Modern Smart TVs While they offer a wealth of multimedia options, built-in apps can't always play specific video file formats. Often, you need to play a movie downloaded to your computer's hard drive on a larger screen without HDMI cables or flash drives. A wireless connection on a local network solves this problem elegantly and quickly.
There are several proven methods for implementing broadcasting, each with its own characteristics and software requirements. The main technologies used in the ecosystem LG webOS, include DLNA for file streaming and Miracast for screen mirroring. The choice of method depends on your goals: whether you simply want to display your desktop or play a specific video file through the TV interface.
In this article, we'll cover the technical nuances of setting up a connection, potential codec issues, and solutions. You'll learn how to properly set up a media server, which formats are supported natively, and which require transcoding. A critical condition for all the described methods is that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi router subnet. Let's look at step-by-step instructions for different use cases.
Using the built-in DLNA feature in Windows
The most standard and universal way of transmitting multimedia is the technology Digital Living Network AllianceIf you have Windows 10 or 11, you don't need to install any additional software. Simply enable the built-in media streaming feature, which will allow your TV to LG see movie folders on your PC.
To get started, open the Control Panel and find the multimedia section. The path may vary in modern versions of Windows, so the easiest way is to use the system search. Type "Media Streaming" and select the corresponding option from the search results. The system will prompt you to enable this feature if it was previously disabled.
Once the feature is activated, a window will open with a list of available devices on your local network. Find your TV in the list. LG Smart TV and set its status to "Allowed." This action will create a trusted connection between the devices. Now the contents of the default "Videos," "Music," and "Pictures" libraries will be available for viewing on the big screen.
However, it's worth considering the limitations of this method. The standard DLNA implementation in Windows often doesn't support complex subtitles in PGS or ASS formats, and may not handle large 4K HDR files if the PC's network adapter is operating at its bandwidth limit. Furthermore, navigating through folders via the TV interface may not be as convenient as using specialized software.
Setting up a DLNA media server using third-party programs
For users who require advanced functionality, the ideal solution would be to install a specialized media serversPrograms like Universal Media Server, Plex or Home Media Server They offer many more capabilities than standard Windows tools. They can stream video in real time, transcoding the stream on the fly to suit the TV's capabilities.
The main advantage of such solutions is support for a wide range codecs and container formats. If your movie is recorded in a rare format that the LG TV doesn't natively read, the server automatically converts the video stream to a compatible format. This eliminates the need to manually convert files, which is especially important for large amounts of data.
The installation process is usually simple: download the program from the developer's official website, install it, and run it. When you first launch the program, you'll be asked to specify folders that will be accessible to network clients. After scanning your media library, the server will become visible in the "Connected Devices" or "Display and Sound" section on your TV.
☑️ Checking the media server settings
⚠️ Attention: Real-time video transcoding requires significant CPU resources. If your computer is old or underpowered, the video may stutter or jitter. In this case, try disabling the transcoding option in the server settings if the file format is supported by your TV.
Screencasting via Miracast technology
Technology Miracast (known as "Connect" or Wireless Display in Windows) works differently than DLNA. It doesn't transfer files, but rather streams the video signal from your monitor or laptop screen to your TV in real time. This is ideal for showing presentations, viewing content from sites that protect file transfers, or simply sharing your desktop.
To activate this feature on your LG TV, you need to launch the "Screen Share" app. On newer webOS models, this feature is built into the system and can be accessed by pressing the "Input" button on the remote or through the Smart Home menu. Make sure connection standby mode is active.
On the Windows 10 or 11 computer, press the key combination Win + KThe "Connection" panel will appear on the right, where the system will begin searching for available wireless displays. Select your TV from the list. Once paired, the image from your PC monitor will appear on the TV. You can choose whether to mirror or extend your desktop in the display settings.
It's important to note that using Miracast places a strain on the Wi-Fi module and graphics subsystem. Input lag can be noticeable, so playing fast-paced games this way is not recommended. However, for watching movies, it's an excellent way to bypass format limitations, as the decoding occurs on the computer.
Using the LG TV Plus app
LG has developed its own mobile and desktop application LG TV Plus, which allows you to control your TV and stream content. While the primary focus is on mobile platforms, there are ways to utilize similar principles through a browser or third-party clients that support LG protocols. However, for file transfer from a PC, the universal methods described above are more commonly used.
However, it's worth mentioning the "Smart Share" feature, which is LG's implementation of DLNA. In the TV menu, under "All Inputs" or "Display & Sound," you can find the "Smart Share" source. When activated, it scans the network for PCs with shared folders. If the standard Windows setting doesn't work, using this section may help detect the computer.
Some users prefer to use the Google Chrome browser on their computer to cast tabs. Open the browser menu (the three dots in the corner) and select "Cast." In the window that appears, select "Cast a file" or "Cast a desktop" and select your LG TV (if it supports Chromecast built-in, which is relevant for newer models). This is a convenient way to quickly share the contents of a tab without complicated setup.
What to do if buffering does not stop?
If the video constantly pauses to buffer, try lowering the file's bitrate or switching your router to the 5 GHz frequency. Also, make sure there are no thick walls or strong sources of interference between the router and the TV.
Comparison of connection methods and their features
Choosing the optimal method depends on your technical requirements and equipment specifications. Below is a table to help you compare the main Wi-Fi video transmission methods. It takes into account image quality, system load, and ease of use.
| Method | Picture quality | Subtitle support | PC load | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DLNA (Windows) | Original | Base (SRT) | Low | Average |
| Media server (Plex) | Original/Transform. | High | High (with transcoding) | High |
| Miracast | Depends on the signal | Full (like on PC) | Average | High |
| Chrome Cast | Original | Depends on the format | Low | High |
As can be seen from the table, media servers They win in terms of flexibility of settings and format support, but require software installation. Miracast It's good for quick streaming, but can suffer from lag. Standard DLNA is the golden mean for simple tasks like playing a movie without any fuss.
It's also worth considering the Wi-Fi standard version. If your router only supports the standard 802.11n (2.4 GHz), the bandwidth may not be sufficient for heavy 4K movies. In this case, even the most powerful media server won't prevent image stuttering. Dual-band routers with 5 GHz support are recommended for high-definition media streaming.
Solution and troubleshooting
Despite the ease of setup, users often encounter problems during the initial connection. The most common issue is that the TV "doesn't detect" the computer. In 90% of cases, the problem lies in the Windows network profile. If your network is marked as "Public," the system blocks device detection. You need to change the network profile to "Private" in the Wi-Fi settings.
Another common issue is audio and video desync. This is typical for wireless streaming methods. If you're using Miracast, try updating your computer's Wi-Fi adapter drivers. If the issue is with DLNA, make sure the file is not corrupted and has a consistent bitrate. Variable bitrates (VBR) can sometimes cause desync on older TV models.
⚠️ Attention: LG TV interfaces and webOS operating system versions are regularly updated. Menu locations and item names may differ from those described in the instructions. If you can't find the item you need, use the search in your TV settings or refer to the official user manual for your specific model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why doesn't my LG TV see my computer on the network?
Most likely, your computer is running in "Public Network" mode. Go to your network settings and change the profile to "Private." Also, check that media streaming is enabled in the Windows Control Panel and that your firewall isn't blocking the connection.
Is it possible to stream a 4K HDR movie without lag over Wi-Fi?
This is only possible if you have a router that supports the standard. Wi-Fi 5 (AC) or Wi-Fi 6 (AX) and connecting both devices to the 5 GHz band. The 2.4 GHz band generally doesn't provide enough bandwidth for high-bitrate 4K HDR video.
Does LG support MKV format when streaming via DLNA?
Yes, most modern LG Smart TV models natively support the MKV container. However, if the container uses a rare audio codec (such as DTS-HD MA on older models) or a specific video codec, the TV may only play audio or display a black screen. In this case, a media server with transcoding can help.
How to improve file transfer speed?
For maximum speed, ensure the router is located within line of sight or close to your devices. Disable downloads on other devices on the network. If possible, use an Ethernet cable to connect your TV or PC, using Wi-Fi only for control. Although the question was specifically about Wi-Fi, switching to 5 GHz is essential in this case.