Do you have a collection of videos and movies on your computer or external hard drive and want to enjoy it on your TV? This is one of the most recurring needs of those who have banks of multimedia material on their computers. On the other hand, there are devices like that that seek to enhance conventional televisions, providing them with the characteristics of a SmartTV. This opens the possibility that we can take advantage of the files that we have on a computer to watch them on TV and in this sense, we will show you how to do it with VLC and a Chromecast.
To do this, we will take advantage of the features offered by VLC in order to transmit the material that we play on the computer, to the television. It is a fairly simple process and that anyone can carry out in a matter of a couple of minutes.
Cast content from VLC to Chromecast
The Chromecast is Google's bet for the growing and demanded market of devices to enhance televisions. With the rise of smart TVs, it seemed imminent that many recent equipment would become obsolete. Thus, devices such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire and of course the Google Chromecast appear. By connecting it to your television, you will have the possibility of accessing a whole series of options aimed at playing streaming content.
To function properly, these devices need to be connected to the WiFi network and it is precisely this that we will take advantage of to transmit the content that we play on the computer.
On the other hand, VLC is one of the most popular options in a market as complicated as that of desktop video players. This type of application fell into disuse with the appearance of streaming audio and audiovisual content. However, VLC has managed to remain among the preferences of users as one of the best alternatives to listen to music and watch videos. It offers dozens of interesting features and we will rely on one of them to transmit to the Chromecast.
Steps to cast from VLC to a Chromecast
Before starting this process, make sure you have VLC installed and that both the computer and the Chromecast are connected to the same WiFi network. Additionally, for it to be functional on the Chromecast, the connection must be made on the 5 Ghz network offered by the router. This is essential for the success of this task, since otherwise the device will not be visible.
Next, turn on the TV, activate the Chromecast and then go to the computer and open VLC with the content you want to play. Then, click on the menu «Reproduction» from the toolbar and go to the option «Processor«. Chromecast and similar devices that are connected to the WiFi network should be displayed here. If it does not appear, check that it is indeed connected to the 5 Ghz network.
Click on «chromecast» and in a matter of seconds, you will see the image of what you play on the computer appear on the television. Now, start playing and enjoy all the audiovisual material you store on your computer on the big screen. The only disadvantage of doing this is that to control the playback, we will always have to go to the source of the transmission.
Recommendations on this connection
Connecting from VLC to a Chromecast doesn't cause too many problems and the experience is excellent, however there are factors that can degrade this. The quality of the connection is essential, therefore, we suggest you free up the greatest amount of bandwidth so that it can be dedicated to transmission. On the other hand, make sure that the computer and the television with Chromecast are close and without obstacles in between in order to avoid pauses and cuts during playback.
Complying with this, we assure you that you will be able to enjoy any content calmly by transmitting it from your VLC to the Chromecast.
Conclusion
In short, casting from a PC with VLC player to a TV with Chromecast is an easy and convenient way to enjoy media on the big screen.. This technique allows users to stream movies, TV shows, videos, and other content from their computer to their television without the need for cables or additional equipment. In this way, we are saving money and effort in installing new devices.
It is important to note that streaming from a PC with VLC player to a TV with Chromecast requires proper configuration of both devices. To do this, verify that both the computer and the Chromecast device are connected to the same network. In addition, it is essential to make sure that the Internet connection is fast and stable enough to ensure smooth streaming without interruptions. Likewise, ensure that there are no obstacles between the source and destination devices.