Google Chromecast (1 Viewer)

[Maelstrom]

They just need to get the Amazon Prime app working with it. Casting that is no good

So when you "cast" something the quality isn't as good as if you had an app?

As far as I understand, if the app is going straight to chromecast, it avoids the doubling up on the wifi transmission. Right now, I have to play the video on my laptop which comes in through wifi. Then, I have to transmit it from the laptop to chromecast. The quality of the picture is the same, but it was very choppy. This could be a result of my wifi, but it is not slow and plays video fine for the most part on my laptop. Even when I knocked out the high res, it lagged too much for me to stand it.

If it goes straight to chromecast via an app, it should play better as it is not just reading from your open browser.

Yup, if you stream from Chrome, the wifi is transmitting the video data twice. With support for Chromecast, the wifi network only has to stream it directly to the Chromecast, and only once.

Without full support through SDK: [internet]->[Chrome]->[Chromecast]

With full support (notice, no Chrome): [internet]->[Chromecast]

 

[Johnnymac]

I still cant believe the deal I got on this thing the day it came out. Paid like 10 bucks for it with 3 free months of netflix.

 

[Keerock]

I still cant believe the deal I got on this thing the day it came out. Paid like 10 bucks for it with 3 free months of netflix.

I can't believe I sold one on eBay for $80

 

[BlueDredSo]

Is there a reason they 'recommend' plugging it into an outlet instead of plugging the USB to your TV? Is there really a difference? I was thinking maybe it'll affect your TV's performance, but I doubt it. I should probably just plug this thing in and see what happens...

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Is there a reason they 'recommend' plugging it into an outlet instead of plugging the USB to your TV? Is there really a difference? I was thinking maybe it'll affect your TV's performance, but I doubt it. I should probably just plug this thing in and see what happens...

I hadn't heard that. Mine has been olugged into the TV's USB since the beginning and I haven't seen any issues.

 

[Brady Marino]

Is there a reason they 'recommend' plugging it into an outlet instead of plugging the USB to your TV? Is there really a difference? I was thinking maybe it'll affect your TV's performance, but I doubt it. I should probably just plug this thing in and see what happens...

My Chromecast would wonk out on me from a time to time when plugged into USB. Since plugged into outlet, no issues.

 

[BlueDredSo]

Is there a reason they 'recommend' plugging it into an outlet instead of plugging the USB to your TV? Is there really a difference? I was thinking maybe it'll affect your TV's performance, but I doubt it. I should probably just plug this thing in and see what happens...

My Chromecast would wonk out on me from a time to time when plugged into USB. Since plugged into outlet, no issues.

Good to know. I'm gonna try the USB method first and see how it goes, as it's probably a little more energy efficient (only on when TV is on).

 

[Sarnoff]

Is there a reason they 'recommend' plugging it into an outlet instead of plugging the USB to your TV? Is there really a difference? I was thinking maybe it'll affect your TV's performance, but I doubt it. I should probably just plug this thing in and see what happens...

I think they're just covering themselves because many TV's don't have the 2.0USB ports which provide the power supply needed. Only the more newer ones tend to. So they tell you to plug it into the wall so they don't get a bunch of customers complaining about it.

 

[pats3in4]

Is there a reason they 'recommend' plugging it into an outlet instead of plugging the USB to your TV? Is there really a difference? I was thinking maybe it'll affect your TV's performance, but I doubt it. I should probably just plug this thing in and see what happens...

USB 2.0 provides 2.5W per the spec and I'm sure Chromecast uses it all. There might be some TVs that don't meet the spec and fall short. Even 50mW below spec could be enough to cause it to act flaky. Thus the recommendation to plug it into the wall.

I suspect most TVs within the last few years meet the spec. Might be a bigger issue with older TVs when USB ports were new features.

 

[VA703]

found this gem resource that lists all the full movies available on youtube. There are some good movies listed and it looks like its constantly being updated. I was watching Das Boot last night, great movie

http://www.reddit.com/r/fullmoviesonyoutube/

 

[jamny]

found this gem resource that lists all the full movies available on youtube. There are some good movies listed and it looks like its constantly being updated. I was watching Das Boot last night, great movie

http://www.reddit.com/r/fullmoviesonyoutube/

awesome!

Thanks for posting

 

[VA703]

I just got

Hbogo and am having some

Bad buffering with this app. Did some google searches and it seems to be a common issue. Think i might be switching to the new roku stick

 

[TheIronSheik]

Mine seems to go from working great to working terrible in spurts. For weeks, it'll work like a charm. Then, for no reason, it'll go back to not letting me control a movie once it starts. PITA when someone comes over or the telephone rings or you have to go to the bathroom.

 

[jhib]

Got one of these as a gift, and was excited to try it out even though I already have a Roku 3. So far, I'm disappointed in the setup. Apparently, it doesn't play all that well with my dual-band router. Looks like it's going to take some time to figure it out.

 

[jamny]

Is the Roku stick out yet?

 

[kupcho1]

For some reason, I'm no longer getting the cast button on Netflix from the iPad. Youtube and HBO Go, no problem. But Netflix no longer casts?

Tried deleting and reinstalling Netflix. Still doesn't work.

Has this happened to anyone else? Solutions???

 

[TheIronSheik]

For some reason, I'm no longer getting the cast button on Netflix from the iPad. Youtube and HBO Go, no problem. But Netflix no longer casts?

Tried deleting and reinstalling Netflix. Still doesn't work.

Has this happened to anyone else? Solutions???

This is what I was talking about. When it does this, I have to close down Netflix completely. Then go into settings and turn off the wifi, and then turn it back on. Then open Netflix back up. When I do this, the cast button reappears. It's maddening.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

For some reason, I'm no longer getting the cast button on Netflix from the iPad. Youtube and HBO Go, no problem. But Netflix no longer casts?

Tried deleting and reinstalling Netflix. Still doesn't work.

Has this happened to anyone else? Solutions???

This is what I was talking about. When it does this, I have to close down Netflix completely. Then go into settings and turn off the wifi, and then turn it back on. Then open Netflix back up. When I do this, the cast button reappears. It's maddening.

Happens to me too. For some reason, it seems to switch wifi networks at random.

Question: When you guys set up your Chromecast, did it set up a separate ".media" wifi connection?

had only my "XYZNetwork" wifi network before setting it up but then I had that and a "XYZNetwork.media" after.

 

[TheIronSheik]

For some reason, I'm no longer getting the cast button on Netflix from the iPad. Youtube and HBO Go, no problem. But Netflix no longer casts?

Tried deleting and reinstalling Netflix. Still doesn't work.

Has this happened to anyone else? Solutions???

This is what I was talking about. When it does this, I have to close down Netflix completely. Then go into settings and turn off the wifi, and then turn it back on. Then open Netflix back up. When I do this, the cast button reappears. It's maddening.

Happens to me too. For some reason, it seems to switch wifi networks at random.

Question: When you guys set up your Chromecast, did it set up a separate ".media" wifi connection?

had only my "XYZNetwork" wifi network before setting it up but then I had that and a "XYZNetwork.media" after.

Hmmm.... Not that I've noticed. But I really hadn't checked.

 

[jamny]

I still haven't had a single issue with mine. Clearly they have glitches for some. Does anyone know how many updates they've made?

 

[VA703]

Is the Roku stick out yet?

ive heard April so hopefully they don't push it back

 

[dickey moe]

Still waiting - how can I stream .mpeg/.avi video files with this?

 

[jamny]

Still waiting - how can I stream .mpeg/.avi video files with this?

Google Play?

 

[Gordo]

Just got mine set up. Awesome so far.

 

[Bucks]

Anyone try using this at a Hotel? Found out that most hotels wifi is setup with AP isolation which means that devices connected to the hotel Wifi are blocked from being to see each other. Also most hotels require each device to accept terms of use and often give and access code to get beyond their hotel captive portal page. Both present hurdles for using the Chromecast.

Figured out that there are travel routers that can get around this by allowing you to use the hotel wifi to create your own in-room hotspot. With your PC, smartphone, or tablet you connect to the travel router and complete the portal authentication. Doing this just once instead of once per device requires the router to support something called WISP. Then you can find the Chromecast and it can stream off the Internet.

There's a nice deal posted on Slickdeals today for a Dlink DIR-506L travel router thru DLinkshop.com. Apply code SHAREPORT25 FOR A $25 promo discount bringing the price down to $25. Also, if you register, start the checkout process, then close the page, they will sweeten the deal in about an hour with an email to take an additional 10% off.

This travel router has a built in battery source to run cordless for a few hours and can also be used as backup battery charging source for your phone when you are in a jam. Though the battery capacity won't provide much of a charge.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Question: When you guys set up your Chromecast, did it set up a separate ".media" wifi connection?

had only my "XYZNetwork" wifi network before setting it up but then I had that and a "XYZNetwork.media" after.

I finally figured this out.

I have a dual band router. The XYZNetwork is the 2.4ghz band and the XYZNetwork.media is the 5ghz band.

Don't know if that's relevant to anyone. The 5ghz band is the faster one but has shorter range.

 

[dickey moe]

Working great streaming video from online sources. Who needs HBO anymore?

 

[dickey moe]

Still waiting - how can I stream .mpeg/.avi video files with this?

Google Play?

I'd like to be able to stream video files from my PC hard-drive to chromecast (if this is possible).

 

[Dragons]

Still waiting - how can I stream .mpeg/.avi video files with this?

Google Play?

I'd like to be able to stream video files from my PC hard-drive to chromecast (if this is possible).

Just delving into it myself, but look at Plex for this.

 

[dickey moe]

Still waiting - how can I stream .mpeg/.avi video files with this?

Google Play?

I'd like to be able to stream video files from my PC hard-drive to chromecast (if this is possible).

Just delving into it myself, but look at Plex for this.

You've got it to work using Plex?

 

[Dragons]

I havent tried streaming to chromecsst yet, but I've populated my plex library and viewed a home video on android. The app ($4.99) and the PC program (free) both have the chromecast icon embedded, so it appears this will work.

My main problem so far is that I have to convert a ton of DVD rips to a supported file type.

 

[Johnnymac]

I stream from plex to chromecast without any problems.

 

[jamny]

Google is adding Android mirroring support to Chromecast. While Chromecast, as the name suggests, has been limited to Chrome tab streaming, that’s being extended to a number of Android handsets soon. HTC’s One M7 is supported, alongside LG’s G2 and G2 Pro, and Google’s Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2013), and Nexus 10 devices. On the Samsung side the Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S4, and Galaxy S5 will all support Android screen mirroring to Chromecast. More devices will be supported soon, but the Moto X is one prominent device missing on the list for now.

Google’s $35 Chromecast streaming device is also getting an upgrade later this year to allow anyone to stream content to a connected TV. Chromecast currently supports casting from Android, iOS, and Windows, but you must be on the same Wi-Fi network to stream content. That’s changing soon, with an opt-in feature that lets Chromecast automatically detect and authenticate nearby Android users that are using cellular data. If the automatic detection fails or you’re not nearby then a PIN will act as a way to authenticate with a Chromecast. It’s clearly designed to make it easier for friends to stream content from their Android devices to any Chromecasts nearby.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Google is adding Android mirroring support to Chromecast. While Chromecast, as the name suggests, has been limited to Chrome tab streaming, that’s being extended to a number of Android handsets soon. HTC’s One M7 is supported, alongside LG’s G2 and G2 Pro, and Google’s Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2013), and Nexus 10 devices. On the Samsung side the Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S4, and Galaxy S5 will all support Android screen mirroring to Chromecast. More devices will be supported soon, but the Moto X is one prominent device missing on the list for now.

Google’s $35 Chromecast streaming device is also getting an upgrade later this year to allow anyone to stream content to a connected TV. Chromecast currently supports casting from Android, iOS, and Windows, but you must be on the same Wi-Fi network to stream content. That’s changing soon, with an opt-in feature that lets Chromecast automatically detect and authenticate nearby Android users that are using cellular data. If the automatic detection fails or you’re not nearby then a PIN will act as a way to authenticate with a Chromecast. It’s clearly designed to make it easier for friends to stream content from their Android devices to any Chromecasts nearby.

Whoa.

 

[strykerpks]

They just need to get the Amazon Prime app working with it. Casting that is no good

So when you "cast" something the quality isn't as good as if you had an app?

As far as I understand, if the app is going straight to chromecast, it avoids the doubling up on the wifi transmission. Right now, I have to play the video on my laptop which comes in through wifi. Then, I have to transmit it from the laptop to chromecast. The quality of the picture is the same, but it was very choppy. This could be a result of my wifi, but it is not slow and plays video fine for the most part on my laptop. Even when I knocked out the high res, it lagged too much for me to stand it.

If it goes straight to chromecast via an app, it should play better as it is not just reading from your open browser.

Dumb question but is the app on the Chromecast itself and if so where do I find that?

Or are you saying the app on a phone/tablet etc will send the data to the Chromecast?

 

[Polish Hammer]

Just got my Chromecast this weekend. It did a good job of connecting easily and casting Netflix from my Nexus 5. So far, so good.

I'd like to play files off of my local network computer as well. I've heard Plex mentioned a number of times. Does anyone have any detailed experience where you can speak for or against it? Any heads-up issues I should know on this one?

Also heard about something called Videostream. It looks like a Chrome extension (I think) that let's me play stuff off of my computer and cast it, but then I'd have to start each new movie from my computer which is not in the same room as the TV/Chromecast. Anybody know anything about this one?

 

[Johnnymac]

Just got my Chromecast this weekend. It did a good job of connecting easily and casting Netflix from my Nexus 5. So far, so good.

I'd like to play files off of my local network computer as well. I've heard Plex mentioned a number of times. Does anyone have any detailed experience where you can speak for or against it? Any heads-up issues I should know on this one?

Also heard about something called Videostream. It looks like a Chrome extension (I think) that let's me play stuff off of my computer and cast it, but then I'd have to start each new movie from my computer which is not in the same room as the TV/Chromecast. Anybody know anything about this one?

I have had absolutely no issues using plex with my chromecast.

 

[Polish Hammer]

Will I need to code the files to a particular type of container? Most of them are .avi files right now.

 

[Polish Hammer]

Another Plex question....

I travel for work a fair bit. This won't allow me to watch videos that are on my home computer while I am on the road, will it?

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Another Plex question....

I travel for work a fair bit. This won't allow me to watch videos that are on my home computer while I am on the road, will it?

you'll need PlexPass

 

[Dragons]

Another Plex question....

I travel for work a fair bit. This won't allow me to watch videos that are on my home computer while I am on the road, will it?

You can watch files remotely with the android app. You can even store the file on the local device to watch without internet access if you spring for a PlexPass purchase.

It does require certain containers, mp4 works. Haven't tested avi.

 

[Bucks]

Chromecast 1 year birthday promotion. All active owners are eligible for a free 90 day Google Play Music All Access trial subscription. Enroll any time thru September. $9.99/month to continue after 90 day period.

Today our little one, Chromecast, celebrates a year. We built Chromecast to make it easier for people to enjoy their favorite entertainment from their phone, tablet or laptop on the largest screen in the house—the TV. Since Chromecast launched, people have hit the cast button more than 400 million times to enjoy their favorite sports, music, premium movies and TV shows. We’ve added hundreds of your favorite apps, including WatchESPN, Pandora, Hulu Plus, HBO GO and PBS Kids; announced new features like mirroring your Android device to the TV and expanded to 30,000 stores across 20 countries.

To celebrate Chromecast’s birthday, Google Play Music is offering All Access subscriptions free for 90 days to anyone with a Chromecast (and who isn’t already an All Access subscriber). This offer will be available in the U.S. starting today, July 24, 2014 through September 30, 2014. If you already have a Chromecast, go to chromecast.com/offers to redeem this offer. Visit the Help Center to learn more.

 

[Jaysus]

Chromecast 1 year birthday promotion. All active owners are eligible for a free 90 day Google Play Music All Access trial subscription. Enroll any time thru September. $9.99/month to continue after 90 day period.

Today our little one, Chromecast, celebrates a year. We built Chromecast to make it easier for people to enjoy their favorite entertainment from their phone, tablet or laptop on the largest screen in the house—the TV. Since Chromecast launched, people have hit the cast button more than 400 million times to enjoy their favorite sports, music, premium movies and TV shows. We’ve added hundreds of your favorite apps, including WatchESPN, Pandora, Hulu Plus, HBO GO and PBS Kids; announced new features like mirroring your Android device to the TV and expanded to 30,000 stores across 20 countries.

To celebrate Chromecast’s birthday, Google Play Music is offering All Access subscriptions free for 90 days to anyone with a Chromecast (and who isn’t already an All Access subscriber). This offer will be available in the U.S. starting today, July 24, 2014 through September 30, 2014. If you already have a Chromecast, go to chromecast.com/offers to redeem this offer. Visit the Help Center to learn more.

Well, I just so happen to be going on vacation in the next 90 days.... that sounds like something that may be useful for the trip.

 

[MattFancy]

Has anyone else been messing around with mirroring your tablet/cell phone screen with Chromecast? It's really cool. Especially for showing pictures/videos on my phone or if I'm reading something interesting and want to show my wife.

 

[Jaysus]

Has anyone else been messing around with mirroring your tablet/cell phone screen with Chromecast? It's really cool. Especially for showing pictures/videos on my phone or if I'm reading something interesting and want to show my wife.

yeah, I actually did it last night with Google Earth to search around our beach rental that we have next month. It was pretty cool.

 

[skol asylum]

Has anyone else been messing around with mirroring your tablet/cell phone screen with Chromecast? It's really cool. Especially for showing pictures/videos on my phone or if I'm reading something interesting and want to show my wife.

How is this done?

 

[Dentist]

I have chromecast and I like it... but pretty much the only thing it has that my WD Live doesn't have is Watch ESPN.. so that's the only thing i'm using it for.

I feel like the MIracast devices are already gaining on or beating chromecast.. and WD live just started supporting miracasting.

http://www.amazon.com/ARRIVAL-Streaming-Miracast-Consumer-Electronics/dp/B00JI7ZW2M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1409016728&sr=8-2&keywords=miracast

 

[MattFancy]

Has anyone else been messing around with mirroring your tablet/cell phone screen with Chromecast? It's really cool. Especially for showing pictures/videos on my phone or if I'm reading something interesting and want to show my wife.

How is this done?

On my phone (Moto X) and tablet (Nexus 7) if I pull down the top bar, I get all the usual options like WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. and at the bottom, I also have an option for ScreenCast. Just click on that and it should mirror whatever is on your screen to your TV. Pretty neat to do with games for my daughter and for pictures.

 

[matttyl]

Has anyone else been messing around with mirroring your tablet/cell phone screen with Chromecast? It's really cool. Especially for showing pictures/videos on my phone or if I'm reading something interesting and want to show my wife.

Can this be done with an iphone, and if so, how?

 

[MattFancy]

Has anyone else been messing around with mirroring your tablet/cell phone screen with Chromecast? It's really cool. Especially for showing pictures/videos on my phone or if I'm reading something interesting and want to show my wife.

Can this be done with an iphone, and if so, how?

Good question. I think it may be only Android right now for the screen casting.