Smart TVs can be picky about playing videos from thumb drives, even though most have a USB port in the back. If the drive isn't configured perfectly according to the TV brand's specifications, the TV may not play it back. Given that our clients often have various TV brands, sometimes different brands within the same home, it's difficult for us to account for each TV's particular preferences.
That's why we strongly recommend buying a USB player, especially if you plan on watching these movies with family.
The USB player is a small device that allows you to plug in your thumb drive and watch content on your TV. They're designed to work on virtually any TV, ensuring that your files will play smoothly. They typically have just two cords: a power cord and an HDMI cable that runs to the TV for video and audio. They also usually come with a remote. They're no bigger than a wallet, on average, and look similar to an Apple TV or Roku device. Once set up, you can browse through your collection of family movies just like it's your own personal Netflix of family memories.
The USB player will guarantee your movies will play on any TV, even older TVs that aren't "Smart TVs." This makes them perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any situation where you want to share memories without worrying about compatibility issues.
A popular choice is the Micca Speck USB player, which I personally use for my family. It's reliable, intuitive, and delivers a great viewing experience. Keep in mind that the Micca Speck doesn't include AAA batteries for the remote or an HDMI cord, so you'll need to purchase those separately. The Micca Speck is set by default to play videos on a continuous loop unless you turn this off, which we recommend.
To get started, connect your USB player to your TV and power outlet, plug in your thumb drive, and turn on the player. You may need to use your TV remote to switch to the correct HDMI input (such as Input 1 or Input 2). Once connected, you can use the USB player's remote to browse through your files just like your own personal Netflix. We recommend turning off the device after use to help preserve your thumb drive's lifespan.
That's it! Once everything is connected, you'll be able to browse and play your movies directly from the USB player using the remote control.
```Jonathan Fouch is the founder of History Creators. He has spent the greater part of his 11-year career helping families build their legacy through technology. You can read his full biography here.
