Casting content from your computer or mobile device to your TV has become increasingly popular, offering a seamless way to enjoy movies, music, and other media on a bigger screen. One of the most versatile media players, VLC, allows users to cast their favorite content directly to a TV. This guide will walk you through the process, making it easy to enjoy your media from the comfort of your couch.
Why Use VLC Media Player to Cast to Your TV?
VLC Media Player is a powerful, open-source tool that supports a wide range of audio and video formats. It’s known for its flexibility and compatibility, which makes it a go-to choice for many users. Casting VLC to your TV means you can easily stream content without needing additional hardware or complicated setups.
Prerequisites
Before you start casting, make sure you have the following:
- A Smart TV or Chromecast Device: Your TV needs to support casting, either directly through a Smart TV feature or via an external device like Google Chromecast.
- A Computer or Mobile Device: VLC Media Player should be installed on your device. Ensure it’s up to date for the best performance.
- Wi-Fi Network: Both your TV and your casting device should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
How to Cast VLC from a Computer
1. First, open VLC Media Player on your computer. Ensure that the media you want to cast is ready.
2. Play the video or audio file you want to cast. It’s crucial to have the media playing before you start the casting process.
3. In the VLC toolbar, go to Playback, then select Renderer. VLC will scan for available devices that can receive the cast. Your TV or Chromecast should appear on the list.
4. Click on the name of your TV or Chromecast from the list of available devices. VLC will start casting the media to your TV. You should see the video or hear the audio playing on the TV screen almost immediately.
5. You can control the playback from your computer, just as you would normally. Pause, play, skip, or adjust the volume using VLC’s interface.
How to Cast VLC from a Smartphone?
1. Install the VLC app on your smartphone. Open the app and navigate to the media you wish to cast.
2. Tap on the media file to start playback.
3. In the VLC player interface, look for the cast icon (usually located at the top right corner). Tap it, and a list of available devices will appear.
4. Choose your TV or Chromecast device from the list. The media will start playing on your TV screen.
5. Control the media playback directly from your mobile device. You can pause, play, or adjust the volume just as you would normally.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Device Not Showing Up: If your TV or Chromecast doesn’t appear in the device list, ensure both your casting device and the TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Restarting the devices can also help.
2. Lag or Buffering Issues: If the playback is lagging or buffering, check your network connection. A strong and stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for smooth casting.
3. VLC Not Playing Certain Files: VLC supports a wide range of formats, but if a file isn’t playing, consider converting it to a more common format like MP4 or AVI.
4. No Sound while Casting VLC: If there is no sound when casting to your TV, check the internet connection and try increasing the volume on your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, VLC allows you to cast the content from your computer or smartphone to your TV. Make sure the devices are connected to the same WiFi network.
The cast icon will appear only when there is a casting device connected to the same WiFi network. Also, check whether the VLC app is updated to the latest version.