Connect, share, surprise: Bring your computer screen to life with casting!
Casting: you’ve probably heard of it before. But what does it actually mean and why cast your computer screen to another screen, such as your TV? Imagine being able to watch your favorite movies, series or presentations on a much larger screen, without the hassle of cables. Sounds good, right?
I myself have experienced how easily I can cast my favorite sports from my MacBook to the big screen of the TV, and I can tell you: it makes a world of difference!
In this article I’ll explain everything about computer screen casting, from the basics to different techniques such as Chromecast, Google TV, and more!
Key points summarized:
- Casting computer screen provides a better viewing experience on a larger screen and makes content sharing easier.
- There are several ways to cast your computer screen, such as with Google Chrome, Windows PC, Apple TV and VLC Media Player.
- Before you start casting, you’ll need some basics like a suitable screen, Chromecast or Google TV, and a compatible operating system.
What is computer screen casting and why is it useful?
Computer screen casting is the process of sending the image from your computer, laptop or other device wirelessly to another screen, such as a TV.
It’s super convenient, because you can enjoy a bigger screen for a better viewing experience, for example with a monitor that perfectly suits your needs.
In addition, sharing content with others makes it a lot easier. Think of viewing photos, videos or giving presentations together without the hassle of cables.
What are the benefits of casting your computer screen?
- Larger screen for a better viewing experience : With a larger screen, such as with a good 4K monitor, you can see everything better and watching movies, series or playing games is even more fun.
- Easily share content with others : Enjoying photos, videos or giving a presentation with your friends and family is child’s play with computer screen casting.
- No extra cables needed : Unlike connecting a monitor to a laptop with cables, casting is wireless. That means less clutter and more freedom! 🎉
1. Casting computer screen basics
Before you start casting, there are some basics you’ll need. For example, it is important to have a suitable screen, such as the best 144Hz monitor for a smooth viewing experience.
Chromecast or Google TV
Chromecast and Google TV are two popular options for casting your computer screen. Chromecast is a small device that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port , while Google TV is already integrated into smart TVs.
Both options use Google Cast technology, so you can easily cast your computer screen to your TV.
Correct computer and operating system
It is important that your computer and operating system are suitable for casting your screen. In general, casting works best with recent operating systems such as Windows 10 or macOS.
For example, when connecting a monitor to a MacBook, it’s useful to know that the latest versions of macOS usually work well with Chromecast and Google TV.
A television or other screen with HDMI connection
To cast your computer screen, you need a TV or other screen with an HDMI connection. This is the most common connection for transferring images and sound.
Research shows that the Chromecast is the most popular device for casting. There are also smart TVs that have an integrated device built in.
2. Cast your computer screen with Google Chrome
Google Chrome is one of the easiest ways to cast your computer screen. It works perfectly with a home office monitor and other screens.
Casting via the built-in cast function in Chrome
Did you know that Google Chrome has a built-in cast function ? This allows you to cast your computer screen to your Chromecast or Google TV without extensions. Follow these steps to try it:
- Open Chrome on your computer.
- Click on “More” (three dots) at the top right and choose “Cast…”.
- Click “Sources” and select “Cast Screen”.
- Choose the Chromecast device you want to cast the screen to.
Voila! Your computer screen is now cast to your television.
Install and use the Chromecast extension
It is also possible to download and install a Chromecast extension in your Google Chrome browser.️ Go to the Chrome Web Store, search for “Google Cast” and click “Add to Chrome”. Please wait, the extension is now being installed.
Once the installation is complete, the Chromecast icon will appear in the top right corner of your browser. Click on it and select your Chromecast device from the list. Now you’re ready to cast your computer screen!
3. Cast your computer screen with Windows PC
Not a fan of Chrome or Chromecast? No problem! If you have a Windows PC , you can also cast your computer screen using the built-in screen projection function. 💻
Miracast: An alternative to Chromecast
Miracast is a screen projection technology thatenables a wireless connection between your computer and television. It works without internet and is perfect for casting your computer screen.
The advantages of Miracast are its easy installation and the fact that it does not require an internet connection. One downside is that the image quality may be less than Chromecast, depending on your devices.
Connect to a wireless display
To cast your computer screen using Miracast, follow these steps:
- Make sure your television or other display is Miracast-compatible.
- On your Windows PC, go to “Settings” > “System” > “Display”.
- Click “Connect to a wireless display”.
- Select your Miracast-compatible display from the list and click “Connect”.
Within seconds, your computer screen will be cast to your television. Enjoy it!
4. Cast your computer screen with Apple TV
There is good news for the Apple fans among us: you can also cast your computer screen with your Apple TV !
AirPlay: The Apple alternative to Chromecast
AirPlay is Apple’s screen projection technology that allows you to cast your computer screen to your Apple TV. Like Miracast, AirPlay provides a wireless connection between your computer and television.
The advantages of AirPlay are the seamless integration with Apple products and the high image quality. One downside is that it also only works with Apple devices , so if you have a Windows PC or Android phone, you’ll need to use a different system to cast.
Set up and use AirPlay on your Mac
Fortunately, setting up AirPlay on your Mac is a piece of cake. Follow these simple steps:
- Make sure your Mac and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Click the AirPlay icon in your Mac’s menu bar (a screen with a triangle).
- Select your Apple TV from the list of available devices.
- Voila! Your Mac screen is now displayed on your Apple TV.
Once AirPlay is set up, you can easily send content from your Mac to your Apple TV. To do this, open the desired app or file on your Mac and click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar. Then choose your Apple TV as the device you want to cast to. Simple, right?
5. Cast your computer screen with VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a popular media player that is also an excellent option for casting your computer screen. It supports various file formats and is compatible with both Windows and macOS.
Stream videos and movies to your TV
Streaming videos and movies with VLC Media Player is child’s play. Follow these steps to watch your favorite movies on your TV:
- Open VLC Media Player on your computer.
- Click “Media” and then “Stream…”
- Add the video file you want to stream and click “Stream”.
- Select your TV or other device you want to stream to.
- Enjoy your movie on the big screen!
VLC supports many file formats including MP4, MKV, AVI and many more.
Common problems and solutions
Sometimes problems occur while casting your computer screen. Don’t worry, here are some common problems and solutions to get you back on track.
No connection to Chromecast or Google TV
If you can’t connect to your Chromecast or Google TV, try the following solutions:
- Make sure your computer and Chromecast/Google TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Restart your computer, Chromecast/Google TV and router.
- Update your Google Chrome browser and Chromecast/Google TV software.
Connection problems with Windows PC or Apple TV
Are you experiencing connection problems with your Windows PC or Apple TV? Try these tips:
- Make sure your computer and Apple TV/Windows PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Restart your computer, Apple TV/Windows PC and router.
- Update your operating system and Apple TV/Windows PC software.
Conclusion
Now you know what computer screen casting is and how to do it using different technologies like Chromecast, Google TV and AirPlay.
By casting your computer screen, you can easily and wirelessly enjoy a large screen for a better viewing experience, whether you watch movies and series or give presentations.