Modern televisions based on Android TV turn the living room into a full-fledged multimedia center capable of reproducing content of any quality. However, the built-in memory of devices is often limited, and built-in players do not always support rare audio codecs or heavy video formats with bitrates above 100 Mbit/s. In such situations, the user is faced with the question: how to transfer video from a computer to Android TV without loss of quality and with maximum comfort. MKV with a bitrate above 100 Mbit/s. In such situations, the user is faced with the question: how to transfer video from a computer to Android TV without loss of quality and with maximum comfort.
There are many methods for synchronizing content, from a simple connection via a USB cable to complex network settings of media servers. The choice of a specific method depends on your goals: do you just need to show a presentation to colleagues, watch one movie, or are you planning to deploy a home media library with thousands of hours of video. Local network in this context, it becomes a key tool that allows you to abandon physical media.
In this article we will analyze in detail the current methods of broadcasting images and transferring files. We will consider both wired and wireless solutions, paying special attention to setup DLNA servers and the use of specialized software. Proper organization of the process will allow you to enjoy content in resolution 4K HDR without delays and compression artifacts characteristic of instant messengers.
Using a DLNA server for streaming
DLNA technology (Digital Living Network Alliance) is the de facto standard for sharing multimedia content within a home network. The essence of the method is that the computer acts as a server that provides access to files, and the TV acts as a renderer that reproduces the stream. Main advantage this method means there is no need to copy files; video is transmitted in real time via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable.
To implement this method on Windows, the easiest way is to use the built-in functionality or specialized apps. In your operating system, you need to open "Media Streaming Options" and allow access for your TV. However, standard tools often have format limitations, so experienced users prefer to install third-party software, such as Plex, Universal Media Server or Kodi in server mode.
- 📺 Set up sharing of video folders in the properties of the network folder on your PC.
- 🌐 Make sure that both devices are connected to the same subnet of the router (for example, 192.168.1.x).
- 🎬 Install a client app on Android TV, for example, VLC for Android or the built-in "Media Player".
After setting up on the TV, a signal source with the name of your computer will appear in the player application. When you select a file, the video stream is transmitted directly, bypassing buffering, if Wi-Fi speed allows. It is important to understand that for viewing heavy 4K files with high bitrates, the wireless connection may be unstable, in which case it is preferable to use Gigabit Ethernet for a desktop PC.
⚠️ Attention: If the video plays jerkily, try lowering the transcoding quality in the server settings or switching to a wired connection. The DLNA protocol does not transcode video on the fly without a powerful CPU, it only transmits the stream, so the file format must be supported natively by the TV.
Connecting via HDMI cable: maximum quality
The most reliable and easiest way to display an image from a computer on a TV screen is to use HDMI cable. This method guarantees the transmission of an uncompressed video signal, which is critical for screen calibration, viewing 3D content or gaming with low input lag. Unlike network methods, Wi-Fi speed or processor load during encoding does not play a role here.
To connect, just connect the PC video card and a free HDMI port on the TV. After this, on the TV remote control you need to select the appropriate signal source (Source), for example HDMI 1 or HDMI 2. The computer's operating system automatically recognizes the new display device. In Windows, operating modes are controlled through a key combination Win + P, where you can select the “Duplicate”, “Extend” or “Second screen only” mode.
When using HDMI, it is important to pay attention to the version of the cable and ports. To transmit 4K content at 60 Hz and support HDR, a standard cable HDMI 2.0 or later is required. Older 1.4 cables may limit the refresh rate to 30Hz, making cursor and interface movement jerky and hard on the eyes.
Use HDMI cables labeled "High Speed" or "Ultra High Speed" for 4K HDR work. Cheap cables may not carry the full data stream, causing screen flickering or no picture.
Audio traffic is also carried over HDMI, so you must manually select the output device "Speakers (NVIDIA High Definition Audio)" or similar name for your TV in Windows Sound Settings. This will allow you to create surround sound through the TV speaker system or a receiver connected to it. However, it is worth remembering that with such a connection, the computer and TV must be in close proximity to each other.
Broadcast via Google Chromecast built-in
Since Android TV is based on the Google operating system, the function Chromecast built-in (formerly Google Cast) is built into most modern TV models. This protocol allows you to “cast” the contents of a Google Chrome browser tab or the entire screen directly to your TV. This is ideal for showing websites, photos or YouTube videos from a browser.
To start broadcasting, open the Google Chrome browser on your computer. In the menu (three dots in the upper right corner) select "Cast". The system will find available devices on the local network. You can choose to broadcast a specific tab or your entire desktop. Unlike DLNA, here playback control remains on the computer side, but decoding can be done by the TV if the content is compatible.
| Option | Chromecast (Tab) | Chromecast (Full Screen) | DLNA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Depends on the network | Compressed (1080p) | Original (up to 4K) |
| Latency | Low | High | Minimum |
| PC load | Medium | High | Low |
| Subtitle support | Yes (in the player) | No | Depends on the file |
The main disadvantage of the "Full screen" method is the resolution limitation. Often the broadcast image is compressed to 720p or 1080p, even if the source is 4K, which is noticeable on large diagonals. In addition, a good Wi-Fi signal in the 5 GHz band is required for stable operation. If the router is located far away, audio and video may become desynchronized.
⚠️ Attention: Android TV interfaces may be updated by the manufacturer. If you do not find the Chromecast function, check the “Applications” or “System” section in the TV settings, where the “Built-in Chromecast” service should be activated.
Setting up network access via SMB (Network Neighborhood)
The SMB (Server Message Block) protocol allows you to open shared Windows folders directly on the TV as local drives. This is perhaps the most convenient way to navigate the file structure without installing additional server software. Android TV treats the network folder as a regular USB drive, allowing you to use powerful built-in players for playback.
To configure access, in Windows you need to open "Control Panel" → "Network and Sharing Center" → "Change advanced sharing settings." There you should enable "Network Discovery" and "File and Printer Sharing". Then in the properties of the movie folder on the "Access" tab, you need to add the "Everyone" user with read rights. On the TV, use a file manager to connect, for example X-plore or VLC, selecting to add a LAN/SMB network.
- 📂 Create a separate folder for media so as not to open access to the entire disk.
- 🔐 When connecting from a TV, you may need to login and password for your Windows account.
- 📺 In the TV file manager, select "Local Network" and wait for the PC to appear.
The advantage of SMB over DLNA is better support for metadata and the ability to manage files (deleting, renaming) directly from the remote control, if the file manager allows it. In addition, many players on Android are able to “remember” the place where you left off when you reopen a file via SMB, which does not always work correctly in DLNA.
☑️ Checking SMB settings
Using network-enabled player applications
Standard Android TV tools are often limited in functionality. For comfortable viewing of video from a PC, it is best to use specialized applications that can work with network resources, have powerful codecs, and support complex Blu-ray menus. The leaders in this niche are VLC for Android, Nova Video Player i Kodi.
VLC for Android —this is a universal soldier that “eats” almost any format. It has a built-in network scanner that automatically finds SMB and DLNA servers. The interface is simple: just go to the “Network” section (Browse), select your computer and run the file. The player takes over decoding, unloading the TV processor if hardware acceleration is enabled.
Kodi is already a whole multimedia ecosystem. When configured correctly, it collects covers, descriptions, and actors for your movie collection, creating a beautiful interface. However, setting up Kodi can take time. For a simple task, “open and see” is better suited Nova Video Player, which combines the simplicity of VLC and a beautiful interface with posters.
⚠️ Attention: When using third-party players, make sure that the application has permission to access the local network. In new versions of Android TV (Android 9 and higher), when you first start the player, a system window will appear asking for permission, which must be confirmed.
Problems with codecs and ways to solve them
A common situation: a file is transferred or opened over the network, but the TV writes “Format not supported” or plays only sound without image. This is due to the lack of native support for certain codecs in Android TV, such as DTS (audio) or HEVC 10-bit (video). Some codecs require licensing fees for manufacturers, so they are often excluded from firmware.
The solution lies in software decoding or transcoding. If you're using a DLNA server (such as Plex or Universal Media Server), set it to transcode incompatible formats on the fly. The server will convert the video into a TV-readable format before sending it. This requires a powerful processor on the PC. An alternative is to use a player VLC or MX Player with a connected external codec that can programmatically decode audio and video using the TV's CPU.
Problems may also arise with the file system of USB drives. Android TV often does not see disks formatted in NTFS without installing additional drivers or file managers. In this case, it is recommended to use file managers with their own drivers (for example, USB OTG Helper or built into X-plore), or format the disk in exFAT, which is read natively and supports files larger than 4 GB.
What to do if DTS sound is not works?
In most cases, TVs are not licensed to decode DTS. Solution: switch the audio output in the TV settings to PCM (if there is such an item in the sound effects menu) or, more effectively, use an external receiver/soundbar, or transcode the file on a PC before viewing.
The best solution to problems with codecs is to use the VLC player or configure transcoding on a media server, since the built-in Android TV player is often limited by licensed codecs.
Do I need a special HDMI cable for 4K?
Yes, for stable transmission of 4K content at 60 frames per second (4K 60Hz) with HDR, you need an HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1 cable. Older cables (HDMI 1.4) can only transmit 4K at 30Hz, making the interface jerky and video unsmooth. Look for the "High Speed" marking on the cable.
Why does the TV not see the folder with movies over the network?
Most often the problem is in the Windows Firewall settings or the network type. Make sure your network in Windows is marked as "Private" and not "Public". On public networks, Windows blocks device discovery. Also check if the “Network Profile” is enabled in your antivirus, if you have it installed.
Is it possible to transmit video via Bluetooth?
Technically this is possible, but it is extremely impractical. Bluetooth bandwidth is too low for video streaming even in HD quality. The file will take hours to transfer and streaming will not be possible. Use Wi-Fi Direct, Chromecast or DLNA for wireless streaming.
How to improve picture quality when wirelessly streaming?
Use the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band instead of 2.4 GHz, as it is less congested and provides speed. Also try to keep the router and TV in direct line of sight or through the same wall. For ideal quality, an HDMI or Ethernet cable connection is always preferable.