Ethernet or USB to connect computer to TV?

henobi · Apr 25, 2020

I have an old laptop with only USB, S-video and ethernet ports, a TV with a free USB port, and a Sony BDP-S1100 DVD player with ethernet and USB ports.
I'd like to watch films from my laptop on the TV, but before I buy adaptors, I wonder if I could use a USB cable to connect the two, or if I could use an ethernet cable to connect the laptop to DVD player (which is already attached to the TV).
If this won't work, please explain why, but if feasible, please let me know how to set up the software. Thanks!

Corday · Apr 25, 2020

If your TV has RCA ports: https://www.wikihow.com/Watch-a-DVD-on-TV-With-a-Laptop-(Windows)

Stancestans · Apr 27, 2020

Get a flash disk, copy the video files to it and play them directly on the tv.

henobi · Apr 27, 2020

To Corday: I had some RCA adapters for S-video and sound, but they didn't work. Unclear why, but this laptop is running Ubuntu 16.04, and it won't let me share the screen or sound.
To StanceStan: It's a streaming site with copyright protection, so how can I download?

In any case, I'm wondering if software will allow me to use the I/O features of ethernet or usb to make a home theater. If not, why not? Thanks.

Corday · Apr 27, 2020

Read all of this: https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-connect-your-laptop-to-your-tv.
USB to HDMI connectors are sold everywhere.

Stancestans · Apr 28, 2020

Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Mult...ia-Graphics-1920x1080-1600x1200/dp/B00BN5FI8K/ref=psdc_3015403011_t1_B077J65DY3 should work just fine with a USB 2.0 port. Hopefully your laptop has a USB 2.0 port and not the dinosaur USB 1.1. Whether the software is supported on Ubuntu or not is another question altogether. Another possible solution is reviewed here https://bigl.es/using-a-displaylink-usb3-to-hdmi-display-adaptor-with-ubuntu-18-04/

Ethernet or USB to connect computer to TV?

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities