Many media players support streaming to a Google Chromecast (making it ideal for use as a streamlined media center) How to Make Chromecast Your Smart Media Center How to Make Chromecast Your Smart Media Center For just $18, the Chromecast is a The unequivocal way to make your TV is "smart," but it can feel a bit like a one-trick pony once the initial euphoria wears off. Read More). Meanwhile, one of the most popular media players for desktop is VLC Media Player, a versatile tool in many other areas.
Do you want to stream videos from your PC to a Chromecast using VLC? This is what you need to do...
If you want to stream video from VLC Media Player to your TV via Chromecast, you'll need to make sure you have the following:
Just download the version of VLC that matches your PC architecture and install it. You'll also need to make sure your Chromecast is connected to your TV and turned on. Check out our guide to setting up your Chromecast How to set up your new Google Chromecast How to set up your new Google Chromecast If you own a new Chromecast but have no idea how to use it, let our easy-to-follow guide help you get started in just a few minutes. Read more for tips and tricks if you run into any issues.
Download :VLC Media Player 3.0
Once you're sure Chromecast is set up correctly, open VLC Media Player on your PC.
Now open Playback> Renderer> Scan .
This starts the search for the Chromecast on the network. Wait a few moments, then open the menu again, this time selecting Chromecast option.
Now you're ready to start streaming to Chromecast, so open a video file to watch it in VLC. Use Media and open file to find the video you want. Alternatively, drag a video file from an open Windows Explorer window to the VLC Media Player window.
Since you are playing on a network device, the Site Insecure warning will appear. This is totally fine:click View Certificate , then Accept permanently to add the certificate to your PC.
Some formats will play immediately; others will require conversion. Common formats should be fine, but if you're using something a bit unusual or out of date, like Microsoft's WMV format, you'll see a notification like this:
Click OK If you want to continue with the video, and Ok don't let me know again If you want VLC to convert your files independently. It may not be wise to use this feature on a battery-powered laptop. Similarly, older or slower computers may not convert media fast enough, causing a delay in streaming.
In some cases, you may have problems. There are a couple of solutions you can try here.
In the meantime, some performance issues may arise. You can overcome them by changing the conversion quality in Tools> Preferences . Click All , then look for Stream Output , and expand Sout stream , selecting Chromecast . (Alternatively, enter chrome in the search box in the upper left corner of the window.)
Find the Conversion quality drop-down menu and select an option to improve conversion and streaming. Options range from Low CPU (low quality but high bandwidth) a High (high quality and high bandwidth) . Default is Medium.
Make your choice, then click Save and check the current. You may need to stop and reload the video to see the change.
All you need to do now is click Play , and the video should start streaming to your TV. The Chromecast is capable of streaming in high definition, so you should be able to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows, smartphone videos, maybe even video game streams, in high definition.
If you need to control the video, please use the VLC window on your computer to pause, forward/backward, adjust the volume, etc. Any changes you make to the video in VLC will be reflected on your TV. Please note that by default, the video you are streaming will not be displayed on your PC's desktop.
Future streaming can be achieved by going to Playback> Renderer> Chromecast - Now the certificate is accepted, the process is more agile..
While the above method should work absolutely fine, it may not work for you personally. If this is the case, but you still want to stream video from your PC via VLC, and watch it on your TV using Chromecast, you'll be glad to know there's another option.
It is also possible to stream video from VLC to your TV through the Google Chrome browser. Just make sure VLC is loaded, then find the Issue Button in your browser window (next to the address bar). Click this, then Cast to> Cast Desktop . Once done, click play in VLC, maximize the window and enjoy streaming video on your TV.
You'll find superior video quality when streaming directly from VLC, but Google Chrome is a good substitute when all else fails.
Really, that's all there is to it. Remember:
Of course, there are other ways to stream content from your Windows computer to your TV. Miracast, which uses a similar wireless HDMI dongle What is Miracast? How to use Miracast for wireless media streaming What is Miracast? How to use Miracast for wireless media streaming HDMI may be the standard for connecting media devices, but it has many drawbacks. Here's how to use Miracast instead. Read More Our Miracast vs. Chromecast Comparison Chromecast vs. Miracast:The Differences and Which One You Should Choose in Chromecast vs. Miracast:the differences and which one you should choose In recent years, Google Chromecast has become a must-have accessory for smart TV. . What you probably didn't know is that your smart TV has a Chromecast alternative:Miracast. Read More However, a Steam Link game streaming device How to set up your Steam Link for PC gaming on your TV How to set up your Steam Link for PC gaming on your TV Steam Link allows you to stream your PC games to a TV for a best gaming experience. Here's everything you need to know to set up your new Steam link. Read More is also capable of streaming video and sound from your PC to your TV.
