Modern LG TVs with technology support Smart TV We've transformed the home media center into accessible entertainment. There's no longer any need to transfer files to a flash drive or connect a laptop with a long HDMI cable to watch a movie in high definition. Wireless protocols allow you to instantly play content from your computer's hard drive on the big screen while maintaining control.
In this guide, we will look at all the current methods of transmitting video streams built into the operating system. WebOSYou'll learn how to set up a media server, use screen mirroring, and work with specialized software. Proper network configuration will ensure a stable image without lag or buffering.
To get started, make sure your router supports the standard. N or AC, as transmitting high-definition video requires significant bandwidth. Older router models may not be able to handle 4K streams, causing playback interruptions. Both devices must be on the same local network for successful discovery.
Network requirements and pre-requisites
Before you begin syncing your devices, you need to ensure your local network is working properly. A key factor is that your computer and TV are on the same subnet. If you have a dual-band router, make sure both devices are connected to either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, although modern routers often combine them into a single network.
Pay special attention to the Windows Firewall security settings. When you first connect, the system may prompt you to select your network type: select "Private" or "Home" to allow your device to be discovered on the network. In "Public" mode, ports for media streams will be closed for security purposes.
⚠️ Note: Antivirus software or third-party firewalls may block incoming connections from the TV. If the devices cannot see each other, temporarily disable network protection or add an exception for the media service.
Connection stability directly depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi signal. For video transmission, it's best to use the 5 GHz, which is less congested and provides higher data transfer rates than 2.4 GHz. The distance between the router and the TV also plays a role: walls and metal structures can weaken the signal.
Using the built-in DLNA feature in Windows
The easiest way, which does not require installing additional software, is to use the protocol DLNAThe Windows operating system has a built-in media server, which is hidden by default but easily activated. This method is ideal for watching downloaded movies and TV shows stored on your hard drive.
To activate, open the Control Panel and go to "Network and Sharing Center." In the left menu, select "Change advanced sharing settings." Here, you need to enable network discovery and file and printer sharing for the current network profile.
Next, you need to configure specific folders that will be accessible to the TV. Right-click the folder containing the video files, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab. Click the "Share" button and add the device named LG TV or AllShare.
☑️ Setting up sharing
After setting up your LG TV, you need to launch the Media or Photo & Video app (the name may vary depending on the version) WebOS). You'll see your computer's name in the source list. Folder navigation is handled using the Magic Remote, making the process as convenient as possible.
Miracast technology and screen mirroring
If your goal is to broadcast the contents of your browser or desktop in real time, then the technology for you is Miracast (In Windows, it's called "Wireless Display Connection"). Unlike DLNA, this method streams video directly from the video card, allowing you to display presentations or web pages.
To launch, press the key combination Win + K on your computer keyboard. A list of available devices will appear in the right panel. Select your LG TV from the list. You may see a connection confirmation prompt on the TV screen, which you'll need to accept using the remote.
Image quality when using Miracast depends heavily on the power of the Wi-Fi adapter and the distance to the router. Slight mouse cursor lag is normal for this technology, but it may not be suitable for fast-paced games due to input lag.
⚠️ Note: When mirroring your screen, your TV's resolution may be forced to change. If the image appears stretched, check the scaling settings in the "Display Settings" section on your computer.
It's important to note that when connected to a network, the laptop may consume more power because the graphics card is running in enhanced encoding mode. It's recommended to keep the device connected to a power source, especially if you plan on watching for long periods.
Why does sound disappear during Miracast?
Sometimes Windows continues to output sound through the laptop speakers by default. To fix this, click the speaker icon in the system tray and select "LG TV" or "Wireless Display" as the output device.
Third-party streaming software: Plex and others
Built-in Windows tools are functional, but limited in their cataloging capabilities and format support. Media server applications such as Plex, Jellyfin or Universal Media Server, take care of the hard work of transcoding video on the fly.
The Plex program is installed on the computer as a server part, and the corresponding application from the store is downloaded to the LG TV. LG Content StoreThe server scans the media library, automatically downloads movie covers and descriptions, and creates a beautiful interface similar to Netflix.
The main advantage of such solutions is the ability to play formats that the TV doesn't support out of the box. The server transcodes the video stream into a compatible format in real time, using the PC's processor resources. This eliminates the need for manual file conversion.
| Program | Difficulty of setup | Transcoding | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plex | Low | Auto | Freemium |
| Jellyfin | Average | Auto | For free |
| UMS | High | Auto | For free |
| Windows Media | Low | No | For free |
Using third-party software is especially important for owners of older TV models that cannot independently decode modern codecs such as HEVC or H.265In this case, the computer acts as a powerful decoder.
Solving buffering and quality issues
Even with proper settings, users may experience video stuttering or intermittent buffering. Most often, the problem stems from an unstable Wi-Fi signal or bandwidth congestion from neighboring routers. The first step should always be to restart the router.
If you're using the 2.4 GHz band, try switching to channels 1, 6, or 11, which have the least interference with neighboring channels. To do this, you'll need to access your router settings through a browser using the address listed on the device's sticker (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
It's also worth checking background processes on your computer. If large files are downloading, games are updating, or torrents are running while you're watching, your bandwidth may not be sufficient to handle the video stream. Close unnecessary browser tabs and heavy applications.
⚠️ Note: Router and TV interfaces are subject to update. The location of menu items or the names of features (e.g., Screen Share instead of Miracast) may differ depending on the firmware version. WebOS.
Comparison of connection methods
The optimal streaming method depends on your specific needs. For a one-time photo sharing with guests, the built-in "Stream" feature in Windows is suitable. For daily viewing of your movie collection, it's better to set up the media server once.
If you need to share your desktop or play simple games, Miracast is indispensable. However, for professional color work or latency-intensive tasks, a wired connection is better, as no Wi-Fi standard offers an absolute lag-free guarantee.
Owners of powerful PCs can use game streaming technologies such as Steam Link or Moonlight, which are also available on the LG platform. They allow you to play computer games on your TV using a gamepad connected to the TV.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different apps. The LG Open Source ecosystem allows you to install alternative players that can access network resources faster than standard ones. The main thing is to ensure a stable connection between your home network nodes.
Why can't the TV see the computer on the network?
Most often, the issue is with the Windows network type. Make sure the "Private Network" profile is selected in the Network and Sharing Center. Also, check that the "Browse" (SSDP) service is enabled in the Windows services list (services.msc).
Is it possible to stream video via Bluetooth?
Technically possible, but highly impractical. Bluetooth bandwidth is too low for video streaming, even in HD. The image will be heavily compressed and the audio will be out of sync. Use Wi-Fi only.
How to improve picture quality during wireless broadcasting?
In your LG TV settings, select "Movie" or "Game" picture mode to reduce post-processing. On your computer, set the graphics driver to "Performance Priority." Make sure your router supports the AC or AX standard.
Does the broadcast work if the computer is turned off?
No, your computer must be turned on and connected to the network for DLNA or Miracast to work. However, you can set up sleep mode with Wake-on-LAN (WLAN) if your motherboard and router support this feature.