this will be of little use. More interesting is the installation of address translation mode, which allows all members of the home network to access the Internet without any problems. You can forget about the painful setup of proxy servers and simply specify the router address on any computer. If desired (or necessary), Internet access for home network users can be configured in the most intricate way (denying specific devices from certain sites or services, port forwarding, sharing Internet access, organizing a DHCP server, IP sharing, firewall, VPN pass-through etc.).
The built-in hub will make life much easier for those who have more than one PC
As for the router settings, all the latest models of these devices use an HTML interface for these purposes. After making all the connections and typing the IP address of the router in the browser, the user gains access to all settings. To ensure access to the Internet, simply enter the data provided to you by your provider. All setup information is usually described in detail in the user manual (paper or electronic version); by the way, the login and password for the initial login are also located there.
Web interface for managing the router
In principle, this is all that is needed to create a home Wi-Fi network; the only thing left behind is its security. This issue is quite serious (you don’t want “left-wing” users to access the Internet “through you”) and deserves a separate discussion. In general terms, the use of WEP encryption, which is a built-in Wi-Fi feature, is not only desirable, but also mandatory.
Best Selling Wireless Routers
Allows you to comfortably view videos and photos, play computer games or simply surf the Internet. Therefore, many users connect their laptop to their TV. This can be done using a special HDMI cable. Then the screen of the TV device will become like a second monitor and project the image from the laptop. But it’s much easier to connect your laptop to your TV via wifi. There will be no need to place equipment as close to each other as possible or connect and hide wires. So today we will tell you about how to connect a laptop to a TV via wifi in different ways.
Most modern TV devices are equipped with a feature that allows you to access interactive content. Due to this, you can easily display a wide variety of information from the Internet on the TV screen - films, videos, music, games, blogs, etc. This technology is called smart.
The most common and advanced platforms are Samsung Smart TV and LG Smart TV. Other manufacturers are actively implementing similar technology - Sony, Philips, Panasonic, Thomson, etc.
So we will connect such a TV with Smart TV to the laptop. This is done as follows:
If you have configured everything correctly, you can start movies in two clicks. Simply “highlight” any video file on your laptop, click on it with the auxiliary mouse button and select “Play on...”. In the list that opens, you just need to click on your TV model. For example, Sony Bravia KDL-42W817B. After which the broadcast on the big screen will begin automatically.
For reference! Videos in MKV format will most likely not be played with this connection. Therefore, choose files with the AVI extension.
Connecting the TV to the laptop using WiDi
First of all, this method is good because it does not require any “sharing” of folders and sharing settings. WiDi technology uses the Wi-Fi standard and simply duplicates the image from the laptop to the screen of the TV device. True, there are a couple of nuances. You can organize a connection in this way only if the laptop:
- Built on a third generation Intel processor;
- Equipped with Intel Wi-Fi module;
- Integrated Intel graphics;
- OS – Windows 7, 8, 10.
In some cases, you may also need to install Intel Wireless Display software. As for the TV itself, it must support Miracast (WiDI) technology. Most modern models that have been produced since 2012-2013 have this function by default.
The WiDi connection procedure itself includes several stages:
It also happens that you have done everything as described above, but the TV does not see the laptop. Then open the Charms panel on the laptop, click the “Devices” tab. Then select “Projector” and add your wireless screen. We also update Wi-Fi drivers.
We connect the TV to the laptop using special software
You can connect two devices via wifi to display an image using various programs. Today there is a lot of all kinds of software for playing content on a TV without using wires. Although the most in demand are:
- Samsung Share (has a simplified interface, but is mainly compatible only with Samsung devices);
- Share Manager.
Moreover, of all these programs, the home media server is the most stable application. In addition, it is suitable for almost all TV models from different manufacturers. Using a home media server as an example, we’ll tell you how to display an image from a laptop to TV:
- Download the distribution kit for free from the official website of the developer - http://www.homemediaserver.ru
- Install the program on the laptop.
- Let's launch it. A table will appear listing the various devices. In this list, you need to select the one to which the content will be transferred. That is, we search and click on your TV model. Click the “Next” button.
- The program will offer to share certain folders. By default, these are “Video”, “Music”, “Images”. However, you can manually specify other folders where you store your movies or photos, so that you can then watch them on the TV screen. Just click on the “Add” button on the right with a big green plus.
- Then we confirm the scanning procedure. Click “Ok” and “Finish”.
Now the various contents that you have specified in the home media server program will be displayed on the big screen of your TV.
Other similar applications work on the same principle. So there shouldn’t be any difficulties when using them. So you have learned how to connect a laptop to a TV via a wireless wifi network using special software.
What to do if there is no wifi module on the TV?
A wireless connection to a laptop via Wi-Fi is impossible unless there is a special module. For example, it is not available on older models of TV devices that were released more than 5 years ago. Naturally, you can’t connect a laptop to such a TV without a cable. How to be? You will have to use additional devices.
For example, an adapter can help expand the capabilities of a TV. Usually it is inserted into the HDMI port. What similar gadgets can we recommend? This:
- Google Chromecast;
- Android Mini PC;
- Compute Stick;
- Miracast adapter.
All of the adapters listed above will allow you to establish a wireless connection and transfer images from your laptop to your TV.
