How to Stream VLC to TV

Three Parts: Installing VLC on Your Computer Streaming VLC via HDMI Cable Streaming VLC via Wi-Fi

Streaming allows you to play media files from one source unit, such as computers, to other receiving electronic devices, like phones and televisions, without copying or moving the media file. If you have a media file on your computer and want it to play on your TV, try streaming it directly from the VLC player. Streaming from VLC to your TV is very easy and quick to do.

Part 1 of 3: Installing VLC on Your Computer

Download VLC. If you already have VLC installed on your computer, you can skip this part; otherwise, you can download the installer here. Just click on the “Download” button on the page to get the installer.

Click on the downloaded installer to open it. Once it runs, the program will install on your computer and VLC will be ready for use.
- VLC is available for Windows and Mac computers and is installed the same way.
Open a file in VLC. Click on “Media” at the upper left of the VLC window, and select “Open File.” This will open an explorer window that you can use to navigate to the location of the media file you want to open.
- Select the file and click “OK” on the explorer window to open it on VLC.

Part 2 of 3: Streaming VLC via HDMI Cable

HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) port is one of the best ways you can stream content from any device to your TV screen. The latest TV/HDTV units have this port and are already a standard requirement new units, just like the audio/video ports.

1
Get an HDMI cable. You can buy it from any electronics store for under $10 depending on the length.
2
Connect the HDMI cable to your computer and TV. The HDMI cable will have two male ends. Take one male end and connect it to the HDMI port on your laptop (along the sides or at the back) or desktop (at the back of the CPU tower). Take the other male end and connect it to the HDMI port on your TV.
3
Set the display output settings. Using your TV’s remote, go to the TV’s setting and set the options so that the display output comes from the HDMI port where your computer is connected.
- Note that which button to press on the remote will vary depending on the make and model of your TV, but generally, it can be changed using the “Source” button.
- Once you’ve set the display output settings, your computer’s desktop will automatically be displayed on the TV screen.
4
Open the media file. On your computer, open the media file you want to play using VLC. Assuming that the file you open is a video, it will automatically be streamed from your PC’s desktop to the TV screen.

Part 3 of 3: Streaming VLC via Wi-Fi

1
Make sure to have the needed things. Wi-Fi is a feature on new laptops and HDTV models. Before you can stream contents from your computer to a TV via Wi-Fi, you need two things first:
- Your computer should have Intel Wireless Display. This feature allows your laptop to stream its screen to other display devices via Wi-Fi. This feature is not available to all laptops and can only be found on latest units. To know if your computer has Intel Wireless Display, check its owner’s manual, visit the manufacturer’s website, or call its customer support.
- Get a media adapter. A media adapter allows your TV to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Most media adapters have both HDMI and the classic audio/video ports so it can connect to new and old TV units. Media adapters can be bought from any electronics store for under $20 and are “plug and play,” which means you just have to connect it to your TV’s HDMI or audio/video port and it’s ready to use and will automatically connect to your Wi-Fi network.
2
Launch “Intel Wireless Display” on your computer. Some laptops have a dedicated switch along the sides that instantly turns the feature on. For some models, you might need to launch the program from the Start menu or program list to open it. Just search for “Intel Wireless Display” and click on the icon to open it.
3
Make the connection. Once the program launches, it will scan for other media devices in the network. Wait for the Intel Wireless Display program on your computer to detect the media adapter. Once it gets detected, a small notification prompt will appear. Click the “Connect” button on the prompt to start bridging a connection.
4
Enter the authentication code. Some media adapters will require you to enter a code first before your computer can completely establish a connection with it. This only serves as an authentication step.
- The codes that you need to use will appear on your TV once your computer tries to connect to it. Enter the code you see on the TV screen to the text field provided on your computer.
5
Open the media file. Once the connection is complete, your PC’s display will now show on your TV screen and will mirror any action you do on your computer.
- On your computer, open the media file you want to play. Assuming that the file you open is a video, it will automatically be streamed from your PC’s desktop to the TV screen.