Connect to a TV or Projector

Why Connect?

GUESSMA is designed to be played on a shared screen. The bigger that screen, the better the experience. Casting your laptop to a TV or projector makes prompts easier to read from across the room and adds to the gameshow atmosphere. The Guesser sits with their back to the screen — a larger display makes this setup feel exactly like a real gameshow stage.

Method 1 — HDMI Cable

The simplest and most reliable method. An HDMI cable carries both video and audio in a single connection with no lag.

Works on: Windows, Mac, Chromebook

1. Plug one end of an HDMI cable into your laptop's HDMI port and the other end into your TV or projector's HDMI input.
2. On your TV, press the Source or Input button and select the HDMI port you connected to.
3. On Windows: press Windows + P and select Duplicate to show the same screen on both displays.
4. On Mac: go to System Settings → Displays. Check Mirror Displays to show the same content on both screens.

Method 2 — AirPlay (Mac + Apple TV or AirPlay 2 TV)

If you have a MacBook and an Apple TV or a smart TV that supports AirPlay 2, this is the easiest wireless option.

Works on: Mac only

1. Make sure your Mac and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your Mac's menu bar.
3. Select Screen Mirroring and choose your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV from the list.
4. Your Mac screen will now appear on the TV.

Method 3 — Chromecast or Google TV

Chromecast lets you cast directly from the Google Chrome browser — no matter what operating system you're using.

Works on: Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Linux

1. Plug your Chromecast into your TV's HDMI port and connect it to your Wi-Fi network using the Google Home app.
2. Open Google Chrome on your laptop.
3. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Cast.
4. Click Sources and select Cast Desktop to mirror your entire screen.
5. Select your Chromecast device from the list.

Method 4 — Windows Miracast (Wireless)

Most Windows laptops support Miracast — a wireless display standard that works like wireless HDMI. Many modern smart TVs support it built-in.

Works on: Windows only

1. On your TV, enable Screen Mirroring or Wireless Display mode in the TV's settings menu.
2. On your Windows laptop, press Windows + K.
3. Wait for the Cast panel to scan for nearby displays.
4. Select your TV from the list and accept any prompt that appears on the TV.
5. Press Windows + P to switch between Duplicate, Extend, or Second Screen Only.

Method 5 — Projector

A projector takes the gameshow feel to the next level. Most projectors connect via HDMI the same way a TV does. Some newer projectors support wireless casting via Chromecast or built-in Wi-Fi.

1. Connect your laptop to the projector using an HDMI cable or your projector's wireless connection method.
2. Set your display to Duplicate so both your laptop and the projected image show the same screen.
3. Position the projector so the image faces the players — remember the Guesser will have their back to it.

Tips for the Best Setup

• Use Duplicate display mode, not Extend — the Hinter needs to see the prompt on their laptop screen too.
• Set your display resolution to match your TV's native resolution for the sharpest image. Most TVs are 1080p or 4K.
• HDMI carries audio automatically. For wireless connections, check your TV's audio input settings if sound doesn't come through.
• For wireless methods, a 5GHz Wi-Fi network reduces lag. Move your router closer if you experience delays.
• Test your connection before guests arrive — nothing kills the vibe like a 10-minute setup struggle.