Technical
What format should a slideshow be in to play on a TV?
May 16, 2026 · 5 min read
You spent hours building the perfect slideshow. Now you have to play it on a TV at the venue — and the file won't open, or the aspect ratio is wrong, or the resolution looks blurry on the big screen. Here's exactly what format to export and how to get it onto the TV without a panic.
The short answer: HD MP4 (H.264)
For 99% of modern TVs, projectors, and laptops, an HD MP4 encoded with H.264 video is the right answer. It plays everywhere — smart TVs, USB sticks, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, Windows laptops, MacBooks, hotel projectors. It's also what Emberframe exports by default. Resolution: 1920×1080 (1080p) is plenty for any TV under 65". For larger venue projectors, the source photo quality matters far more than the export resolution.
How to get it onto the TV
Best to worst, by reliability: 1. USB stick. Copy the MP4 to a USB stick, plug it into the TV's USB port, use the TV remote to navigate to it. Works on virtually every TV made since 2015. Zero internet required. 2. Laptop + HDMI cable. Plug your laptop into the TV with HDMI, play the MP4 in VLC or QuickTime. Works always, but you need a laptop and the right cable. 3. Chromecast / AirPlay. Cast from your phone or laptop. Works well when Wi-Fi is solid, but venue Wi-Fi is a roll of the dice. 4. Smart TV app (Plex, etc.). Overkill unless you already have it set up.
What NOT to use
DVD: most laptops sold after 2018 don't have a DVD drive, and most newer TVs don't have a DVD player attached. Skip unless the venue specifically asks. MOV: works on Apple devices, hit-or-miss on smart TVs. Convert to MP4 first. WMV: old Windows format. Many smart TVs won't play it. PowerPoint / Keynote: only works if you bring the laptop. A real video file is more portable.
Venue checklist
A week before the event, ask the venue three questions: 1. Does the TV/projector have a USB port? (Almost always yes for TVs, sometimes no for projectors.) 2. Is there Wi-Fi I can rely on, or should I bring the video on a USB stick? (Always bring the USB stick.) 3. What aspect ratio is the screen? (Almost always 16:9, same as your MP4.) Bring the MP4 on TWO USB sticks. One stays in your bag as backup. This sounds excessive until the day of the event.