I don’t have a smartphone. We just connected my computer to my TV with a cable. Turned the TV into a giant monitor. We watch our NetFlix shows and movies like this.
Heck, I don’t even use my DVD player any more. Just put the DVD’s in the computer and it pops right up.
You can do the same thing wirelessly with Chromecast.
So far I've only used an iPhone and an iPad to connect up using Chromecast. But I've ordered a second unit that I'm going to use in my upstairs office where I have my computer and another HDTV.
In order to see your Computer Desktop on your TV you need to use Chromecast and the Chrome browser with an extension installed. I'm going to try it out. Here is a link that explains how it works:
Tip: Chromecast Can Cast Your Entire Desktop Screen Too, Not Just Tabs
I did the same thing awhile back. There is so much free stuff online there is absolutely no reason to pay for anything. I have even seen all the hit movies that are still in the theaters....online free.