This article shows you how to enjoy multimedia content stored on a computer directly on the screen of your LG Smart TV. You can play a video or audio directly on an LG Smart TV using the native SmartShare functionality or by connecting your computer to the TV wirelessly, using the Miracast option or using an HDMI cable.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use the SmartShare Feature
Step 1. Understand what the SmartShare feature is
This is a program installed on LG Smart TVs that allows you to play streaming multimedia content on the TV directly from a computer, using the home LAN. You will then have the option to enjoy a movie or listen to music stored on your computer without first having to copy its files to a USB device or CD / DVD.
The SmartShare function works best if the computer where the content to be played is stored and the LG TV are connected to the LAN with an Ethernet cable. Using the SmartShare function via Wi-Fi connection may cause problems when playing content, such as poor video or audio quality
Step 2. Turn on your LG Smart TV
In order to establish a secure connection between the computer and the television, the television must be turned on and working.
Step 3. Connect your computer and LG TV to the same home LAN network
This is a mandatory step to be able to stream content stored on your computer to your TV. Otherwise you will not be able to continue.
For best results in terms of audio and video quality, it is best that the TV and computer are connected to the network router via an Ethernet cable
Step 4. Enter the "Start" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop.
Before you can use the SmartShare feature, you need to enable streaming content on your computer
Step 5. Type the media streaming options keywords in the "Start" menu
Windows will search your computer for the "Streaming Media Options" program. It is usually an integral part of the computer's "Control Panel".
Step 6. Click the Media Streaming Options icon
It is visible at the top of the results list that appeared in the "Start" menu. This will bring up the "Media Streaming Options" page of the "Control Panel".
Step 7. Press the Turn on Media Streaming button
It is placed in the center of the window.
Step 8. Select the check button next to the name of your LG Smart TV
Scroll through the list of all available options until you locate and select the "Allowed" check button next to the name of the LG TV.
If the check button is already selected, you will not need to take any action
Step 9. Press the OK button
It is located at the bottom of the window. Now the computer can play streaming media content on the LG TV. It should also be remembered that both devices must necessarily be connected to the same LAN network.
Step 10. Press the "Home" button on the remote with the icon
It is located in the center of the latter (in some cases it is located in the lower right part).
Step 11. Choose the "SmartShare" option
Scroll the list that appears to the right or left until you find the SmartShare icon. It is characterized by four colored spheres connected to each other (one red, one green, one yellow and one blue). At this point, use the directional buttons on the remote control to select the icon in question, then press the button OK.
Step 12. Go to the Devices tab
It is located on the left side of the TV screen.
Step 13. Select your computer name
It should be listed within the "Devices" tab that appeared.
Step 14. Choose the content you want to play
After choosing your computer, a page will appear from which you can browse all audio, video and image files stored on your computer. Choose the content you want to display on the LG TV screen.
For your chosen content to be streamed to your TV, the computer on which it is stored must be switched on and you must be logged in with your personal account
Method 2 of 3: Using the Miracast Feature
Step 1. Understand what the Miracast feature is
If you need to duplicate the screen of your computer on that of the LG TV, the Miracast function allows you to do it wirelessly without having to use connecting cables.
As with the SmartShare feature, the Miracast option also provides better results if the computer where the content to be played is stored and the LG TV are connected to the network router via an Ethernet cable rather than via a Wi-Fi connection
Step 2. Turn on your LG Smart TV
Press the power button on the remote control marked with the following symbol
Step 3. Press the "Home" button on the remote with the icon
A list of all apps installed on the TV will be displayed.
Step 4. Choose the "Device Connector" option
This function allows you to connect a computer running Windows to an LG Smart TV:
- Select the item App List;
- Choose the voice Device connector;
- Press the button OK remote control.
Step 5. Choose the PC icon
It is one of the items on the "Device connector" page.
Step 6. Select the Screen Sharing option
It is located at the bottom of the screen.
Step 7. Access the Miracast tab
It is located on the left side of the appeared screen.
Step 8. Choose the Start option
It is located at the bottom right of the screen.
Step 9. Select PC with Windows 8.1 or later
It is located on the right side of the screen. This will make your LG Smart TV accessible from your computer.
Newer or more up-to-date LG Smart TV models may carry the rumor PC with Windows 10 instead of the one indicated. If so, select this option.
Step 10. Connect the computer to the TV
Click the "Notifications" icon. It features a square balloon and is located in the lower right corner of the screen. When the Windows Notification Center appears follow these instructions:
- Choose the option Project;
- Select the item Add a wireless display;
- Click the name of your LG Smart TV;
- If prompted, enter the security code displayed on the TV screen;
- Push the button Connect.
Step 11. Select the LG TV as the device for playing the audio signal
If the latter continues to be reproduced by the built-in speakers or connected to the computer instead of the speakers of the TV follow these instructions:
- Access the menu Start;
- Type in the audio keyword;
- Select the speaker icon named Audio;
- Access the card Reproduction and select the LG TV;
- Push the button Default;
- At this point, press the buttons in succession Apply And OK.
Step 12. Use LG TV as a natural extension of your computer screen
You should now be able to view your computer desktop directly on the TV screen. This means that you can browse online content, watch a movie or work on a document directly on the TV screen using your computer as if it were a remote control.
Method 3 of 3: Use an HDMI cable
Step 1. Verify that your computer has an HDMI video port
The latter is characterized by a thinned rectangular shape and a pair of rounded corners. Most modern computers are equipped with at least one HDMI port.
Step 2. If necessary, purchase an adapter
If your system does not have an HDMI port, you will need to purchase an adapter to convert the video output port installed on your computer to HDMI. For example from VGA to HDMI.
Computers that do not offer an HDMI video port typically have a DisplayPort, USB-C, DVI, or VGA port (the latter two options refer to older computers)
Step 3. Buy a cable that is long enough
Measure the distance between your TV and your computer (in case you're not using a laptop), then buy an HDMI cable that's slightly longer (about half a meter longer). This will ensure that the connectors are not subjected to excessive pressure and that the cable is not too tight. Plus you'll have some leeway if needed.
- It should be noted that the difference in terms of audio / video quality between a € 5 HDMI cable and a € 70 one is really minimal. This is justified by the fact that it must carry a digital signal that is not subject to distortions or interference that can affect its quality or clarity, as is the case with an analog signal. The loss of quality becomes noticeable only in the case of very long HDMI cables.
- HDMI cables guarantee standard performance up to a length of 12m. On the market there are even longer cables that technically work the same, but which nevertheless fail to guarantee the quality standards required by an HDMI signal.
- If you need to transmit the HDMI signal over extremely long distances, chances are you will need to purchase an amplifier or signal booster to install along the way.
Step 4. Connect one connector of the HDMI cable to the TV
Insert one end of the cable into one of the free HDMI ports on the LG Smart TV. They are usually placed on the back of the device or along one of the sides.
If your TV has multiple HDMI inputs, make a note of the port number you connect the cable to. You will need this information later to select the correct video input source
Step 5. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the corresponding port on your computer
Insert the connector into the HDMI port of the device.
If you've ever had the need to purchase an adapter, plug it into your computer's video port then plug the end of the HDMI cable into the adapter port
Step 6. Turn on your LG Smart TV
Press the power button on the remote control marked with the following symbol
Step 7. Select the input signal source you connected your computer to
Use the remote's "Input" or "Source" button to select the HDMI port you connected the cable to. If your TV is equipped with multiple HDMI ports, please refer to their identification number. After selecting the correct input the computer screen image should appear on the TV.
Step 8. Select the LG TV as the device for playing the audio signal
If the latter continues to play from the built-in speakers or connected to the computer instead of the speakers of the TV, follow these instructions:
- Access the menu Start;
- Type in the audio keyword;
- Select the speaker icon named Audio;
- Access the card Reproduction and select the LG TV;
- Push the button Default;
- At this point, press the buttons in succession Apply And OK.
Step 9. Use LG TV as a natural extension of your computer screen
You should now be able to view your computer desktop directly on the TV screen. This means you can browse online content, watch a movie or work on a document directly on your TV screen using your computer as if it were a remote control.
Advice
- An HDMI cable can hardly cost more than € 10-15, especially if you buy it online.
- All LG Smart TVs (and all Smart TVs in general) are equipped with HDMI video ports.
