How Do I Connect A USB Flash Drive To The TV? How To Enable And In What Format Do You Need To Format? Why Doesn't It Play Sound?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

USB drives have replaced CDs. They are practical and easy-to-use devices that are sold in a wide range at affordable prices. The main feature of their use is that files can be deleted and overwritten an unlimited number of times. There are many ways to connect USB media to your TV.

The ways

If your TV has a built-in USB connector, you just need to place it in the corresponding port to connect an external storage device. Unfortunately, only modern models have such an interface. To connect a USB flash drive or other device to legacy TV receivers, you can use alternative methods.

Via USB output

Current TV models all have a built-in USB port. In most cases, it is located on the rear panel. It can also be on the side. Connecting a gadget through this connector is as follows.

Insert the drive into the appropriate port

Then you need to select a new signal source using the remote control

Launch the file manager and find the movie or any other video you want to watch in the desired folder. To switch between folders, the rewind buttons are used by default

The note! As a rule, files are sorted by recording date. The device will show all the files that are available for playback on the given TV receiver model.

Through the prefix

You can connect an external digital storage device to your TV through a set-top box. TV boxes are in great demand due to their wide range of functions, easy operation and affordable price. All set-top boxes are equipped with a USB port.

Modern TV models are paired with a set-top box using an HDMI cable. The gadget is connected to an old TV using tulips. To turn on a flash drive or other USB device, you need to follow these steps.

The set-top box must be paired with the TV and turned on

Connect an external drive to your gadget using the appropriate port

Turn on the TV and go to the set-top box menu

In the file manager, highlight the video file

Start it by pressing the Play button on the remote control

The note! Using a set-top box, you can not only play video on a TV, but also run audio files and view images. Modern models support all formats.

Through DVD player

Almost all new DVD players are equipped with a USB connector. In this regard, this technique is actively used to connect flash drives to the TV. Synchronization takes place according to the following scheme.

Insert the digital storage device into the appropriate interface

Turn on your player and TV

Select to receive the signal from the player

Now, having selected the required file, you can view it through the TV screen

The main advantage of using this technique is that most TVs will automatically recognize it . If this does not happen, you need to select a new signal source. This can be done using the remote control by pressing the TV / AV button.

If the file you need is not visible or does not play, most likely its format does not support the player being used … This method is great for reading data from flash drives, the only drawback of which is the connection of additional equipment.

Using a media player

The next option, which is also often used, is to synchronize the TV with a USB flash drive through a media player. Their main difference from DVD-players is in reading all current formats . This practical and multifunctional technique allows you to view not only videos, but also photos, without the need for converting. The operation of the media player is simple and understandable for all users, regardless of experience. The synchronization process is almost the same as described above.

First, you need to connect the player to the TV receiver by inserting the cord into the desired connector. After that, a digital drive is connected to the USB port. The basic package includes all cables required for connection. If you have problems with pairing, please try the following diagram again.

Connect the USB flash drive to the desired connector

Using the remote control, open the "Video" section

Use the rewind buttons to select the desired file

Press the "OK" button to start

Now the gadgets are ready to use - you can enjoy music, movies, TV series and other media materials . Before using the equipment for the first time, it is recommended that you carefully read the technical documentation and make sure that you have read all the required formats. Most player models read USB sticks with the FAT32 file system. Please keep this in mind when formatting digital media.

Note: some users are interested in how practical it is to use an OTG adapter (USB input, and HDMI output).

Users who have personally tested this option note its ease of use and practicality. The need to use additional gadgets is completely eliminated. You can buy such an adapter at any electronics store at an affordable price.

Connection rules

When synchronizing digital media with the TV and optional equipment the following features must be taken into account.

• It is necessary to format a USB flash drive or any other drive in a specific file system . This procedure is carried out on a computer and takes a few minutes. Older TVs need FAT16 format. If you are preparing your device for a new TV receiver model, choose FAT32. Remember that formatting deletes all existing files on the media.
• If you remove the USB flash drive correctly, the gadget will work for a long time and properly . To perform the extraction correctly, you need to press the Stop button on the remote control and after a few seconds remove the device from the connector.
• Some video, audio and photo formats may not be playable . The operating instructions for the equipment must indicate which extensions are supported by the TV and additional equipment (set-top boxes, players and much more).
• Connectors should be checked and cleaned periodically . Dust and debris can cause equipment malfunction.
• When plugging in, make sure the device is seated tightly and securely in the port . If the equipment does not see the digital drive, but you are sure of its operability and correct settings, the USB flash drive may not be fully inserted into the port.

How do I format it?

Formatting is done as follows

Connect the storage device to the PC

Start "My Computer" and find a new device

Click on it with the right mouse button and select "Formatting"

• In the window that opens, select the file system that you need.
• Check the box "Quick Format".

After setting all the necessary parameters, click on the "Start" button

The drive is now ready to use

Possible problems and their elimination

The manufacturers, offering the buyer a practical and functional technique, have thought of a simple use and a clear menu for the convenience of all users. At the same time, during the connection of devices, you may encounter some problems. Let's take a look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

The TV does not see the external storage

If the TV receiver stopped seeing the flash drive or other USB media after formatting, the problem is in the wrong file system. When formatting, the operating system on the computer offers the user two options - NTFS or FAT … The equipment used may simply not support the selected format.

To solve the problem, it is enough to format the drive again, select the appropriate file system.

Information about which option you need can be found in the instruction manual … It is worth noting that the FAT32 system has strict restrictions on the size of the recorded files. NTFS has no limitations. If you are using a USB flash drive for the first time, you may have come across a faulty gadget. Check the storage medium on another device to see what the problem is.

The next reason why the TV may not see the USB flash drive is excessive capacity … Each TV receiver has limitations on the size of the memory of the connected media, especially if you are dealing with an older model. If 64 GB storage is not visible on your TV, select a gadget with a reduced memory size and try again.

According to experts, problems can arise if the TV receiver has a USB service interface . It is very rare, but it is recommended to check its presence. Manufacturers designate it with the Service only label.

It also cannot be ruled out that the port is down due to damage. The pad may be dirty or oxidized. It is recommended to contact the service center so that a specialist can safely solve the problem . In some cases, you will need to re-solder the damaged areas.

The TV signal receiver does not see the files on the media

The second common problem encountered when connecting USB drives is that the hardware does not support a particular format. Also, when trying to read files in an unsuitable format, you may encounter the following problems.

• Technique does not play sound when watching a movie and other video material, or vice versa (there is sound, but no picture).
• The required file is visible in the file list, it does not open or plays upside down . You can expand the video right during viewing, if this function is available in the player you are using.
• If you want to open the presentation on the TV screen, but the equipment does not see the required file , it must be saved again in the desired format. Select the options you want when saving your presentation.

To change the file format, you need to use special software (converter). You can download it from the Internet for free. The most widely used programs are Format Factory, Freemake Video Converter, Any Video Converter. Thanks to the simple and Russian-language menu, it is very easy to use the software. The work is carried out as follows.

Run the converter on your computer

Select the file you want to convert

Decide on the format you want and start the process

Wait for the program to do the job

After completion, drop the new file onto the USB flash drive and try to launch it again

The note! Remember to use the Safely Remove function when connecting digital media to your PC.

Modification

When connecting a digital storage device to the TV, be sure to consider the interface modification. The problem may arise if the type of USB connector on the TV is 2.0, and the flash drive uses a different version - 3.0. According to experts, there should be no problems, but in practice, technology often begins to conflict. Determining the type of modification used is simple.

• Plastic color - black … Number of contacts - 4. Version - 2.0
• The color of the plastic is blue or red . Number of contacts - 9. Version - 3.0.

The solution to this problem is quite simple. You can use other digital storage media. It is also recommended to connect the USB flash drive through additional equipment.