Do you want to cast your Android display to your big screen TV? When we consider how much our smartphone or tablet can do, it doesn't make sense to rely on a "smart" TV or a streaming box like a Roku or Amazon Fire Stick. We already have the same access to Netflix, Hulu and other great providers in our pocket. So how do you get that screen from your smartphone or tablet to your TV?
It's a question that is both simple and complex.
Solutions like Chromecast make it relatively easy to 'cast' your screen, and depending on your particular smartphone or tablet, you may have a few wired options to explore as well.
Connect Android to Your HDTV With a Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable
The cheapest, easiest and perhaps best way to connect your Android device to your HDTV is with an HDMI cable. Unfortunately, it isn't as popular for manufacturer's to include a Micro HDMI port in their deice as it was just a few years ago. But if you are lucky enough to have one, it make the entire epxerience much easier. Micro HDMI to HDMI cables are roughly the same cost as a regular HDMI cable, so you can get one for as cheap as $20 or less. You can find them in local electronics stores like Best Buy, Frys, etc.
Once you have your device plugged into one of your TV's HDMI inputs, all you need do is switch the TV's source (usually through a source button on the remote) to the HDMI port and you are good to go.
However, it is best to make sure the Android device is in landscape mode. While Apple has stuck with the 4:3 aspect ratio with the iPad —which is great for browsing the web, Facebook and the "computer side of tablets—most Android tablets sport a 16:9 aspect ratio that looks great on those big HDTV screens.
The big disadvantage to going with a 'wired' solution is the difficulty in using the device while you have it connected to the TV. If you are watching a movie, this isn't a big deal, but if you want to play a game or watch YouTube videos, it isn't ideal.
Go Wireless With a Google Chromecast
Google's Chromecast is the perfect choice for anyone wanting to hold their tablet or smartphone in their hand while projecting the screen to their TV. It also happens to be the cheapest choice for those who don't have a Micro HDMI port on their device. But don't mistake it for similar streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV. The Chromecast dongle doesn't actually do anything on its own. It relies on your Android device to be the brains behind the operation, while it simply takes your Android screen and 'casts' it onto your television set.
The biggest advantage of Chromecast is the price tag, which comes in at under $40. Another really cool feature is the compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. While you can only do true display mirroring with an Android smartphone or tablet, you can still 'cast' video from Netflix, Hulu or any other Chromecast compatible app from your iPhone or iPad.
This is great for households that have both major mobile platforms.
And Chromecast set up is a lot easier than you might think. After plugging the dongle into your TV and attaching the power cable, you simply download and launch the Google Home app. This app will detect the Chromecast and establish a connection to help set it up. It can even transfer over your Wi-Fi information device automatically on some devices. Google Home is also the app you use to mirror your display, although with many popular apps like YouTube, you simply need to tap the 'cast' icon, which looks like a box or TV with the Wi-Fi symbol in the corner.
Connect to Your TV Using MHL
All is not lost if you don't have a Micro HDMI port on your device. MHL, which stands for Mobile High Definition Link, is basically a fancy way of saying Micro-USB to HDMI adapter. Many of the top brands support MHL for their Android smartphones and tablets, although you may need to double check your own device. Here's a list of all mobile devices that support MHL.
This connection gives you the same benefits as connecting through a Micro HDMI port, but it is slightly more expensive because of the need for the MHL adapter, which can cost between $15 and $40. When you combine this with the cost of an HDMI cable, this option can be more expensive than a Chromecast.
Like the Micro HDMI to HDMI solution, this just works. You shouldn't need to do anything special other than make sure your smartphone or tablet is in landscape mode to get the best viewing experience.
A warning for Samsung owners: Samsung has dropped support for MHL and all other protocols for sending video and audio over USB, so if you have a newer Samsung device like the Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge, you will need to go with a wireless solution like the Chromecast.
Connect to Your HDTV Using SlimPort
SlimPort is a new technology designed for all sorts of devices from smartphones to tablets to cameras. It uses the same basic technology as DisplayPort to pass audio and video to a television or monitor. It has growing support that includes devices like the LG V20, Acer Chromebook R13, HTC 10, LG G Pad II and Amazon Fire HD tablets. You can check this list if to see if your device has a SlimPort.
SlimPort operates much the same as MHL. You will need a SlimPort adapter that costs between $15 and $40 and you will need an HDMI cable. Once you have the adapter and cable, setup is rather easy.
Connect Your Android Device With Roku or Other Wireless Solutions
Chromecast isn't the only game in town when it comes to wireless, although it may be the cheapest and easiest solution. The Roku 2 and newer boxes by Roku support casting. You can find the screen mirroring option in the settings of the Roku. On the Android device, open the settings app, go to Display and choose Cast to see available options for casting the screen. Both devices will need to be on the same network.
A few third-party brands like the Belkin Miracast Video Adapter and the ScreenBeam Mini2 also support casting your mobile screen to your TV. However, with price tags that easily exceed the Chromecast, it's hard to recommend these solutions. The Roku can be a good choice for those who want a Roku or similar streaming device without the need to always connect your smartphone or tablet, but with the option of doing so.
Connect Your Samsung Smartphone/Tablet With Your Samsung HDTV
While it is unlikely anyone would be willing to buy a new television just because it supports mirroring an Android's screen, if you have a Samsung smartphone or table and you bought a Samsung television in the last few years, you may want to check if it supports casting. Unfortunately, this only works for Samsung-to-Samsung.
You can check if your TV supports the feature by going into the Menu, choosing Network and searching for Screen Mirroring. On your smartphone or tablet, you can pull down the extended notifications using two fingers to swipe from the very top edge of the display downwards. You will see a "Screen Mirroring" or "Smart View" option if your device supports it.
Confused? Go With the Chromecast
It's easy to get confused when there are so many options that depend on the specific features of your device. If you are unsure of which ports are on your smartphone or tablet, the easy choice is to go with a Google Chromecast. And in most cases, this is also the least expensive option.
Chromecast will allow you to both 'cast' video from most of your favorite streaming apps and completely mirror your display for apps that don't support casting. It's also relatively easy to set up, and because it works wirelessly, you can have your device in your hands on the couch while you cast the screen to your TV.
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