Modern televisions Sony BraviaTVs running the Android TV operating system are powerful multimedia centers capable of streaming content not only from built-in apps but also from external devices. Connecting your computer to your TV wirelessly opens up a wide range of possibilities: from watching movies stored on your PC's hard drive to showing presentations or games on the big screen without the hassle of cables. This eliminates the need for long HDMI cables or complex adapters, making media interaction as seamless as possible.
To successfully implement a wireless connection critical, so that both devices are on the same local network. This means that both the laptop and TV must be connected to the same router. There are several main data transfer protocols supported Sony Bravia: Miracast for screen mirroring, DLNA for transferring multimedia files and AirPlay 2 For Apple devices, the method you choose depends on your goals: whether you simply need to show the desktop or start playing a video file.
Before setting up, make sure your TV's software is updated to the latest version. Older firmware versions may lack the necessary modules for stable wireless protocol operation or contain bugs that prevent devices from being detected on the network. Checking for updates takes a few minutes but can resolve many potential connection issues.
Preparing your home network and equipment
The foundation of stable wireless data transmission is the quality of the Wi-Fi signal. For high-definition video streaming, especially 4K, it is recommended to use the Wi-Fi band 5 GHz, which provides higher throughput than the 2.4 GHz standard. If your router supports dual-band operation, make sure both devices are connected to the 5 GHz network to avoid lag and image artifacts.
An important aspect is setting up the network profile on your computer. In Windows, ensure the network is marked as "Private." In "Public" mode, the system blocks detection of other devices on the local network for security reasons, making it impossible to connect to the TV. Sony BraviaYou can change the network type through the Ethernet or Wi-Fi settings in the "Status" section.
⚠️ Important: If you have a router with the "Guest Network" feature, do not connect your TV and computer to it at the same time. Devices in the guest network are often isolated from each other and cannot exchange data, even if they are technically connected to the same access point.
Setting up DLNA for file playback
Protocol DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard for streaming media content between devices on a home network. It's the ideal choice if you want to play movies, music, or photos stored on your computer on your TV. Unlike mirroring, DLNA streams only the media file itself, reducing the load on your PC's processor and allowing you to control playback with your TV remote.
To activate the feature on Windows 10 and 11, open "Media Streaming Settings." Find your TV in the list of available devices. Sony Bravia and allow it access to your libraries. The system may ask for confirmation on the TV screen, where a connection request will appear, which you must accept.
After setting up the TV, go to the signal sources menu (button Input or Source) and select the "Media" or "Devices" section. Your computer will be displayed here. Navigate to your PC's folders to see the files available for playback. For more flexible management, you can use third-party software that supports playlist creation and subtitles.
☑️ Check DLNA settings
Screen sharing via Miracast and Wi-Fi Direct
Technology Miracast Allows you to mirror the entire image from your computer monitor onto your TV. This is useful for demonstrating presentations, web pages, or games. Unlike DLNA, it transmits a video stream of the entire desktop in real time, so Wi-Fi speed requirements are higher. On TVs Sony Bravia This feature is often called "Screen mirroring".
To connect on a Windows computer, press the key combination Win + KA "Connection" panel will appear on the right side of the screen, where the system will begin searching for available wireless displays. Select your TV from the list. A connection attempt notification may appear on the TV screen; confirm this with your remote.
If the automatic search doesn't produce results, check the Wi-Fi Direct settings on your TV. Sometimes, you need to launch the appropriate app on the TV itself to activate discovery mode. Also, make sure the wireless adapter drivers on your laptop are up to date, as older versions may not support the Miracast standard.
What to do if the image is jerking?
If you experience choppy or out-of-sync audio when streaming via Miracast, try lowering your computer's screen resolution or disabling hardware acceleration in your browser. Closing background apps that consume bandwidth may also help.
Using AirPlay 2 on Sony Bravia
Owners of Apple Mac computers and iOS devices can take advantage of built-in support AirPlay 2 on TVs Sony BraviaThis technology ensures high stability and transmission quality, and allows you to use your TV as a second monitor or extend your macOS desktop. Integration is system-level, so no additional software installation is required.
To connect on a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar and select "Screen Mirroring." Your TV will appear in the list of devices. When you first connect, a code may appear on the TV screen that you must enter on your computer to confirm trust between the devices.
AirPlay 2 also lets you stream audio separately from video. For example, you can play music on your computer and stream it through your TV's speakers while continuing to work with other audio on your PC. This is especially convenient for creating a home theater.
| Protocol | Main purpose | Supported OS | Transmission quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLNA | Playing files (video, photo, music) | Windows, macOS, Linux | High (up to 4K) |
| Miracast | Screen mirroring | Windows, Android | Depends on the signal |
| AirPlay 2 | Broadcasting and screen expansion | macOS, iOS, iPadOS | Stable HD/4K |
| Google Cast | Broadcasting from the Chrome browser | All (via browser) | Good |
| DLNA | Watching movies with | Universal | Without compression |
| Miracast | Presentations, games | Windows 10/11 | Compressed flow |
Broadcasting via Google Chrome browser
If the built-in operating system tools do not work or require complex configuration, you can use a browser Google ChromeIt has a Chromecast feature that allows you to stream a browser tab or your entire desktop to TVs that support Chromecast built-in technology, which is relevant for most modern devices. Sony Bravia.
Open the Chrome browser on your computer and click the three dots in the upper-right corner of the menu. Select "Cast." In the window that opens, select the casting source: a tab, desktop, or file. Then click your TV's name in the list of available devices.
This method is convenient because it doesn't depend on operating system versions or video card drivers, operating at the browser software level. However, it's important to note that streaming the entire desktop may increase the processor load, leading to a slight decrease in computer performance.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces and item names may vary slightly depending on the Android TV operating system version and your TV model. If you don't see the option described, check the "Help" section in your TV settings or refer to the official user manual for your Bravia series.
Third-party apps for advanced streaming
For users who require advanced features, such as streaming audio separately or managing media files from a mobile interface, there are specialized apps. One of the most popular solutions is HomeSync or applications from Sony, such as Video & TV SideView, although the functionality of the latter may be limited in different regions.
The program is also widely used PlexIt's installed on both your computer (server) and your TV (client). Plex automatically collects metadata about your movies (posters, descriptions, cast), creating a beautiful media library. This transforms regular file viewing into an experience comparable to online cinemas.
Another option is to use the protocol SMBYou can share a folder on your computer over the network, then connect to the network resource using the TV's file manager (or the VLC app) by entering your Windows account login and password. This method ensures the fastest file reading speed.
Solution and diagnostics
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users may encounter a situation where the computer doesn't see the TV or the connection constantly drops. Most often, the problem lies with Windows Firewall or antivirus settings that block incoming connections. Try temporarily disabling network protection or adding the streaming app to the exceptions list.
Another common cause is an outdated router that can't handle the data flow. If you're using the older 802.11n Wi-Fi standard, the bandwidth may not be sufficient for HD video. In this case, switching to a cabled LAN connection for your TV will help, freeing up airtime for wireless devices and stabilizing the stream.
If nothing helps, reset the network settings on your TV. In the menu Sony Bravia go to Settings → Network & Internet → Reset network settingsAfter rebooting, reconnect to Wi-Fi. This will clear the network connection cache and often resolve device detection issues.
Why is there no sound when screencasting?
Often, the sound remains on the computer. In Windows, click the speaker icon in the system tray, select the playback device, and switch to TV (Sony Bravia or Digital Audio).
Why isn't my Sony TV showing up in my Windows device list?
Make sure both devices are connected to the same network (same SSID). Check if AP Isolation is enabled on the router. Also, make sure the TV is running a signal-receiving app or is in connection standby mode.
How to improve picture quality over a wireless connection?
Use a router that supports Wi-Fi 5 (AC) or Wi-Fi 6 (AX). Place the router closer to the TV. If possible, connect the TV to the router with an Ethernet cable and the computer via Wi-Fi, or vice versa. A receiver connection is best.
Can you play games on TV via Wi-Fi?
Yes, but input lag can be noticeable, especially in fast-paced shooters. For gaming, it's best to use a wired HDMI connection or play TV-optimized cloud services directly through Android TV apps.
Is internet required for DLNA to work?
No, DLNA and Miracast don't require internet access. All you need is for the devices to be connected to the same router and on the same local network. In this case, the router simply acts as a switch.