MFAH Films: Virtual Cinema FAQs
#MFAHatHome Virtual Experience
MFAH Films: Virtual Cinema offers access to unique films online, with different options every week. These new releases are available through the individual distributors’ websites and streaming services. You’ll go there to purchase and watch the film, and a portion of your ticket helps support the MFAH film department. When you make your purchase, you receive an email with a streaming link, usually good for three to five days, depending on the movie. See the film schedule
► Can I watch these films from wherever I live?
Most of the films are available to watch from anywhere in the United States. Any additional restrictions are indicated on each film’s streaming platform.
► How do I watch via laptop/mobile device?
Conveniently stream from the safety and comfort of your home. To stream, purchase the ticket from the online screen and follow the prompts. If watching from your laptop, simply press play and enjoy.
► What if the video freezes?
Usually it‘s an issue with your Internet connection. Try restarting your router, changing to a different web browser, reloading the page, or restarting your computer/device. If others in your household are also streaming video content, that can slow down your film experience.
► How do I watch on a TV?
Cable/Adapter Connections The easiest way to screen a streaming title on your TV is to pull the site up on your laptop or other mobile device (see above) and then connect it to your TV with an HDMI cable. Depending on the type of computer or device you have, you may need a different cable or adapter:
Windows PC / Chromebook Most Windows computers have a dedicated HDMI port. In this case, you will need a simple HDMI to HDMI cable.
Mac Laptop Newer Mac laptops like the MacBook Pro need an adapter that you plug into a regular HDMI cable or a special cable. Older Mac laptops have a dedicated HDMI port or a Thunderbolt 2 port.
iPhone / iPad iPhones and iPads use the same cable or adapter.
Android Modern Android devices use USB C connections, which are compatible with Thunderbolt 3 connections, so you can use one of the above cables or adapters.
► What about the display settings?
After you’ve connected your device, you may need to adjust the display settings. First, select the correct HDMI input with your TV remote. Then:
On a Mac
• Go to the Apple menu
• Open “System Preferences”
• Choose “Displays”
• Select the “Arrangement” tab
• Tick the box that says “Mirror Displays” if you want your TV to show the same content that is being shown on your laptop screen.
• Leave the box as it is if you want to use the TV as a second display.
On Windows / Chromebook
• Go to Settings
• Go to System
• Go to Display
• Make sure “TV” is selected. You can also adjust the resolution to match the one of your television.
• Go to Audio and make sure “TV” is selected there as well.
► How do I connect wirelessly to TV?
Airplay / Apple TV If you have an Apple TV box or Apple TV–ready smart TV, you can stream to your TV wirelessly via AirPlay on your Mac laptop or device.
Chromecast to TV An alternative to AirPlay is Chromecast. Some smart TVs are Chromecast-ready, but if yours is not, plug a Chromecast thumb drive into an HDMI input on your TV. Then stream from a Chrome browser right to your TV.
Roku You can cast a video from your computer or mobile device using the following steps:
• Open the movie on your device
• At the bottom right of the screen, find the casting icon.
• Select that button, look for the option to choose a nearby device, and select your Roku/Chromecast.
• If you don’t see your Roku/Chromecast, make sure both devices are on the same wireless network. The channel should launch automatically, and playback will begin.
Watching from an app on Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Roku, etc. Some smart TVs let you download apps from distributors. Then you can sign in and watch the film through the app.
► Enjoy your movie!