Modern technology makes it possible to transform the living room into a true multimedia center, and wireless data transmission is a key element here. Instead of fiddling with wires or carrying flash drives, users prefer to instantly display content from a laptop or PC on a large screen. Televisions LG Smart TV equipped with a powerful set of tools for working in a local network, which makes the synchronization process as simple and efficient as possible.
However, despite the stated simplicity, sometimes nuances arise with network settings or choosing the right transmission protocol. Connection stability Depends directly on the router's signal quality and the correctness of your operating system settings. In this article, we'll explore all the current methods that will help you enjoy movies, games, and presentations on a large display without lag.
You don't need any advanced technical knowledge or specialized equipment to get started. All you need is for both devices to be on the same network and for the operating system to support wireless media streaming standards. Let's take a look at the specific technologies available to LG owners and how to activate them.
Preparing equipment and network for synchronization
The first and most important step is to ensure a stable connection between your devices. If your computer and TV are connected to different networks (for example, one device to a guest network and the other to the main network), they simply won't "see" each other. Make sure your router supports the standards. 802.11n, 802.11ac or newer, as older protocols may not provide sufficient bandwidth to stream high-definition video.
Check your computer's firewall settings. Antivirus programs or Windows Defender can often block incoming connections from unknown devices, considering them a potential threat. You should add an exception for your home network or temporarily disable strict filters while you're setting up the system to ensure it's working properly.
It's also worth paying attention to updating the TV's software. Manufacturers regularly release patches that improve network module performance and compatibility with new versions of Windows and macOS. Go to the settings menu and check for updates for your model. WebOS.
Using the built-in Screen Share (Miracast) feature
The most popular and versatile screen mirroring method is Miracast, often called Screen Share on LG TVs. This method allows you to stream the entire screen, including the entire desktop, audio, and open windows, without having to launch separate applications on your PC. The technology operates at the wireless card driver level, ensuring minimal latency.
To activate the function on your LG TV, find the shortcut in the applications menu Screen Share or go to the section Settings → Connect to a mobile deviceAfter launching, the TV will go into standby mode, and the device name will appear on the screen, which will be visible when searching from a computer. Make sure "First Time Only" mode is disabled if you plan to connect regularly.
On a computer running Windows 10 or 11, the process is even simpler. Press the key combination Win + K to open the connection panel. Your TV should appear in the list of available devices. Once selected, the pairing process will begin, and a confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen, which you'll need to accept with your remote.
It's important to remember that using Miracast puts a strain on the Wi-Fi module, so proximity to the router is critical. If you notice audio and video out of sync or a drop in image quality, try lowering the screen resolution on your PC or moving your laptop closer to the router. This method may introduce a slight input lag for gaming, but it's ideal for viewing photos and videos.
Streaming via the LG TV Plus and SmartShare app
If standard screen mirroring doesn't suit you, you can use LG's proprietary utilities. The app LG TV Plus (formerly known as TV Remote) is available for mobile devices, but for PCs, there's DLNA technology, often implemented through a built-in media server. Older TV models had an app. SmartShare, which allowed you to see shared folders on your computer directly in the TV interface.
To stream via DLNA, you need to enable the media server in Windows settings. Open "Streaming Media Settings" in the Control Panel and ensure your LG TV is on the list of allowed devices. After this, all videos, music, and photos in the default Windows libraries will be available for viewing through the "Media" menu on your TV.
⚠️ Note: The format of files supported via DLNA is limited by the TV's codecs. If the video doesn't play, it's possible that the TV doesn't support the audio track or file container without pre-streaming.
The advantage of this method is that playback is controlled with the TV remote, leaving the computer free for other tasks. You can put a movie on repeat, create a playlist, or simply scroll through photos from your family vacation while the TV plays content in the background.
Why is DLNA better for movies than Miracast?
DLNA transmits only the data stream, without overloading the computer's operating system's graphical interface. This allows you to watch high-quality video while working on documents, and eliminates freezes caused by heavy window managers.
Connecting MacBook and Apple devices via AirPlay 2
Apple device owners are even luckier, as modern LG TVs support the protocol. AirPlay 2 Natively. This means you don't need to install any additional software to display images from a MacBook, iMac, or iPad. All you need to do is connect to the same Wi-Fi network, and the system will automatically suggest available displays.
To start casting on macOS, click the "Screen Mirroring" icon in the menu bar or through "Displays" in System Preferences. Select your LG TV from the list. The image will instantly appear on the big screen. AirPlay 2 supports multi-user mode and allows you to use your TV as an external audio system for iTunes or Apple Music.
AirPlay typically offers better picture quality than Miracast, thanks to more efficient stream compression and HDR support on compatible models. However, if you're using older routers that don't support the standard, 802.11ac, periodic buffering may occur when viewing heavy 4K content.
Setting up a media server to access files
For those who store their movie and TV show collection on their computer's hard drive, setting up a full-fledged media server is the most convenient option. This allows the LG TV to see the folder structure and file covers, transforming the interface into something reminiscent of an online movie library. This feature is built into Windows, but for more advanced features, you can use third-party software like Plex or Emby.
Let's look at setting it up using standard Windows tools, as it doesn't require installing any extra software. Open "Settings" → "Network & Internet" → "Status." Find the "Sharing options" link and make sure network discovery and file sharing are enabled. Without these, the TV won't be able to physically request a list of files from the computer.
Next, you need to share specific folders. Right-click the movie folder, select "Properties" → "Sharing" tab → "Advanced settings." Check the "Share" box and add the user to the access permissions. All with read permissions. This will allow the TV to open files without requiring a password each time.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | DLNA / UPnP | Basic compatibility with all Smart TVs |
| Net | Private (Home) | Allows discovery of the device on the network |
| Streaming media | Included | Provides access to Windows libraries |
| Firewall | Allow the application | Prevents thread blocking |
After setup, go to your LG TV menu and find the "Media" or "Photos & Videos" app. Your computer should appear in the list of sources. Once you log in, you'll see your shared folders. Navigation is handled using the remote, and playback controls (pause, rewind) are also available through the TV interface.
Solving common problems and delays
Even with proper setup, users may encounter technical difficulties. The most common issue is the TV not detecting the computer. In 90% of cases, this can be resolved by reconnecting to the network or rebooting the router. Sometimes, temporarily disabling the antivirus software on the PC to check for blocked ports can help.
The second common issue is audio and video desynchronization. This is typical for wireless transmission methods with a weak signal. Try temporarily disabling other bandwidth-consuming devices (smartphones, tablets) or switching your router to a less congested channel. Using a wired connection for your desktop PC (if possible) will also reduce bandwidth congestion.
☑️ Connection diagnostics
If the image is choppy or has low resolution, check the output settings on your computer. Make sure the screen refresh rate is set to 60 Hz, and color rendering isn't maximized if the connection is narrow. This is less critical for presentations and text processing, but it's crucial for dynamic video.
Alternative methods and third-party software
If built-in tools are unstable or unsatisfactory in their functionality, third-party solutions come to the rescue. Programs like LetsView, AirServer or ApowerMirror Offer advanced features: phone control, screen recording, whiteboard drawing, and low latency. They often operate through their own client, installed on both a PC and TV (if the platform supports it).
Another option is to use the Google Chrome browser. If you have a Chromecast or built-in Cast support on your LG TV, you can cast a browser tab. Click the Chrome menu → "Cast" → "Cast File" or "Cast Desktop." This is a convenient way to share a website or document without setting up complex network protocols.
⚠️ Note: Third-party apps may require a paid subscription to remove time or quality restrictions. Always check the terms of use before installing.
Don't forget about cloud services either. After uploading photos to Google Photos or videos to YouTube (in "Link Only" mode), you can view them directly from the browser on your LG TV, without even using your computer. This saves PC resources and eliminates codec compatibility issues.
Why doesn't my LG TV see my computer on the network?
Most often, the problem lies in the Windows network profile. If the network is marked as "Public," the system hides the computer from other devices. Switch the profile to "Private" in the network settings. Also, check if the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" service is enabled in Windows Services.
How to reduce lag when gaming on a PC on a TV?
Latency is inevitable when gaming over WiFi. To minimize it, use a router that supports 5 GHz, position your PC closer to the access point, and disable background downloads. Ideally, use an HDMI cable or low-latency technologies specific to gaming monitors for gaming.
Is it possible to output sound from a PC to TV speakers via WiFi?
Yes, when using Miracast or AirPlay, audio is transmitted along with video. In Windows 10/11, you can also select the TV as the audio output device in the volume mixer, even if the image isn't being streamed (provided it supports A2DP or renderer mode profiles).