Connecting a Samsung Tab A to a TV?

[oblio]

Whilst away in our motorhome recently, I wanted to connect our Tab A to the Avtex TV so I could watch the British Lions play.

I used the lead from the charger to connect to the USB port in the TV however, whilst the TV recognised that there was a connection, it wouldn't display the content of the tablet. The TV showed options like "Pictures" and "Movie" etc however none would open using the TV remote.

Therefore I figure that I need a specific data lead to connect to the TV. Has anyone done this? If so could you please advise or link to a lead that would work?

I'm not great on tech stuff so please be gentle

[randlemarcus]

If Google doesn't fib, the Tab A doesn't support MHL so you can't just buy an HDMI cable with a teeny end for the tablet. Something like a Google Chromecast will work, though that does need a WiFi network that both devices are on.

[hotchy]

You can use a chrome cast to mirror your screen. I use it alot but WiFi network is required. Although if its just mirroring I don't think its using actual Internet so could put up a WiFi network with no Internet connection to see if it still works.

[randlemarcus]

Actually, I've just remembered that things called Miracast dongles work, as you connect the tablet wifi to the dongle wifi, unlike Chromecasts. However, the quality varies wildly and there are no big brand names, i.e. Google/Phillips etc, so your mileage may vary when buying a tenner one, as opposed to a twenty quid one.

[oblio]

Thanks all so far

Presumably these chromecast things [lug into an HDMI socket on the telly do they?


btw the sports is on NowTV so no Sky Go box used.

[Tycho]

oblio said:

Thanks all so far

Presumably these chromecast things [lug into an HDMI socket on the telly do they?


btw the sports is on NowTV so no Sky Go box used.

Just buy a Now Tv stick for about £30 then. No need for the tablet and it comes with a remote. You could also use an Amazon fire stick etc.

[oblio]

Jasey_ said:

I Don't have nowtv but this post suggest you are possibly on a fruitless task

https://community.nowtv.com/t5/Mobile/Unable-to-wa...

Good luck

hmmm...doesn't look promising then!

[oblio]

Tycho said:

oblio said:

Thanks all so far

Presumably these chromecast things [lug into an HDMI socket on the telly do they?


btw the sports is on NowTV so no Sky Go box used.

Just buy a Now Tv stick for about £30 then. No need for the tablet and it comes with a remote. You could also use an Amazon fire stick etc.

Thanks. That sounds like a solution

i'll look into it

[oblio]

My Avtex TV doesn't have an HDMI socket....D'oh! Its only 4 years old as well.

So I have ordered an RCA/HDMI adaptor and also a NowTV smart stick.

Many thanks for the input folks. Much appreciated

[Tycho]

oblio said:

My Avtex TV doesn't have an HDMI socket....D'oh! Its only 4 years old as well.

So I have ordered an RCA/HDMI adaptor and also a NowTV smart stick.

Many thanks for the input folks. Much appreciated

Hmm, not sure that will work. The adaptor will probably not do HDCP which the Now TV stick will probably need.

[oblio]

Fingers crossed then

The adaptor is this one...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083992C3X/ref=pe_2706...

[oblio]

Just an update to advise that the adaptor I bought worked.

well it did for a day or so and then broke as the inner gubbins broke away from the plastic housing...so it'll be going back. I have ordered a different make/model to try next.

Nice to see that the technology side of it held up though (if not the hardware!).