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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The simplest way to watch Raspberry Pi videos on a TV is to connect the Pi to the television with HDMI, then open the file in VLC. Choose the cable or adapter only after checking your Pi model and the TV’s available inputs. For a couch-friendly library, use Kodi on the Pi; to play files on a separate smart-TV app or streaming device, use a network server such as Plex and check that the client supports your video, audio and subtitle formats.
Choose how you want to watch
| Route | Best for | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI + VLC | Quick playback with the Pi beside the TV | Pi connector, TV input, file playback requirements and audio output |
| HDMI + Kodi | Browsing a local or network library with a media-center interface | Raspberry Pi platform support and where the library is stored |
| Plex server + TV/client app | Serving a library to other devices around the home | Client availability, supported video/audio/subtitle formats and whether transcoding is needed |
Connect the Raspberry Pi to the TV with HDMI
Check the ports before choosing a cable
Look up the exact Raspberry Pi model and inspect the television’s inputs before buying or connecting a cable. The connector varies by Pi model, so you may need an adapter to match the TV’s HDMI input. Raspberry Pi’s setup instructions explain the display connection and model-specific requirements: Setting up your Raspberry Pi.
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Do not assume a Pi’s USB-C port carries video: Raspberry Pi’s setup documentation says no Raspberry Pi model supports video over USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode. Use the board’s HDMI output instead. The video documentation lists HDMI-A-1 for Zero and earlier model families, and HDMI-A-1/HDMI-A-2 on models with two HDMI outputs; for ordinary desktop use, follow the instructions for your specific board rather than relying on a generic cable description.
Open the video in VLC
- Connect the Pi’s HDMI output to an HDMI input on the TV, using an adapter if the Pi’s connector requires one.
- Switch the TV to the HDMI input connected to the Pi.
- In Raspberry Pi OS, open the video from the file manager, or launch VLC and select the file. Raspberry Pi OS includes VLC; its playback instructions are at Playing audio and video.
Raspberry Pi OS sends audio to the display over HDMI by default. If you do not hear sound, check the TV volume and selected input, then review the Pi’s audio output setting.
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- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Use Kodi for a TV-friendly media library
Install a Raspberry Pi build of Kodi when you want to browse a collection from the sofa rather than open files individually. Kodi can play digital media from local and network storage, as well as the internet. The Kodi Foundation describes it as “a free and open source media player application developed by the Kodi Foundation, a non-profit technology consortium.” See the official Kodi download page for Raspberry Pi for platform downloads.
With this route, the Pi remains connected to the TV over HDMI; Kodi supplies the library interface, while the video can be stored locally or reached over the network. Check the current platform support on Kodi’s download page for your board before installing.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 16GB with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (16GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Stream from a Pi server to a separate TV client
If you want the Pi to serve files while a smart TV, TV app or attached streaming device plays them, use a media-server setup such as Plex. The client reports its playback capabilities to the server, including preferred formats and audio support. Plex describes three possible paths: Direct Play, Direct Stream and transcoding. Which one occurs depends on the media file and receiving client, not simply on whether both devices are on the same home network. See Plex’s streaming overview.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Do not assume every video will play on every TV app. If the client cannot handle a file’s video, audio or subtitles, the server may need to transcode; incompatible subtitle formats can require subtitles to be burned into the video stream. Consult Plex’s supported media formats guidance for the relevant client. If format compatibility is a barrier, running VLC or Kodi on the Pi and connecting it directly to the TV avoids depending on a separate TV app’s codec support.
Rank #3
- CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Essentials Starter Kit
What to know about resolution and unusual files
4K output is not a playback guarantee
Raspberry Pi’s setup documentation says Raspberry Pi 4 and later support up to 4K on both HDMI outputs, with refresh rates depending on the model. That is an output capability, not a guarantee that every 4K file, codec, refresh rate and software setup will play smoothly. Check the specifications for your particular board and the requirements of the media and TV before treating 4K as assured.
Raw H.264 camera streams
For raw H.264 streams, Raspberry Pi’s video guidance notes that VLC may play them better when they are wrapped in a container such as MP4. It provides an FFmpeg example that copies the video into an MP4 container rather than re-encoding it. This is a targeted remedy for raw camera streams, not a reason to convert every video.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【What you Get】You will get 1*Pi 5 8GB Single Board,1*RasTech Case,1*Active Cooler,1*Screwdriver,1*Installation instructions,12-month free warranty, lifetime service, 24-hour prompt and friendly response.
- 【More Connectors】There are two USB 3.0 ports(5Gbps simultaneously) and two USB 2.0 ports, which triple total bandwidth ,support any combination of up to two cameras or displays. Peak SD card performance is doubled through support for the SDR104 high-speed mode. It provides a smooth desktop experience for you. Offer Gigabit Ethernet and a PCIe interface, along with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0/BLE wireless capability. The RasTech Pi 5 Kit use the new 27W 5.1V 5A USB-C power connector.
- 【 Support Dual 4Kp60 Display 】Each of the two microHDMI sockets can control a 4K display at 60 Hertz, now support HDR, offering super HD video for media streaming projects. RPi 5 is the first RPi model that comes with a PCI Express port (PCIe 2.0 x1 with 500 MB/s) to attach SSDs (requires separate M.2 HAT).
- 【 Excellent Chips And Applications】Pi 5 is a full-size Pi computer using silicon built in-house at Pi. The RP1 “southbridge” provides the bulk of the I/O capabilities for Pi 5. Pi 5 is more friendly and convenient in the development of Internet of Things, Web development, machine identification, automatic control and other electronic equipment applications and network.
- 【 Faster CPU, Better GPU 】 Pi 5 features a Broadcom BCM2712 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz, it delivers a 2–3× increase in CPU performance relative to RaspberryPi 4. The 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU is compatible to OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, substantial uplift in graphics performance. Pi 5 Offers lightning-fast CPU speed, a PCI Express interface, a Real Time Clock (RTC) and a power button and runs significantly cooler than Pi 4.
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- All-in-One Complete Kit: This SANOOV RPi 5 bundle comes with Raspberry Pi 5 4GB RAM single board, active cooler, durable ABS case and screwdriver. No extra parts needed, ready to use right out of the box for beginners and hobbyists
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- Efficient Active Cooler: Effectively lowers operating temperature and prevents performance throttling. Runs quietly even under long-time heavy load, ensures stable operation all day long. SANOOV RPi 5 4GB kit offer an active cooler, which combines an aluminium heatsink with a high-performance PWM fan. Active cooler is fully compatible with the Pi OS, which can effectively reduce the temperature of RPi5 and ensure its good performance during long-term high load operation
- Sturdy ABS Protective Case: Well-fitted for Raspberry Pi 5 board, can be secured with 4 screws to effectively protect the Pi 5 motherboard from damage, reserves full access to all ports and buttons. SANOOV uses ABS material to produce the case, which has a softer texture and feel. Meanwhile, SANOOV case adopts a layered design for easy disassembly and installation. (Tip: The Case cannot install M.2 HAT Add on Board and Solid State Drive!)
- Wide Application & Full Compatibility: Seamlessly compatible with official OS and mainstream peripheral accessories for Raspberry Pi 5. Whether you are a beginner, student, electronics hobbyist or professional developer, this all-in-one kit meets your diverse needs. It excels in IoT projects, robotics design, retro gaming devices, home media servers and other DIY creations. Backed by a large global community, you can easily find guides, technical support and shared projects online
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