trying to stream a movie from my computer to the Smart TV in the other room

[rotchild]

OK, So I maintain the computer in my room, connected to a 21 inch monitor and, obviously, the modem.

In the adjacent room, there's a Samsung TV LED 46, model UN46F6800AF. It's not brand new, but it's not old either... I can use the TV to play Netflix and Amazon Prime videos FROM THE TV Smart menu(as in, using the TV to access the network) without any problems whatsoever.

But the OPPOSITE (play some movie in my PC, and stream it on the TV) I'm getting0some problems with... First of all, I totally gave up on VLC media player to do it. It's unreliable, at best (If I go to "Playback/Renderer", there's the <Local> option and below there's greyed out "Scanning" text, which doesn't change). Nothing happens.

So I went to try Windows Media Player, and the "cast to device" option. It shows the TV, but when trying to stream it to the TV, sometimes it displays a message about network error (on the TV) and playing stops... I believe it's related to each video, as some display without any problems (maybe a codec thing...? I have no idea)

Thing is, I really wanted to use VLC. Is there a practical way to do it, even if it were to be done manually (like, inserting the IP of the TV, for example)?

[davexnet]

I use WMP and an app on the phone called Server Cast. My files are mp4/mkv with H.264 or HEVC video with ac3/aac audio.
I have a few old AVI's with xvid/mp3 and some mpeg-2 files. These all work fine casting to DLNA

If you have some non standard files perhaps try Plex, install the server on the PC and the Client in the TV

I've never had any luck VLC ether

[usually_quiet]

It may be possible to play compatible video files stored on a computer running Windows via DLNA with the TV's built-in media player. Sharing needs to be enabled for the drive and directory where they are located, and AllShare on the TV needs to be set up to recognize the computer. To be playable, the file has to match the characteristics set forth in the manual. Also, your Wi-Fi connection has to be good enough for steady playback.

From the manual for the Samsung F6800 Series:


[Attachment 56074 - Click to enlarge]

Using Networked External Storage Devices

This TV can directly display media files from web storage devices and computers and DLNA-enabled
devices connected to the TV over a network. To display the media files on an external storage
device, the device must support DLNA and be connected to the same network as the TV. For more
information, refer to the manual of the external storage device.

For example, you can display the media files on your Smartphone or web storage in the following
ways:
● Send a media playback request to the TV from a Smartphone or computer.
● Establish a link between the TV and a computer/Smartphone/web storage and play the media
files.
● Use a Smartphone to send a request to the TV to play the media files stored on a computer or
use a computer to request playing the media files stored on a Smartphone.
● Log into your Samsung account and play the media files stored on your web storage.
" Certain media files stored on a networked external storage device may not play on the TV, depending on
their resolution and format. In addition, certain functions may not be available.
" Certain files may not play smoothly. If this is the case, use a USB storage device.
Move to Photos, Videos & Music at the top of the Smart Hub screen. Select the media type and then
the device where the media file is located. The folder and file list of the selected external storage
device are shown.

Allowing DLNA Device Connections
Screen Menu > Network > AllShare Settings
Selecting AllShare Settings screen Content Sharing displays a list of external storage devices
connected to the same network as the TV. Select a device to allow it to connect to the TV. You can
only play media files from devices that have been allowed to connect to the TV. This function is
available for all DLNA DMC devices. Alternatively, you can send a media playback request from an
external device that has not yet been allowed to connect to the TV and then accept the connection
when prompted.

AllShare
AllShare makes it easy to retrieve and enjoy media files from computers and DLNA-enabled devices.
However, computers need to be installed with AllShare PC and mobile devices need to support
AllShare. For more information, visit the Samsung Content & Service portal (http://link.samsung.com).
" You may experience compatibility issues when attempting to play media files via a third-party DLNA server.

[Bonnevue]

Plex or another DLNA server on your pc. If your tv has network capabilties then you are good to go. Maybe you wil have to buy a cheap amazon firestick ore something similar to plug into your tv.

[super8rescue]

I 'cast to' with a simple 'right click' of a video or audio file in windows explorer, to my LG plasma with no problems over wifi.
It seems to prefer mp4 files.

[rotchild]

Thanks for the heads up guys, really appreciate it...

I use WMP and an app on the phone called Server Cast. My files are mp4/mkv with H.264 or HEVC video with ac3/aac audio.
I have a few old AVI's with xvid/mp3 and some mpeg-2 files. These all work fine casting to DLNA

If you have some non standard files perhaps try Plex, install the server on the PC and the Client in the TV

I've never had any luck VLC ether

Yeah, I pretty much gave up on VLC. Incredible how a program that's been around for a long while is incapable of doing something so simple.

Anyways, are you able to activate subtitles with WMP? I haven't been able to make them appear....