Since all of our Virtual Cinema screenings are accessed via a weblink, the easiest way to screen a streaming title on your TV is to pull up the site on your laptop, phone, or other web-enabled device and then connect it to your TV with an HDMI cable. Depending on the type of computer and device you have, you may need a different cable or adapter:
Windows PC / Chromebook - Most Windows computers have a dedicated HDMI port. In this case, you will need a simple HDMI to HDMI Cable (find one here).
Mac Laptop - Newer mac laptops like the MacBook Pro will need a special adapter that you plug into a regular HDMI cable (get one here) or a special cable (available here). Older mac laptops will have a dedicated HDMI port or a thunderbolt 2 port (find the adapter here).
iPhone or iPad - iPhones or iPads will use the same cable (here) or adapter (here).
Android - Modern Android devices use USB C connections, which are compatible with Thunderbolt 3 connections, so you can use one of the above cables or adapters.
SETTINGS: MIRRORING THE DISPLAYS
After you’ve connected your device, you may need to adjust the display settings on your laptop or device.
First, select the correct HDMI input with your TV remote. Then:
On a Mac:
- Go to the Apple Menu
- Open “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Displays.”
- Click on the “Arrangement” tab.
- Tick the box that says “Mirror Displays” if you want your TV to show the same content that is being shown on your laptop screen.
- Leave the box as it is if you want to use the TV as a second display.
On a Windows or Chromebook:
- Go to Settings
- Go to System
- Go to Display
- Make sure “TV” is selected. You can also adjust the resolution to match the one of your television.
- Go to Audio and make sure TV is selected as well.
CONNECT WIRELESSLY TO YOUR TV:
Some Smart TVs and set-top streaming devices will let you download Apps from distributors on to your smart TV – then you can sign in to the app and watch the film through the app.
Learn how to download an App on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick
Chromecast
You can “cast” a video from your computer or smart device (phone, iPad) using the following steps
- Open the movie on your device (computer or phone)
- At the bottom right of the screen you should see the casting icon. It looks like this:
- If you don’t see that icon and you’re casting from a computer in the Chrome browser, you can open the menu in the upper right corner of the window (or the View menu) and select “Cast”
- Once you select that button, it should give you the option to select a nearby device, so you’d then select your Chromecast. If you don’t see your Chromecast, make sure both devices are on the same wireless network
You can find more details on the Chromecast website.
Apple TV
You can do that using a method called AirPlay! Here is how to do it:
- Open the movie on your Apple device (computer, iPhone or iPad)
- At the bottom right of the video window you should see the AirPlay icon.
- It looks like this:
- Once you tap the icon, select “Apple TV” from the list of devices
And that should be it! You can also find these instructions and more information on the Apple website.
Roku
You can cast a video from your Android or Windows device using the following steps:
- Open the movie on your device
- At the bottom right of the screen you should see the casting icon. It looks like this:
- Once you select that button, it should give you the option to select a nearby device, so you’d then select your Roku/Chromecast.
- If you don’t see your Roku/Chromecast, make sure both devices are on the same wireless network. The channel should launch automatically and playback will begin!