Play my iPhone on the big screen

Play my iPhone on the big screen: a reader asks…

I have an iPhone 6 plus, a Netflix account, and an LCD TV (currently connected to my FIOS TV box). I would really like to watch Netflix on the big screen, but I don’t want to have to buy an Apple TV. Is there a cheaper alternative?

There are always alternatives! In your case, you need to check for two capabilities on your TV:

1. If you have an unused HDMI port on your TV and don’t mind connecting your iPhone to the TV with a cable. If this is the case, you can buy a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter ($49 at the Apple Store), and any HDMI cable. Connect them up and viola, your iPhone screen shows up on your TV. Sound will also play out through the TV speaker.
2. Same as above (the available HDMI port on your TV), but you can use a different device to play Netflix and save a little money in the bargain. The Amazon Fire TV stick ($40 at Amazon) or the Google Chromecast ($30 and up from Google) connect directly to the HDMI port on your TV (no extra cable required), and can use your Netflix account (no iPhone required).
3. Some LCD TV models have features built-in that include playing Netflix. Check your TV controls. Also, if you have a DVD player, that may also have Netflix capability built-in. This one won’t cost you anything more than what you’re already paying Netflix!

So you’re only limited by your budget and your equipment. Option #2 above requires that you have a wi-fi network at home to access the internet (and I’m assuming you do). #1 doesn’t require anything more than your iPhone connected to the TV, but if you don’t use your home internet connection, your cell phone bill may be quite large if you watch movies using your iPhone’s data connection.

Please leave a comment on what solution you ended up going with, and if you need help determining what your TV or DVD player is capable of, include the model number in your comment. I hope you can go with option #3 and not have to spend any more money!