# Questions about watching movies from my computer on my tv **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 13, 2015, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077 "2015-07-13T19:34:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2015, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/21 "2015-07-14T18:32:26Z")
I’m going to cross my fingers that I have and HDMI port on my computer; I think even I can follow the directions in **Cartoonacy’s** video. Unfortunately I’m pretty sure that is not the case. The Plex thing sounds intriguing if I can figure it out. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2015, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/22 "2015-07-14T21:12:28Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > I’m going to cross my fingers that I have and HDMI port on my computer; I think even I can follow the directions in **Cartoonacy’s** video. Unfortunately I’m pretty sure that is not the case. The Plex thing sounds intriguing if I can figure it out. How old is your home computer? If you purchased it in 2010 or later, it likely has an HDMI port. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2015, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/23 "2015-07-14T23:59:56Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > How old is your home computer? If you purchased it in 2010 or later, it likely has an HDMI port. I did and it does. I’m currently attempting the Plex thing that **steronz** suggested. It appears that I’ve completed part 1 but now there’s no more instructions (that I can see). I’m prepared to have to purchase an HDMI cable but it would be ever so nifty to be able to not have to haul my laptop out every time I want to watch. In any event, I am getting a much needed education. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2015, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/24 "2015-07-15T01:26:34Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > Forget the USB route – probably won’t work. > > Easiest route (as others have said): Truck your computer into the living room and plug it into TV. Challenge – your computer may not have an HDMI port; it may have a DisplayPort, mini-HDMI, or DVI/VGA. Additional challenge – Your TV is mounted on the wall and this might be a pain. Additional annoyance – you have to lug your laptop into the living room every time you want to watch Game of Thrones. > > Slickest route: Plex. Plex is a software program that comes in 2 parts. Part 1 you install on your computer. It will search your hard drive for any media files and then start announcing on your home network that it has media files to play. Then you install Part 2, the Plex app on your Roku. The Roku app will hear your computer broadcasting its media files and offer to play them for you. > > Challenge – you will need to install and configure 2 pieces of software; you may need to create a Plex account. > I know this sounds a bit like a sales pitch but Plex is just the industry standard app for this sort of thing. (It’s also free). I have created an account and installed the software. Once this was accomplished, I did not see any further instruction. That doesn’t seem right, and I know it must be an oversight on my part, but I literally don’t see any further instruction. I pulled up a video that is supposed to explain it, which seems to say I should now be able to find my new downloaded files/library through Roku. Uh, not so much. If you have the patience and are still reading this, what next? I put the files in “documents” for no particular reason other than I was experiencing anxiety and didn’t think better. Does that make a difference? I wasn’t joking when I said I need stp by step instruction 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2015, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/25 "2015-07-15T01:35:31Z")
Can I butt in with a quick question? I’m a noob at this, too. :o I basically get it, but my HDMI cable says to be sure both devices are turned off when connecting them. Does it matter which one I turn on first? Thanks. And thanks for letting me horn in, **WOOKIN.** :o ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2015, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/26 "2015-07-15T01:48:35Z")
> [@Helena330](#): > > Can I butt in with a quick question? I’m a noob at this, too. :o I basically get it, but my HDMI cable says to be sure both devices are turned off when connecting them. Does it matter which one I turn on first? Thanks. And thanks for letting me horn in, **WOOKIN.** :o Please, by all means climb aboard my “doofi that have no clue” train. If nothing else, you’re keeping me company:) I thought I was “basically getting it” too, but I’m not joking when I say things have to be spelled out for me. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2015, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/27 "2015-07-15T13:25:40Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > I have created an account and installed the software. Once this was accomplished, I did not see any further instruction. That doesn’t seem right, and I know it must be an oversight on my part, but I literally don’t see any further instruction. I pulled up a video that is supposed to explain it, which seems to say I should now be able to find my new downloaded files/library through Roku. Uh, not so much. If you have the patience and are still reading this, what next? I put the files in “documents” for no particular reason other than I was experiencing anxiety and didn’t think better. Does that make a difference? I wasn’t joking when I said I need stp by step instruction 😕 It’s been a while since I’ve set it up so I’m not sure what the default settings are, but now it sounds like you need to install the Plex app on your Roku. On your Roku, go to Channels, search for “Plex,” and install it. Mea culpa on my part – Plex apparently now charges $5 for the Roku app after a 30 day trial. It’s been that way for 2 years, guess I’m out of the loop. No need to pay until you know it works, at least. Once the Plex app is installed it _should_ automatically find the Plex server on your computer and show you your media. I don’t know if the Plex app will require you to sign in with your Plex account in order for this to happen, but it couldn’t hurt. I also don’t know if “Documents” is one of the folders that’s scanned for media files be default. If the Plex app finds your computer but you don’t see any Games of Thrones, let me know and I’ll try and walk you through configuring your library. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2015, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/28 "2015-07-15T15:01:46Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > It’s been a while since I’ve set it up so I’m not sure what the default settings are, but now it sounds like you need to install the Plex app on your Roku. On your Roku, go to Channels, search for “Plex,” and install it. Mea culpa on my part – Plex apparently now charges $5 for the Roku app after a 30 day trial. It’s been that way for 2 years, guess I’m out of the loop. No need to pay until you know it works, at least. > > Once the Plex app is installed it _should_ automatically find the Plex server on your computer and show you your media. I don’t know if the Plex app will require you to sign in with your Plex account in order for this to happen, but it couldn’t hurt. I also don’t know if “Documents” is one of the folders that’s scanned for media files be default. If the Plex app finds your computer but you don’t see any Games of Thrones, let me know and I’ll try and walk you through configuring your library. Will try it tonight. I think I’m going to buy and HDMI cable just in case :o ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2015, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/29 "2015-07-15T15:07:51Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > It’s been a while since I’ve set it up so I’m not sure what the default settings are, but now it sounds like you need to install the Plex app on your Roku. On your Roku, go to Channels, search for “Plex,” and install it. Mea culpa on my part – Plex apparently now charges $5 for the Roku app after a 30 day trial. It’s been that way for 2 years, guess I’m out of the loop. No need to pay until you know it works, at least. > > Once the Plex app is installed it _should_ automatically find the Plex server on your computer and show you your media. I don’t know if the Plex app will require you to sign in with your Plex account in order for this to happen, but it couldn’t hurt. I also don’t know if “Documents” is one of the folders that’s scanned for media files be default. If the Plex app finds your computer but you don’t see any Games of Thrones, let me know and I’ll try and walk you through configuring your library. Will try it tonight. I think I’m going to buy and HDMI cable just in case :o ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2015, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/30 "2015-07-15T16:51:05Z")
> [@Helena330](#): > > Can I butt in with a quick question? I’m a noob at this, too. :o I basically get it, but my HDMI cable says to be sure both devices are turned off when connecting them. Does it matter which one I turn on first? Thanks. And thanks for letting me horn in, **WOOKIN.** :o I have plugged and unplugged so many hdmi cables in my life and I have never had it matter which device I turned on first and in point of fact, this is the first I’m hearing of turning devices off prior to plugging them in. I just plug the hdmi cable from my (on) television into my (on) laptop, it thinks a bit and then turns the television into an extended desktop (because that’s the graphics option I left as the default on the computer when it senses two monitors.) ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2015, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/31 "2015-07-15T18:37:07Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > I have plugged and unplugged so many hdmi cables in my life and I have never had it matter which device I turned on first and in point of fact, this is the first I’m hearing of turning devices off prior to plugging them in. I just plug the hdmi cable from my (on) television into my (on) laptop, it thinks a bit and then turns the television into an extended desktop (because that’s the graphics option I left as the default on the computer when it senses two monitors.) Thanks. It’s a warning tag on the cable claiming that damage to either device could occur if they were on when plugging it in. Maybe it’s just CYA. Or I should get another cable. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2015, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/32 "2015-07-16T00:49:18Z")
Okaaaaay. It would seem that I’ve added Plex to “my channels” and connected it to “my server”. However it indicates that it doesn’t find any files. So, I guess I didn’t save them correctly or in the right place? It’s so close, and yet so far away . . . By the by, **Alessan** , I went to check out HDNI cables and you are not kidding; an 8’ costs nearly $30 dollars. I’m hoping I can figure this out and not have to resort to that, but if I do I will try to find one on line. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2015, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/33 "2015-07-16T01:38:28Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > Okaaaaay. It would seem that I’ve added Plex to “my channels” and connected it to “my server”. However it indicates that it doesn’t find any files. So, I guess I didn’t save them correctly or in the right place? It’s so close, and yet so far away . . . (_The following assumes that your version does not differ from mine. Let’s cross our fingers._) OK, in your system tray (area down in the bottom right with your clock and calendar and stuff), you should have a Plex icon. Right click it and select “Media Manager”. It will open up a web page. On the left side of this web page you should see Channels, Movies, and TV Shows. (If you don’t see TV Shows you can add it using the little + above this section). Hover your mouse over TV Shows and click the pencil. A little “Edit Library” window should open up. Select “Add Folders” from the left side of this window, and then “Browse for Media Folder.” Find your Documents folder and click “Add,” then click “Save Changes.” Now you’re done with this web page, so go back to your system tray and right click on that Plex icon again, but this time select “Update Library.” Nothing will appear to have happened, but go over to your Roku, restart the Plex app, and let me know what happens. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2015, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/34 "2015-07-16T02:55:33Z")
godluvya for stickin’ with me, **steronz**. I did what you instructed, and indeed every step was exactly what you described. Sadly, there’s still nothing there. Could it be that in the setting up of the server process I didn’t tell it what should be playing it? I’m probably not using the correct words, but for instance, IIRC it asked me to choose a . . . channel (?) or player(?) I think I misunderstood and picked BBC, thinking it was asking me, well, something totally different.l In any event, when I get to Plex’s screen showing me my choices of channel, it gives me “pictures” “music” and “BBC”. So, I need to tell it to look in “videos” maybe? ( I don’t know why I didn’t put it in “tv shows”. Does that matter?") Oy vey. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2015, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/35 "2015-07-16T03:18:35Z")
A’ight, I know you haven’t yet had a chance to reply, but I must step away. I know this shouldn’t be this hard and my frustration and embarassment is mounting steadily. I _think_ that I need to “choose” something, (like Roku, I guess?) i.e. ,wherever I “chose” BBC, and now I can’t seem to get back to that portion of the setup in Plex:smack: I keep searching the help section of the site but they don’t seem to be addressing my particular stupid questions. Aren’t \*I \*a special snowflake ( special as in special Olympics). ---
**Author:** ![grayhairedmomma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/47e85d/32.png) [@grayhairedmomma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grayhairedmomma)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2015, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/36 "2015-07-16T03:47:30Z")
Hi - It sounds like you already have an HDMI cable plugged into your ROKU box. You should be able to unplug that only from the box and into your laptop. You might need to buy a short adapter (about $18 from Target) if your laptop has a mini-HDMI plug. You shouldn’t need to futz around with extra software at that point, just tell your laptop to switch displays. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2015, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/37 "2015-07-16T03:55:41Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > By the by, **Alessan** , I went to check out HDNI cables and you are not kidding; an 8’ costs nearly $30 dollars. I’m hoping I can figure this out and not have to resort to that, but if I do I will try to find one on line. [Buying cables in a store is a racket.](http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024008&p_id=3992&seq=1&format=2) Never do it unless the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2015, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077/38 "2015-07-16T13:05:45Z")
> [@grayhairedmomma](#): > > Hi - It sounds like you already have an HDMI cable plugged into your ROKU box. You should be able to unplug that only from the box and into your laptop. You might need to buy a short adapter (about $18 from Target) if your laptop has a mini-HDMI plug. You shouldn’t need to futz around with extra software at that point, just tell your laptop to switch displays. Not sure I understand what you’re saying here (quel suprise).My Roku is of the stick variety and it is plugged directly to my tv. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-watching-movies-from-my-computer-on-my-tv/725077.md?page=1)