Casting to TV issues

clayto · 24 Feb 2020

I have rarely had success with Casting from Windows 10 to my smart TV so for years have used my Samsung Android Tablet and Chromecast.

Now I want to try again, with both my Android Phone and PC. However, when I click Cast media to device ( in Tools) in Edge the response is "source not supported". Meaning what? It identifies my TV correctly (unlike other wireless devices on the same network) but I cannot cast to it.

So, in Windows I cannot Cast reliably via Chromecast (it works occasionally). I want to use Miracast which I thought was available in Windows / Edge(?) and in particular to cast the screen as well as media (eg. to read documents on a larger screen). Windows Store has very few (and poor) casting apps (unlike Android) to experiment with, unless I have missed them.

A further possibility, is that I also have an HDMI cable connecting my PC and TV, but I have never got this option to work.

dalchina · 24 Feb 2020

Hi, the way it works for me- as my smart Panasonic TV is connected to my router- is that if I, for example, in file explorer, rt click a mp3 file, click Cast, click the entry corresponding to my TV, then my TV switches from its current channel and I hear the mp3.

(Using the router like this is just one way of casting).

(Not a particularly efficient or sensible use of a TV- and I don't use its speakers of course!)
https://www.support.com/how-to/how-t...miracast-12700

I can't tell which app on the TV is used though.
TV remote controls FF rewind etc are reflected on my PC display

But see
What is Miracast and Why Should I Care?

But here’s the biggest problem with Miracast. It’s an open standard and Miracast-certified devices are supposed to communicate just fine with other Miracast-certified devices. However, they often don’t.

This mentions 'Wifi Direct" - no router.
What Is Wi-Fi Direct, and How Does It Work?

I also have an option to cast to my Bluetooth headphones, as these are listed with my TV on rt click, Cast.

More:
4 Ways to View Your Laptop or Desktop’s Screen on Your TV

(which I can't do though)

and the converse:
Screen Mirroring on Windows 10: How to Turn Your PC Into a Wireless Display | Laptop Mag

thomaseg1 · 25 Feb 2020

My older Gateway doesn't support Miracast though is completely up to date and supports
blue tooth.
My Newer HP does .

Run dxdiag.exe choose save all information and save the text file to your desktop.
and scroll down to see if your video card supports it.

thomaseg1 · 25 Feb 2020

Another way to check... click the notifications box and click on connect.
If it isn't there right click choose edit and add it.
Attachment 268185

Attachment 268186

dalchina · 25 Feb 2020

@thomaseg1 - just wondering- when I tried that for my Panasonic TV, via 'Find other types of devices' I'm taken to this:

- the TV is the Viera item. (Ok, just now it's off). But even when it's on, I can't add it from that dialogue. So I can cast a file to my TV, but not my screen.

(dxdiag.exe says Miracast is supported)

thomaseg1 · 25 Feb 2020

dalchina said:

@thomaseg1 - just wondering- when I tried that for my Panasonic TV, via 'Find other types of devices' I'm taken to this:

- the TV is the Viera item. (Ok, just now it's off). But even when it's on, I can't add it from that dialogue. So I can cast a file to my TV, but not my screen.

(dxdiag.exe says Miracast is supported)

Just checked You are right. I can connect on my HP using the "connect" Button
But I can't through settings.
I only get remove device.
"Bug"??

Nice catch.

jimbo45 · 25 Feb 2020

Hi there

@thomaseg1

A great way of doing this is to use an Amazon or a Roku type of top set box -- these are Android devices so you can side load KODI on them -- then provided your computer / NAS server can share files simply use KODI on the amazon tv box to browse to the files you want (video and audio work) and simply play them. All you need is the KODI as a client on the TV box -- no servers need to be running on the remote computer - just ensure file sharing works --- on some of these amazon boxes though you'll need to enable SMB1 on the remote Windows / NAS box for the file shring to work.

You can also route streams through as well (a lot of streaming won't need to use the remote computer) and for most movies / TV series can dynamically grab subtitles from opensubtitles or other subtitle service (I find this more necessary these days with a lot of modern productions --sound effects far too loud and dialog often slightly better than barely audible !!). The Amazon boxes are great and support up to 4K UHD resolution via HDMI into the TV plus digital sound / DSP etc etc.

I've 3 of these boxes for remote TV's and they are brilliant. BTW KODI will also directly play DVD ISO's with menus etc etc as well.

I gave up using PLEX server a long time ago -- KODI Client on the amazon boxes is so much better etc -- doesn't nag for Pro passes --i.e "pay" and doesn't have a load of nag alert screens. VLC also as a client on some TV's seems to have connectivity problems at times -- KODI for me always works although the initial setup is a bit complex. Plenty of documentation over the web.

KODI itself is 100% legal -- although some people use it for other things the base software is again 100% perfectly legal.

If you have a TV with the android system then you can probably load KODI without needing the amazon boxes -- although most TV's these days seem to have their own peculiar brand of OS in them.

Also on these Amazon boxes depending on the area you can load up BBC Iplayer, Live BBC streams, All4, ITV, and a load of european Free to Air TV services --- the actual area will let you install what's allowed.

Cheers
jimbo

dalchina · 25 Feb 2020

thomaseg1 said:

Just checked You are right. I can connect on my HP using the "connect" Button
But I can't through settings.
I only get remove device.
"Bug"??
Nice catch.

Yep, that's exactly it- only Remove is offered. Thanks for confirming that - wasn't trying to hijack the thread for my issue, just thought this was pertinent. Hmm..

thomaseg1 · 25 Feb 2020

dalchina said:

Yep, that's exactly it- only Remove is offered. Thanks for confirming that - wasn't trying to hijack the thread for my issue, just thought this was pertinent. Hmm..

It is and I haven't found this reported anywhere else.
Should check with Shawn to be sure though.

dalchina · 25 Feb 2020

Yes, just thinking about that.. meanwhile this has some useful content
How To Set Up And Troubleshoot Miracast

including adding a device under
How To Set Up And Troubleshoot Miracast