When you want to share a video from your phone, tablet or computer with the entire family or a group of friends during a Zoom call, transferring the content on the screen of your device to your television is easy. You can use your phone’s Bluetooth connection, wirelessly connect to a smart TV or streaming media player or use a cable to physically connect the two devices together.
Connect Your PC to Your TV Using an HDMI Cable
Many computers come with an HDMI port on the back or side of the device, which allows you to connect your device to your television with a single cable. These cables are usually rated for high-definition, or HD, resolutions.
If you don’t have an HDMI cable, consider purchasing one online or at a local electronics store. These cables are standardized on both ends, making them easier to use than adapters that have to be adapted for your specific hardware.
You can also stream the video directly to your television from a smart TV or streaming media player, such as Roku(r), Chromecast(tm), or Amazon Fire TV(tm) stick. These devices are compatible with both Android and iOS phones, and they also support screen mirroring.
Cast a Movie or Show from Your Phone to Your TV
The easiest way to connect your phone or tablet to your television is through an app that supports video casting. This feature is available in many popular streaming apps, including Netflix and YouTube. Once you’ve downloaded the corresponding app on your smartphone or tablet, open it and browse the videos you want to watch.
Next, click the “Cast” option to start playing the video on your phone or tablet. It may be located under the “Share” icon on some apps, or in the video playback settings on other apps.
Another option for streaming your iPhone or iPad to a TV is Apple’s AirPlay technology. The technology is built into some Apple television sets, but it’s also supported by third-party screen mirroring apps.
These apps are free, and they work on most iOS and Apple TV devices. In addition to streaming video, they also provide persistent playback controls on the device’s display.
Alternatively, you can purchase a USB-C to HDMI adapter, which is available for most smartphones and tablets and works with most TVs. While this method isn’t as convenient as AirPlay, it’s more affordable than other methods and can be easier to set up if Wi-Fi is flaky or unavailable.
The downside is that this method doesn’t support some paid streaming services, like Netflix or Disney. You also have to make sure that the television is in the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or tablet.
If you’re looking for a more simple, wireless solution, check out the screen mirroring apps from AirBeamTV, which are available for both iPhone and iPad. These apps turn your device into a mini TV station, broadcasting everything you see on the device’s screen to your television. This is especially useful for watching live streaming video, but it’s also great for displaying home movies or photos on the big screen.