Streaming content from your computer to a non-smart TV can be done in several ways. Below are some of the most common methods to connect and stream content from your computer to a traditional TV.
1. Using an HDMI Cable
This is the simplest and most reliable method.
– Steps:
1. Check HDMI Ports: Ensure your computer has an HDMI output port. If your computer has a mini DisplayPort, USB-C, or VGA, you may need an adapter to convert to HDMI.
2. Connect to TV: Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your computer’s HDMI port, and the other end into the HDMI input on your TV.
3. Select Input on TV: Use your TV remote to select the HDMI input where the computer is connected.
4. Adjust Display Settings: On your computer, you may need to adjust the display settings to ensure it shows the correct output on your TV. On Windows, right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings” to configure the screen. On a Mac, go to “System Preferences” > “Displays”.
2. Using a Streaming Device (Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick)
If you don’t want to use cables, you can use a streaming device to wirelessly send content from your computer to the TV.
Using Chromecast:
– Steps:
1. Plug the Chromecast into your TV and set it up by connecting it to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
2. On your computer, use Google Chrome and click the three dots in the upper-right corner.
3. Select “Cast” and choose your Chromecast device. You can cast your screen or specific media like videos from a browser tab.
Using Roku or Amazon Fire Stick:
– Steps:
1. Connect your Roku or Fire Stick to the TV and set it up on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
2. On your computer, download and install the appropriate software (like “Roku app” or “AirScreen” on Fire Stick).
3. Use the screen mirroring feature to cast your computer’s screen to the TV wirelessly.
3. Using a VGA or DVI Cable with an Audio Solution
If your TV does not have HDMI but has VGA or DVI, you can still use a cable to connect.
– Steps:
1. Connect VGA/DVI Cable: Use the appropriate VGA or DVI cable to connect your computer to your TV.
2. Connect Audio: Since VGA and DVI do not carry audio, use a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable to connect your computer’s headphone jack to the TV’s audio input.
3. Select Input on TV: Select the correct input on your TV (VGA or DVI).
4. Adjust Display Settings: On your computer, adjust the display settings if needed to ensure the TV receives the signal.
4. Using a Media Player or Set-Top Box with USB Input
Some TVs, even if they are not “smart,” may allow you to play content from a USB drive using a media player app.
– Steps:
1. Copy videos, music, or images from your computer to a USB drive.
2. Insert the USB drive into your TV’s USB port.
3. Use the TV’s menu to navigate to the USB drive and play the content.
5. Using a Wireless Display Adapter (Miracast, WiDi)
If your computer supports Miracast (for Windows) or Intel WiDi (for older Intel-based computers), you can connect wirelessly to a TV that supports these technologies.
– Steps:
1. Ensure your TV or an external adapter like Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter supports Miracast.
2. On your Windows computer, go to “Settings” > “Devices” > “Bluetooth & other devices” and click “Add Bluetooth or other device.”
3. Select “Wireless display or dock” and choose your TV from the list of available devices.
4. Your computer’s screen will appear on the TV.
6. Using a Blu-ray Player with Screen Mirroring Capabilities
Some Blu-ray players have screen mirroring features, which allow you to mirror your computer’s screen to the TV through a Wi-Fi network.
– Steps:
1. Set up the Blu-ray player and connect it to the TV.
2. Enable screen mirroring on the Blu-ray player via its settings.
3. On your computer, use the screen mirroring option (like Miracast or other compatible apps) to connect to the Blu-ray player.
7. Using a Network Media Server (Plex, DLNA)
You can set up a media server on your computer to stream content to a non-smart TV.
– Steps:
1. Set up a media server on your computer using software like Plex or enable DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance).
2. Ensure your TV has DLNA support or use a compatible streaming device (like a Roku or Chromecast).
3. Stream content from your computer via the media server to your TV.
Conclusion
The method you choose depends on the ports and devices you have available. Using an HDMI cable is the most direct way, while wireless options like Chromecast or Roku give you more flexibility without the need for cables.
