Ways to Watch

If you have a FilmTrade card, you'll need to tap it with your phone to access its film. However, since we're cinema lovers, we recommend enjoying your film on a larger screen if you can.

FilmTrade's web-based video player can wirelessly project the film from your phone to most modern TVs that have streaming capabilities built-in, using AirPlay (if you have an iPhone) or Google Cast (if you have an Android phone).

We plan to launch native FilmTrade apps for Connected TVs and streaming devices, but until then – we think AirPlay and Google Cast are great options!

It can also project stand-alone streaming devices that attach to TVs – such as Apple TV, Google TV, Roku Player, Amazon Fire TV. If you don't have a supported TV or streaming device, there are good stand-alone streaming devices that can be purchased for $20-40.

One last option to watch on your TV: if you have created a FilmTrade account, then any card that you tap while logged in on your phone's browser will automatically be added to your Collection. It is then available to play on any other device where you're logged in. So, after scanning the device with your phone, you can open it on your laptop browser, and connect your laptop to your TV with an HDMI cable.

More detailed instructions below.

Casting/AirPlay from Phone to TV

Android Phone (Google Cast)

  1. Make sure your TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
  2. Look for the Cast icon on the FilmTrade playerLogo of Chromecast Cast
  3. Tap the cast icon and select your TV or Chromecast device from the list
  4. Once connected, the movie will play on your TV. You can control the playback from your phone, but also may be able to use the controls on your TV/streaming device's remote control.
  5. Connect your phone to a charger while watching!

If Cast isn't working, try restarting both your phone and TV/streaming device. Learn more at: https://www.android.com/better-together/#cast

iPhone (AirPlay)

  1. Ensure your AirPlay-compatible TV or streaming device is on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone
  2. Look for the AirPlay icon on the FilmTrade playerLogo of Apple AirPlay
  3. Tap the AirPlay icon and choose your AirPlay-compatible TV or streaming device from the list
  4. The movie will begin playing on your TV. You can control the playback from your phone, but also may be able to use the controls on your TV/streaming device's remote control.
  5. Connect your phone to a charger while watching!

If AirPlay isn't working, try restarting both your phone and TV/streaming device. Learn more at: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102661

Connect Laptop to TV via HDMI

  1. Get an HDMI cable (make sure it's long enough to reach from your laptop to TV)
  2. Connect one end to your laptop's HDMI port. Some laptops require adapters for HDMI connections (particularly MacBooks)
  3. Connect the other end to an available HDMI port on your TV
  4. Turn on your TV and select the correct HDMI input (using your TV remote); check your TV's manual if you're having trouble finding the correct input setting
  5. Your laptop screen should now display on the TV; you may need to adjust your laptop's display settings (extend or duplicate)
  6. Open your web browser and navigate to your Collection on FilmTrade, and start the movie
  7. Play the movie in full-screen mode for the best viewing experience
  8. Adjust volume using either your laptop or TV remote control