Table of Contents

Introduction to HDMI and USB

What is HDMI?

HDMI is a short form for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is a more accurate and simpler way of transferring data among components. It is an option for other connections, such as a component video or DVI. This system has digital television that comprises components with HDMI outputs and HDMI inputs. An HDMI cable, which has 19 separate wires into a sole cable, is used to connect the two components. The interface is similar to a huge USB connection, with 19 holes or pins.

connect dvd player to laptop:What is HDMI?

What is a USB?

USB is a short form for Universal Serial Bus. This device is utilized in industry-standard that defines specifications for connectors and cable. The protocol is for communications, connection, supply, and for use power supply between laptops, some peripherals, computers, and other computers.

connect dvd player to laptop:What is a USB?

Difference between USB and HDMI

Before we proceed to know how a DVD player connects to a laptop, let us see the difference between USB and HDMI. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, while HDMI stands for a High Definition Multimedia Interface. HDMI offers an interface between any video or audio sources, such as DVD players, set-up boxes, or A/V receivers. A USB offers a standard connection interface for consumer electronics devices and personal computers.

HDMI supports enhanced, standard, or high definition video, in addition to multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. On the other hand, the USB port permits USB devices to be linked with one another and transfer digital data over USB cables. A Mini HDMI is utilized for video and audio, a micro USB is normally utilized for being able to charge a camera, cellphone, or e-reader.

A micro USB device is also utilized to transmit different kinds of data directly to your computer, desktop, or laptop using the USB connection on every device. While an HDMI cable is not utilized for transferring data at all. Micro USB is much sturdier and smaller as compared to normal USB cables and was created for use on smaller gadgets and smartphones as compared to standard USB cables.

How to Connect an External DVD Player with USB?

Now that you have known the difference, let us know how to connect a DVD player to a laptop using USB. This is usually done using the laptop's USB port. Users will most likely find this square-shaped port on either side of their device. Follow the below steps to know how to connect a DVD player to a laptop with USB.

Step 1: Plug the cable into the external drive of your DVD player. Some external drives may come with a USB cord built-in, but if not, you will require to connect a USB cable to your external drive.

Step 2: Users must read the manual that ships with the external DVD drive If they are not certain what kind of USB cable plugs into their laptop.

Step 3: Connect the other end of the USB cable to your laptop. Users will likely find a USB port on either side of their laptop.

Step 4: Make sure that both USB connections are secure. A stretched cable can lead to data interruption and not show smooth audio or video track.

Step 5: Turn on your laptop. If your laptop is already turned on, go to the next step.

Step 6: Follow the instructions on the screen to download any software or drivers required for the external drive.

Step 7: Once you have your laptop turned on and plugged into the external drive, users may be asked to download extra features.

Step 8: Users may be asked to restart their laptops once these installs finish.

How to Connect an External DVD Player with an HDMI Cable?

Now that you have known how to connect a DVD player using USB, read the below steps to know how to connect a DVD player to a laptop with HDMI.

Step 1: Connect the HDMI cable to the capture card from your DVD Player. This may be named as HDMI IN on the video capture card and HDMI Out on your DVD Player.

Step 2: Since your laptop most probably comes with an HDMI Out port only, users cannot run an HDMI to the HDMI Out port on their laptop from the HDMI Out port on their DVD Player.

Step 3: Users will not hear or see their DVD since both the laptop and player will be sending out information.

Step 4: In this case, users will require a video capture card to link the HDMI Out port from their DVD Player to an HDMI In port. These aim to be a bit costlier as compared to purchasing an external USB-DVD drive.

Step 5: If your DVD Player does not ship with an HDMI port, it may have a USB port rather. If that is the scenario, you can use the USB port as the HDMI port.

Step 6: Link the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI port of your laptop. Users will most probably find this port on either side of their laptop.

Step 7: If you are using a USB connection, the port is more square-shaped as compared to the HDMI port.

Step 8: Make sure that both HDMI connections are secure. A stretched cable can lead to interruptions in your video or audio output, so ensure the HDMI cable is not pulled too tightly.

Step 9: Ensure your connection points at the ports on either your DVD player or laptop are not loose. If so, you may require to try using another cable.

Step 10: Put a DVD in the DVD player and begin watching to test if connecting a DVD player to the laptop HDMI is successful. If your audio or sound is off, you may have problems with your HDMI cables or ports. If this is the scenario, try using a different USB or HDMI cable.

Bonus: Use PlayerFab DVD Player to Watch Any Kind of DVD without the Need for HDMI or USB

If you think that using HDMI or USB is way too expensive then do not worry. We have a solution for this problem as well. Why spend money on HDMI and USB ports and cables when you can see all types of DVDs on your laptop? Yes! You heard it right. PlayerFab DVD Player is the tool that supports different file formats as well as makes them accessible for users to playback DVD/Blu-ray/UHD discs, local videos, and videos from different streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon. Let us have a look at some of the features that makes it worthy to use.

Features

  • PlayerFab DVD Player is an all-rounder tool and hence it ensures that you do not face any issues related to compatibility. This comprehensive media player is the best option for ISO files to be played. In addition to this, it is able to play local videos, DVD, Blu-ray, UHD discs, along with videos from streaming platforms.
  • PlayerFab DVD Player supports different video and audio formats without any issue. It supports all popular formats such as H.265/HEVC, MKV, H.264, FLV, MP4, M2TS, MOV, VOB, and many more. Apart from this, the player is a powerful, all-inclusive, and free-of-cost tool that supports different media formats. This makes sure that users will not have any issues related to compatibility while playing different kinds of media files.
  • PlayerFab DVD Player can stream videos from a wide range of well-known streaming platforms, such as Amazon, Tubi, Peacock, Netflix, and many more.
  • High quality is one of the major advantages of using PlayerFab. This makes it the best option. The tool offers tons of features, making sure that you get the best watching experience in FHD 1080p video quality and EAC3 5.1 audio quality.
  • PlayerFab DVD Player provides high-resolution lossless audio, such as Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS-HD Master, with a maximum of 7.1 channel surround sound output.

connect dvd player to laptop:Features

FAQs

Can you play an MP4 on a DVD player?

MP4 is the most utilized format for mobile videos and the web. In addition to this, MP4 is most supported by different devices such as iPad, iPhone, portable players, Android, online websites, and TVs. On the other hand, DVD players do not support MP4/MPEG-4/H. Hence, you cannot play MP4 files on DVD Player.

How do I watch a DVD on my Samsung tablet?

Select Videos option and go to the video managing window. Click Import. Windows file browsing dialog will appear, permitting you to find the converted DVD files. Just choose them and click OK to import the DVD movies selected to the target Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Can I play a DVD on Zoom?

Yes. If you have a lawfully purchased DVD (checked out from the Library or your personal property), you can play the DVD on your PC and share your screen using Zoom.

How does a DVD player work?

A DVD player is very same as a CD player. It has a laser assembly that brightens the laser beam to read the pattern of bumps onto the surface of the disc. The DVD player decodes the MPEG-2 encoded video, converting it into a normal composite video signal.

Conclusion

After going through the processes of how to connect a DVD player to a laptop with HDMI cables and connect the DVD player to the laptop using USB ports, it is clear to find that both ways are easy to follow to convert DVD to USB. As long as you are careful about each socket on different devices, they can be connected easily. On the other hand, if your laptop does not powerful DVD player tool, the DVD movies will not be played smoothly.

Hence, PlayerFab DVD Player will be the best option for this case. The tool supports different file formats as well as makes them accessible for users to playback DVD/Blu-ray/UHD discs, local videos, and videos from different streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon. Let us have a look at some of the features that makes it worthy to use.