How to Stream Videos from VLC to Your Smart TV

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Streaming videos from your computer to your smart TV allows you to improve your viewing experience by magnifying your favorite content on the big screen. One of the most popular media players, VLC, allows you to stream videos to a smart TV. This comprehensive guide will take you through the steps required to stream videos from VLC to your smart TV, so you can enjoy your multimedia content more easily. Using simple language, this guide makes the process accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical skills.

Understanding the basics

Before we dive into the instructions, let's take some time to understand what VLC and Smart TV are and how they work together. VLC media player is a free and open-source media player that supports a wide range of video and audio formats. It is available on almost every operating system including Windows, Mac, and Linux.

A smart TV is a television set that has integrated internet capabilities. These TVs can connect to various online services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and also allow you to stream content from your local network or other devices. By connecting VLC to your smart TV, you can stream content stored on your computer or external hard drive to play on your TV.

Requirements

To stream videos from VLC to your Smart TV you will need the following:

• A computer with VLC media player installed.
• A smart TV that's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
• A little patience and a willingness to follow detailed instructions.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Set up your environment

First, make sure that both your smart TV and your computer are on the same Wi-Fi network. This connectivity is important because VLC streams content over your local network. If your devices are connected to different routers or networks, they won't be able to communicate with each other.

Step 2: Allow VLC through the firewall

To enable streaming, you'll need to make sure VLC is allowed through your computer's firewall. Your firewall may block VLC's network access by default. Here's how you can allow VLC:

1. Open the Control Panel on your computer.
2. Go to "System and Security."
3. Click on "Windows Defender Firewall."
4. Select "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall."
5. Find "VLC Media Player" from the list and check both the "Private" and "Public" checkboxes.
6. Click "OK" to save these settings.

Step 3: Enable DLNA on your smart TV

Smart TVs support a protocol called DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) that allows devices to communicate over a network. Make sure your smart TV has DLNA enabled:

• Access the Settings menu on your Smart TV.
• View network or sharing settings.
• Find the DLNA option and make sure it is turned on.

Step 4: Configure VLC for streaming

Now, you need to configure VLC to stream your content:

1. Open VLC media player on your computer.
2. Click "Media" in the top menu.
3. Select "Stream..." from the dropdown options.
4. In the "Open Media" dialog, go to the "File" tab. You can add the file you want to stream by clicking the "Add..." button. Once added, click "Stream".
5. In the "Stream Output" dialog that appears, click "Next."
6. Select "RTSP" in the next window for the streaming method. This means Real-Time Streaming Protocol. Click "Next."
7. In the "Destination Setup" dialog, you can configure the destination network. Enter the multicast IP address, such as udp://239.255.12.42:1234. Make sure UDP is selected as the port.
8. Click "Next". In the Transcoding Options page, you can select transcoding if needed, otherwise leave it unchecked.
9. Review your streaming details in the summary and finally click “Stream.”

Step 5: Access the streamed content on smart TV

Now you need to switch on your Smart TV to access the streamed content:

1. On your smart TV, switch the input or source for media sharing. Different TVs have different ways to do this; see your TV's manual for specific information.
2. Look for VLC streaming content under your network device. This may be available under the "Media Server" or "Network" options.
3. Select and open the media to enjoy it on your Smart TV screen.

Troubleshooting tips

Sometimes, even when you follow every step to the letter, things don't go as planned. If you're having trouble, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

• Make sure your computer and TV are actually on the same network. Check the network settings on both devices.
• Restart your router, TV, and computer to clear any network issues.
• Make sure DLNA is supported and enabled on your Smart TV. If it is not enabled, consult your TV manual on how to enable it.
• Update VLC to the latest version. Make sure VLC and your smart TV's software are up to date.
• Reset your firewall settings or make sure VLC is not blocked by antivirus software.
• If streaming issues persist, try adjusting the stream output settings, such as lowering the quality or choosing a different protocol.

Considerations and limitations

When using VLC to stream video to a smart TV, it's important to remember:

• Network bandwidth can greatly affect the quality of the stream. Higher resolution videos require more bandwidth.
• The format of your video files matters as different smart TVs support different formats.
• Your computer may slow down, especially when streaming high definition video, as it requires a lot of processing power.

Conclusion

By following the detailed steps in this guide, you will be able to successfully stream your videos from VLC to your smart TV. This technology provides a seamless and enjoyable media experience on the big screen. Remember to keep both the software and the device updated and troubleshoot as needed. With a little practice, streaming videos will become an easy task, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your favorite content.

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