Today, almost any device (phone, tablet) can be connected to a TV or computer. This can be done using both wired technologies (for example, HDMI or USB) and wireless (Wi-Fi, DLNA, Bluetooth). This article will talk about Wireless Display technology and how to "connect" the above devices using this function.
WiDi Xiaomi - what is it?
Unfortunately, Xiaomi has not integrated support for MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), video output over the wire, into its devices. So, using a USB Type-C - HDMI or Micro USB - HDMI adapter will not achieve anything: to output multimedia content from your phone to your TV, you will have to be content with other methods. It is inconvenient to constantly watch full-length films on a six-inch screen. One way to comfortably connect your smartphone to your TV is WiDi (Wireless Display) technology. Translated into Russian, this expression means "Wireless Display".
Since 2006, many popular equipment manufacturers have been thinking about wireless transmission of audio and video. CompanyIntel seems to be the best at implementing this feature: in 2010, WiDi was named "the most disruptive technology" in 2010 by one publication.
Technology work
How Xiaomi WiDi works? In order to transfer data, the built-in Wi-Fi adapter from Intel with 802.11n support is used. The original photos/videos are compressed and transmitted by the graphics chipset. On the side of the TV or computer, the signal is received and processed.
Connection Requirements
Most modern Xiaomi devices support this technology for exchanging data from a smartphone to a PC. Using WiDi, it is possible to broadcast from the screen of a mobile device to a TV or laptop. Different media content is synchronized: pictures, movies, games, and so on. A huge advantage of Wireless Display is the ability to transfer 1080p video (Full HD) and surround sound (Dolby 5.1) between paired devices. Unlike DLNA technology, WiDi not only transmits multimedia content, but also provides the ability to duplicate the main screen. Starting with Wireless Display 3.5, there is support for Miracast (translated into Russian, mirror means “mirroring”, and cast means “broadcasting”), which allows you to duplicate any video on a TV and computer screen, for example, a Skype interlocutor. Miracast is based on Wi-Fi Direct. That is, devices do not need a separate access point to communicate with each other. The developer of this technology is the Intel holding, as a result of which there are some conditionsfor using this feature. The requirements are:
- Computer with Intel processor and Intel HD Graphics. The network card must also support WiDi technology.
- Smartphone or tablet with a RockChip chip. Of course, support for Wireless Display and Android 4.2+ is required.
- Intel WiDi enabled TV.
If the TV is old and does not support this function, then you need a wireless external Wi-Fi adapter that can be connected via HDMI. So, the software requirements are not the easiest. And if our TV does not have a built-in Wi-Fi receiver, you will need to "fork out" and buy additional items for connection - a set-top box or an adapter. Moreover, it is desirable that the TV supports the Smart TV function. That is, it should have been purchased not so long ago (Smart TV technology has been introduced since about 2008). Then the probability of connection increases significantly. How to use WiDi Xiaomi? Since the connection is wireless, it will not be difficult to understand the principle of connection.
WiDi Xiaomi. How to use this technology?
On the desktop, select "Settings" - "Wireless &Networks" - "Advanced Features" (or "More"). There will be the option we need "Wireless Display" (Wi-Fi display).
It remains only to click on the checkmark, activating this function. If there is no such option in the settings, then, toUnfortunately, your device does not support this technology.
WiDi Xiaomi. How to connect to a computer?
It should be noted that, in addition to the above requirements, there is one more thing: to connect, both devices must work from the same Wi-Fi network. So, on the smartphone, the function is enabled. How to use Xiaomi WiDi when connecting phone to PC? This technology will work on Windows 7 and above computers (Windows 7 and 8 users require a special program, as shown in the photo below).
On the computer in the "Settings" you need to find the section "Wireless networks" - in it you will need to enable Wi-Fi Direct or WiDi Miracast (depending on which version of Windows is installed on the PC). After the devices are paired, the display from the phone should appear on the computer. And how to connect a smartphone to a TV using this technology?
Connecting a smartphone to TV
How to use WiDi Xiaomi to connect with TV? If this function is enabled in the mobile device, then in the settings (Settings) on the TV, you need to pay attention to the name of the section Intel’s WiDi.
At the bottom is the name and model of the device. Then you need to "tap" on the box, activating the checkmark. After that, you just need to confirm pairing on the TV and phone.
If the connection was successful, in the Xiaomi menuthe name and model of the equipment used for file exchange will be displayed. Now you can watch photos and movies on TV, play toys and so on.
Conclusion
Now it is clear what Xiaomi WiDi is and how to connect a smartphone to the TV. Wired technologies have an advantage over wireless due to the minimization (or even absence) of glitches and brakes. After all, Wi-Fi connection technologies can still slow down due to unstable network speeds, weather, and any other mechanical problems. There may be slight delays in the signal transmission process, as well as image distortion. But connecting without wires is much more convenient: you don’t need to take them with you on the road, and you don’t need to look every time for where the connector socket is located in the device. Yes, buying an HDMI cable will cost much less than buying a set-top box or adapter. But for users of Xiaomi devices, there are practically no options left to connect the phone to the TV, except to use WiDi technology.
Still, Wireless Display offers a cool thing to not only play audio and video on a TV or computer, but also to duplicate what is happening on the screen, to have, so to speak, a second monitor. One of the positive elements of this technology is the easy connection. But the conditions for the equipment software are tough, and if you still decide to use this function in your smartphone, then when buying new equipment, be sure to check whether the device meets the technical requirements for connecting to WiDi.
