Modern technologies make it possible to completely eliminate unnecessary wires when organizing a home multimedia space. Wireless broadcasting HDMI has become the de facto standard, ensuring a clean interior and flexible use of technology. You no longer need to run an HDMI cable across the room to show friends photos or watch a movie on the big screen.
However, the setup process may vary depending on your computer's operating system and the platform it is running on. Smart TVThere are built-in protocols such as Miracast And AirPlay, as well as third-party solutions that require additional software. Understanding the differences between these methods will help avoid issues with image lag or sound quality.
In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for streaming video over a local network. You'll learn how to activate the feature on Windows and macOS, which apps are best for Android TV, and how to troubleshoot common connection issues. A stable signal is key to success. Wi-Fi router and correct configuration of devices.
Wireless video streaming technologies: Miracast, DLNA, and AirPlay
Before you begin setting up, it's important to understand the terminology, as different devices support different standards. Miracast — is a technology developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance that enables the direct transmission of high-definition video and audio between devices. It operates on a peer-to-peer basis, creating a direct connection that minimizes latency.
Unlike him, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is more often used for streaming media content (video files, music, photos) from a server to a renderer, rather than for full desktop mirroring. If you simply need to show a movie from a folder, DLNA is ideal, but for sharing games or presentations, other methods are better.
Owners of Apple technology are familiar with the protocol AirPlayIt provides the highest transmission quality and low latency in the Apple ecosystem. For Windows PCs, there are similar or third-party implementations that allow you to take advantage of this protocol on AirPlay 2-enabled TVs.
⚠️ Note: Some older TV models may not support hardware decoding of Miracast video streams in 4K resolution. In this case, the system will automatically downgrade to Full HD (1920×1080) to ensure smooth playback.
The choice of technology depends on your goals. For gaming and work, minimal input lag is important, so Miracast is a priority. For viewing a photo album or listening to music, any available standard will do.
Preparing equipment and network for broadcasting
The foundation of any wireless data transfer is the quality of the local network. For successful screen sharing, both the computer and TV must be on the same subnet. This means both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi router.
The signal frequency is critical. Standard 5 GHz Provides significantly higher throughput than 2.4 GHz, which is especially important when transmitting high-resolution video streams. If your router is dual-band, make sure both devices are connected to the 5 GHz network.
Check that the wireless module drivers on your PC are up-to-date. Outdated network adapter software often causes unstable connections or a complete failure to detect devices. It's also worth updating the TV's firmware via the settings menu.
☑️ Network readiness check
Please note that bandwidth usage by other devices (torrents, console game downloads) may cause artifacts or interruptions in the video stream. For critical presentations, it is recommended to temporarily restrict network usage by other users.
Broadcast from Windows 10 and 11 to Smart TV
Windows family operating systems have built-in support for the technology Miracast, making the connection process as simple as possible. You don't need to install any third-party software if your TV supports the Wi-Fi Direct standard. The steps are the same for most OS versions.
First, make sure the signal receiving app is running on your TV. It may have a different name: Screen Share, MirrorLink, Smart View or simply "Broadcast." Then, on your computer, press the key combination Win + KThe "Connection" panel will appear on the right, where it will begin searching for available displays.
Select your TV from the list. A connection confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen; you'll need to confirm it with the remote. Once the connection is established, your desktop will be mirrored to the large screen. You can change the operating mode using the menu. Project: Duplicate, extend, or use only the second screen.
⚠️ Note: The "Extend" feature allows you to use your TV as a second monitor, moving application windows to it without duplicating the main screen. This is convenient for work, but requires configuration in the menu. System → Display.
If the system reports that "your PC or mobile device does not support Miracast," the issue may be with your graphics card drivers or antivirus software blocking network discovery. Try temporarily disabling your firewall or updating your graphics adapter drivers.
Using Google Chrome and Chromecast
If the built-in Windows tools do not work or your TV is based on the platform Android TV, the Google Chrome browser would be an excellent solution. Technology Chromecast Built into many modern TV models, it allows you to broadcast a browser tab or your entire desktop.
Open the Chrome browser on your computer. Click the three dots in the upper-right corner of the menu and select Broadcast... (Cast). In the window that opens, you'll see a list of available devices. Before starting the broadcast, click the "Sources" button to select what you want to show: a tab, desktop, or file.
Chrome menu → Three dots → Cast → Select deviceThis method is convenient because it works on virtually any operating system, including Linux and macOS. It also allows you to stream audio from a tab, which isn't always possible with standard Miracast protocols when streaming video from a browser.
Why might streaming through Chrome lag?
Browser streaming places additional load on the processor due to software encoding of the video stream. If you have a weak PC or slow Wi-Fi, lag is possible. This method is not recommended for gaming; it's better to use native OS tools or HDMI.
To improve quality, close any unnecessary browser tabs. Full-screen broadcasting requires more resources than broadcasting a single tab, so monitor your laptop's temperature and CPU load during the process.
Solutions for macOS and Apple AirPlay
Mac users are at an advantage thanks to technology AirPlayIf your TV supports AirPlay 2 (this applies to recent Samsung, LG, and Sony models), then connection is completed in a couple of clicks without installing any additional software.
Find the "Screen Mirroring" icon (two rectangles) in the taskbar at the top of the screen. Click it and select your TV from the list. The image will instantly appear on the big screen. You can also use the menu to use the TV as a separate monitor.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Permission | Automatically adjusts to TV | Check in System Preferences → Displays |
| Audio | Streamed with video | Select TV in the sound settings |
| Delay | Minimum (about 50-100 ms) | Ideal for videos and photos |
| Compatibility | Apple and AirPlay 2 TV only | A router with 5 GHz support is required. |
If your TV doesn't natively support AirPlay, you can use third-party emulator apps installed on the TV itself (for example, AirScreen on Android TV). These emulators create a virtual receiver visible to your Mac.
Third-party programs and alternative methods
When standard tools fail or advanced functionality is required (for example, transmitting audio from a PC to a TV using Miracast, which often does not transmit an audio stream by default), specialized utilities come to the rescue.
One of the most popular programs is LetsView or AirDroid CastThey work via a web interface or a client app installed on both devices. The algorithm is simple: download the program to your PC and the app to your TV (or enter a code from the website), after which the devices are connected.
- 📱 LetsView — a completely free solution with good image quality, supports control from a phone.
- 💻 AirDroid Cast — allows you to broadcast your screen through a browser without requiring an app to be installed on your TV; simply enter a QR code.
- 🎮 Steam Link — ideal for gamers who want to launch a game on a PC and play on the couch with a controller, using the TV as a monitor.
Another option is to use network-enabled media players such as VLCWhile this isn't a full-fledged desktop demo, you can stream the screen capture interface in VLC and cast that stream via DLNA/UPnP to your TV.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party free programs may contain ads or have session time limits. Carefully read the terms of use before installing unknown software on your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is there only a picture but no sound?
This is a common issue with the Miracast protocol on Windows. After connecting, click the speaker icon in the system tray (near the clock), select the audio output device, and switch from "Speakers" to your TV or "Headphones (TV name)." In some cases, updating your audio codec drivers is necessary.
Is it possible to connect a computer to a TV without a router?
Yes, many modern TVs support Wi-Fi Direct. This feature allows your computer to connect directly to the TV's wireless module, creating a local network without the need for a home router. Speeds may be lower, and your PC's internet connection will be unavailable.
The broadcast is very slow and choppy, what should I do?
Most likely, your bandwidth is insufficient. Try lowering the display resolution on your PC (for example, to 1280x720), closing background downloads on other devices, or switching to a 5 GHz frequency. Also, make sure there are no thick walls between the router and your devices.
Does streaming work over a guest Wi-Fi network?
Typically, no. Guest networks often feature client isolation, which prevents devices from seeing each other on the local network. Screen sharing requires connecting to the main network or creating an access point on one of the devices.