How to Set Up Wi-Fi Movie Watching on Your TV from Your Computer: A Complete Guide (2026)

Stream movies from your computer to your big TV screen via Wi-Fi — a convenient way to enjoy content without unnecessary wires and external drives. However, not all users know that stable video transmission without stuttering or loss of quality requires not only a reliable network connection but also the right choice of technology. Depending on the TV model (Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia or Xiaomi Mi TV) and the computer operating system (Windows 10/11, macOS or Linux) different protocols are available: from standard DLNA to advanced Miracast or proprietary solutions like Google Chromecast.

In this article we will look at all current wireless broadcasting methods, including their pros and cons, hardware requirements, and step-by-step instructions. We'll pay special attention to setup. router to minimize lags, select the optimal resolution (1080p vs 4K) and solving common problems - from no sound to disconnected connections. If you've already tried connecting but encountered errors like "Device not supported" or "No screens available", here you will find specific solutions.

📊 Which streaming method have you tried before?
DLNA (via media server)
Miracast (wireless display)
Chromecast/Google Cast
Steam Link or gaming services
Never tried it

1. Network Preparation: Why Wi-Fi Should Be at 5 GHz

Before setting up a broadcast, check your settings. Wi-Fi networksMost modern TVs and computers support two ranges:

  • 📶 2.4 GHz - long signal range, but low bandwidth (up to 300 Mbps). Only suitable for video in the resolution 720p.
  • 🚀 5 GHz - shorter range, but speed up to 1 Gbps and above. Required for 1080p, 4K And HDR.

If your router (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic etc.) operates in the mode 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), switch it to 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6). To do this:

  1. Open the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
  2. Go to the section Wireless Network → Wi-Fi Settings.
  3. Select range 5 GHz and set the channel width 40 MHz or 80 MHz.
  4. Save the settings and reconnect all devices.
⚠️ Attention: If the TV and computer are in different rooms, and the walls are made of concrete or brick, the 5 GHz signal may be weakened. In this case, use Mesh system or Wi-Fi repeater with support 5 GHz.

Also make sure that the router is disabled. power saving mode (If any) - it may disconnect after prolonged inactivity. To check the connection speed between your PC and TV, use the utility iPerf3 or built-in tests in the TV menu (for example, Settings → Network → Speed ​​Test on Samsung QLED).

2. Method 1: DLNA - a simple media server for movies and music

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a universal standard for exchanging multimedia between devices on a local network. It is built into most Smart TV and allows you to stream movies, photos, and music without additional software. However, DLNA has its limitations:

  • 🎬 Doesn't support DRM-protected content (eg movies from Netflix or Apple TV+).
  • 🔄 No playback synchronization (pausing on TV will not stop the video on PC).
  • 📶 Requires a stable connection - if the signal is weak, the video will "lag".

To set up DLNA:

  1. On the computer:
    • For Windows 10/11: turn on Media streaming V Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options.
    • For macOS: install Plex Media Server or Kodi.
  • On TV:
    • Open the app Media player, Photos and videos or SmartShare (on LG).
    • Select your computer from the list of DLNA devices.
    Device DLNA app Supported formats
    Samsung Smart TV SmartThings or Media player MKV, MP4, AVI (up to 4K)
    LG webOS SmartShare MP4, MOV, TS (without DTS sound)
    Sony Bravia Media Player MKV, MP4, WMV (with limitations on 1080p)
    Xiaomi Mi TV Mi Home or File manager Any formats, but with on-the-fly conversion
    ⚠️ Attention: If the TV does not see the computer in the DLNA list, check that the PC is enabled network profile "Private Network" (and not "Public"). Windows This is configured in Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Change connection properties.

    Disable VPN on PC | Make sure TV and PC are on the same network | Update TV firmware | Check movie folder permissions -->

    3. Method 2: Miracast - Wireless Display Without Lag

    Miracast — a technology that allows you to duplicate your computer screen on a TV using the same principle HDMI over the airUnlike DLNA, it streams not only video but also the entire desktop, making it convenient for presentations or gaming. However, Miracast has strict hardware requirements:

    • 🖥️ The computer must support Wi-Fi Direct (all PCs on Windows 8.1/10/11 And macOS 10.10+).
    • 📺 The TV must have a built-in Miracast receiver (have at Samsung since 2013, LG since 2014, Sony Bravia since 2015).
    • 🔌 Both devices must be connected to the same network 5 GHz.

    Connection instructions:

    1. On TV:
      • On Samsung: Source → Screen Mirroring.
      • On LG: Settings → Connection → Screen Mirroring.
      • On Sony: Settings → Network → Miracast.
  • On a computer with Windows:
    • Click Win + K and select your TV from the list.
    • Or go to Settings → System → Project to this PC.
    • On macOS use AirPlay (only for Apple TV or TVs with support AirPlay 2).

    Miracast is suitable for:

    • 🎮 Low-latency games (but not for eSports — lag ~30-50 ms).
    • 📊 Presentations and slide shows.
    • 🎥 Watch movies in original quality without recoding.
    ⚠️ Attention: If the image on your TV is tearing or artifacts appear, reduce the screen resolution on your PC to 1920×1080 (60 Hz). To do this, change the parameters in Display Settings → Resolution.
    Why might Miracast not work?

    If your TV does not appear in the list of projection devices, it may be due to the following reasons:

    1. Outdated TV firmware - update the software via Settings → Support → Software Update.

    2. Blocked by firewall - temporarily disable Windows Defender or add an exception for Connectify (if you use it).

    3. Incompatible codecs — Miracast does not support hardware accelerated video (for example, via NVIDIA NVENC). Try playing the movie in VLC with hardware decoding disabled.

    4. Method 3: Google Chromecast – universal streaming for any device

    If your TV does not support DLNA or Miracast, but you don’t want to buy a new one - there is a solution: Google Chromecast (or built-in Google Cast V Android TV). This method works even with older TV models connected via HDMI. Advantages:

    • 🌐 Cross-platform: works with Windows, macOS, Android And iOS.
    • 🎵 Streaming service support: YouTube, Netflix, Kinopoisk and others.
    • 📱 Smartphone control: you can use your phone as a remote control.

    To configure:

    1. Connect Chromecast to the port HDMI on your TV and set it up through the app Google Home.
    2. Make sure your computer and Chromecast in the same network Wi-Fi.
    3. In the browser Google Chrome on PC:
      • Open a movie in an online cinema or a local file using the extension VideoStream for Google Chromecast.
      • Click the icon Cast (📡) in the upper right corner of the browser.
      • Choose yours Chromecast from the list.

    • For local files (MKV, MP4) it is better to use:

    • 🖥️ VLC Player with function Playback → Renderer → Chromecast.
    • 📱 LocalCast (For Android) or ReCast (For iOS).
    File format Is Chromecast supported? Do you need recoding?
    MP4 (H.264) ✅ Yes ❌ No
    MKV (H.265) ✅ Yes ⚠️ Partially (depending on the codec)
    AVI (Xvid) ❌ No ✅ Yes
    MOV (ProRes) ❌ No ✅ Yes
    ⚠️ Attention: During the broadcast 4K HDR through Chromecast Ultra or Chromecast with Google TV Make sure the protocol is enabled in your router settings. IGMP (for multicast broadcasts). This will reduce playback delays.

    If you not only watch movies but also play games on your PC, Steam Link — the perfect solution for broadcasting to a TV. This technology from Valve Allows you to stream games and videos with minimal latency (~10-20 ms), but requires:

    • 🖥️ A powerful PC with a graphics card NVIDIA (from GTX 1050) or AMD (from RX 560).
    • 🎮 TV with Steam Link (application for Android TV) or prefix Steam Link.
    • 🌐 Network speed not lower 50 Mbps (For 1080p60).

    How to set up:

    1. Install Steam on your computer and sign in to your account.
    2. On TV:
      • For Android TV: download Steam Link from Google Play.
      • For other TVs: connect the set-top box Steam Link through HDMI.
  • In the settings Steam on PC: 
    Settings → Online → Streaming Options → Turn on Streaming
  • Connect the gamepad (Xbox, DualShock or Steam Controller) to the TV.

    • Advantages Steam Link:

    • 🎮 Support for all games in the library Steam (including VR).
    • 🎥 Ability to stream movies through Steam (if they are added to the library).
    • 🔧 Flexible quality settings: you can manually limit the bitrate or resolution.
    ⚠️ Attention: If a game or video is lagging, try:
    • Switch your PC to a wired connection (Ethernet).
    • In the settings Steam Link choose Speed ​​priority instead of Quality Priority.
    • Disable background apps that use the network (eg. Torrent).

    6. Method 5: Plex Media Server – Personal Netflix

    Plex — it's not just a media server, but a full-fledged platform for organizing and streaming your collection of movies, TV series, and music. Unlike DLNA, Plex:

    • 🎬 Automatically downloads covers, descriptions, and subtitles.
    • 📱 Allows you to watch content from your phone or tablet.
    • 🔒 Supports remote access (if configured) port forwarding on the router).

    How to set up Plex:

    1. Download Plex Media Server from the official website and install on your PC.
    2. Add movie folders to the library Plex (via web interface http://localhost:32400/web).
    3. On TV:
      • Install the application Plex from the store (Google Play For Android TV, App Store For Apple TV).
      • Log in to the same account as on PC.
  • Start playing - Plex will automatically select the optimal quality depending on the network speed.

    • Peculiarities Plex:

    • 🔧 On-the-fly transcoding: If your TV does not support the file format, Plex converts it to compatible.
    • 👥 Multi-user access: You can create multiple profiles with different rights.
    • 💰 Premium Features: for $4.99/month Offline downloads, syncing, and advanced quality settings are available.
    ⚠️ Attention: Transcoding requires significant PC resources. 4K For video, a processor no weaker is recommended. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 and no less 8 GB of RAM.

    7. Troubleshooting: What to do if the video is lagging or there is no sound

    Even with proper setup, problems can still arise. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The video is lagging Slow Wi-Fi speed Switch to 5 GHz or use Ethernet for PC
    No sound Incompatible audio codec (DTS, Dolby TrueHD) Transcode audio to AAC or AC3 through HandBrake
    The TV doesn't see the PC Different subnets (for example, PCs on 192.168.1.x, TV on 192.168.0.x) Set up your router for one subnet or use static IP
    Artifacts on the screen Weak TV processor (can't handle it) 4K HDR) Reduce the resolution to 1080p or use Plex with transcoding
    Sound delay Unsynchronized audio/video streams In the player (VLC, Kodi) set up Sound delay manually

    If the problem persists, check:

    • 🔌 Firmware updates TV and router.
    • 🛡️ Firewall: Disable it temporarily on your PC.
    • 📡 Wi-Fi channel: if you use 2.4 GHz, select the least loaded channel (for example, 1, 6 or 11).
    How to check Wi-Fi channel load?

    Download the utility Wi-Fi Analyzer (For Android) or NetSpot (For Windows/macOS). Run a scan and see which channels neighboring networks are using. Select the least congested channel in your router settings.

    8. Comparison of methods: which one to choose for your needs

    To make your choice easier, we will summarize all the methods in one table:

    Criterion DLNA Miracast Chromecast Steam Link Plex
    Support 4K HDR ⚠️ Depends on TV ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (with Chromecast Ultra) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (with transcoding)
    Lag ~500 ms ~30 ms ~100 ms ~10 ms ~200 ms
    Additional equipment required ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes (Chromecast) ⚠️ For non-Steam TV ❌ No
    DRM support (Netflix, Disney+) ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes ❌ No ❌ No
    Control from your phone ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes ⚠️ Partially ✅ Yes

    Recommendations for selection:

    • 🎬 For movies and TV series: Plex (if you need a library) or Chromecast (if you watch online).
    • 🎮 For games: Steam Link or Miracast (if the delay is not critical).
    • 💻 For presentations: Miracast or wired connection via HDMI.
    • 📱 For streaming services: Chromecast or built-in Google Cast.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up a broadcast

    Is it possible to stream movies from a PC to a TV without Wi-Fi?

    Yes, there are several alternatives:

    • 🔌 Wired connection through HDMI (requires cable and appropriate ports).
    • 📶 Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection between PC and TV without a router).
    • 💽 USB drive: copy the movie to a flash drive and connect it to the TV.
    • 📡 Powerline adapters: transmitting the Internet via electrical wiring (if Wi-Fi is weak).

    For 4K It's better to use video HDMI 2.0 or Ethernet.

    Why can't the TV see the computer on the network?

    The problem may be as follows:

    1. Various networks: Make sure both devices are connected to the same router (not a guest network).
    2. Firewall:

    📖 Read also

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