With the increasing popularity of Smart TVs, the demand for versatile media players has also grown. One such media player that stands out is VLC. Known for its wide range of supported formats and robust performance, VLC offers an excellent solution for playing videos smoothly on your Smart TV.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of using VLC on your Smart TV, allowing you to optimize your video playback experience.
How to Use VLC On Smart TV
1. Check for VLC compatibility with your Smart TV
Before diving into the setup process, it’s essential to ensure that your Smart TV is compatible with VLC. While VLC is available for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, it may not be directly compatible with all Smart TV platforms.
However, many Smart TVs support screen mirroring or casting, which can still enable you to use VLC indirectly. Check your Smart TV’s user manual or manufacturer’s website to determine if it supports VLC or screen mirroring/casting.
2. Install VLC on your smartphone or computer
To use VLC on your Smart TV, you’ll first need to have VLC installed on a compatible device such as your smartphone or computer. VLC is available for free and can be downloaded from the official VLC website (www.videolan.org). Ensure that you download the version compatible with your device’s operating system.
3. Connect your Smart TV and device
Once you have VLC installed on your device, it’s time to establish a connection between your Smart TV and the device running VLC. Depending on your Smart TV’s capabilities, you can choose one of the following methods:
A. Screen Mirroring: If your Smart TV supports screen mirroring, enable this feature by navigating to the settings menu on your Smart TV and finding the screen mirroring option. On your device running VLC, go to the settings menu and look for the screen mirroring/casting option. Connect your device to your Smart TV by following the on-screen instructions.
B. Casting: If your Smart TV supports casting, ensure that both your device running VLC and your Smart TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the VLC app on your device and look for the casting icon (usually represented by a rectangle with Wi-Fi-like signals). Tap on the casting icon and select your Smart TV from the available devices. The video playback will then be directed to your Smart TV.
4. Play videos using VLC on your Smart TV
Once the connection between your Smart TV and device is established, you can start playing videos using VLC. Open VLC on your device, browse for the video you wish to play, and select it.
The video should start playing on your Smart TV screen. You can control the playback, adjust volume, and utilize other VLC features directly from your device.
5. Enhance your video playback experience
To further optimize your video playback on the Smart TV, consider the following tips:
A. Video Formats: VLC supports a wide range of video formats. However, for the best compatibility, it is recommended to use popular formats such as MP4, AVI, MKV, or MPEG.
B. Network Connection: Ensure that your Smart TV and device running VLC are connected to a stable network connection, preferably through a wired Ethernet connection or a robust Wi-Fi signal.
C. Video Quality: If you encounter playback issues or buffering, try adjusting the video quality settings in VLC to a lower resolution. This can help ensure smoother playback.
D. Subtitles and Audio Tracks: VLC allows you to add subtitles and select different audio tracks if your video has multiple language options. Explore the VLC settings to access these features and enhance your viewing experience.
Conclusion
By utilizing VLC on your Smart TV, you can enjoy smoother video playback and a versatile media player experience. Whether you opt for screen mirroring or casting, following the steps outlined in this article will help you make the most of VLC on your Smart TV.
Remember to ensure compatibility, connect your devices, and leverage VLC’s features for optimal video enjoyment.