Watch videos or play games on a much larger screen with these wired and wireless options.
Yes, the screens on smartphones are getting bigger. Some are even HD,
with rich colors and clarity that make watching videos and playing
games even better. And tablet screens are no slouch either. But none of
them can compare with that 60?inch LED or plasma HDTV.
Thankfully, there are easy ways to connect your smartphone or tablet
to your TV, so you can show home movies or share photos of your kids
with family on the big screen. And all without physically transferring
any files.
Here are some options for connecting these two devices—and a few gadgets and apps to improve your viewing experience.
Connect via Micro HDMI
Many newer smartphones and tablets can use a Micro HDMI (Type D)
cable to hook up to an HDMI?ready TV. Simply plug the smaller end of the
cable into your device and the other end into your TV.
Once connected, what appears on your phone will also appear on the
TV, so you can look at pictures and video, surf the web, use apps or
play games. Some Droid smartphones from Motorola, such as the Droid 4 and the Droid Razr Maxx, call this connection Mirror Mode.
If you are planning an HDMI connection, try the Motorola HDMI Cable, which supports 1080p HD video. It comes in two sizes: 15 feet and 5 feet. Some smartphones, such as the HTC Rezound™, require a MHL to HDMI converter cable.
So be sure to check online or visit a Verizon Wireless store to determine specifically what you need to connect your device.
The cable can be handy while traveling, too, since HDMI?ready TVs are now found in many hotels.
Connect via DLNA
If you prefer a wireless link, television makers are embracing
standards for connected TVs. The new standards, including DLNA and UPnP,
are designed to link your set wirelessly via Wi?Fi to your smartphone,
tablet or laptop. By 2015, analysts estimate, total shipments of
wireless?ready TVs will reach 138 million worldwide.
You can also use DLNA to stream content from your mobile device to
your home gaming system, such as Sony PlayStation® 3 or Microsoft Xbox.
One thing to keep in mind with all your content: Some digital rights
management (DRM) content will not transfer properly from your smartphone
or tablet to your TV (however you connect them). But home movies and
photos won’t be a problem.
Connect via app
Several popular streaming video services have complementary apps that
will work between your portable device and your television. With Netflix and Hulu Plus,
for example, you can watch a video on your smartphone, stop it and then
resume watching where you left off on your TV, or vice versa.
Connect via thirdparty hardware + app
Some stand?alone devices that stream video to your TV allow you to do
the same with content from your mobile device. Boxee, for example,
offers an app, which allows you to stream videos from the tablet to your
TV via a Boxee Box.
More options for smartphone/TV interaction
There are other accessories and apps that will help improve your
overall experience. When your phone or tablet is connected to an HDTV,
the wireless Motorola Bluetooth® Smart Controller
lets you remotely navigate your phone’s screens, select apps, play
movies, and share photos. Think of it as a remote control for your
mobile device.
Motorola also offers an exclusive app called Webtop, which is
designed to give you complete functionality of your phone while it is
broadcast on a larger screen. The corresponding Webtop Adapter Plug connects directly into your HDTV to help make it all happen.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 7.7
comes with the Peel Smart Remote & TV Listing app, which gives you
control of your TV, surround sound system, DVD or Blu?ray players, and
cable or satellite boxes. Peel will help you find the perfect TV show on
your tablet, then let you tap “Watch on TV” so you can sit back and
enjoy.
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