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Unlock the Full Potential of Your GoPro Hero 9: How to Play It on TV Like a Pro

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • One end of the cable plugs into the HDMI port on your GoPro Hero 9, and the other end plugs into an available HDMI port on your TV.
  • On your TV, use the remote to switch the input source to the HDMI port you connected the GoPro to.
  • This method allows you to store your GoPro Hero 9 footage in the cloud and access it on your TV through the GoPro Player app.

Capturing breathtaking footage with your GoPro Hero 9 is just the first step. Sharing those adventures with friends and family on the big screen takes your experience to a whole new level. But how do you actually play GoPro Hero 9 on TV?
This guide will walk you through the various methods, from simple HDMI connections to wireless streaming, ensuring you can showcase your incredible footage with ease.

1. The Direct Connection: HDMI Cable

The most straightforward way to play GoPro Hero 9 on TV is using an HDMI cable. This method offers the highest quality video and sound output.

  • What you need:
  • HDMI cable (standard HDMI cable, not mini-HDMI)
  • TV with HDMI input
  • GoPro Hero 9
  • Steps:
  • Connect the HDMI cable: One end of the cable plugs into the HDMI port on your GoPro Hero 9, and the other end plugs into an available HDMI port on your TV.
  • Select the correct input: On your TV, use the remote to switch the input source to the HDMI port you connected the GoPro to.
  • Play your footage: Open the GoPro Hero 9’s playback mode and select the video you want to watch.

2. The Wireless Wonder: GoPro Quik App

For a more convenient and flexible option, consider using the GoPro Quik app. This app allows you to wirelessly stream your GoPro Hero 9 footage to your TV.

  • What you need:
  • GoPro Quik app (available on iOS and Android)
  • TV with internet connectivity (smart TV or TV with a streaming device like Chromecast, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV)
  • GoPro Hero 9 with Wi-Fi enabled
  • Steps:
  • Connect to the GoPro’s Wi-Fi: On your phone or tablet, connect to the GoPro Hero 9’s Wi-Fi network.
  • Open the GoPro Quik app: Launch the app and sign in if you haven’t already.
  • Select your footage: Navigate to the “Media” section within the app and choose the video you want to play.
  • Cast to your TV: Click the cast icon (usually a rectangle with a curved arrow) and select your TV from the available devices. Your GoPro Hero 9 footage will start playing on your TV.

3. The All-in-One Solution: GoPro App & GoPro TV

If you’re looking for a seamless experience that goes beyond simple playback, the GoPro app and GoPro TV are the way to go. This combination allows you to stream, edit, and share your GoPro Hero 9 footage directly on your TV.

  • What you need:
  • GoPro app (available on iOS and Android)
  • GoPro TV (available on select smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles)
  • GoPro Hero 9 with Wi-Fi enabled
  • Steps:
  • Connect to the GoPro’s Wi-Fi: On your phone or tablet, connect to the GoPro Hero 9’s Wi-Fi network.
  • Open the GoPro app: Launch the app and sign in if you haven’t already.
  • Select your footage: Navigate to the “Media” section within the app and choose the video you want to play.
  • Cast to GoPro TV: Click the cast icon (usually a rectangle with a curved arrow) and select “GoPro TV” from the available devices. Your GoPro Hero 9 footage will start playing on your TV.

4. The Versatile Option: USB Connection

While not as common as HDMI or wireless streaming, a USB connection can also be used to play GoPro Hero 9 footage on your TV. This method requires a compatible TV with USB media playback capabilities.

  • What you need:
  • USB cable
  • TV with USB media playback capabilities
  • GoPro Hero 9
  • Steps:
  • Connect the USB cable: Plug one end of the USB cable into the GoPro Hero 9 and the other end into the USB port on your TV.
  • Select the USB input: On your TV, use the remote to switch the input source to the USB port you connected the GoPro to.
  • Play your footage: Navigate through the TV’s file explorer or media player to find and play your GoPro Hero 9 footage.

5. The Cloud-Based Approach: GoPro Cloud & GoPro Player

For the ultimate flexibility and accessibility, consider utilizing GoPro Cloud and GoPro Player. This method allows you to store your GoPro Hero 9 footage in the cloud and access it on your TV through the GoPro Player app.

  • What you need:
  • GoPro subscription with cloud storage (GoPro subscription plans vary)
  • GoPro Player app (available on select smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles)
  • GoPro Hero 9 with cloud upload enabled
  • Steps:
  • Upload your footage to the cloud: Connect your GoPro Hero 9 to your computer or phone and upload your footage to your GoPro Cloud account.
  • Install GoPro Player: Download and install the GoPro Player app on your TV.
  • Sign in to your GoPro account: Log in using your GoPro account credentials.
  • Access your footage: Browse through your GoPro Cloud library and select the video you want to play.

6. The Power of Adapters: Mini-HDMI to HDMI

If your GoPro Hero 9 doesn’t have a standard HDMI port, you can utilize a mini-HDMI to HDMI adapter. This adapter allows you to connect your GoPro to your TV using a standard HDMI cable.

  • What you need:
  • Mini-HDMI to HDMI adapter
  • HDMI cable
  • TV with HDMI input
  • GoPro Hero 9
  • Steps:
  • Connect the adapter: Plug the mini-HDMI end of the adapter into the GoPro Hero 9’s mini-HDMI port.
  • Connect the HDMI cable: Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the adapter, and the other end into an available HDMI port on your TV.
  • Select the correct input: On your TV, use the remote to switch the input source to the HDMI port you connected the GoPro to.
  • Play your footage: Open the GoPro Hero 9’s playback mode and select the video you want to watch.

Beyond the Basics: Enhancing Your Viewing Experience

While the above methods offer a solid foundation for playing GoPro Hero 9 on TV, you can enhance your viewing experience by incorporating additional features:

  • GoPro Quik for Editing: The GoPro Quik app allows you to edit your GoPro Hero 9 footage directly on your phone or tablet, adding transitions, music, text overlays, and more. You can then stream the edited video to your TV for a polished presentation.
  • GoPro Fusion for Immersive Viewing: If you own a GoPro Fusion, you can leverage its 360° capabilities to create immersive VR-like experiences. Use the GoPro Player app or a compatible VR headset to view your 360° footage on your TV.
  • External Speakers for Enhanced Audio: Connect external speakers to your TV for a more powerful and immersive audio experience, especially when watching action-packed GoPro footage.

GoPro Hero 9 on TV: A Final Thought

Playing GoPro Hero 9 on TV opens a world of possibilities for sharing your adventures and reliving those incredible moments. Whether you choose a wired connection, wireless streaming, or a cloud-based approach, there’s a method that suits your needs and preferences.
With the right setup and a bit of exploration, you can transform your living room into a personal cinema, showcasing your GoPro Hero 9 footage in all its glory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I play GoPro Hero 9 footage on my TV without a Wi-Fi connection?
A: Yes, you can play your GoPro Hero 9 footage on your TV using an HDMI cable or a USB connection. Both methods don‘t require a Wi-Fi connection.
Q: What is the best way to play GoPro Hero 9 footage on TV for the highest quality?
A: Using an HDMI cable offers the highest quality video and sound output. This direct connection bypasses any compression or processing that might occur during wireless streaming.
Q: Can I control my GoPro Hero 9 from my TV?
A: While you can’t directly control the GoPro Hero 9 from your TV, the GoPro app allows you to remotely control certain functions, like starting and stopping recording, from your phone or tablet.
Q: Does GoPro Hero 9 support 4K resolution on TV?
A: Yes, the GoPro Hero 9 can record and play back videos in 4K resolution. To enjoy 4K playback on your TV, ensure your TV and any connected devices support 4K resolution.

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Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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