How to Send a Movie From My Computer to My TV
By Daniel Hatter
Many newer HDTVs that support network connectivity also have support for media streaming from home shares. This capability makes it possible for you to send digital media files -- such as movies and music -- over your network to your HDTV. If your HDTV supports media streaming, you can take advantage of this feature by creating a network share on your computer. Once the share has been created, you'll be able to watch and listen to your computer's media files on your HDTV.
Step 1
Log in to the computer with the movie and/or other media files you'd like to view on your HDTV. Open the Charms bar (move your mouse cursor to the right edge of the screen), click "Settings," click the network icon, right-click your network's name and then select "Turn sharing on or off."
Step 2
Click "Yes, turn on sharing and connect to devices" to enable sharing. To create your network share, open the folder containing your movie and/or other media files and click the "Share" tab in the folder. If you use a Homegroup, click "Homegroup" in the "Share with" section; otherwise click "Everyone."
Step 3
Turn on your HDTV and open its media streaming application. The media folder you just shared should now appear here. Select the folder and press "OK" or "Enter" to open it and then select the movie you'd like to watch. Press "OK" or "Enter;" it will now begin streaming from your computer to your HDTV.
References
Tips
- If your HDTV doesn't have network capability but your computer has an HDMI port, you can still enjoy your media on your HDTV. Plug an HDMI cable into your computer's HDMI port and plug the other end into one of your HDTV's HDMI ports. Switch the input mode on your HDTV to that HDMI port; your computer desktop will now be extended onto your HDTV screen. Play the desired movie or media file on your computer and drag the window over to your HDTV screen to see and hear it on your HDTV.
- Many Blu-ray players and other media-playing devices also have media streaming apps, such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus. To utilize these and any additional streaming options, connect your Blu-ray player to your HDTV with an HDMI cable, turn on the Blu-ray player and select the desired streaming app to open it. If this is your first time using the app, follow the onscreen directions to create and activate your account.
Writer Bio
Daniel Hatter began writing professionally in 2008. His writing focuses on topics in computers, Web design, software development and technology. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in media and game development and information technology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.