Can You View Windows Media Video(.wmv) File on Regular TV?
- While the .wmv format works fine if you want to play your videos on your own computer, it can be tough to travel with. Some computers -- and some DVD players -- don't recognize the format, making it necessary to transfer your files into another format before you take them elsewhere. So if you want to view your Windows Media Video files on a regular TV you can do it -- you'll just have to choose one of a number of ways to make it happen.
- One way to watch your .wmv video on a TV is to burn it to DVD using the DVD burner on your computer. Depending on the type of DVD player you have your DVD player may or may not recognize the .wmv file on the disc -- in fact your DVD burner itself may not recognize the .wmv file format. Try to burn the disc as-is to see what happens but if you get stuck Windows Movie Maker -- where you likely created the movie in the first place -- will let you save the file in the .avi format. While this is a larger file it will be more likely to be recognized by your DVD burner and your DVD player.
- If you have an XBox 360 you have a powerful tool for watching your video on your TV. The XBox is capable of being part of a home network where various devices in your home share files via wireless networking and Windows Media Center. So long as you have that program as well as a wireless networking adapter for your XBox you're in business. Once you have your wireless network set up in your home you can navigate to the XBox's Media Center and instruct it to connect with the computer that has Windows Media Center. Once the two are connected you'll be able to access all the media files that your computer stores right from your TV.
- Another option for playing your .wmv files on your TV is to connect your computer to your television. This essentially makes your television act as an external monitor for your computer. This can be accomplished in different ways, depending on the type of computer you have as well as the type of TV you have. One common way to do it is to connect via S-video cable but if you have an HD television other options include VGA and DVI cables. To get started check out the ports available on your computer and television to find out which options are available to you.