How do I project from streaming services?

July 23, 2023 7:09 PM

I’ve been curious about projectors for years and bought an inexpensive one yesterday. I set it up and connected it to my network and could project a YouTube playlist easily. There are more hoops to jump through to project Netflix or Amazon Prime - the two streaming services I use primarily - and I’d appreciate some information on how to do this from an iPad, iPhone or a MacBook Pro running Plex Media Server.

Reviews and comments say “get an HDMI-lightning cable” but I’m wondering if there’s a wireless solution.

posted by bendy to Computers & Internet (7 answers total)

One option is to buy a $30 device like the Roku Express or Amazon Fire TV Stick. This plugs into the projector’s HDMI port, has Netflix and Amazon Prime TV apps that stream over your wifi, and can be controlled with the included remote control like a TV, or with (for example) the Roku app on your phone or tablet.
posted by mbrubeck at 7:40 PM on July 23, 2023 [10 favorites]

An Apple TV would be a couple steps up for the Roku and Fire (which are both fine devices): it has native apps for Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Plex - plus it can "mirror" the displays your existing Apple gear to the projector: handy for sharing photo slideshows and such. https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/appletv
posted by Nekosoft at 8:04 PM on July 23, 2023 [2 favorites]

Best answer: The only 'TV' I have in my house is a projector with a Chromecast hooked up to it. It works very well with the various streaming services I use - Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ - as well as YouTube. I also have a Nintendo Switch and a dangling HDMI cable hooked up to it, via a 3-port HDMI switcher.
posted by skwm at 9:16 PM on July 23, 2023 [2 favorites]

By wirelessly do you mean a wi-fi connection? If so, that won't work because of HDCP copy protection on streaming services. You are going to need an HDCP-compliant wireless solution which usually takes the form of a wireless HDMI extender. You would plug the projector into one of the two boxes, then your MacBook (for instance) would need to be connected to the second box through a Lightning-to-HDMI cable.

At any rate, a wired connection will give you a more stable and higher quality image.

This is why most people just buy a Roku or whatever--it's a lot easier.
posted by rhymedirective at 6:41 AM on July 24, 2023 [1 favorite]

I'd agree that with that projector it's better to attach a media player directly to its HDMI port and then use that over wifi, if you must (but ideally with a wired connection). If you want to go wireless, a Fire stick is probably the cheapest option. Not sure about Plex on that though.

If for some reason you prefer a wireless HDMI connection, here's an article comparing wireless HDMI extenders and streaming sticks. Pretty basic, but covers the major concerns.

Note that you can run HDMI over network cable if that will help solve an installation problem (but you can't mix this with an existing network, the cabling must be separate).
posted by snuffleupagus at 9:07 AM on July 24, 2023

Most projectors don’t have audio - don’t forget to allow for that.
posted by bug138 at 2:59 PM on July 24, 2023 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: I got a new Chromecast and after struggles connecting it to my WiFi - instead of scanning QR codes I needed to go into the Chromecast settings and connect that way - it’s working beautifully. Thanks y’all for your help.
posted by bendy at 3:56 AM on July 26, 2023 [2 favorites]