Modern multimedia content demands high-quality images and a large screen, but storing gigabytes of video files on a TV's hard drive isn't always convenient. It's much more efficient to use a computer as a powerful storage device and a TV as a display. Wireless connection Allows you to get rid of unnecessary wires scattered throughout the room and manage your movie library directly from your keyboard or mouse.
There are many ways to broadcast screen contents or specific files, and the method you choose depends on Smart TV or a regular panel, as well as your PC's operating system. In this article, we'll discuss proven methods that work reliably and don't require complex engineering skills to configure.
Before you begin setup, make sure both devices are connected to the same network. local networkThis is a fundamental requirement for most data transfer protocols, be it DLNA or Miracast. If the router supports two frequency bands, it is advisable to use 5 GHz, as it provides higher bandwidth for high-definition video streaming.
Setting up a DLNA server on your computer
Technology DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is the de facto standard for transmitting multimedia between devices on a home network. It allows a TV to "see" movie folders on a computer and play them using its built-in player. In the Windows operating system, this feature is built in by default and doesn't require third-party software, although third-party solutions often offer advanced functionality.
To activate the native server, you need to go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterHere, select "Media Streaming Settings" and enable this option. The system will then prompt you to select devices that are allowed to access your media library. Find your TV in the list and set it to "Allowed."
- 📁 Open File Explorer, find the folder with your movies, and select "Show devices" from the context menu.
- 📺 On the TV remote control, press the signal source selection button (
SourceorInput). - 📡 In the list of available connections, find your computer's name and navigate to the folders.
- ▶️ Select a video file and enjoy watching without delays.
⚠️ Attention: If your TV can't detect your computer, check your network type in Windows. For DLNA to work, the network must be set to "Private" and not "Public," otherwise your firewall will block the connection.
It is worth noting that the standard Windows server sometimes does not cope well with subtitles or specific audio codec formats. If the file can't be played using built-in tools, it's worth considering specialized software that handles the streaming process for you.
Using third-party media servers
When standard Windows capabilities are not enough, powerful software packages come to the rescue, such as Plex, Emby or Universal Media ServerThese programs don't just transfer the file, but can also re-encode the video stream on the fly if the TV doesn't support the original format. This is especially relevant for older TV models that don't support modern codecs like HEVC (H.265).
The most popular solution is Plex Media ServerAfter installing the program on your PC, you'll need to create an account and add the paths to the content folders. The server will automatically analyze the files, download covers, descriptions, and actors, creating a beautiful showcase similar to Netflix or KinopoiskOn your TV, simply install the Plex app from the app store and log in.
The main advantage of such solutions is their cross-platform functionality. You can start watching a movie on your TV, continue on your tablet, and finish on your smartphone, all while keeping your playback progress synchronized. Furthermore, the server allows you to stream content outside your home network via the internet, giving you access to your movie archive from anywhere in the world.
☑️ Check before starting the server
⚠️ Attention: When using cloud features (Plex Pass, remote access), make sure your provider does not use the technology CGNAT, which blocks incoming connections from outside. In this case, remote access may not work without setting up a tunnel.
Screen casting via Miracast and WiDi
If your goal is to show not just a file from a disk, but the contents of a browser, a presentation or a game from a PC, then screen mirroring technology (Miracast) is the optimal choice. It allows you to fully mirror your computer monitor's image onto your TV. Unlike DLNA, it transmits a video stream of your entire desktop, and controls it using your keyboard and mouse.
In Windows 10 and 11, the feature is built into the system. To start projection, simply press a key combination. Win + KThe system will begin searching for available wireless displays within WiFi range. On a Samsung TV, this feature may be called Screen Mirroring, on LG — Smart Share or simply "Connect to a wireless display" in the sources menu.
Picture quality and presence of delays (Input Lag) directly depend on the router's power and the airwaves' congestion. For comfortable viewing of 4K video, it is recommended that both the router and TV support the standard. WiFi 5 (AC) or newer. Normal range 2.4 GHz It may not handle high resolution, and the image will disintegrate into artifacts.
Why does the cursor lag occur?
Latency when using Miracast is due to the time it takes to encode the image on the PC, transmit it over the network, and decode it on the TV. This can be critical for games, so this method is not recommended for gaming. It's better to use an HDMI cable or game streaming services like Steam Link.
Connection via HDMI cable
Despite the development of wireless technologies, the good old HDMI remains the king of stability. No WiFi can guarantee the same throughput and lack of compression as a physical connection. If you plan to watch heavy 4K HDR movies with a high bitrate or play games, cable is the only choice that eliminates lag and compression artifacts.
To connect, simply connect your computer's video card to any free port. HDMI on the TV. After turning on the TV, you need to switch the signal source to the appropriate connector (for example, HDMI 1). Windows automatically detects the second display. To conveniently control content from the comfort of your couch, you can use a wireless mouse or set up control from your smartphone.
It's important to pay attention to the cable version. To transmit images in the resolution 4K with frequency 60 Hz and HDR support requires a standard cable HDMI 2.0 or higher (often labeled as High Speed). Older cables (version 1.4) may limit the frame rate to 30 Hz or fail to transmit HDR metadata, which will degrade the viewing experience.
| Connection type | Image quality | Stability | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLNA | Original (no loss) | High | Average |
| Miracast | Compressed (artifacts may occur) | Depends on the router | High |
| HDMI cable | Lossless | Absolute | Low (wire needed) |
| Plex/Emby | Original or transcoding | High | Very high |
Solving buffering and quality issues
A common issue with wireless streaming is sudden buffering or a drop in picture quality mid-movie. This usually indicates insufficient channel bandwidth or signal interference. Wi-Fi range 2.4 GHz highly susceptible to interference from microwave ovens, devices and neighboring routers.
To diagnose the problem, you can run a speed test on a computer connected to the same access point. If the speed fluctuates or is lower 20-30 Mbps, stable 4K streaming is not possible. In this case, it is recommended to reconnect your devices to the network. 5 GHz, which is less congested and offers wider data transmission channels.
It's also worth checking the power saving settings of your computer's network card. Windows may try to conserve power by reducing the power of the WiFi adapter, which can lead to connection drops when transferring large amounts of data. In Device Manager, under the network adapter properties, on the "Power Management" tab, uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device...".
Setting up sound and audio formats
When connecting your computer to a TV, it's important to configure the audio output correctly. By default, Windows may continue to output audio through your laptop's built-in speakers or connected USB headphones, ignoring the TV. To fix this, click the speaker icon in the system tray, select the playback device, and select your TV or receiver.
Multichannel audio transmission requires special attention. If you have a home theater or soundbar connected to your TV, you must enable the transmission of uncompressed formats such as Dolby Digital or DTSIn Windows sound settings (Device Properties → Advanced options), make sure that any restrictions that prevent surround sound transmission are removed.
Sometimes audio and video desynchronization occurs, with the sound either preceding or lagging behind the picture. This is difficult to fix in the standard Windows media player, so for viewing via DLNA, it's best to use advanced players on the TV (for example, VLC for Android TV), where there is the possibility of software delay of the audio track.
⚠️ Attention: Smart TV and operating system interfaces (Windows, macOS) are updated regularly. Menu locations, item names, and available codecs may vary depending on your TV's firmware version. Always consult the manufacturer's official documentation if the standard path doesn't work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can't the TV see the computer's folders on the network?
Most often, the problem lies in Windows sharing settings or your network profile. Make sure the network is marked as "Private" and network discovery and file sharing are enabled. Your antivirus or firewall may also be blocking the connection—try temporarily disabling them to check.
Is it possible to stream video from a MacBook to a TV?
Yes, if your TV supports it. AirPlay 2 (many Samsung, LG, and Sony models) you can cast your screen or video directly through the macOS system menu. For other models, you can use AirPlay receiver apps on Android TV or use the Chrome browser with Cast.
What video format is best for DLNA?
The most compatible format is container binding MP4 or MKV with video codec H.264 (AVC) and audio track AAC or AC3The H.265 (HEVC) format is supported only by modern TVs released in the last 3-4 years.
Does watching movies over WiFi affect internet speed?
Local file transfers (DLNA, Plex within the network) don't use the internet connection, but only the router's internal bandwidth. However, if you watch online movies through the TV app, your data plan is charged.