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Asked: 2024-09-26T04:36:58+05:30 In:

How can I set up Miracast on Ubuntu 18.04 to stream content to my Smart TV?

I’m really hoping someone out there can help me with this! So here’s the deal: I recently got a Smart TV and I’ve been super eager to stream content from my Ubuntu 18.04 laptop. I’ve heard of Miracast and how great it is for screen mirroring, but I’m stuck on how to set it up. I figured it’s about time I upgrade my streaming game from just plugging in an HDMI cable all the time.

I’ve done a little bit of research and it seems like Miracast would be the perfect solution, but the instructions I’ve found all seem to be geared toward Windows or other operating systems, and it’s driving me a bit mad! I tried following some generic guides online, but they always end up being super technical and I feel like I’m just not getting it. Honestly, half of it goes over my head! I’m familiar with the basics of Ubuntu, but I wouldn’t say I’m an expert by any means.

I’ve heard about some tools like “gMTP” or “MiracleCast,” but even the installation process seems tricky. Do I need to install special drivers or something? What about configuring the network settings? And what happens if my Smart TV doesn’t support Miracast? I’d hate to go through all of this only to find out it’s not compatible.

Plus, is there a chance I can stream videos from services like Netflix or YouTube directly, or is it only for screen mirroring? Sometimes it feels like the tech world is just way too much for me to handle, and I really just want to kick back with a movie night using my TV without the hassle.

If anyone has a detailed, step-by-step guide or tips on how to make this work, I’d be eternally grateful! Even any alternatives to Miracast that play nicely with Ubuntu would be awesome. Thanks in advance, I really appreciate it!

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    2 Answers



    1. Streaming from Ubuntu 18.04 to Smart TV

      Getting Started with Miracast on Ubuntu 18.04

      Hey there! It sounds like you’re ready to dive into some smart streaming fun. Setting up Miracast on Ubuntu can be a bit tricky since there aren’t as many guides out there compared to Windows. But don’t worry, I’ll help break it down for you!

      1. Check Your Smart TV’s Compatibility

      First things first, make sure your Smart TV actually supports Miracast. If it does, you’re good to go! If not, don’t sweat it—it might still support other methods like Chromecast.

      2. Install MiracleCast

      To stream from your laptop, you’ll want to use a tool called MiracleCast. Here’s how to install it:

      1. Open a terminal (you can find it in your applications).
      2. Run the following commands:


        3. sudo add-apt-repository ppa:miraclecast/ppa
        sudo apt update
        sudo apt install miraclecast

      3. Start the MiracleCast Service

      After you’ve installed MiracleCast, you need to start the service:

      sudo systemctl start miracle-wifid

      4. Connect Your Smart TV

      Once the service is running, put your Smart TV into Miracast mode (this usually involves finding the option in the settings menu). Then, back in the terminal, run:

      miracle-sinkctl

      This should connect your laptop to the TV. If it’s set up correctly, you should see your TV listed!

      5. Mirror Your Screen

      To start mirroring your screen, use:

      miracle-sinkctl

      and then type connect to establish the connection.

      6. Streaming Services (Netflix/YouTube)

      As for streaming services like Netflix or YouTube, it really depends on your TV’s capabilities. If your TV has a web browser or if you can use apps, you might find it easier to access those directly on the TV instead of mirroring.

      Alternatives

      If you run into a wall with Miracast, consider using a Chromecast device. It’s pretty user-friendly and has great support for streaming videos directly from services like Netflix and YouTube!

      Final Thoughts

      Keep playing around with it, and don’t hesitate to ask for help on forums or communities—there are lots of people who have gone through the same steps! Good luck with your movie nights!


    2. To set up Miracast on your Ubuntu 18.04 laptop, you can use a tool called ‘MiracleCast’. To get started, you’ll first need to install MiracleCast. Open a terminal and run the following commands:

      sudo apt update
sudo apt install miraclecast

      After installing, you’ll need to initiate the MiracleCast service. Run sudo miracle-wifid in one terminal and sudo miracle-sinkctl in another to start the service and manage connections. Make sure your laptop and Smart TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. If your Smart TV supports Miracast, you should see it listed when you run the miracle-sinkctl command. To connect, type connect [display_name], replacing [display_name] with your TV’s name. For media streaming, MiracleCast is primarily about screen mirroring, but you can stream services like YouTube through a browser on your laptop.

      If you encounter compatibility issues with your Smart TV not supporting Miracast, you might want to consider using alternative options such as Chromecast. With a Chromecast device connected to your TV, you can stream your Ubuntu desktop or specific tabs directly through Google Chrome. To do this, install Google Chrome on your Ubuntu laptop, click on the three-dot menu at the top-right, and select ‘Cast’. Then you can select your Chromecast device and choose to cast your entire desktop or just the tab with your desired streaming content.

      For streaming Netflix or YouTube directly, the most straightforward method is to use a browser on your laptop rather than relying on screen mirroring. This way, you avoid potential performance or quality issues associated with Miracast. Explore these options, and you should find a suitable method for your movie nights!

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