Tips for Streaming a Movie from Your Device to Your TV

The world of streaming is constantly evolving, with new devices, apps, and features emerging all the time. While the specifics on how to connect your device to your TV might vary somewhat from the instructions below, the following tips should help you get started with streaming a movie to your TV.

HDMI CABLE (RECOMMENDED):  

The easiest hassle-free way to connect to a larger screen is to connect a HDMI cable from computer to TV. Dependent on computer model, you may need an adapter. Change TV input to the HDMI port the cable is connected to. Configure screen display to clone or extended desktop if needed. 

AIRPLAY (FROM AN APPLE DEVICE):  

Connect your Apple device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV.   

On your Apple device, open the stream link from your confirmation page.  

In the video playback controls, click the TV Icon.  

Select your Apple TV or smart TV to AirPlay.  

If you're experiencing issues on an Apple device, try opening your email confirmation in Google Chrome and then click the link again.

CHROMECAST CONNECTED OR ENABLED TV: 

On your computer, open a Chrome web browser window.  

In the Chrome File pull-down menu on your computer, click File, then Open File.

Navigate to the movie you want to stream and click on it.

Right click anywhere on the screen of the movie and select Cast. If you don’t see a Cast option, at the top right of the browser window, click the three dots, then select Save and Share, then select Cast.

Choose the Chromecast-enabled device where you want to watch the stream. If you are already using the Chromecast, your content will replace what’s on your TV.  

When you are done, to the right of the address bar, of your browser window, click Cast [Casting Icon] Stop casting.  

FIRESTICK CONNECTED OR ENABLED TV: 

Casting from a PC to a Firestick-connected TV  

Make sure that your PC and Firestick are on the same Wi-Fi network.  

Press and hold the home button until a menu pops up on the screen.  

Select Mirroring. You will now see a message that says “While this screen is open, guest devices can wireless mirror their display to: (name)’s Fire Stick.”  

On your Windows 10 PC, open the Notifications section by clicking on the text message icon at the bottom right of the screen (it could also be empty if you have no notifications).  

Click on Connect. You should see your Firestick listed if both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.  

Click on the Firestick listed and it should connect. You should now see your PC screen mirrored on the TV that the Firestick is plugged into  

CASTING FROM A MAC TO A FIRESTICK-CONNECTED TV: 

Download AirScreen app from the Amazon App Store on your Firestick.  

Open the AirScreen app to start a server that your MacBook can find.  

MacBook should immediately locate the Amazon Firestick in the AirPlay menu. Select your device, and the screen will start sharing.   

BROADCAST PC TO SMART TV DISPLAY (IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE OF THE CASTING OPTIONS ABOVE): 

If your Smart TV has an internet browser, open your confirmation page link in the browser and follow instructions to launch the stream. Note: not all smart tv browsers are supported by the stream platform.  

OR follow the steps below:  

Confirm your PC has “Miracast” technology.  

Depending on your TV type, follow the steps below to turn on the Screen mirroring feature.  

Android TV™: On the supplied remote control, press the HOME button. Under Apps, select Screen mirroring.  

Other TV models: On the supplied remote control, press the INPUT button. Select Screen mirroring.  

On your PC, turn on the computer’s Wi-Fi setting. Click the WINDOWS Start button and scroll to and click Settings, click Devices. Under Bluetooth & other devices, click Add Bluetooth or other device.  

In the Add a device screen, click Wireless display or dock. Select the display device you want to connect to. If the TV connects and displays the Windows screen, then it may be in the Extended Mode. Select Duplicate to view the computer screen on the TV. Turn on the Wi-Fi® setting of the TV. Check the manual for model-specific information.  

The computer screen should now appear on your TV.