Connection options
Today, there are several ways to connect a computer to a TV. Each of them is relevant for one or another of the prevailing circumstances. much depends on the TV, and most importantly, on its functionality. Some TVs can indeed connect to various functions, therefore, the transfer of information from the computer to the screen will not present any difficulties. And sometimes, this process is seriously complicated due to the fact that some important functions are missing.
Let’s consider the most common ways.
List of required equipment for connection
In order to transfer video from a computer to a TV, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work. Namely, prepare the necessary equipment that is required to connect.
First, make sure your TV and computer are working. Unfortunately, even large household appliances are short-lived and fail over time. It is highly likely that your computer has viruses, so you should first clean it up, and sometimes even format the disks.
The same goes for the TV. Be sure to make sure that it is serviceable, working. It is possible that it has long ceased to respond to some functions, so do not be surprised that even if you purchase additional equipment and carry out a large amount of work, you will not be able to achieve the desired result. This is a consequence of equipment wear and tear, and as a result, its complete unusability.
- Connecting a TV to a computer requires a built-in Wi-Fi module in your Smart TV. Unfortunately, in its absence, network connection is simply impossible, so check in advance whether your device supports this technology or not.
- And of course, don’t forget about your Wi-Fi router. It should work normally, not reset the network, and also, thanks to the residual power in order to distribute Wi-Fi not only to the computer, but also to the TV.
- If you are using a laptop, you can exhale. Almost all of them are equipped with modern hardware and built-in Wi-Fi modules.
- But even if not, don’t despair. It is still possible to transmit an image over a Wi-Fi network, however, for this you will have to purchase a special adapter for the TV, which will help to display the image.
Most often, such an adapter is made in the form of a system unit with an antenna or an external USB module. From the outside, you might think that this is an ordinary flash drive. It is connected to the USB connector of the TV, after which it is activated in the settings of the device using the menu button.
Be sure to pay attention to the version of the Wi-Fi standard that this module will support. Stay on the most current version to date. The more current the version, the higher its bandwidth, and also, the more likely there will be no delays at the time of transferring an image from a computer to a TV via Wi-Fi.
Important! Remember to update your drivers before connecting. This must be done on absolutely all network devices that will be used.
Remember that you need a good Wi-Fi network to transfer images from your computer to your TV. Unfortunately, if your network speed is at its lowest, you won’t be able to enjoy high-quality images. It will jump, lag behind, in the end, it may simply not be played on the big screen. Therefore, be sure to check what the Wi-Fi signal strength is. Also, sometimes the operator, offering various tariffs, greatly underestimates the speed, and instead of the promised 160 megabits per month, users use only 30, or even less. Be sure to measure the speed of your Internet in advance, and if it is lower than stated in the tariff, submit requirements for increasing the speed by your company to the supplier.
What errors can occur and how to fix them
Unfortunately, various errors can occur on the way to connecting the computer to the TV via Wi-Fi.
In order to avoid them, you need to know how they are dealt with.
- So, before you open any media file to transfer it to a TV screen, you need to make sure in advance that its resolution is fully and fully supported by the capabilities of the TV. If this is not the case, you must first perform a format conversion and only in this case you will not be disappointed.
- If you have a black screen in front of you, the image still does not appear, you need to check. To do this, you need to find out if your computer and TV are connected to the same network, or for some reason connected to different Wi-Fi networks.
- Perhaps you have not previously checked the drivers, which is why they are not updated, so the connection simply cannot be made. This fact especially affects the connection using Widi, which simply does not work with the old settings.
- If the image suddenly disappears, you need to make sure that the computer remains turned on. It is possible that it is discharged, went into sleep mode, or for some other reason the data transfer was interrupted.
Your attentiveness will help you avoid various mistakes, which means you can easily turn your TV into a full-fledged computer screen.
DLNA network
In order to organize high-quality wireless data transfer between your computer and TV, it is necessary that both devices have built-in Wi-Fi modules, or, in extreme cases, they are external. They must be combined into a single local network, which is provided through a Wi-Fi router.
Check in advance if your TV is DLNA capable. DLNA is a set of universal standards that help you exchange multimedia files, including movies, music, pictures, and so on.
In order to understand whether there is a similar function or not, be sure to refer to the accompanying technical documentation.
For example, all the latest TVs from LG, Samsung, Toshiba are equipped with a similar function. The rest need to be clarified in the instructions.
If you find out that the technology is available, you need to proceed to the next step.
- Configuring the router
- Unplug the router, then plug it back on.
- Connect it in DHCP mode. There is a special button for this, or it can be done in the settings section. Means automatic distribution of network settings.
- Also, you must assign a password that will allow devices to enter the local network.
- Then you need to connect the TV to the local network. To do this, you need to use the remote control.
- Enter the TV menu. Find the item Network.
- Open the tab that is responsible for setting it up. You will see the fields of network connections.
- Activate among them the item Wireless connection.
- From the entire list that opens, select the Wi-Fi network that belongs to you.
- After that, wait for the lengthy connection check to pass. An empty field will appear on the screen, where you must enter the access password that you previously set on the router.
If you are lucky and your router supports WPC technology, then in this case it is even easier to connect the TV to a Wi-Fi network.
- To do this, you need to select the appropriate WPC item in the TV settings and keep this button on the router turned on for a while.
- The device is synchronized and the connection will be built.
- The next step is to install the computer on the media server
To do this, on your computer you need to create several folders where multimedia files intended for playback on TV will be stored.
To do this, you will need any media server program that is simple and convenient for you.
Today there are enough such programs, the most popular of them are AllShare, SmartShare, Plex media server, home media server.
After the program has been installed and launched, it is necessary to perform the setup procedure. Then, you need to move all the necessary media files to these folders.
Now, from the TV screen, you will have access to all the necessary multimedia that can be opened by simply viewing the files on your computer.
How to Connect WiFi Smart-Net CCTV Camera to PC or Laptop?
other methods
Other methods are for regular TVs, which unfortunately do not have a wireless adapter. This applies to TVs that do not have Smart TV functionality. However, they are equipped with a very important HDMI input.
You will need to purchase additional equipment.
For example, it could be Google Chromecast. This device allows you to stream content from all your devices to your TV. Very compact and handy.
Chromecast is a digital media player made by Google. It is entirely designed to play all streaming audio and video files using a Wi-Fi network.
The device appeared back in 2013, but gained true popularity after 2015.
Connects to the HDMI port of the TV. It is powered by connecting through the microusb port built into an external adapter.
The device connects to your home network using a Wi-Fi connection. Also, optimal operation of all applications for iOS, Android, and other applications that were installed in the Google Chrome or Windows browser is supported.
The quality of the image that is transmitted to the TV will mainly depend on the power of the particular computer.
This device has periodic updates to improve the quality of the transmitted image.
Also, an Android mini PC is suitable for purchase. This device looks very much like a USB flash drive, easily connects to any port of the TV and works fully, displaying the Android system, which is familiar to us from mobile devices.
Looks like a TV box or mini box, the size of a small device.
Has its own operating system, which gives the TV all the functions of a computer.
Its main advantages are portability, small size and functionality. In addition, you will be pleased with the cost, which is not at all high, and even lower than the price of a wireless media player from Google.
Also, since 2019, a special intel compute stick mini-computer has been on sale, which runs on Windows. It easily connects to HDMI port.
Widi and Miracast
Another popular method, which is a variant of wireless display of multimedia information from a computer directly to the TV screen. In this case, you get access not only to files that will be stored in certain folders, but also to all files that can be played online.
True, such a technology, which is associated with screen mirroring, is very complex, requires a certain resource power from your computer and TV. Therefore, it can only be supported by individual devices that have powerful built-in stuffing.
Check your TV to see if it is equipped with similar advanced playback technology. The TV’s settings or instructions should indicate that it supports Widi / Miracast. If this is not provided, you will have to separately purchase a special adapter that can be connected to HDMI ports.
The technology is associated with the fact that the picture that is currently reflected on the screen of your computer will be compressed. This happens as a result of the influence of a special algorithm.
Then, it is mirrored over the Wi-Fi channel to your TV screen. At the same time, you do not need to connect the TV to a local Wi-Fi network, you only need high-quality operation of the TV receiver, which itself organizes a separate network with a personal computer.
- In order to transfer an image, you need to install a special application on your computer, which is called Intel wireless display.
- Check if it was originally installed on your device.
- You start the broadcast mode, after which a reference to the menu appears on the TV screen.
- In the TV menu, activate the Widi / Miracast function.
All ways to connect a TV to a computer using Wi-Fi
On the Internet, you can find a fairly large number of questions on all kinds of forums devoted to connecting a computer to a TV via a Wi-Fi network. This is done in a situation where it is not possible to connect using an HDMI cable and when using other methods. Let’s find out how quickly, and most importantly, correctly connect the TV to the computer and broadcast any media files to it.
Connecting a laptop to a PC using a cable
This method requires preparation. buying a cable if it is not there. To correctly determine the required cord, it is worth finding out the connectors of the devices. You can find devices with VGA, DP ports (for example, HP 15-dw1004ur), HDMI, USB. We pay attention to this when choosing a cable.
Recommendations on how to properly connect a laptop to a computer using a cable:
- One end of the cord must be inserted into the laptop connector, the other into the PC port.
- Start both devices.
- After the desktop appears on the screen, click on an empty space with the right mouse button.
- In the menu that appears, select “Properties” or “Screen resolution” (depending on the OS), the display options will appear.
- There will also be a list and pictures with monitors, you need to select the connected laptop monitor by name or click on the image under number 2.
- In the field “Multiple screens” select “Show desktop on”.
- To save all changes, you need to click on “OK”.
How to use a laptop as a monitor for a computer: 3 ways to connect
If the PC screen is out of order, and there is no opportunity or time to purchase a new one, you can use the laptop as a monitor. Also, the option is suitable so as not to dispose of a non-working laptop, but still use it for some time.
An important nuance: the laptop display must be working.
The article provides detailed instructions on how to connect a laptop screen to a computer using a cable, program or video capture card. The methods are also useful if you need to demonstrate in all its “glory” information from a laptop on a large monitor.
Controlling a PC on a laptop via remote access programs
If you don’t have a cable at hand, you can use the wireless method to connect your laptop and PC. The method is relevant for owners of Apple devices. There is a special option called Air Display (not available in all versions of the devices, you may need to install the application).
The program is freely available, it can be easily downloaded from the Internet. To install, you just need to follow the instructions, everything is intuitive.
If the program is already on your laptop, then you can connect to the PC as follows:
- select the program icon on the taskbar and click on it;
- in the window that opens with a list of available devices, select the one you need;
- click on Connect and wait for the connection.
That’s it, now you can display an image, text information from a computer to a laptop. Air Display helps to use monitors together, all actions are carried out as a remote connection.
Connection using a video capture card
Another way is to purchase a USB video capture card. This will provide an opportunity to seamlessly use both a monitor and a keyboard in a laptop. The board connects one side to the PC, the other to the laptop.
You can work with the board from any device equipped with USB connectors. All drivers are included, so there will be no problems installing it. At the same time, the best option is to use a standard wired connection between a PC and a laptop, since this will require fewer resources.
The tips outlined in this manual are very real and useful even for non-computer technicians. The first and third methods involve small additional expenses. the purchase of a cable and a video capture card. The second method is optimal for owners of “apple” devices, there is no need to spend money, just install the application. The choice of the method of connecting a laptop to a PC is up to the user, who only has to study all 3 and choose the most convenient, fastest and simplest of them.
How to connect?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to describe in detail the algorithm for connecting Smart TV to a computer, since there are over 2000 models of TVs alone (for each model, the connection is different). But still there is a general algorithm that you can try to use.
Initially, the computer and TV are connected via Wi-Fi. Next, you can open shared access to the computer and folders with the required files. Then the program for creating a DNLA server is installed on the computer. After this action, those folders are selected from which videos and photos should be played. The program selects the desired file, and then you need to find “Play to.” (instead, there may be a meaning similar in meaning). After that, the TV is selected.
To create a DNLA channel, the Serviio program will help. it is worth noting that it is completely free.
It is very easy to navigate in it and even an inexperienced user can master it. The program has such advantages as automatically updates the media library, creates a local home network and shows videos on a variety of devices. Special terms are required to install and operate this software. The memory should not be less than 512 MB, and there should be at least 150 MB of free space on the disk. A specific operating system must be installed on the computer: OSX, Windows or Linux.
You need to follow the instructions below so that you can watch what you want:
- TV must be equipped with Wi-Fi Direct function;
- on the PC, you need to find the folders with the files that you want to display, and then right-click on them;
- then click “Provide access to.”;
- through “Start” you need to select “Home Network”, and on the TV the item is responsible for displaying files from external sources.
How to connect Smart TV to computer?
Smart TV is a regular TV, but the difference is that it is connected to the Internet. Thanks to this, you can use online TV and visit websites. The advantages of Smart TV are: low price, functionality and compatibility with a huge number of TV models. By connecting Smart TV, the user becomes available to his favorite services, such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, as well as game content. Many have already used Smart TV, thanks to which they have multiplied the capabilities of a modern TV. To use the function, you must first connect it. Let’s take a closer look at how to connect Smart TV to a computer.
Windows 10
This operating system includes the function of transferring files to the big screen, so the work is more convenient. Wi-Fi TV will become the second monitor.
It is worth performing such actions as:
- open “Control Panel” and find “Media Streaming Options”;
- turn on the transmission;
- connect to TV.
Note! You can use a simplified version. Click on the file with the right mouse button and select “Transfer to device”.
Windows 7
We carry out the algorithm for connecting to Smart TV as follows:
- open the “Start” menu, then click on “Search”;
- we enter in the search engine Windows Media Center;
- in the list that will open, we find “Media Extender”, then “Install Media Extender”;
- an instruction will appear in front of you. read it carefully, as it explains how to display and select files for viewing on the screen.
Connecting to different OS
Windows 8
This way the TV will become the second PC monitor wirelessly via Wi-Fi.
Follow these steps:
- we bring the mouse cursor to the right corner at the top;
- in the menu that opens, we find “Search”;
- enter the name of Windows Media Center;
- open and run.
Note! If you don’t have this program, it’s okay. It can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website.
Possible problems
The user may face connection problems. If the TV does not “recognize” the computer, then it does not meet the requirements for syncing over Wi-Fi. A prerequisite. it must be based on third generation Intel.
And also the problem can occur if the Intel Wireless Display program is not downloaded, so it should be.
The TV must support Wi-Fi technology. If all the conditions for synchronization are met, then it is worth updating the Wi-Fi drivers. The TV must support the DLNA function Even if not, a DLNA server can be created, for this there are certain programs (we mentioned one of them above).
There is nothing difficult in connecting Smart TV to a computer. The main thing is to remember the instructions and use them, and also make sure that the TV and computer are connected through the same router.
If an antivirus is installed on your computer, then you should disable it for a while.
There may be another awkwardness in terms of a freeze image. in this case, there is a lack of speed. Movies can be watched from a flash drive or from an external hard drive.
How to connect Smart TV to a computer, see the video below.
Connecting via a router
Immediately before you start connecting a wi-fi camera to a computer, you need to familiarize yourself with the existing device model and the important points of the process. One of them is represented by the hardware configuration for software integration, which is impossible without changing the virtual address.
How to connect a wi-fi camera to a computer via a router? When familiarizing yourself with the device, you should pay attention to its ip-address, which looks like this 192.168.0.1, but basically it will have different numerical values. You can find it on the box, the back of the equipment, or in the instructions.
After that, we connect the camera to the computer via wi-fi. To do this, go to any browser and open the page with the ip number. In most cases, nothing will happen, and the page will not open, which indicates that the domain mismatch prevents the software from docking.
You can solve this problem by visiting the “Control Panel”, which is located in the “Start” menu. Next, the “Network and Sharing Management” tab opens, and already in the dialog box that opens, you need to click on the hyperlink of the wireless network connection.
When the next window appears, click on the “Details” button. The user will see all the characteristics of the current connection, and the most important of them is the “Default Gateway”, which has ip-addresses. Next, the driver with the software is installed, and the application is launched.
To connect a wi-fi camera to a computer, the correct addressing settings are driven into the service.
- IP address: where we enter the data of the tracking device;
- Mask: the subnet mask always remains the default 255.255.255.0;
- Gateway: this is the valid data of the router.
Once all the cells are filled, the user will be able to see the images from the existing device. It should be understood that such integration is possible only in the case of devices that have a built-in wi-fi adapter that allows you to receive a signal and integrate with the router’s network. To make sure of this, you should read the instructions or see the corresponding logo on the box.
Connecting a wi-fi camera to a computer in 2 ways
One of the most important issues in creating a security system for a home or premises is how to connect a wi-fi camera to a computer. You can do this yourself by studying the detailed instructions.
Connecting without a router
An important point is how to connect a wi-fi camera to a computer without a router, which requires the user to directly connect the device to the switch. To do this, you can use a UTP cable, one end of which connects to the device and the other to the router. After that, you need to determine the data of the gateways of the router connected to the PC.
How to connect a wi-fi camera to a computer without a router? To do this, you can go through a similar operation, how and when you need to connect the camera to a computer via wi-fi. In the “Control Panel” select the item “Network and Sharing Management”, but already in it you will need to select the item “Local Area Connection”. In the window that will open, you can also open “Information”, where the required values will be indicated. Next, the drivers are installed on the PC, and the application opens.
When entering values in the same way as in the first method? you must also enter the port of the device itself, which can be found in the instructions or on the box, the subnet mask and the Gateway showing the switch gateway data. After entering all the values in the attachment to the equipment, you can start using it.
The wired method of installation is a more reliable connection, since it allows lossless and faster transfer of information from the tracking device to the hospital. This connection option speeds up the operation of devices than connecting a camcorder to a computer via wi-fi.
Any wi-fi camera for a computer requires configuration, which consists in entering the values of the router’s gateways. You can do this yourself by reading the instructions. In the case of a wired installation, you will need to additionally extend the twisted pair to each network element.
Connecting laptop to TV via Wi-Fi
Many modern TVs can be connected to a computer or laptop via Wi-Fi to view supported files. We will talk about this, as well as about some additional solutions later in this article.
Connecting laptop to PC
You can mainly connect via Wi-Fi Smart TV, but means for a regular TV will also be considered.
Miracast
Miracast technology allows you to use a Wi-Fi network to wirelessly transmit a signal from a laptop to a TV. Thanks to this approach, you can turn your Smart TV into a full-fledged monitor that displays or expands the laptop desktop.
Setting up your TV
Most modern TVs that support Wi-Fi allow you to easily connect via Miracast.
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Use the “Setting” button on the remote control to go to the TV settings.
Open the “Network” section and select “Miracast”.
In the next window, change the value to “ON”.
Subsequent actions must be performed on a laptop that supports the same technology.
Miracast on laptop
We discussed the process of using Miracast on a computer and laptop in a separate article using the example of Windows 10. If your laptop supports this connection, then after completing the above steps, the TV will display the image from the monitor.
It will be possible to customize the operation of the monitor through the “Screen Resolution” section or by pressing the “WinP” key combination on the keyboard.
If you have any questions, please contact us in the comments.
Miracast adapter
If you don’t have a Smart TV, you can use a special Miracast adapter. This device can be of different models, but in any case, it requires HDMI on the TV and, if possible, a USB port.
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Connect the Miracast adapter to the previously disconnected TV using the HDMI interface.
Connect the supplied cable to the device.
Connect the USB cable to a charger or an available port on your TV.
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Use the “Input” or “Source” button on the TV remote.
Select HDMI port with Miracast adapter connected.
The information presented on the screen will be required in the future to configure the adapter.
Setting up your laptop
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Using standard Windows tools, connect to the Wi-Fi network of the Miracast adapter.
After following the steps above, turn on Miracast on your computer according to the instructions above. If everything was done correctly, the TV will display an image from the laptop.
The local network
This approach will be a great solution to the task at hand if you are using a wireless TV. If the connection is correct, the TV will be able to view some, mainly multimedia data from the computer.
Note: We will consider only one TV model, but the settings of other Smart TVs are largely similar and differ only in the name of some items.
Setting up your TV
First, you need to connect the TV to the same router that the laptop is connected to.
Through the presented menu, select the “Network” tab.
After selecting the “Network Connection” section, at the next stage, click the “Configure” button.
Select your Wi-Fi router from the list of presented networks.
In addition to the above, if your device has Wi-Fi Direct support, you can connect directly to the TV.
This step can be divided into two parts depending on the TV used and its requirements.
Windows Media Player
To play media files from your library from laptop to TV, you need to apply special settings for Windows Media Player. Further actions should be performed only if the TV is connected without the manufacturer’s software.
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On the top panel of Windows Media Player, expand the “Stream” list and check the box next to the items indicated in the screenshot.
Open the “Organize” list and select “Manage Libraries”.
V380 wifi Camera software installation & Setup & remote viewing on Laptop or PC Over Wifi / Local
Here you need to select the type of data you want to import.
Specify the desired directory and click the “Add folder” button.
Click on the “OK” button to save the settings.
After that, the data will appear in the library, which can be accessed from the TV.
Many Smart TV manufacturers require special software to be installed in order to transfer data. In our case, the Smart Share program is required, the download and installation process of which we discussed in another instruction.
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After completing the installation, click the “Options” button at the top of the interface.
On the Service page, change the value to ON.
Switch to the “My Shared Files” section and click on the folder icon.
Through the window that opens, select one or more directories that contain the multimedia files you need. You can complete the selection by pressing the “OK” button.
After closing the window, the selected folders will appear in the list, which can be deleted using the icon on the toolbar.
Files can now be accessed from the TV.
Play on TV
This step is the easiest. This is due to the fact that the necessary recommendations are usually added to the standard instructions for working with the TV.
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Open the special section in the menu that stores files from your laptop. Usually its name corresponds to the previously installed software of the TV manufacturer.
On some TVs, you need to select a network connection through the “Source” menu.
The only limitation you may encounter when using this method is that the laptop must always be turned on. If the laptop is put into sleep or hibernation mode, streaming will be interrupted.
When connecting a laptop and TV via Wi-Fi, the disadvantage is the signal transmission delay, especially noticeable if you use the TV as a wireless monitor. Otherwise, this approach is not much inferior to the connection via HDMI.