Virtual events must be viewed in a web browser, whether that is on your computer, tablet, mobile device, or smart TV.
For best practices on streaming to your TV, see device specifics below:
Smartphone or Tablet to TV: Plug in with a USB data cable
Nearly all smartphones and tablets can plug into a TV’s HDMI port using a USB cable. Once connected, you can project your phone’s display onto your TV – whether you’re checking out pictures, watching videos, surfing the web, using apps or playing games. All it takes is one cable, so there’s no need to connect via Wi-Fi or remember any passwords.
The longer your USB cable is, the better — especially when you’re sitting far away from your TV.
Computer to TV: Plug in with an HDMI cable. This method works for desktop and laptop computers and televisions that have HDMI ports. First, make sure you have an HDMI port or adapter for your computer and TV, as well as an HDMI cable.
- Connect the adapter sand turn on your TV
- Adjust screen preferences on your computer to mirror your computer screen. You should see the same picture on your TV that you see on your computer screen.
- Open the link from your email in one of the recommended browsers (Chrome or Firefox), and click play to watch!
- If your sound is not coming through the television, you may need to adjust the speaker output for your computer.
Apple TV/Airplay: First, make sure both your Apple devices are on the same WiFi network. It is recommended to open and begin watching the video on your selected Apple device and then click the airplay icon in the top right corner of the video to cast the video to your Apple TV.
Smart TV: If your TV has a web browser app, it is recommended to log into your email account first on your TV. Next, open the email containing your show specific link and click the button link to watch. This should open a new window, pulling in your unique access code and the video player. The video should start automatically, if not, click play.
Amazon Fire Stick: In order to watch on with your Amazon Fire Stick, you must first download the free browser, Amazon Silk.
- Download App: https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-com-Amazon-Silk-Web-Browser/dp/B01M35MQV4
- Using this browser, log into your email and open the show specific link and click the button link to watch. (You may need to click the request desktop site in the top menu to read the whole email.)
- Allow the browser to leave the page.
- This should open a new window, pulling in your unique access code and the video player. The video should start automatically, if not, click play.
Roku: First, make sure both your mobile device and Roku device are on the same WiFi network. In order to watch on your Roku device, you must first download the following app on your mobile device for $4.99 and follow these steps:
- Download App: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/150902/mirror-for-roku
- Add the Mirror for Roku channel to your Roku device and then open the channel.
- On your mobile device, open the Mirror for Roku app and mirror your device to your Roku device.
- Open the link from your email in your mobile browser, rotate your device and click play to watch it full screen.
- Turn the volume off on your mobile device to enjoy!
Computer to TV
Start by checking the video-out connection on your computer and video-in connection on your TV. If they share the same connection, such as HDMI, simply run that cable type from the computer to the TV. If your devices don’t share a connection, the right adapter can make it work. Not all cable options include sound, so you might need a separate 3.5mm audio cable.
HDTVs offer multiple video inputs, with HDMI and DVI being the most popular and highest quality options. Here are the video-out connections you’re most likely to find on your laptop.
- HDMI
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is currently the highest quality connection available, providing optimum picture and sound from one cable. To connect a laptop to TV with HDMI, just plug an HDMI cable into the HDMI port on each of the devices. If you purchased your television within the last ten years, chances are very good it has an HDMI port. If your laptop doesn’t have an HDMI port, you’ll need an adapter.
- Mini DisplayPort and DisplayPort
Initially developed by Apple for use in Mac products, Mini DisplayPorts are now included in various tablets and PC laptops. Like HDMI, a DisplayPort cable carries both audio and video over a single connection. With an adapter, it can connect to HDMI, DVI or VGA on your TV.
- DVI – (requires 3.5mm audio cable for sound)
DVI (Digital Video Interface) is a common connection on desktop computers, but less likely on laptops. Its digital signal provides better picture quality than S-Video or VGA. If you want sound with a DVI connection, connect a 3.5mm audio cable from the headphones output of your laptop to the audio inputs of your TV.
These best use practices do not recommend using Chromecast at this time.