Not many people know that video and audio recordings in the memory of a smartphone are available for viewing on a widescreen TV. This can be done in several ways. It all depends on the TV model and the capabilities of the mobile device. In the article, we will consider whether it is possible to connect a smartphone to a TV and how to do it.
USB
In a specific case, the smartphone is connected to the TV through a special cable. USB is usually used to charge a mobile device. To date, most phones go on sale complete with a charging cord and a block into which, in fact, it is inserted.
How to connect a smartphone to a TV via usb? First of all, the TV set must be inspected for the presence of a USB input. Most often, it is located on the back panel or on the side, a cable with a connected smartphone is inserted into it. Connection through this socket is available via Mini USB, Micro USB, HDMI.
After that, onThe display will notify you that a new device has been found. The system will offer to connect it as a drive. After confirmation, the user has access to the files stored in the phone. Information can be stored on a memory card and in the smartphone itself. By selecting and launching the desired audio or video recording, you can activate its playback on the TV screen. At the same time, it should be noted that rar, zip and other similar formats that can be read on a computer are not supported here. Only multimedia files will be played.
Wi-Fi
This method is only suitable for TVs with a built-in wireless function. Using Wi-Fi, connecting your mobile device to your TV is much more convenient and faster. In addition, it can be controlled remotely. For example, while sitting on the couch, you can view clips and switch them or watch them again.
The Wi-Fi function must be present not only on the TV, but also on the mobile device. If the TV device belongs to models with Smart TV technology, then this option is automatically supported in it:
- You need to go to the "Settings" tab from your Android phone and go to the Wi-Fi section.
- Then select the "Advanced" line and activate Wi-Fi Direct.
- On the TV, they also go to the settings menu and turn on Wi-Fi.
- After that, the system on the TV device will automatically start searching for available connections. Among this list of devices, choose yoursmartphone and start transferring data to a large screen.
If your TV does not have a Wi-Fi module, you can purchase it separately. Connect the device via HDMI input.
RCA
This is another way to connect your smartphone to your TV with a cable. RCA is a wire with three branches of different colors, which is why it is also called a tulip. As a rule, they use it for older TV models. Each plug has a specific function: one is responsible for the sound, the other for the picture, etc. For the interaction of two devices, you will need an adapter from the RCA cable to the HDMI port, as well as the presence of HDMI in the phone itself.
The cost of the adapter varies within a thousand rubles. An RCA plug is inserted from one end of it, and a connection is made via the HDMI port on the opposite side. On the side there is another input - for connecting power. The adapter works in one of two modes: NTSC or PAL. The first is used for American TV models. The second is for European TV devices, since they have a higher resolution. You can independently try the quality of work in one mode or another and choose the best option. It is worth noting that the technology for connecting a smartphone to a TV through a tulip does not have good data transfer, especially when using adapters.
HDMI
For the current generation of TVs, you can only use an HDMI cable. It is inserted into the TV socketdevice and connect to the mobile device. It is not included with the smartphone, so you need to purchase this cable separately. In modern phones, HDMI settings can be changed in "Settings". For example, choose to increase the resolution or use other add-ons. Usually, when you connect your smartphone to a TV via HDMI, the system detects the device itself, but sometimes confirmation may be required.
MHL and SlimPort
Let's consider, is it possible to connect a smartphone to a TV if the mobile device does not have an HDMI input? In this case, you can use another type of connections. One of the most demanded of them is MHL technology. The connection is made via the USB input. It is present in almost every device. The opposite end of the cable has an HDMI input.
One end of the adapter is inserted into the TV, and the other end into the mobile phone jack, where the headset is connected to charge the battery. It is important to note that the plug is inserted into the TV into the socket, next to which is the abbreviation MHL. Only in this case, the image from the smartphone will be correctly duplicated on the big screen. To prevent the picture from rotating on the TV screen, you need to block the rotation function in your smartphone.
Another connection method is SlimPort. It is often found in devices from brands such as Asus, LG, ZTE. Unlike the previous connection type, it supports many more video standards. Using this adapter, you can connect your smartphone to a TV ormonitor. It is found in several configurations and varieties:
- standard HDMI adapter that connects one end to the TV and the other to Android;
- multi-plug adapter.
With such devices, connecting to a TV is not difficult. Moreover, depending on their type, an image with a resolution of up to 1080 pixels can be displayed on the screen. The choice of which cable to connect the smartphone to the TV is up to the user, depending on the available devices.
Miracast
Is it possible to connect a smartphone to a TV without using wires, except for using Wi-Fi? Miracast technology answers this question. It allows you to mirror everything that happens on the smartphone display on the TV screen. The process is carried out wirelessly. This requires the support of this option in both devices. It has been implemented in Android-based smartphones since the fourth generation.
Connection is as follows:
- On the TV, open the "Menu" and select "Connection Manager". In the list that opens, select "Smartphone" or "Tablet", and then the "Screen Sharing" tab. After clicking on it, the Miracast line will appear, then you should click "Start". This completes the TV device setup.
- In the smartphone, open the "Settings" tab, scroll the window and select the "More" line. In the proposed options, WiDi is noted. After clicking on it, the TV model will be displayed,select it, after which the devices are connected to each other. The duplication of the smartphone will appear on the TV screen. You can now launch games, media files, and more.
TV receiver
The main feature of this connection is the ability to pair your smartphone and TV via Wi-Fi using Screen Mirror technology. This can be done if both devices are within a common wireless network. Some receiver manufacturers have special applications for transferring images from a smartphone screen to a TV.
One of these manufacturers is Xiaomi. With the help of their MiBox, you can control the TV remotely. Google has also developed its own platform for this type of TV receiver. It's called Google TV.
The main advantage of using a set-top box is the absence of connecting wires between the TV and smartphone, as well as the ability to transfer data using a Wi-Fi connection.
Problems
During the implementation of this type of connection, some questions may arise. Most often, owners of outdated TV models face problems connecting a smartphone to a TV. It is not always possible to find the necessary adapters, and even using them does not guarantee excellent image quality.
If we talk about connecting via Wi-Fi, this option is not available on all TVs, and even if it is available, not all smartphones support Wi-Fi Direct. Therefore, this option is not relevant for everyone.
USB connection is a rather outdated method that transfers far from all formats of video and audio recordings to the screen. The possibility of using the Internet is completely excluded.
Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that one of the most successful connection methods is an HDMI cable. It allows you to interface with all models of TVs, and if there is no such connector, then there are always suitable adapters on sale.
The article provides comprehensive information on whether it is possible to connect a smartphone to a TV and how to do it best.
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