Connect smartphone to TV - how it works

There are many ways to connect your smartphone to the TV. We'll tell you exactly what these are in this practical tip.

Option 1: Connect the smartphone to the television using the MHL cable

The first method requires a cable and is called MHL (Mobile High Definition Link).

• The MHL cable is connected via the micro USB port on the smartphone to the HDMI port on the television.
• The contents of the cell phone are transmitted in Full HD with up to 1080p resolution.
• However, there are often delays or stutters when transferring from the smartphone.
• With most MHL cables, you also need to connect your smartphone to the power so that playback will work.
• The price for an MHL cable is around six euros.

Option 2: Connect the smartphone and the TV with Chromecast

The second method is wireless and is implemented using Google's Chromecast.

• The small stick is simply plugged into a free HDMI slot and connected to power via USB or plug.
• Then all you have to do is connect the stick to your WLAN. All devices that are in the same WLAN now have access to the stick.
• For example, you can transfer all of your content from the PC screen to the stick.
• Unfortunately, this does not work with Android. Nevertheless, you have the option of transferring numerous apps, for example YouTube, Napster or Maxdome, to the stick.
• If you have a rooted Nexus 5, you can also use the Mirror app to stream your Android screen to the stick.
• The Chromecast costs around 35 euros.

3rd possibility: Connect TV and smartphone via DLNA

The next DLNA method also works wirelessly.

• Most televisions that have network support have already installed the DLNA standard.
• However, you need an app so that you can transfer your Android smartphone to the TV.
• The BubbleUPnP application takes over this service for you. Simply search for nearby devices to start the transfer.
• With this method, you can wirelessly transfer all of your smartphone's media files to the TV.
• Depending on the TV, the playback takes place with up to 1080p resolution.

4th possibility: Connect the smartphone to the TV via Apple TV

The Apple TV method is primarily interesting for iOS users.

• The Apple TV is simply connected to your TV. Then the small box has to be set up and is then ready for your transfer.
• You can stream content from your iOS device to Apple TV via AirPlay.
• Here, too, a picture quality of Full HD with up to 1080p can be realized, but this varies depending on the TV.
• The delay time of the box is half a second, so that you can also play games on the Apple TV.
• However, the Apple TV is quite expensive: you have to budget around 73 euros for it.

We will show you in the next practical tip how you can connect your smartphone to the PC.