Modern technologies make it possible to transform any compatible monitor into a full-fledged multimedia center, and equipment owners LG are no exception. Streaming video content from a personal computer or laptop to a big screen is a standard procedure, providing access to film libraries, streaming services, and local archives without the need for unnecessary cables. Users often need to display a movie, presentation, or photos stored on a hard drive. PC, and wireless connection is the ideal solution here.
There are several proven methods for establishing such a connection, each with its own characteristics and use cases. Built-in protocols can be used. DLNA, wireless screen function Miracast or third-party software for more advanced customization. The specific method you choose depends on your computer's operating system version and your TV model. LG WebOS and the quality of your home wireless network.
In this article, we'll cover all the current streaming methods in detail so you can choose the most convenient one. Whether you're using Windows 10, 11, or older versions, you'll find a working solution. Just follow the steps carefully and consider the technical nuances of how devices interact on the same local network.
Equipment preparation and basic requirements
Before setting up the stream, you need to make sure all system components are ready for operation. A fundamental requirement for any wireless connection is that both devices—the computer and the TV—are on the same local network. This means they must be connected to the same router, either via an Ethernet cable or a protocol. Wi-Fi.
The quality of the transmitted signal directly affects the stability of video playback. If you plan to watch movies in high definition 4K or Full HD, it is recommended to use a dual-band router with frequency support 5 GHzThis will avoid image jerking and audio desynchronization, which often occur when the channel is overloaded. 2.4 GHz.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that AP Isolation is not enabled on your router, as it prevents devices within the network from communicating with each other.
It's also worth checking that the software on your TV itself is up to date. In the menu LG Smart TV Updates are frequently released to improve compatibility with new data transmission standards. You can check your firmware version in the system settings by selecting "About TV" or "Software Update."
- 📺 TV LG with support Smart TV (WebOS 3.0 and above).
- 💻 A computer or laptop with a network adapter Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- 📡 Router with standard support 802.11ac or higher for stable operation.
- 🔋 Stable power supply for all devices to avoid session interruptions.
Setting up a DLNA server on a Windows computer
Technology DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is one of the oldest and most reliable methods of transmitting multimedia. It allows you to stream files directly from your computer's hard drive to your TV without having to copy them. In operating systems of the Windows The necessary components for creating such a media server are already built in.
To activate this feature, go to the control panel and find the "Media Streaming" section. Here, the system will prompt you to enable this option if it was previously disabled. After confirming, you will see a list of available devices on the network, among which your TV should appear. LG.
Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Streaming MediaIt's important to configure shared folders correctly. By default, the system may only allow access to the standard "Videos," "Music," and "Pictures" libraries. If your files are located elsewhere, you'll need to manually add the path through the folder properties or advanced streaming settings.
☑️ Check DLNA settings
After setting up your TV, launch the "Media" or "Photos & Videos" app, which is usually located on the Start screen or in the list of connected devices. In the interface that opens, you'll see your computer's icon. Selecting it will give you access to all shared files.
Using Miracast (Wireless Display)
Protocol Miracast Works differently than DLNA: it streams not a specific file, but the entire computer screen or part of it in real time. This is ideal for showing presentations, web browsing, or viewing content from websites that don't support live TV streaming. In Windows, this feature is called "Connect" or "Wireless Display."
To start the process on your computer keyboard, use the key combination Win + KThe system will begin searching for available wireless displays. On the TV LG At this time, the appropriate mode must be launched, which is often activated automatically upon receipt of a request or selected in the list of signal sources as Screen Share.
Image quality when using Miracast depends heavily on the wireless network load. Since the video stream is transmitted continuously and at a high bitrate, any interference can cause compression artifacts. To minimize lag, it is recommended to close background programs that consume bandwidth.
⚠️ Attention: When using Miracast, your computer screen may go blank or change resolution. This is normal system behavior when switching to an external display.
In some TV models LG The feature may have different names, such as "Screen Casting" or "Smart View." If searching doesn't yield any results, try updating the wireless adapter drivers on your PC, as Wi-Fi Direct support often depends on the network card software.
What to do if the TV doesn’t see the computer?
Make sure your Wi-Fi adapter driver supports Wi-Fi Direct technology. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall, as they may be blocking the ports required for handshake between devices. Also, check if your router limits the number of simultaneously connected clients.
Third-party programs for advanced features
The operating system's built-in tools don't always provide the desired flexibility or support for all video file formats. In such cases, specialized media server programs come to the rescue. The leader in this field is considered to be Plex, which not only streams videos, but also automatically downloads covers, descriptions, and sorts content by genre.
Another popular alternative is the program DLNA Server or Universal Media ServerThese applications allow you to fine-tune the parameters of the broadcast stream, convert formats on the fly that the TV LG It doesn't read natively or manage the playback queue. Installing such software requires additional CPU resources.
| Program | Difficulty of setup | Subtitle support | Transcoding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plex | Average | Yes (automatically) | Yes (requires subscription) |
| Universal Media Server | High | Yes | Yes (free) |
| Windows Media Player | Low | Limited | No |
| VLC Media Player | Average | Yes | Yes |
Using third-party software is especially important if you store your movie collection in heavy formats like MKV with paths DTS, which the TV's built-in player may not be able to handle. The program will take over the decoding and transmit the finished stream to the screen.
Broadcasting via Google Chrome browser
If installing additional software is not part of your plans, and the built-in Windows tools do not work correctly, you can use a browser Google ChromeIt has a built-in Cast feature, which allows you to display individual tabs or the entire desktop on your TV screen. This method is especially convenient for watching online videos from websites.
To start broadcasting, click the three dots in the upper-right corner of your browser and select "Broadcast." You'll be prompted to select a source: the current tab, the entire screen, or a specific file. After selecting the target device, LG The image transmission will begin.
The advantage of this method is its cross-platform compatibility: it works equally well on Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, it's important to note that the browser consumes a significant amount of RAM, and system performance may drop if other tabs are actively used.
Image quality via Chrome is often inferior to native methods like Miracast due to the browser's additional compression of the video stream. However, for viewing news feeds or YouTube in high quality, this option is perfectly acceptable.
Troubleshooting connection issues
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where devices stop seeing each other or the video stream is interrupted. Most often, the problem lies with Windows Firewall settings, which can block incoming connections for new applications. Ensure your network is marked as "Private" and not "Public."
Another common cause of failures is an outdated network card or router driver. Hardware manufacturers regularly release updates to fix compatibility issues. Check your laptop or motherboard manufacturer's website to download the latest drivers.
⚠️ Attention: TV menu interfaces and operating systems may differ depending on the firmware version. If you can't find a menu item, use the search in the settings or refer to the official documentation for your model.
If the video is lagging, try lowering the bitrate in the server program settings or reducing the output resolution. Restarting the router also helps, as this clears the buffer and redistributes channels, eliminating interference from neighboring networks.
- 🔄 Restart your router, computer, and TV to reset network settings.
- 🛡️ Check your antivirus and firewall settings to see if they are blocking the program.
- 📡 Make sure both devices are connected to the same frequency (2.4 or 5 GHz).
- 📂 Check the access rights to file folders in Windows security properties.
Why is there no sound when broadcasting video?
Often, the sound remains on the computer, but only the picture appears on the TV. In Windows, click the speaker icon in the system tray, select the output device, and switch to the TV (usually labeled LG or by the model name). In some cases, you may need to restart the application after switching the output device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to share video if the TV and router are in different rooms?
Yes, you can, as long as the Wi-Fi signal strength is sufficient for a stable connection. However, for larger files (4K), distance and walls can be an obstacle. In this case, it's better to use Powerline adapters or run a cable.
Why doesn't my computer see my LG TV in the list of devices?
The most likely cause is that the devices are connected to different networks (for example, one to a guest network and the other to the main network) or client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check if DLNA is enabled in the TV settings.
Does video streaming affect internet speed?
When using DLNA or a local server, the internet is not used; traffic is limited to your home network. When streaming from a browser (online video), traffic is consumed twice: on the PC and on the TV, unless Cast technology is used directly.
How to improve image quality when there are lags?
Try switching your router to a channel with less traffic, using the 5 GHz frequency, closing background downloads on your PC, or lowering the video resolution in the player settings.
Do older LG TVs support wireless streaming?
Models produced before 2012-2013 may not have built-in Wi-Fi or support for modern protocols. They will require an external Wi-Fi adapter from LG or a set-top box with AirPlay/DLNA support.