Modern Xiaomi TVs, running on the operating system Android TV or its modification PatchWall, are powerful multimedia centers, but often users lack the built-in functionality to play specific formats of video files stored on the hard drive of the computer. Direct connection of the drive is not always convenient, and the built-in media player may not “see” complex codecs or subtitles, which forces to look for alternative ways of transmitting the signal.
Broadcasting images from a laptop or desktop to a large screen is not just copying a file, but a complex process of synchronizing data streams that requires stable connection and proper configuration of the network environment. Depending on your goals - to show a presentation, run a movie in high resolution or just display a desktop - different methods may be required, each of which has its own technical nuances and hardware requirements.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the connectivity options available, from wireless protocols to physical cables, so you can choose the best option for your situation. We will look at the built-in features of Windows, third-party software and hardware solutions that guarantee maximum picture quality without delay.
Wireless transmission through built-in Windows and Miracast functionality
The easiest and fastest way to do this without needing to install additional software is to use Miracast technology, which is integrated into the Projection function in Windows 10 and 11. Xiaomi TVs by default support this standard, allowing the computer to see the TV display as an external wireless device. To activate you do not need to look for complex settings in the TV menu, just make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
To start streaming, press the Win + K keyboard on your computer. On the right, the Connection panel will appear, where after a short search your Xiaomi Mi TV or Android TV should appear. When you first connect, an access request may appear on the TV screen, which must be confirmed by the remote control.
It’s worth considering that this method broadcasts the entire desktop, not just a video file, which can be inconvenient if you work with other windows in parallel.In addition, image quality and smoothness depend on the power of your Wi-Fi router and the distance to it; using the 2.4 GHz standard, you can twitch the picture in 4K resolution.
⚠️ Note: When using Miracast in Repeat mode, the computer screen may go out or change resolution if the graphics card drivers are not properly processed. HDCP-contention.
To fine-tune the quality of the transmission, you can use the screen settings menu in Windows, where you can choose the mode of operation after connecting: duplication, expansion or use of the TV as the main display, which allows you to flexibly manage the workspace, displaying the movie on the large screen, and leaving messengers on the laptop monitor.
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To minimize delays when broadcasting wirelessly, try to place the router in line of sight from the TV or use the 5 GHz network range.
Use of DLNA protocol and media servers
If your goal is to play video files, not the entire screen, then DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) technology is perfect. Unlike Miracast, it doesn't create a live video stream, but rather transmits a data file that is decoded by the Xiaomi TV processor, which frees up the computer's resources and often provides a more stable picture without the jerks that characterize screen streaming.
In Windows, the media server feature is built into the standard Media Streaming Options app, and you can activate it by finding the appropriate item in the network control panel and add movie folders to the list of available streams. Xiaomi TV will see the computer as the source of the signal in the Media Player or Mi Video app.
However, standard Windows tools are often limited in supported subtitles and audio codec formats. DLNA-A server like Plex, Kodi, or Universal Media Server, not only organizes your media library with beautiful posters and descriptions, but can also transcode video on the fly if the TV doesn't support the original file format.
- 📺 Plex is a powerful system with automatic metadata download, ideal for creating a home cinema library.
- 🎬 Kodi is a completely free solution with a huge number of plugins, but requiring a more complex initial setup.
- ⚡ Universal Media Server is a lightweight server focused on maximum compatibility with various devices without unnecessary graphics.
When setting up a server, it is important to correctly specify the network type in Windows as “Private”, otherwise the security system may block the device from being detected on the local network.
Why can't the TV see the files?
Broadcasting via Google Chrome and Chromecast
Xiaomi TVs come with built-in support for Google Cast (Chromecast built-in) technology, which allows you to stream the content of your Google Chrome browser or tab from a video directly to the screen.This method is especially handy if you watch content through websites that don’t have a native app on your TV or don’t support DLNA.
To start the broadcast, open the Chrome browser on your computer, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Translate... (Cast). The system will suggest selecting a source: you can only broadcast a tab, an entire desktop or a specific file. After selecting a source in the list of available devices, your Xiaomi TV will appear.
The advantage of this method is the ability to control playback from the computer keyboard, as well as support for many streaming services that block screen capture through Miracast due to DRM protection. Image quality when broadcasting tabs is usually high, but the load falls on the Wi-Fi channel, so the stability of the connection is critical.
If you use a laptop with limited resources, broadcasting the entire tab can cause the browser interface to slow down, in which case it is better to use the file broadcast mode, if it is supported, or switch to a wired connection.
Wireless connection via HDMI cable
Despite the popularity of wireless technology, HDMI-cable remains the gold standard for video transmission, ensuring maximum quality, no compression and zero latency. 4K HDR high bitrate or for games where every millisecond of response is important.
To connect, you will need an HDMI cable of at least 2.0 (for 4K at 60 Hz) or 2.1 (for 4K at 120 Hz and HDR support). Simply connect the output of the computer's graphics card to one of the HDMI ports on the back or side of the Xiaomi TV. Once connected, the TV will automatically determine a new signal source, but if this does not happen, click the source select button on the remote and select the appropriate port, for example, HDMI 1 or HDMI ARC.
It is important to note that to work in the full color range (RGB Full) and support HDR, you may need to manually activate the function “HDMI 2.0” or “HDMI Ultra HD Deep Colour” in the settings of the TV. Without this option, the TV can limit the signal to 8 bits or reduce the refresh rate of frames.
☑️ Connection check HDMI
When using long cables (more than 3 meters), signal quality can deteriorate, especially at high resolutions. HDMI-cables that have no length limits and are not subject to electromagnetic interference.
Configure permission and frequency of update
After successful connection, whether by air or cable, it is critical to properly adjust the output settings to make the picture look clear and smooth.Mismatching the resolution of the source and the TV matrix can lead to font blurring, incorrect aspect ratio or no image.
In Windows, go to Settings → System → Display. Select Xiaomi TV from the display list and set the recommended resolution, usually 3840×2160 for 4K models. It is also important to check advanced display settings and set a refresh rate of 60Hz or higher if your TV and cable support 120Hz.
In the NVIDIA Control Panel, AMD Radeon Software or Intel Graphics Command Center, make sure you choose the RGB color format and dynamic range Full rather than Limited, which will eliminate the “washed” black colors and make the picture more contrasting.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on quality |
|---|---|---|
| Permission | 3840 × 2160 (4K) | Maximum detail of the image |
| Frequency | 60 Hz/120 Hz | Smoothness of movement and interface |
| Dynamic range | Complete (0-255) | Black depth and contrast |
| Color format | RGB / YCbCr 4:4:4 | Text clarity and color accuracy |
If the image is lost or snowed after settings, it may be that your cable or HDMI port does not support the bandwidth you selected. Try lowering the frequency to 30 Hz or using another HDMI port labeled HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1.
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The correct dynamic range setting (Full vs Limited) is the easiest way to instantly improve the picture quality without buying new hardware.
Addressing common problems and delays
Even with proper tuning, users can experience audio and video desynchronization, where actors' lips move earlier or later than spoken words. This problem often occurs when wirelessly broadcasting due to buffering. To correct the sound delay in the VLC player (if playback is through it), you can use the J and K hotkeys to shift the audio track forward or backward.
Another common problem is that the TV is not found on the list of available devices. Make sure the router has disabled the "AP Isolation" feature, which prevents devices on the network from seeing each other. Also check that both devices are on the same subnet, especially if you have guest Wi-Fi networks set up.
⚠️ Note: If you stream through Miracast, the sound is coming through the speakers of a computer, not a TV, you need to manually switch the output device in the system. Click on the speaker icon in the tray and select your Xiaomi TV from the list.
In cases where the wireless connection is constantly interrupted, try to assign statically. IP-This will eliminate address conflicts and speed up the process of finding devices on the local network, since they will always have constant “coordinates».
For users who often experience codec problems, installing the K-Lite Codec Pack on a computer is a great solution, ensuring compatibility with almost any video format when using local players and media servers.