Modern televisions Samsung Smart TV While they offer impressive functionality, their built-in memory can't always handle a user's vast media library. Often, a movie collection is stored on a desktop computer, but you want to watch it on a big screen with high-quality sound. Fortunately, technology makes it easy to stream content wirelessly, eliminating the need for HDMI cables or portable drives.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the current methods for synchronizing devices within a single ecosystem. Wireless connection Provides access to media content from anywhere in the apartment with a stable router signal. We'll explore the built-in features of the Windows operating system, specialized Samsung apps, and third-party software that often offers better stability than built-in solutions.
To get started, make sure your TV and computer are connected to the same network. Wi-Fi networksThis is a critical requirement: if one device operates on 2.4 GHz and the other on 5 GHz, but within the same home network, a connection will be established. However, if the router is distributing a guest network with client isolation, data transfer will be impossible.
Miracast Wireless Display and Screen Mirroring
The fastest way to display an image on the screen is to use technology MiracastIn Samsung TVs this feature is often called Screen Mirroring or "Screen Casting." It allows you to mirror your computer desktop to your TV in real time, making it ideal not only for watching videos but also for presentations or sharing photo albums.
To start broadcasting on a computer with Windows 10 or 11, simply press a key combination Win + KThe system will begin searching for available wireless displays. If your TV isn't found, check your TV settings: in the Source menu, select "Connect to a mobile device" or "Connection guide."
It's worth keeping in mind that this method puts a strain on the Wi-Fi router, as it transmits a high-resolution video stream in real time. The delay in wireless broadcasting can range from 0.5 to 2 seconds., which is not critical for movies, but can interfere when using the TV as a monitor for games.
- 📺 Open the source menu on your Samsung remote and select "Connect to a mobile device."
- 💻 On PC, click
Win + Kand select your TV from the list. - 🔒 Accept the connection request that appears on the TV screen.
- 🎮 Use a keyboard or mouse connected to your computer to control the game.
⚠️ Please note: When using Miracast, image quality may drop with a weak Wi-Fi signal, as the stream is compressed on the fly. This method may not be stable enough for viewing 4K content without a Wi-Fi 6 router.
Setting up a DLNA server using built-in Windows tools
If your goal is to play a file, and not to duplicate the screen, then the technology DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is ideal. It allows the TV to view your computer's folders as network storage. In Windows, this feature is implemented through "Streaming Media Settings."
To activate, go to "Control Panel" → "Network and Internet" → "Network and Sharing Center." In the left menu, select "Streaming media settings" and click "Turn on streaming media." Your computer will become visible to other devices on your local network.
Once enabled, your Samsung TV will automatically detect your PC. A new signal source, usually labeled "PC" or your computer's name, will appear in the Smart Hub menu. Navigation is handled using the remote, which is much more convenient than using a mouse from the couch.
☑️ Check DLNA settings
It's important to configure shared folders correctly. By default, the system may not allow access to the C drive. You need to explicitly specify which directories (for example, "Videos" or "Movies") should be available for streaming. This improves data security, preventing accidental access to personal information.
Using the Samsung Smart View and SmartThings app
Samsung has developed its own tools for device integration. The previously popular app Smart View for PC has been discontinued and the focus is now on the universal app SmartThings or built-in browser features. However, for older TV models (pre-2019), searching for the Smart View PC installer may still be relevant.
For modern models (Tizen OS) the best solution is to install the application SmartThings to your computer (if available for your version of Windows) or use a mobile app as an intermediary. However, most often, users use the "Cast" feature directly from the Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browser.
In the Chrome browser, click the three dots in the upper-right corner and select "Cast." In the menu that opens, you can choose to cast a tab or your entire desktop to the device. Chromecast built-in, which is emulated in Samsung TVs.
- 🌐 Open the Chrome browser on your computer.
- 📡 Tap the menu (three dots) → "Save and share" → "Broadcast".
- 🖥️ Select "Sources" → "Full Screen" or "Tab".
- 📺 Click on the name of your Samsung TV.
⚠️ Note: Operating system and app interfaces are constantly being updated. Button locations may vary depending on your Windows version or browser. If you don't see the "Cast" option, check your browser for updates.
Third-party media servers: Plex, Kodi, and Universal Media Server
Windows' built-in tools sometimes become unstable or don't support certain subtitle formats. In such cases, specialized tools come to the rescue. media serversThe leader in this field is the program Plex, which not only streams videos but also beautifully designs the library, adding posters, descriptions, and cast lists.
Installing Plex Media Server on your computer turns it into a powerful entertainment center. The program automatically scans folders, recognizes files, and provides easy navigation. On your Samsung TV, simply install the Plex app from the Smart Hub app store.
An alternative could be Universal Media Server or Kodi (in conjunction with the server). These solutions require more detailed configuration, but offer complete control over the data stream, codecs, and buffering. They are especially useful if your router is not the most powerful, as they allow for flexible adjustments to transcoding quality.
| Program | Complexity | Library design | Transcoding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plex | Low | Automatic | Hardware/Software |
| Emby | Average | Automatic | Flexible |
| Universal Media Server | High | Minimum | Powerful |
| Windows Media (DLNA) | Low | Absent | Basic |
Why does the video lag during broadcasting?
If the video is choppy or broken into blocks, the problem is most often related to your Wi-Fi bandwidth. Formats like HEVC (H.265) require high data transfer rates. Try lowering the file's bitrate or switching your router to a 5 GHz channel.
Troubleshooting: TV not detecting computer
The most common reason for a lack of connection is different network profiles. If your computer considers the network "Public," it's hidden from other devices. You need to change the profile to "Private Network." This can be done in the Wi-Fi settings: click on the network name and select "Private."
The second important aspect is your antivirus and firewall. They can block incoming connections to media servers. When you first launch Plex or enable DLNA, Windows usually asks for permission. If you accidentally deny access, you'll need to manually add a rule to your firewall exceptions.
It's also worth checking whether "AP Isolation" is enabled in your router settings. This feature is designed for guest networks and prevents devices within the same Wi-Fi network from exchanging data with each other, making it impossible to stream the movie.
Comparison of wired and wireless connections
Despite the convenience of Wi-Fi, the limitations of wireless technology cannot be ignored. Radio channels are susceptible to interference from microwave ovens, neighboring networks, and even aquariums. For viewing Full HD content with a high bitrate or 4K HDR, channel stability is critical.
If you notice constant buffering, it makes sense to consider the option of connecting your computer to the router via LAN cable (Ethernet). This will relieve Wi-Fi congestion and ensure stable speeds of up to 1 Gbps, more than enough to handle even the most demanding movies.
The table below provides a comparison of features to help you make an informed decision:
- 🚀 Speed: Cable is always more stable and faster than Wi-Fi.
- 🏠 Mobility: Wi-Fi allows you to move around the house with your laptop.
- 🔌 Convenience: The wireless method eliminates unnecessary wires.
- 💰 Cost: Wi-Fi is already built-in, a long cable may be required for LAN.
Why is there no sound when broadcasting to TV?
Often, when connecting via Miracast, sound continues to come through your computer speakers. To change this, click the speaker icon in the Windows tray, select the audio output device, and switch to your TV (usually labeled as a Samsung TV or its model).
Is it possible to stream movies from Mac to Samsung TV?
Yes, but the built-in AirPlay doesn't work on all Samsung models (only newer ones with AirPlay 2 support). For other devices, it's best to use the Plex media server, which has native macOS support and works great with Tizen OS.
What video format is best for DLNA?
The most compatible format is container binding .mkv or .mp4 With the H.264 video codec and AAC audio track. The H.265 (HEVC) format requires a more powerful processor in the TV and may not be supported by older Samsung models.
The TV sees the folder, but the files inside don't open.
Check the access rights for a specific folder in Windows. Even if sharing is enabled, the folder properties (Security tab) should have read permissions for the "Everyone" or "Users" group.