Watching computer's content on smart TV

[RDMueller]

Not really an RV question in this case, but I know someone here will have a good suggestion or two!

I have home videos from my GoPro and camcorder as well as some movies on my Windows 10 desktop computer that I'd like to be able to watch on my Samsung smart TV in a different room. The TV is connected wirelessly to the home network and the ability exists to "Cast to device" in the Windows 10 media player. In fact, under cast to device, "Samsung LED 55" always shows up as an option. Only problem, about 75% of the time, when I try to connect I get, "An unknown error occurred." Not particularly helpful...

Any ideas why I'm getting this error, or how to fix it? Or a workaround? I have brought the computer to the TV and connected the TV to the HDMI port, but that's kind of a pain. I know that wireless HDMI extenders exist, but I'm just curious what other options exist. I'm sure there's probably an easy way to do this!

[wa8yxm]

IN many cases the Codec (The type of video) is not one that can be easily Cast. Even using Chromecast and a Chrome book computer only SOME videos will cast, Some will not and Widders 10 is even more restrictive.. As is my 'Droid.

I don't much cast.. HDMI works but may be an issue if "other room"

I do plan on testing a Raspberry PI. I'm thinking that little computer may be the solution But alas it may take me a while to get A Round Tuit and I must get one of those first.

[tragusa3]

I do this two ways:

1. Won't help you, but my main storage is on a mac and it talks to my appletv. This is about 90% reliable.

2. Just put the files on a laptop and use hdmi to feed the tv. 100% reliable, but more hassle.

I very much enjoy the mac/appletv route, as I have access to my entire photo and video library as well as itunes. But, I realize, you didn't ask for a solution that will cost thousands. 🙂

[RDMueller]

Thanks for all the input. Definitely lots of good ideas. I do think it is very possible that Wi-Fi speed could be part of the issue. I have a bunch of thumb drives laying around, going to try that first. Also may just get a Roku because it would be useful anyway (although still subject to Wi-Fi speed).

[tchil]

I will also add that I have a chromecast, and smart TV's but casting to the ROKU has been by far the most reliable. Another option I use at home is a Plex server (free) on one of my computers that has movies. Then install the plex app on ROKU and you can easily stream content from the computer to the TV. It has a really nice interface on the ROKU app so finding your content is easy. This would require that you have a network of some type that the ROKU and laptop were on in your trailer though.

[theoldwizard1]

Fizz wrote:
You could dump everything onto a thumb drive then plug that into the TV's USB port.

Likely the quickest and easiest solution for a non-tech savvy person.

[GordonThree]

Here's the setting I recommend giving a try before buying anything else:

[Fizz]

You could dump everything onto a thumb drive then plug that into the TV's USB port.

[newman_fulltime]

i use a chromecast and as a note if your wifi is to slow it will create that issue

[RDMueller]

tchil wrote:
I have noticed that having a ROKU hooked up to the TV seems to make casting much more reliable. Also if you want to play those files directly from a hard drive there is a device I use called a MICCA purchased on Amazon. It plays virtually every format and eliminates the need for a laptop. I use that in my trailer and have a 640GB HD full of movies for those rainy days. Between the ROKU Streaming stick and the Micca we have all the entertainment we can use while camping.

I have considered a roku and if it works well, I may just go that route. Never heard of the MICCA, will definitely take a look at that. Thanks for the suggestions!

[RDMueller]

MrWizard wrote:
Once connected does it pay everything you want to play
Or do you mean that it won't play 75% of selected files

It might be a file format problem
Just because the PC plays everything, doesn't mean the TV will play all the same files
Hdmi the PC is playing the file ,
When using the TV remote to select file over the network, the TV becomes the player not just an external display

No, it's not a percentage of files, but a percentage of the times I try. And 75% is just a guess. With any given file, more often than not, I get the error message. But sometimes I get lucky and it'll play. Usually if it does connect, it's good to go for the duration.

[tchil]

I have noticed that having a ROKU hooked up to the TV seems to make casting much more reliable. Also if you want to play those files directly from a hard drive there is a device I use called a MICCA purchased on Amazon. It plays virtually every format and eliminates the need for a laptop. I use that in my trailer and have a 640GB HD full of movies for those rainy days. Between the ROKU Streaming stick and the Micca we have all the entertainment we can use while camping.

[MrWizard]

Once connected does it play everything you want to play
Or do you mean that it won't play 75% of selected files

It might be a file format problem
Just because the PC plays everything, doesn't mean the TV will play all the same files
Hdmi the PC is playing the file ,
When using the TV remote to select file over the network, the TV becomes the player not just an external display

[GordonThree]

Casting from a computer is often a pain and a carpshoot

On your laptop see if you can find the option "connect to wireless display" or maybe "connect to network projector"

This is how I connect my HP laptop to my LG Smart TV. The TV ends up as a second monitor for the laptop.