External HDD not connecting to TV

[Ethevion]

I've been trying to get my external HDD to connect to my TV so I can watch movies, but every time I try it doesn't work.

My TV is A Samsung LN40D550K1FXZC that I got in 2010 (or was it 2011 ) and my external hdd is a Western Digital My Passport 1TB.

When I plug the hdd into my tv, the light on turns on, but the tv says nothing is connected. I've tried NTSC and FAT32 formats, with different types of video files (.avi, .mp4, and .mkv). I did some searching online and found that the USB port from the TV might not be able to supply enough power to a 1TB hdd, but I'm not sure if that's my problem. Any ideas?

 

[ShadowSoldier]

Can your tv even play movies? It could just be for pics and music.

 

[Ethevion]

Can your tv even play movies? It could just be for pics and music.

Yes, the manual says it can play many different video types, including the ones I posted above.

 

[BORTZ]

Ive heard that a lot of the older (yes i am aware that 2010 is only 3 years ago) Samsung smart TVs had tons of problems like this. I dont really know what to tell you, other than maybe try contacting support?

 

[Ethevion]

Ive heard that a lot of the older (yes i am aware that 2010 is only 3 years ago) Samsung smart TVs had tons of problems like this. I dont really know what to tell you, other than maybe try contacting support?

It isn't a smart TV though, just a regular LCD HDTV. I might actually try to contact support. Might be my best bet.

 

[BORTZ]

It isn't a smart TV though, just a regular LCD HDTV. I might actually try to contact support. Might be my best bet.

Oh... I just assumed... I had no idea dumb tvs can do stuff like that naively. Cool. And good luck.

 

[Ethevion]

Oh... I just assumed... I had no idea dumb tvs can do stuff like that naively. Cool. And good luck.

That's probably why it's not working, it's too dumb

 

[K3Nv2]

If you cant get it working if all fails you can pick up a $50 android mini pc and give it an education/ stream from the device.
Not much help but just a last resort type of deal.

 

[Ethevion]

If you cant get it working if all fails you can pick up a $50 android mini pc and give it an education/ stream from the device.
Not much help but just a last resort type of deal.

I was thinking of trying a USB hub with ac power or just get a thumb drive and play a movie at a time. No need for the storage to be huge anyways if I'm just gonna use it to watch movies. I'll keep your suggestion in mind though.

 

[K3Nv2]

I was thinking of trying a USB hub with ac power or just get a thumb drive and play a movie at a time. No need for the storage to be huge anyways if I'm just gonna use it to watch movies. I'll keep your suggestion in mind though.

It does look like your TV supports wireless streaming unless I read it wrong?
I know my TV has a LAN port that allows you to connect to networks, it's not a smart TV and works like shit.

This is what I'm talking about: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-A..._Internet_Media_Streamers&hash=item58a09f6ebf

Bonuses with that is that it can do streaming as well as emulation and android gaming. Though there are higher spec ones for $100

I gave up on using streaming functions on TV and just use my 360 anymore Just because a lot are a bitch when it comes to file formats

 

[Issac]

Hmmm, I have an old samsung TV, and I can use it without any problems. However, make sure if there are any USB ports that has more power (look in the manual), because on our new TV (also a Samsung) there's a special USB port for HDD's. Gives more power, while the ones with less power only works with USB memory sticks.

Soo, try a memory stick...

 

[Ethevion]

It does look like your TV supports wireless streaming unless I read it wrong?
I know my TV has a LAN port that allows you to connect to networks, it's not a smart TV and works like shit.

This is what I'm talking about: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-A..._Internet_Media_Streamers&hash=item58a09f6ebf

Bonuses with that is that it can do streaming as well as emulation and android gaming. Though there are higher spec ones for $100

I gave up on using streaming functions on TV and just use my 360 anymore Just because a lot are a bitch when it comes to file formats

Wouldn't I need an android device for that though or can it stream from a PC?

 

[K3Nv2]

Wouldn't I need an android device for that though or can it stream from a PC?

Nope, it is a android devive just in the shape of a flash drive, you can download programs like xbmc and stream from your pc, watch some youtube reviews on it.

 

[Ethevion]

Hmmm, I have an old samsung TV, and I can use it without any problems. However, make sure if there are any USB ports that has more power (look in the manual), because on our new TV (also a Samsung) there's a special USB port for HDD's. Gives more power, while the ones with less power only works with USB memory sticks.

Soo, try a memory stick...

Seems like the cheapest way. Just get an 8 GB stick and load the movie I want. I'm leaning towards it right now.

Nope, it is a android devive just in the shape of a flash drive, you can download programs like xbmc and stream from your pc, watch some youtube reviews on it.

Oh cool, I'm definitely going to look it up. It might be worth it if I decide to go beyond videos.

 

[K3Nv2]

Seems like the cheapest way. Just get an 8 GB stick and load the movie I want. I'm leaning towards it right now.



Oh cool, I'm definitely going to look it up. It might be worth it if I decide to go beyond videos.

Though I'd suggest getting one around $100s since they have faster processors/GPUs.

 

[Ethevion]

Though I'd suggest getting one around $100s since they have faster processors/GPUs.

I'd have to be sure that I'm going to use it at that price. Still, I'm going to look it up when I get home.

 

[K3Nv2]

I'd have to be sure that I'm going to use it at that price. Still, I'm going to look it up when I get home.

Here a good review for yeah

 

[Ethevion]

Here a good review for yeah

Thanks dude, I'll watch it once I get home. No sound at work.

 

[Thanatos Telos]

The USB port on the TV might not be outputting enough power. That AC adapter might do it.
The HDD start to spin, or is it only the light?

 

[Ethevion]

The USB port on the TV might not be outputting enough power. That AC adapter might do it.
The HDD start to spin, or is it only the light?

When I touch the HDD it's vibrating, but not as much as when plugged into my PC. The light is on as well. Would it be a good idea to get a USB hub that's AC powered or just get a thumb drive?