How to Play Music From Flash Drives Without a Computer

Most modern television sets have a USB port to connect to a flash drive.

Certain media devices like the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and most modern television sets and sound systems can recognize audio files from a flash drive. The media software that is built in to these devices means that you can play music without connecting it to a laptop or PC.

Instructions

1. Search your home or office for any devices that can play audio files through a USB port. Not all devices can support audio files through USB, but most with a USB connection port can. Look around for televisions, audio systems and game consoles in particular -- check on the back of the devices for a USB port (there may be more than one).

2. Plug the flash drive into the USB port, turn the device on and wait. Most USB-capable devices will have a software system that automatically detects the flash drive and should display a media menu. Navigate the menu by using the TV remote or game controller and look for a menu option that says "Music." This might also be located in a "Media" menu.

3. Look at the music files. Because flash drives store music files like a computer database, you should see a list of all the files and folders that contain music tracks. Select the music file you want to play and press the "Play" button from the software menu. Other software systems might detect the audio tracks automatically and upload them into a system player like Windows Media Player -- simply select the track you want to listen to from the library or list and press the "Play" button.

4. Shuffle the tracks or choose to repeat certain songs by using the appropriate buttons. These buttons will change between device and brand but should appear on the system player dashboard or might correspond to a button on your controller or remote.

5. Force the device to detect the flash drive manually if it can't automatically. Some audio systems might not have a monitor or display screen for you to navigate and you'll need to change the input settings on the front panel. Do this by looking for a dial or button that indicates a new input (usually CD, cassette tape or radio). Press or turn the dial to the USB setting, if it has one.

Tips & Warnings

• Not all devices or brands will be able to support a flash drive. Check the device manual or ask the supplier if you are unsure.

• Devices without a USB port will not be able to play music stored on a flash drive.

References

• Read Bear Inc: LG - USB Media Host
• Sony Bravia: E Support - Playback via USB