Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For most TVs without built-in streaming apps, connect an external streaming player to an available HDMI port, connect it to the internet, and open a service that carries the film. During playback, use that app’s subtitle or captions menu to select an available language. You can also connect a compatible computer, cast from a supported app or browser, play a local video file on a suitable device, or use a disc player. The right option depends on your TV’s inputs, the playback device, the film’s availability in your region, and whether it offers the subtitle language you need.
Use an external streaming player over HDMI
An HDMI streaming stick or player adds app access to a TV that does not have streaming apps built in. The TV needs an available HDMI input, and the player must support the streaming service you want. Roku’s setup guide describes connecting the player, powering it, and selecting the matching TV input: Roku streaming player setup.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
OLD Film The War of The Worlds (1953) DVD | $18.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
WB 10-Film War Collection (DVD) | $29.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
War Dogs | $3.74 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
4 Film Favorites: John Wayne War (Dbl DVD) | $8.77 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
War, 10-Movie Collection: The Eagle and The Hawk / The Last Outpost / Bengal Brigad / Jet Pilot /... | $8.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- Check the TV’s inputs. Look at the back or side of the TV for an unused HDMI port and note its label, such as HDMI 1 or HDMI 2.
- Connect and power the player. Plug it into the HDMI port and connect it to power. If it will not start or reports low power while connected to a TV USB port, use the player’s supplied wall adapter.
- Select the matching input. On the TV, choose the HDMI input that corresponds to the port you used.
- Connect the player to the internet and set up its apps. Follow the on-screen setup. Confirm that the device supports the service you plan to use; Netflix, for example, lists device families including Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Fire TV, while exact support depends on the service and device: Netflix supported devices.
- Check for the film, then start playback. Search the service before relying on it: film catalogs and subtitle languages vary by service and region.
- Choose subtitles in the playback controls. Open the film’s audio or subtitle menu, often labeled Subtitles or CC, and select the language offered. In the Apple TV app, Apple’s documented path is to open playback controls, choose Subtitles, then Languages: Apple TV app subtitle instructions.
A streaming player is not a direct solution if the TV has no HDMI input. The workable alternative depends on the ports available on the TV and the equipment you already have; there is no universal converter compatibility established here.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Choose a route that fits your TV and film
| Route | What you need | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| External streaming player | Free HDMI input, compatible player, internet access | The player supports the service, and the service carries the film with the desired subtitle language. |
| Computer connected to TV | A computer and compatible video connections on both devices | Check the actual ports before buying or choosing a cable or adapter. Netflix supports viewing at Netflix.com on Mac, Windows, and Chromebook in a supported browser; Windows also has a Netflix app. Netflix supported devices |
| Casting | A compatible receiving device or display, plus an app or browser that supports casting | Confirm that casting is available for the film and that its subtitle controls remain accessible. Google documents casting from Google Cast-enabled apps and Chrome: Google Streaming Help |
| Local video file | A compatible media player and file source, such as USB or a local media server | Check the device’s supported formats and subtitle-file requirements. Roku Media Player does not support DRM-protected content. Roku Media Player support |
| DVD or Blu-ray player | A disc you can play and a compatible input on the TV | Check the player’s connection and the disc’s subtitle options in its menus. |
Connect a computer to the TV
A computer can provide the streaming app or website while the TV acts as its display. Netflix supports playback at Netflix.com on Mac, Windows, and Chromebook computers in a supported browser; Windows users can also use the Netflix app. Connect the computer to an input the TV supports, select that input, and control playback from the computer.
#1 Best Overall
- ★ Format: DVD
- ★ Region ALL, World Wide, it can be played at any DVD player
- ★ Language: English
- ★ Subtitles: Korean, None (you can choose one or turn off subtitle)
- ★ MADE in KOREA
Do not assume a particular cable, adapter, or resolution will work without checking both devices. The available ports vary, and the computer and TV must have compatible video connections.
Cast from a supported app or browser
Casting can avoid a direct cable connection, but it requires both a source that can cast the film and a compatible receiver or display. Google’s help center covers casting from Google Cast-enabled apps and Chrome. Check that the specific service allows casting and that you can still reach the film’s subtitle controls after playback begins. Bluetooth alone should not be treated as a way to send video to a TV; the cited Google guidance concerns Google Cast.
Rank #2
Play a local video file with a separate subtitle file
If you have a video file rather than a stream, Roku Media Player can play personal media from a USB drive on Roku models with a USB port, or from a local media server. Supported video formats vary by model, and DRM-protected files are not supported. See Roku’s personal media and subtitle support guide.
For a separate subtitle file, Roku’s instructions require an SRT or VTT file in the same folder as the video, with the same base filename. For example, place Film.mkv beside Film.srt. To distinguish multiple subtitle languages, use a language suffix such as Film.eng.srt. USB playback requires a Roku model with a USB port.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Rank #3
- War Dogs - DVD Brand New
Find and fix subtitle or playback problems
- The subtitle language is missing. The service or the film may not offer it. Roku notes that captions are available only when the service provider supplies them; check the film’s subtitle menu or the service’s title information. Roku closed-caption instructions
- A Roku system caption setting has no effect. Some streaming providers manage captions within their own apps, so open the playback menu in that app instead of relying on Roku’s system setting. Roku closed-caption instructions
- A separate subtitle file does not appear. For Roku Media Player, verify that it is an SRT or VTT file in the video’s folder and that its base filename matches the video.
- The TV shows no picture from the player. Confirm that the player has power and that the TV is set to the HDMI input used. If a TV USB port cannot power the player, use its proper power adapter.
- The app is missing on an older device. Service compatibility can change. Netflix warns that its service may no longer be available on some TVs and TV streaming devices made before 2015; check support for your specific model. Netflix supported devices
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
