Modern Sony televisions running the Android TV operating system offer users a wide range of multimedia experiences. A wireless connection between a personal computer and the TV screen allows you to stream movies, photos, and presentations without the need for unnecessary wires. This not only frees up space in the room but also makes the viewing experience significantly more comfortable for the whole family.
There are several key technologies that make it possible to implement wireless image transmission with high stability. The most common standards are Miracast for full screen sharing and DLNA for media streaming. The choice of a specific method depends on what exactly you plan to show on the big screen: your entire desktop or individual video files.
Before you begin setup, make sure both devices are on the same local network. This is a fundamental requirement, without which Sony Bravia It simply won't see your computer in the list of available devices. It's also worth checking that your PC has the latest driver for your wireless network adapter, as older versions of the software may not support the necessary encryption protocols.
In this article, we'll cover every step of the connection process, from basic router settings to fine-tuning screen resolution. You'll learn how to avoid image lag and audio desync, which often occur with improper network configuration. Having the right equipment and understanding the principles of data transfer protocols are key to successful synchronization.
Preparing equipment and checking network settings
The first step to a successful connection is properly organizing your local network. Your computer and Sony TV must be connected to the same router. If you're using a wired connection for your PC, make sure it's on the same subnet as your TV, which is connected via WiFi. In some corporate or complex home networks with multiple access points, devices may not be able to see each other due to client isolation.
Check the connection status on the TV itself. To do this, press the settings button on the remote control and go to the section Settings → Network & InternetAn active connection to your WiFi network with an assigned IP address should be indicated here. If the connection status is absent or limited, further wireless broadcast setup is not possible.
⚠️ Important: If your router broadcasts 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks with different names (SSIDs), make sure both devices are connected to the same frequency network. Some older device discovery protocols don't work well when using separate frequency bands.
On the computer side, you also need to perform a number of checks. Open the command prompt and enter the command ipconfig, to your IP address. It should begin with the same three numbers as the TV's IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.xxx). It's also important to select "Private network" rather than "Public" in Windows network profiling settings, as the latter blocks device discovery.
Screencasting via Miracast technology
Miracast technology is a standard for wirelessly transmitting images and audio in real time. This feature is built-in natively in Windows 10 and 11 operating systems and requires no additional software. On Sony Android TVs, this feature is often called "Casting" or "Screen Mirroring."
To start the process, you need to launch the corresponding application on your TV. Find the program in the application menu. Screen Mirroring or go to Settings → Connections → Screen MirroringThe TV will enter connection standby mode, and the device name will appear on the screen, visible to the computer. Make sure the TV hasn't entered sleep mode while in standby mode.
On your computer, press the key combination Win + KThe "Connection" panel will open on the right, searching for available wireless displays. The name of your Sony TV should appear in the list. Click it, and a connection confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen. You'll need to confirm this using your remote.
Miracast Checklist
Once the connection is successful, the desktop image will be duplicated on the TV screen. You can change the projector mode by pressing again. Win + PThe available options are: "Second screen only" (the image appears on the TV only), "Repeat" (a copy of the desktop), "Extend" (the TV becomes a second monitor), and "PC screen only".
Miracast transmission quality directly depends on the WiFi signal strength. If you notice artifacts or cursor lag, try moving the router closer to your TV or computer. It's also worth considering that this technology uses H.264 encoding, which creates a minimal but noticeable latency that's unacceptable for professional gaming but ideal for watching videos and presentations.
Using DLNA for media streaming
If you want to play a video file, music, or display photos stored on your computer's hard drive, DLNA technology is more efficient than full-screen streaming. It allows the Sony TV to act as a renderer, reading data directly from the PC server, freeing up computer resources and ensuring more consistent picture quality.
In Windows, the media server feature is built into the default player. Open the "Streaming Media" app or use File Explorer. In the "Media Streaming Settings" menu, make sure the feature is enabled. Your Sony TV should appear in the list of devices. If it shows as "Blocked," click the corresponding button and select "Allowed."
Why doesn't the TV see the folders?
If your TV doesn't display folders with DLNA enabled, check if Windows Firewall is blocking your private network. Also, make sure the folder properties on the "Sharing" tab are set to allow access for the "Everyone" or "Home" group.
You can use your TV remote to control playback. Open the Media Player app on Android TV, select the "Server" source, and find your computer's name. The folder structure will be displayed just like on a PC. This allows you to easily navigate your movie library using the large screen and TV interface.
The advantage of DLNA is subtitle support and playback controls (pause, rewind) without the lag typical of Miracast. However, it's important to remember that the file format must be supported by the TV's codecs. If the file doesn't play, you may need to convert it or install a third-party player on your Android TV, such as VLC or MX Player.
| Characteristic | Miracast (Broadcast) | DLNA (Media) | HDMI (Cable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Screen Stream (video) | Files (video, photo, audio) | Digital signal |
| Delay | Medium/High | Minimum | Absent |
| PC load | High (coding) | Low | Low |
| Interface | Desktop clone | TV interface | Clone/Extension |
Setting resolution and refresh rate
After establishing a wireless connection, it's often necessary to adjust the image settings. Sony TVs have excellent displays, but by default, Windows may set the wrong resolution or frame rate, resulting in a blurry picture or no picture at all. Correct setup screen resolutions is critical for comfortable viewing.
To change the settings, right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings." Under "Display resolution," select the recommended value, which is usually 1920×1080 for Full HD or 3840×2160 For 4K models. If you're using desktop extension mode, make sure the Sony TV display is selected.
Particular attention should be paid to the refresh rate. For TVs, the optimal value is 60 Hz or 50 Hz (depending on the region and broadcast standard). Setting the value 30 Hz may make cursor movement jerky, and high frequency (120Hz) over wireless may not be available due to WiFi bandwidth limitations.
⚠️ Please note: Operating system and TV model interfaces may vary. If you don't find the menu item you need, please refer to the official documentation for your Sony model or update your TV's software.
You can also adjust the color range in the graphics settings (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel control panel). For TVs, we recommend selecting the "Full" mode (0-255) to ensure that blacks are truly black, not gray. This will significantly improve image contrast when watching movies.
Resolving and eliminating delays
Despite the convenience of wireless technology, users may encounter a number of issues. The most common is audio-video syncing. If the actors' lips aren't lip-syncing, try finding the "Audio Sync" or "A/V Sync" setting in your Sony TV settings and adjusting the sync delay manually. Switching the audio output in Windows to the TV speaker may also help if the audio was previously coming from your PC speakers.
Another problem may be an intermittent connection or poor image quality. This often indicates an overloaded WiFi channel. If you have many devices on your network, try temporarily disabling torrent downloads or updates on other devices. Restarting the router can also often help clear the buffer and restore a stable connection.
If your computer no longer detects your TV after a Windows update, the problem may be related to resetting your network settings. Try resetting your network from the command prompt with administrator privileges using the command netsh winsock reset, and then be sure to restart your computer. This restores the default network protocols.
In some cases, antivirus software may be blocking the connection. Check your firewall settings and ensure that the Projector and Streaming Media apps are allowed to work on private networks. Adding them to the exceptions list often resolves the sudden connection loss issue.
Alternative connection methods and third-party software
If the standard Windows and Android TV tools do not provide the desired result, you can always turn to third-party solutions. Program Google Chrome has a built-in casting feature that works very reliably. Open the browser, click the three dots in the corner, select "Cast," and find your TV. This allows you to cast either a single tab or your entire desktop.
For smartphone and tablet owners, Chromecast built-in technology, which is built into most modern Sony TVs, is a popular choice. You can stream content from your mobile device and then control playback using your phone as a remote. This is especially convenient for YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming services.
There are also specialized Android TV apps, such as AirScreen or ApowerMirror, that add AirPlay support for Apple device owners. This makes connecting a MacBook or iPhone to a Sony TV as easy as connecting to an Apple TV. Installing this software on your TV turns it into a universal media center.
The choice of connection method depends on your specific needs. Miracast is ideal for office presentations and document management. For a home theater, DLNA or built-in Smart TV apps are better. Understanding the differences between these technologies allows you to flexibly manage your multimedia space at home.
Why doesn't my Sony TV see my computer in the list of devices?
The most common cause of the problem is that the devices are on different subnets or that discovery is disabled on the PC. Make sure the network profile is set to "Private" and the SSDP service is running. Also, make sure the router's AP Isolation feature, which prevents devices within the network from communicating, isn't enabled.
Is it possible to play games on TV via WiFi?
Technically, this is possible, but not recommended for fast-paced shooters or racing games due to input lag. Wireless image transmission always has a latency of 50 to 200 ms. For turn-based strategy games, card games, or gameplay viewing, this is perfectly acceptable, but for competitive online play, an HDMI cable is better.
How to improve picture quality during wireless broadcasting?
Make sure your router supports the 802.11ac (WiFi 5) standard or later and operates at 5 GHz. Place the router within direct line of sight of your TV and computer. Close any bandwidth-consuming background programs on your PC, and use a wired connection between the router and your ISP to avoid hogging the WiFi channel with unnecessary data.