You may think that having a 10-inch Android tablet really smokes those folks with the smaller, 8-inch tablets. Ha! You’re in for a surprise. That’s because any tablet with HDMI output — even those doinky 7-inch models — can hook up to an 80-inch plasma HDTV screen and really show who’s boss.
When your Android tablet features an HDMI connection, whether it’s a 7-inch model or a 10-inch behemoth, you too can enjoy the pleasures of a larger screen. It doesn’t have to be an 80-inch plasma screen, either; any monitor or HDTV with HDMI input does the job.
To make the HDMI connection, plug your tablet into an HDMI-equipped monitor or HDTV. You need a special HDMI cable to make the connection; such an item can be found on the Internet or wherever you purchased your tablet.
Upon success, an HDMI notification or pop-up appears on the tablet’s screen. Choose it and select how to display information on the external monitor. Depending on the tablet, you can choose to run a slideshow, present videos or music, or simply mirror the information displayed on the touchscreen. Among the options you’ll find for using the larger screen are these:
Gallery: You can view pictures or a slideshow, according to the directions on the screen.
Music: Choose a playlist, an album, or an artist, and enjoy watching the Music app on the big screen. (The sound should play from the TV’s speakers.)
Mirror On Display: The screen output on your Android tablet is duplicated on the HDMI TV or monitor. This option is the one you choose when you want to watch a rented movie on the big screen.
When you’re finished using the HDMI connection, simply disconnect the tablet from the HDTV or monitor. The display returns to normal operation.
If your tablet lacks an HDMI port, check to see whether a multimedia dock or HDMI USB dongle is available. Or:
Any tablet, even one without an HDMI connection, can share its screen by using Google Chromecast. Attach the Chromecast dongle to an HDMI connector on your HDMI TV. Follow the onscreen directions to set up and configure your tablet or control the TV. In such a configuration, the HDMI connector on a tablet isn’t necessary, though not every app features the ability to share its screen via Chromecast.
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface.