Modern technologies are developing steadily, and just a couple of years ago, smart TVs (television with the ability to connect a computer) were a luxury. But today, such a device can be seen in almost every average family. These devices have a good synergy with a home computer, whether it be a laptop or a stationary unit.
And although many are already taking advantage of this smart innovation, they still have not really figured out exactly how the computer is connected to the TV via WiFi. Of course, you can go the easier way and connect the two devices via an HDMI cable, since every modern TV and computer video card is equipped with such an interface. But this method is not always acceptable, since not everyone has a TV located next to the system unit, and a laptop may not be at hand. Among other things, all kinds of wires significantly limit your movement, forcing to "dance" in the immediate vicinity of the PC. Therefore, the wireless connection of the computer to the TV has its undeniable advantages.
Almost all the methods that will be described below require a wireless protocol for the TV itself. However, almost the entire range of smart models is equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter. The methods for connecting a computer to a TV described in this article are applicable to Windows 7, 8, 10 operating systems.
Play video via Wi-Fi (DLNA)
This is one of the most common ways to connect a TV to a personal computer. In addition to having a Wi-Fi adapter, you need the TV itself to be connected to the same network as the computer, that is, a shared router.
If your device supports the Wi-Fi Direct function, you can do without a router by simply connecting to the network where the smart TV is located. Wireless connection of the computer to the TV is carried out through the menu of the smart device according to the same principle as similar devices with the Direct function.
Next, you need to configure our computer, indicating the correct DLNA server data, that is, open shared access to the desired folders. In such cases, it is enough to set the “Home” section in the parameters of the current network. In the basic settings of the section, the folders “Video”, “Music”, “Images” and “Documents” already have shared access, but if not, then by clicking on the right mouse button in the “Properties” menu, you can configure the corresponding section.
Conductor
One of the fastest ways to find access to folders is to open the standard Windows Explorer, then select the “Network” item and after the “Network discovery” message appears, click on it and follow the simple instructions. If instead of this message multimedia servers are displayed, then most likely you have everything configured for further work.
After connecting the computer to the TV via WiFi was successful and the DLNA channel began to work, you need to perform further settings in the menu of your smart device. First of all, try to view the contents of connected devices. On different brands of devices, the built-in software is different, as well as the program for connecting a computer to a TV.
Model Features
Devices from Sony are equipped with a special Bravia proprietary software, where after going to the Home section, connected folders with video, music or images will be visible. In the software from LG there is a SmartShare menu item, where all public folders on the computer are also visible. For other models of devices, there are similar applications that work in a similar way.
It is also possible to control the TV through a computer (WiFi-DLNA). With the correct configuration of the servers and the router, just select the desired file in the Windows Explorer, and then use the drop-down menu to click on the item “Play on * TV name *”. In this case, wireless streaming from the personal computer to the smart device will begin.
Note. Sometimes, even if your device supports MKV format, these files may not play through the DLNA connection. The simplest solution in this case is to simply rename the problem file to the AVI extension, and then everything will work.
Wireless Monitor (WiDi)
If in the past case we were talking about how to play certain files from a computer on a TV, having access to them, then we will consider broadcasting any image from a personal computer monitor or laptop to a smart device via wifi. Simply put - use the device as a wireless monitor.
The main technologies that are used in this case are Miracast and WiDi from Intel, and judging by the latest data, the second has become fully compatible with the first. Connecting a computer to a TV via WiFi-WiDi takes place without the participation of a router, because synchronization occurs directly through the “Direct” protocols.
Requirements
If you have a laptop or personal computer based on Intel of the third generation, then most likely it is equipped with a proprietary wireless adapter and must support WiDi protocols in both Windows 7 and version 8. In some cases, additional installation of the Wireless Display application from Intel may be required, which can be found on the official website of the brand.
If your computer was purchased with the Windows 8.1 operating system preinstalled and equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter, then most likely it supports Miracast technology. Past generations of the OS, alas, do not provide such support, but connecting the computer and the TV via WiFi using this technology is possible if the smart device has a built-in Miracast adapter.
Connection
On your smart device, the settings should include support for Miracast or WiDi technologies. Basic parameters provide for the inclusion of this function by default, and sometimes this item is simply not on the menu (the presence of the Wai-Fi module is sufficient). It should be noted separately that on Samsung TVs this option is called “Screen Mirroring” and this item is located in the network settings section.
WiDi
When connecting a computer to a TV via WiFi using WiDi technology on a PC, we launch the Wireless Display program , and then we find the wireless monitor in the list. In some cases, you may need to enter the security code that appears on the TV screen.
Miracast
To use the Miracast technology, you need to open the Charms panel, then select the "Devices" item, and then - "Projector" (transfer to the screen). Next, click on "Add Wireless Display" - and you can start broadcasting. In the event that the last menu item is not displayed, it means that your personal computer or laptop does not support the Miracast protocols. The only thing that can help is updating the drivers of your Wi-Fi adapter, but if even after this step support does not appear, then you need to update the equipment, not the software.
It should be noted separately that there were no problems with broadcasting with Miracast technology, while WiDi protocols were often knocked out of the network, and the entire connection process was accompanied by even small but unpleasant nuances like rebooting devices or incorrect display TV models.
Connect a regular TV via Wi-Fi
If you do not own a smart device, but your TV is equipped with an HDMI output, then you still have the opportunity to connect it to your computer wirelessly. The only thing necessary for this enterprise is an additional gadget specifically designed for such purposes.
The most interesting devices in this category:
- A proprietary adapter from the well-known search engine Google Chromecast, which with ease and enviable simplicity will broadcast the contents of a PC or laptop to your TV.
- “Android mini” for PC is a device resembling a USB flash drive that connects to an HDMI port and works with the system of the same name on TV.
- Compute Stick from Intel is an adapter on board which is a mini Windows operating system for full connection and broadcasting via an HDMI port.
There are some less popular ways to connect a computer to a TV via wireless protocols (such as USB or Miracast adapters), but because of their specificity, they are not as popular as the methods described above.