Stream and Mirror With Apple AirPlay
AirPlay is a technology developed by Apple that allows iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch) to stream media and mirror their displays on an Apple TV. An Apple TV is a small device that connects to a TV set using an HDMI cable. It essentially turns a regular TV into a smart TV, with apps for streaming services, video games, and iTunes music. Here’s how to set it up:
Mirror and Stream With Chromecast
Like the Apple TV, the Google Chromecast is a small device that brings smart TV functionality to any TV with an HDMI cable port. Chromecast features a variety of built-in apps for streaming media from services like Netflix and YouTube. It can be used to stream and mirror content from a range of devices. Some smart TVs have Chromecast technology built-in and don’t require the purchase of a separate Chromecast hardware device.
iOS Devices
After installing the Google Home app on your iOS device, a small cast icon appears in the upper-right corner of the screen when media from a compatible app can be streamed to a Chromecast-connected TV. Popular apps that support this functionality include Netflix, YouTube, Vimeo, and Hulu.
Android Devices
Android smartphones and tablets can mirror the entire screen on a Chromecast-connected TV set.
Windows PC
The entire contents of a web browser’s tab can be mirrored on your TV using the Google Chrome browser. This is great for when viewing video or images that are embedded on a website.
Important Rules for Streaming and Mirroring
Specific instructions for mirroring and streaming vary depending on the devices used. Here are some important tips that apply to all scenarios:
Make sure all the devices, including the smart TV if being used, are connected to the same Wi-Fi internet connection if you plan to do wireless streaming or mirroring. Some devices may require Bluetooth to be enabled for streaming or mirroring to work. It’s best to leave Bluetooth turned on. When streaming or mirroring, plug the charging cable into your smartphone, tablet, or computer as the process can take up battery power. If mirroring, turn off notifications on your device as these pop up on the TV while watching a movie or TV episode.
Tips for Streaming and Mirroring TV in a Dorm
Dormitory staff should be able to provide you with detailed instructions on your dorm’s particular TV setup, including the password for the Wi-Fi connection. Suppose multiple students use the same dorm room TV on a regular basis for streaming TV or cable. In that case, it may be a good idea to discuss who pays for which subscription services. The last thing you want is for multiple people to pay for the same channel or streaming service. If you can get everyone in your dorm to agree to chip in a dollar or two a month, you could get a cheaper TV or cable service than you would have otherwise.
Watch Media on a Dorm Room Smart TV
A smart TV is a television set with enhanced functionality. Some smart TVs may have a small selection of apps, such as Netflix and YouTube, which are installed on the TV and can be used for streaming online video when connected to the internet. Advanced smart TVs may have a larger selection of apps, voice controls, and an option for streaming media from other devices. Some of the terms smart TVs use to signify wireless streaming or mirroring include Miracast, Screen Mirroring, Display Mirroring, SmartShare, and AllShare Cast. If your smart TV has apps such as Netflix installed on it, log in to your Netflix account directly on the TV without using a smart device or computer.
iOS devices such as the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad may need a special app to mirror or stream media to a smart TV. For example, streaming to a Samsung smart TV requires the Mirror for Samsung TV iOS app. Smart TVs usually inform users of which apps, if any, are required for streaming media once the TV is turned on. Windows 10 and 8 PCs can mirror to a smart TV by pressing the Project button in the Notification Center of the desktop. Wireless streaming and mirroring from an Android smartphone or tablet varies by device. A quick way to check if the option is available is to open the Notification pane, select Quick Connect, then select Scan for nearby devices. If the device can stream or mirror, the smart TV should show up in a list of available devices.
Mirror Your Device With an HDMI Cable
One of the simplest ways to mirror a smartphone, tablet, or computer is to connect it directly to a TV set using an HDMI cable. Compatible cables are available for iOS and Android devices in addition to Windows and Mac computers. An HDMI cable requires you to connect one end to your device and the other to one of the TV’s HDMI ports. As soon as the physical connection is made, the mirroring should begin automatically.
