Sony Support

Article ID : 00236316 / Last Modified : 12/16/2019Print

To cast or not to cast? Unravelling the mysteries of Chromecast, DLNA and Wi-Fi Direct

    There are a few ways to access photos, video and music files from your PC and smartphone to your TV. We’re here to take you through each option and offer you the most practical solution for your particular need.

    • Chromecast
      What is Chromecast?

      Chromecast is a range of digital media adapters developed by Google. These adapters (or dongles) allow you to play or stream content from your smartphone, tablet or PC to your TV through web or mobile apps that support the Google Cast technology.

      Certain TVs have Chromecast built-in: a technology that lets you stream your favourite entertainment and apps from your phone, tablet or laptop right to your TV or speakers—removing the need for an adapter.

      Why is Chromecast useful?

      Chromecast is reliable and easy to use function that offers more functionality to your TV. Using the Chromecast adapter, it enables non-Internet-connected TVs the ability to become “Smart TVs”. Alternatively, it expands the apps available to TVs with a limited amount of pre-installed apps, or TVs without access to the Google Play Store.

      Smart TVs are Internet-connected devices that have access to online features such as video-on-demand (VOD) content from streaming apps/services. While some of our TVs have apps, they are either pre-installed or delivered by our server. This means you cannot install new apps yourself. With Chromecast, you have access to a greater variety of popular apps/streaming services to use on your TV. And, for new models with Chromecast built-in, you can stream or cast content from apps on smartphones, tablets or PCs directly to your TV without the need for additional equipment.

      NOTE: There are other casting devices similar to Chromecast such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV stick etc. These devices are available at all good online or high street retailers.

      How do I use Chromecast?

      Chromecast is really a plug-and-play device. You plug in the device into a free HDMI slot, follow the setup instructions and then start casting. A How to cast: A quick start guide is available on the Chromecast support site

      For more information on how to use Chromecast, please view our support article.
       


    • DLNA
      What is DLNA?

      DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance)* is a simple way to access content from your PC on your TV. By connecting your TV and PC to the same home network, your computer acts as a server, allowing you to view photos, videos or music files stored on your PC's hard drive. These files can then be displayed on your TV for your viewing or listening pleasure.

      Your PC is not your only DLNA-enabled option; certain home consoles can also act as servers and even players. These devices can become substitute servers instead of your PC, or they can play files directly from their internal memory systems, as long as they’re connected via HDMI to your TV.

      NOTES:

      When is DLNA useful?

      Essentially, DLNA is an ideal solution for the following scenarios:

      Your TV and PC are in different rooms: If your desktop and TV are not in the same location, but you still want to access movies, photos or music files on your TV – DLNA is for you.

      You can’t connect your laptop to your TV via HDMI: Or perhaps you don’t have any free ports available on your TV.

      Your USB stick is full: Instead of transferring files from one device to another, which can be time consuming and laborious, you can play the file directly from the source.

      How do I set up a DLNA/home network?

      For PCs/laptops installed with Windows 10:

      1. Go to your file
      2. Right-click the button on your mouse and select [Cast to Device]
      3. Your TV will appear in the list of connected devices
        NOTE: Please make sure your TV is on the same home network (Wi-Fi or LAN connection) as your PC
        • The media streaming options in Windows needs to be switched [ON]
          1. Launch the control panel
            You can search for it by selecting the magnifying glass icon
          2. Search for "Media" by typing in the word in the search bar
          3. Select [Media streaming options]
          4. Select [Turn on media streaming]

      For other PCs (Windows and Mac)

      • You can cast using the Google Chrome browser
        1. Click on the “more menu” in the top right-hand corner (the three dots)
        2. Select “Cast…”
        3. A “Cast tab” will open and your PC will then look for suitable devices

    • Wi-Fi Direct
      What is Wi-Fi Direct and Screen mirroring?

      Wi-Fi Direct is another way to access content, but this time, from your smartphone or tablet. The difference between this option and DLNA is that you can connect your Wi-Fi Direct-enabled devices without the need of a server/wireless router.

      In effect, your mobile device becomes an access point, mirroring or streaming stored content from this device directly to your TV.

      When is Wi-Fi Direct useful?

      Wi-Fi Direct is useful in the following situations:

      1. You don’t have a router: You want to share information between devices but don’t have access to a router or Wi-Fi network.
      2. You want to mirror/cast content stored from your mobile to a TV wirelessly or share content to multiple devices: Perhaps, you have holiday snaps on your phone, but you don’t have a USB cable to transfer them to your TV. Or you want to share pictures with your friends, but don’t want to pass your phone around. Now, everyone can view the same content on their own smartphone screen.
      3. You don’t have to download any special apps: You don’t have to download or purchase any special apps or software to use Wi-Fi Direct.
      How do I enable Wi-Fi Direct

      For Android TVs:

      1. Press the HOME button on the remote control
      2. Go to [Settings] > [Network] > [Wi‑Fi Direct] > turn on [Wi-Fi Direct]
      3. Then select [Wi‑Fi Direct settings].
      4. Now, using your Wi-Fi Direct-enabled device (e.g. smartphone, tablet, camera), turn on the Wi-Fi by going to [Settings] > [Network & Internet] > [Wi-Fi]
      5. Select the TV name from the Wi-Fi list on your smartphone.
        (If you cannot find your TV in the Wi-Fi list, you can add it manually. On your TV, select the [Show Network (SSID)/Password] and enter the SSID and password into your smartphone. Using your smartphone, go to the [Wi-Fi], tap on the [+ Add network] option and add the details shown on the TV.)
      6. Once you’ve entered the information into the smartphone, a confirmation will appear on your TV to indicate that both devices have established a connection.
      7. You can now send content from your smartphone to your TV by selecting the content, taping the share button and selecting the TV from the list of options.
        NOTE: The exact procedure for sharing may depend on smartphone and operating system. For details, please refer to your Wi-Fi Direct-enabled device’s instruction manual.


      For non-Android TVs:

      1. Press the HOME button on the remote control
      2. Go to [Settings] > [Network] > [Wi‑Fi Direct] > turn on [Wi-Fi Direct]
      3. Then select [Wi‑Fi Direct settings].
      4. Now, using your Wi-Fi Direct-enabled device (e.g. smartphone, tablet, camera), turn on the Wi-Fi by going to [Settings] > [Network & Internet] > [Wi-Fi]
      5. Select the TV name from the Wi-Fi list on your smartphone.
        (If you cannot find your TV in the Wi-Fi list, you can add it manually. On your TV, select the [Show Network (SSID)/Password] and enter the SSID and password into your smartphone. Using your smartphone, go to the [Wi-Fi], tap on the [+ Add network] option and add the details shown on the TV.)
      6. Once the you’ve entered the information into the smartphone, a confirmation will appear on your TV to indicate that both devices have established a connection.
      7. You can now send content from your smartphone to your TV by selecting the content, taping the share button and selecting the TV from the list of options.
        NOTE: The exact procedure for sharing may depend on smartphone and operating system. For details, please refer to your Wi-Fi Direct-enabled device’s instruction manual.

      TIPS: