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Whats your BIG Chromecast idea? More potential than a "traditional" A/V streamer?
So I've seen many people, developers and users alike, swarming the ideas of the expected basic usages of this wonderful device.
Examples: Out-of-Box expected usage (streaming from qualified providers), mirrored A/V from PC/Phone/Tablet, other connectivity proof of concepts (IE: emulators), ect…
So my question is: What's your big idea to extend the usage of this device beyond "traditional" implementation?
I’ll start by sharing mine (actually 2 product idea’s, that could become 1 at some point in time).
1. All-in-one media station. Taking the concept of a HTPC/XBMC build, and extending it to have the Chromcast as the “presenter”, and the PC/Phone/Tablet as the “remote”. The software package would include a “media server” run on a compatible PC on the same network, accompanied by the “remote” app on the Phone/Tablet (web-based control for PC remote).
I intend to also include the ability to queue/control presentation files such as PPT, PDF, ect… I’d like to have the package useful to both home and business clients/users.
One of my favorite parts of this idea resides in the remote app. Upon selection of the media you intend to cast, use a 2-finger up gesture to begin casting (makes me think of the scene in IronMan2 when he takes over the monitors in the courtroom by using a similar gesture on his “phone”, lol) It’s the little things that get me excited haha.
2. A home automation/security media point. On demand or automated view of automation/security enabled objects in your environment. Example: You have a security system with camera’s in your home, specifically, one is mounted at your front door. Someone appears at your door (motion-trigger), and/or rings the doorbell (another available trigger). HDMI-CEC enabled TV’s would switch the input to the Chromcast and display the camera at your front door.
My brain begins to hurt as all the possibilities for automation and security integration pile up. But hopefully, you get the point.
I’d love to hear from some of the other inventive people on this forum, and interested in the Chromcast. Again, what’s your idea?
Android stick with a BT android remote with cheapcast
Low power consumption httpd, ircd, VPN, or ssh.
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The one thing I'd love to see the chromecast do is be able to connect directly to my phone and use it's 4g for streaming. I would figure something like this should be possible since it's basically what it does during initial setup.
Due to the layout of where I work (big concrete building), I get great signal with my phone in the window, but no signal anywhere else. i'd love to be able to plug the chromecast into the tv during breaks and stream from the phone.
evelbug said:
The one thing I'd love to see the chromecast do is be able to connect directly to my phone and use it's 4g for streaming. I would figure something like this should be possible since it's basically what it does during initial setup.
Due to the layout of where I work (big concrete building), I get great signal with my phone in the window, but no signal anywhere else. i'd love to be able to plug the chromecast into the tv during breaks and stream from the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No during initial setup the chromecast generates its own wifi hostpost. Ofcourse this hotspot has no internet access and so would be useless for anything but setting up.
But why not make a hotspot with your phone? That would do the same thing.
I just want miracast support
Chromecast ideas
Chromecast supports multiple connections so could do things like a card game where player cards need to be private. The screen shows the playing field and each player sees just their cards on phone/tablet/computer. Is a simple example but there may be other uses to have multiple game play or interaction to same screen.
Chromecast and DIAL protocol are free to license so could be put into any consumer electronics device - SmartTV, refrigerators, home thermostat, etc.
xenokc said:
Chromecast supports multiple connections so could do things like a card game where player cards need to be private. The screen shows the playing field and each player sees just their cards on phone/tablet/computer. Is a simple example but there may be other uses to have multiple game play or interaction to same screen.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is quite an awesome idea! Granted, I see it as a similar setup that the WiiU has tried to do with some of their games. And MS also with the "second screen" for xbox and such.
But why shouln't google get in on this tech as well? I'm very interested to start investigating this idea myself. Mind if I borrow your idea xenokc? lol
Unholyfire said:
That is quite an awesome idea! Granted, I see it as a similar setup that the WiiU has tried to do with some of their games. And MS also with the "second screen" for xbox and such.
But why shouln't google get in on this tech as well? I'm very interested to start investigating this idea myself. Mind if I borrow your idea xenokc? lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for it!
Unholyfire said:
So I've seen many people, developers and users alike, swarming the ideas of the expected basic usages of this wonderful device.
Examples: Out-of-Box expected usage (streaming from qualified providers), mirrored A/V from PC/Phone/Tablet, other connectivity proof of concepts (IE: emulators), ect…
So my question is: What's your big idea to extend the usage of this device beyond "traditional" implementation?
I’ll start by sharing mine (actually 2 product idea’s, that could become 1 at some point in time).
1. All-in-one media station. Taking the concept of a HTPC/XBMC build, and extending it to have the Chromcast as the “presenter”, and the PC/Phone/Tablet as the “remote”. The software package would include a “media server” run on a compatible PC on the same network, accompanied by the “remote” app on the Phone/Tablet (web-based control for PC remote).
I intend to also include the ability to queue/control presentation files such as PPT, PDF, ect… I’d like to have the package useful to both home and business clients/users.
One of my favorite parts of this idea resides in the remote app. Upon selection of the media you intend to cast, use a 2-finger up gesture to begin casting (makes me think of the scene in IronMan2 when he takes over the monitors in the courtroom by using a similar gesture on his “phone”, lol) It’s the little things that get me excited haha.
2. A home automation/security media point. On demand or automated view of automation/security enabled objects in your environment. Example: You have a security system with camera’s in your home, specifically, one is mounted at your front door. Someone appears at your door (motion-trigger), and/or rings the doorbell (another available trigger). HDMI-CEC enabled TV’s would switch the input to the Chromcast and display the camera at your front door.
My brain begins to hurt as all the possibilities for automation and security integration pile up. But hopefully, you get the point.
I’d love to hear from some of the other inventive people on this forum, and interested in the Chromcast. Again, what’s your idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
#1 will be done when Plex enables Chromecast functionality.
Hey im new to this chromecast. I can see my chrome browser on the pc but not on android, how can I do that? Sijce here are very experienced users oj chromecast can someone describe the full working potentials this device has?
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You cant do squat with Chrome on Android yet for some odd reason.
Tab casting from Chrome uses the host CPU to re-encode the video and stream it to the Chromecast on-the-fly. Tablet and phone CPUs don't have enough processing power. That's why there's no Chromecast extension for Chrome on your portable device.
Well that sucks bc there is possibilities with this chromecast. I downloaded the allcast and obviously updated my google services. I cast a picture and it doesnt show normal, shows rotated to the left. Can you cast from the gallery vids and photos?
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The man problem is the fact that Android Chrome does not support Chrome Apps and Extensions.
Something I'm told Google is working on...
Asphyx said:
The man problem is the fact that Android Chrome does not support Chrome Apps and Extensions.
Something I'm told Google is working on...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea they better be working on it, this has been out couple months now they need to update more
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda app-developers app
Google is working on a way to mirror your android screen to the chromecast and we know this because on kitkat roms theres an option to cast screen but isn't quite working yet. Its only been coded in but thats it.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk
tooblackforjack said:
Google is working on a way to mirror your android screen to the chromecast and we know this because on kitkat roms theres an option to cast screen but isn't quite working yet. Its only been coded in but thats it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KitKat roms have Miracast, a different protocol.
Supported by HTC and Samsung since 2012 with their private dongles.
Not new, sorry.
EarlyMon said:
KitKat roms have Miracast, a different protocol.
Supported by HTC and Samsung since 2012 with their private dongles.
Not new, sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah ik, i was just informing in case he didn't know sorry.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk
EarlyMon said:
KitKat roms have Miracast, a different protocol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but Google has renamed it to Cast Screen. Clearly, they will be adding support for casting to Chromecasts directly inside of Android. Otherwise, renaming it to match the Chromecast nomenclature makes no sense.
bozzykid said:
Yes, but Google has renamed it to Cast Screen. Clearly, they will be adding support for casting to Chromecasts directly inside of Android. Otherwise, renaming it to match the Chromecast nomenclature makes no sense.
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Click to collapse
Because MiraCAST isn't confusing enough?
I'm aware that a number of blogs not familiar with Miracast are spreading that rumor. I think it's wishful thinking but we'll see, won't we?
http://www.howtogeek.com/177145/wir...ed-airplay-miracast-widi-chromecast-and-dlna/
http://readwrite.com/2013/11/07/android-kitkat-developers-users
A side note, Android 4.4 KitKat devices can now be certified by the Wi-Fi alliance as being Miracast compatible. That is a big step for Android in being able to stream content from a device to a television by supporting more streaming standards. Now only if the Chromecast supported Miracast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.androidpolice.com/tags/miracast/
So, you believe that WiFi Direct is coming to the existing Chromecast?
Or that in addition to Miracast, they'll be providing a second protocol for phones, with a server (like Koush did)? And people will be able to figure out the two casting options on their devices?
I think that it's far more likely that rather than put both protocols on a phone or into the existing Chromecast, it's more likely that DIAL support plus Miracast *might* appear in a Chromecast 2.
Miracast dongles already exist, it's February and the SDK libraries still aren't out, and in July, Chromecast will be a year old.
Apple TV costs $100 with this feature, a Belkin Miracast dongle is $80, an HTC Media Link HD is $100, the Samsung Allshare Cast Hub was a hundred, is $65 on Amazon now.
It's possible that Google is going to pump this in to the existing Chromecast for the faithful for free, but I'm just not feeling it.
Either way, so far KitKat includes Miracast, not DIAL.
EarlyMon said:
Or that in addition to Miracast, they'll be providing a second protocol for phones, with a server (like Koush did)? And people will be able to figure out the two casting options on their devices?
I think that it's far more likely that rather than put both protocols on a phone or into the existing Chromecast, it's more likely that DIAL support plus Miracast *might* appear in a Chromecast 2.
...
It's possible that Google is going to pump this in to the existing Chromecast for the faithful for free, but I'm just not feeling it.
Either way, so far KitKat includes Miracast, not DIAL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First part:
Since it's (Android) device mirroring functions appear to be in the SDK, but are limited only to OEM developers, my best-guess is that what we'll see is any Chromecast device mirroring will have to be "cooked" into a ROM rather than a loose bit (makes sense - that's how Samsung's AllShare Cast works too).
Hopefully the UX engineers win and make it so the Screen Mirroring option at least combines Google Cast and Miracast device options together, rather than having separate options for Screen Mirroring (Miracast) and Screen Mirroring (Google Cast).
Second part:
Yeah, not going to hold my breath. As I keep saying, screen mirroring is not the core competency of Chromecast.
bhiga said:
First part:
Since it's (Android) device mirroring functions appear to be in the SDK, but are limited only to OEM developers, my best-guess is that what we'll see is any Chromecast device mirroring will have to be "cooked" into a ROM rather than a loose bit (makes sense - that's how Samsung's AllShare Cast works too).
Hopefully the UX engineers win and make it so the Screen Mirroring option at least combines Google Cast and Miracast device options together, rather than having separate options for Screen Mirroring (Miracast) and Screen Mirroring (Google Cast).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both together sounds like a bit much, but it's possible.
Samsung is likely going their own way.
http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-an...ultiscreen-and-overlay-capabilities-28303309/
Second part:
Yeah, not going to hold my breath. As I keep saying, screen mirroring is not the core competency of Chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree.
If you ask me any attempt to make CCast work like a Miracast would be a big waste, Even a downgrade!
No need for Direct Connection for Mirroring as Mirror over IP is far more flexible and less problematical. Not to mention requires no special software support like Miracast does. If they really wanted Miracast type direct mirroring all it would take is some additions to the rom cause hardware wise, the CCast has everything it needs
It may not be part of why the CCast was developed but I don't see Google being as smart as they are leaving that market open to Miracast dongles when they know full well the only thing inhibiting CCast from doing it (and better) is their lack of developing an App that does it for Mobile...
As for the Casting support in the SDK for OEM use I suspect that is more generic in nature and just an exposure of the display system to support Miracast, Perhaps CCast Mirroring and any other 2nd screen tech that comes down the pipe.
I think mirroring feature is a bit overrated myself, it's good for an audience but not for an operator's use.
It's easier to do than what CCast is trying to do because there is no need for a control protocol...Just a simple transcoder for Video and Audio the rest is all done on the Master Display device.
As for that Samsung option I don't expect it to take off due to proprietary concerns. It's meant for Samsung SmartTVs and I bet LG and Sony won't support it. Samsung would be better off building that capability directly into the TV itself.
DIAL is still in its infancy and I expect the protocol to expand as support and adoption of it grows...
Whatever lessons they learned from Chromecast I expect to be addressed whenever they get around to making the second gen CCast.
Wired Networking or at minimum 5Ghz Wireless support is to be expected as would a more robust Video playback Compatibility.
It's not likely that any app that adds CCast support is going to remove it in the future which means as the Apps list grows so too does the chance we have of seeing this supported without the need for a dongle at all.
TV over the Web will work the way it was supposed to and remove the biggest hurdle to achieving full IPTV to date...
The Navigation and Channel Guide no one could figure out how to do....
And who knew the Web Browser was the answer all along.
Samsung is still the largest supplier of flat screen TVs in North America, is it not?
Besides, they've never been shy about adding interfaces to support the future. I have a Samsung TV with a specialized iPod interface as proof. (And I believe that the article did say clearly that Samsung was going to build the new casting into their TVs.)
And none of the TV makers think twice about adding fragmenting features, and Samsung certainly doesn't for their mobile devices.
As for the claim that it's just about making a mobile app and declaring victory for screen casting, you might want to review the API changes that have been evolving for months.
Doing that without library support and not differentiating DRM vs non-DRM cast calls may seem simple to you but it doesn't to me.
Last published, Netflix and YouTube accounted for over 50% of North American broadband traffic.
Screen casting may be an emerging market, or it could just be a flash in the pan.
EarlyMon said:
Samsung is still the largest supplier of flat screen TVs in North America, is it not?
Besides, they've never been shy about adding interfaces to support the future. I have a Samsung TV with a specialized iPod interface as proof. (And I believe that the article did say clearly that Samsung was going to build the new casting into their TVs.)
And none of the TV makers think twice about adding fragmenting features, and Samsung certainly doesn't for their mobile devices.
As for the claim that it's just about making a mobile app and declaring victory for screen casting, you might want to review the API changes that have been evolving for months.
Doing that without library support and not differentiating DRM vs non-DRM cast calls may seem simple to you but it doesn't to me.
Last published, Netflix and YouTube accounted for over 50% of North American broadband traffic.
Screen casting may be an emerging market, or it could just be a flash in the pan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I guess Samsung is the largest supplier of Flat Screens in NA just like Apple is the biggest supplier of Smart Phones in NA...
Until you realize combine all the NOT Samsung Models into an US vs THEM and they are not the Majority by any means...Same with Apple vs Android as opposed to Apple vs Samsung itself.
As for the DRM you forget that DIAL doesn't care and leaves using or not using up to the content provider. It's there if you want it and if not you only have to support the DIscover and Launch capabilities.
Is Sony (who owns a majority of content compared to Samsung) going to cut out DIAL for Samsung's proprietary system?
Doubtful!
And since the CCast and DIAL supports ANY TV with HDMI input it has a far better chance of being adopted as a standard than Samsung's device is.
IMO most of the current desire for screencasting is really a "backup plan" for content that is currently not supported via DIAL. "___ isn't supported so I want to mirror my screen/tab."
So the mainstream correct solution would be to get the desired content providers on-board with Google Cast.
That would leave non-"canned" content for screen mirroring (games in a second screen model, general browsing, presentations, Skype, etc).
I'd love to see a native Skype for Chromecast using the microphone and controls on my tablet/phone with video on the TV but keeping it in sync might be nontrivial engineering on the Skype end.
Asphyx said:
As for the DRM you forget that DIAL doesn't care and leaves using or not using up to the content provider. It's there if you want it and if not you only have to support the DIscover and Launch capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only invite you, again, to look at the actual casting API rather than rely on assumptions.
It's NOT the same as that last July and it absolutely, positively does recognize casting DRM content.
Start here -
https://groups.google.com/a/chromium.org/forum/m/#!topic/apps-dev/emlKA4C-c90
And then Google for what's happened since, along with Koush's commentaries.
Is Sony (who owns a majority of content compared to Samsung) going to cut out DIAL for Samsung's proprietary system?
Doubtful!
And since the CCast and DIAL supports ANY TV with HDMI input it has a far better chance of being adopted as a standard than Samsung's device is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you even read the article to discover that Samsung is using a superset of DIAL and support by Sony, LG, and Panasonic TV sets is expected?
---------- Post added at 04:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:07 PM ----------
bhiga said:
IMO most of the current desire for screencasting is really a "backup plan" for content that is currently not supported via DIAL. "___ isn't supported so I want to mirror my screen/tab."
So the mainstream correct solution would be to get the desired content providers on-board with Google Cast.
That would leave non-"canned" content for screen mirroring (games in a second screen model, general browsing, presentations, Skype, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you checked out what Vbukit is planning on supporting with Chromecast?
Pretty interesting, I think.
Not sure about getting Skype sorted out.
It seems like every time Skype updates, it's a step backwards, but that's just my off-topic opinion.
EarlyMon said:
Have you checked out what Vbukit is planning on supporting with Chromecast?
Pretty interesting, I think.
Not sure about getting Skype sorted out.
It seems like every time Skype updates, it's a step backwards, but that's just my off-topic opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Vbukit is a little rough around the edges, but I can definitely see it being useful for presenters and educators especially.
Agree with you on Skype...
Back on-topic, there isn't a lot of technical copyright/DRM concern regarding casting anything you see on the screen - after all, if you can see it on the screen, you've seen it already. It's just that the legal types are not technical, highly likely to make crazy conclusions and assumptions, and get paid no matter what they do - so it's in their best interest to make issue of little things. I've personally seen warnings from the copyright hunters complete with ISP traces down to the router endpoint too, so they are watching and waiting to pounce.
I still hope an optimized device mirroring comes as something deeper within the Android OS itself.
Something akin to RemoteX in the Windows space, which is a "remote render" or offload of the graphic drawing functions. Anything that's not reliant upon a local bitmap could be rendered on Chromecast, rather than sent as large/inefficient bitmap data or CPU-intensive compressed data. That would make some "twitchy" games playable, especially if Chromecast has enough memory/storage to cache bitmaps that it does end up needing. Full-screen video, of course, doesn't benefit, nor does typical FPS games since the entirety of the screen is being updated with bitmaps.
For fun, I played a video on my phone and watched it on my computer (no audio) via TeamViewer. It took me back to the early 90's.
We've waited for apps and other optimized content this long, let's see what Google delivers.
Content providers have been successfully inhibiting HDMI and MHL output from their apps running on Android devices.
I believe that the casting API changes may have them in mind, but that's pure conjecture on my part.
I think it's ridiculous but so long as people check the boxes and agree to the terms of service, they're free to enforce it.
Hello folks,
I got my Chromecast, it works, I like it.
But I find it unnerving that the system is so closed.
Some guy has, months ago, released something he called "PiCast" as an open alternative on the Raspberry Pi.
I wonder: Why aren't there more devs bringing an open, extensible alternative, installable on a Raspberry Pi or other small computer, to life? I really don't understand it, since. like I see it, it doesn't seem particularly complicated! The following features would at least have to be implemented:
***********************************************
- media player software which can play a broad palette of formats and stream from different sources (VLC, Mplayer etc. come to mind an can surely be used as a part of the project)
- web interface which accepts URLs (web or LAN) of files that are to be played and passes them to the media player; and which accepts control commands for the now playing file like pause, forward etc.
Most convenient would be if these URLs could not only be http ones, but also SMB, streaming protocols etc.
Don't we all want a device where we NOT are confined to certain formats?
- apps for computers and mobile devices which let the user choose files he wants to watch / listen to and pass the URL to the web interface and which pass control commands like pause, forward to the web interface
- a customized, lean OS with a Chromecast-like, very simple UI
*************************************************
Any thoughts?
Best wishes,
Hasenbein
The entire reason for the CCast (which essentially replaced the GoogleTV fiasco) was to keep the system closed enough to get Content providers to support it due to the ability to use DRM and control the players being used.
Why do you think other projects like XBMC still to this day do NOT (and will NEVER) have access to Netflix for any sustainable time because Netflix will change their encryption and break any player app they do not have complete control over.
GoogleTV was actually blacklisted by the network websites to prevent it from playing content. All because it was just a little too open for their liking.
What @Asphyx said, plus Android TV sticks have been around for quite some time and already do similar. The key difference is market share. History is littered with proposed "standards" that never won. In the end it's not what is better, sometimes not even what's cheaper, but what picks up.
Iomega's Zip drive was inferior to SyQuest EZ drive, but Iomega won by marketing and hence adoption. Developers had more incentive to support Zip drives (not that much was specifically required but still) because there was a wider audience and market for them.
Adobe's changing the design market the same way. I still have CS6, but more and more I'm getting files from people on CC. And it's annoying. Essentially I'm being forced into CC if I want to work with anybody outside of my four walls.
Even though it's only available in select retail channels, Google is pushing Chromecast with TV ads. The fact that they've sold (or at least shipped) millions is a strong testament to its adoption rate. Even at my local stores, I can say just by the serial numbers they've cycled through, at least 500 have left the shelf since August 2013.
The market share attracts content providers, and the closed nature gives their lawyers ease regarding theft. Sure, there will always be people supporting TV sticks with clever solutions that are free or near-free, though they sometimes require jumping through numerous hoops (even moreso than Chromecast of today), and if something doesn't work as required, it involved researching. It's not like you can put in a support ticket or call support. Granted, Chromecast support isn't outstanding... but many of my non-techy friends have adopted Chromecast, even without hearing from me, and these are not people who visit XDA, nor are they people who would ever have run across or even considered an Android TV stick, nor are they people who have any idea of what an Arduino or Raspberry Pi is.
The draw is the consumer, and the consumer needs content to consume. Which means longevity of the product/concept/standard depends on support from the content providers.
At the price point of Chromecast it seems to be designed to draw in not just first timers, but also customers who may already have a media to TV solution but it's lacking in simplicity or quality. E.g. maybe you have a powerful HTPC that suits all your needs but Netflix is in low-def for DRM reasons. And YouTube stutters on 1080p because Windows keeps trying to do other things in the background while you play it. OK then you put $35 down on a Chromecast and now your Netflix & YouTube videos look better.
And similarly, it's cheap enough that if Chromecast alone does not suit your needs, you can say, well hey, all I spent on the Chromecast was $35, so I don't see why that should stop me from also buying that other media box that does more things.
cmstlist said:
At the price point of Chromecast it seems to be designed to draw in not just first timers, but also customers who may already have a media to TV solution but it's lacking in simplicity or quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm definitely in this boat.
I have a semi-Smart TV that supports YouTube, Amazon, and a about 12 other "channels" - but its interface is slow and clunky. It also doesn't support DLNA video (sadly, one model year too early).
I have a HTPC that I use to play DVDs and Blu-rays from my media server, and even though I have a BT keyboard remote for it, navigating between Windows Media Center and browser-sourced video is fiddly.
Chromecast didn't replace my HTPC, it's just giving me a much easier way to view those browser-sourced videos.
However, if/when Chromecast gets DVD and BD playback, it very well might replace my HTPC...
http://blog.vudu.com/?p=10711
https://forum.vudu.com/showthread.php?112941-UltraViolet-FAQ-s
Vudu ultraviolet on Chromecast will displace the need for a disc player or home video server for a number of people. Not sure yet but I'll probably be one of them.
cmstlist said:
At the price point of Chromecast it seems to be designed to draw in not just first timers, but also customers who may already have a media to TV solution but it's lacking in simplicity or quality. E.g. maybe you have a powerful HTPC that suits all your needs but Netflix is in low-def for DRM reasons. And YouTube stutters on 1080p because Windows keeps trying to do other things in the background while you play it. OK then you put $35 down on a Chromecast and now your Netflix & YouTube videos look better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. I really care about picture quality, so Chromecast offers the cheapest way to get SuperHD Netflix on my TV. If I wasn't bothered about the quality, I'd just connect my tablet with a cable whenever I wanted to watch something.
EarlyMon said:
http://blog.vudu.com/?p=10711
https://forum.vudu.com/showthread.php?112941-UltraViolet-FAQ-s
Vudu ultraviolet on Chromecast will displace the need for a disc player or home video server for a number of people. Not sure yet but I'll probably be one of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting service and a good idea....
Unfortunately $2 per SD conversion of DVD or $5 to HD is a bit too pricey considering how I have the equipment to rip my own DVD (I have more than 3000 titles in my collection), do the Upconvert and even rip the subtitles to put into an MKV.
But this service will do well because of the sheer number of people who do not have the capability to do that and the ease of use.
I wonder are they actually converting your DVDs or are they doing the much smarter thing and letting you insert the disk, check it for validity and then just giving you access to the already encoded content they have stored?
Asphyx said:
I wonder are they actually converting your DVDs or are they doing the much smarter thing and letting you insert the disk, check it for validity and then just giving you access to the already encoded content they have stored?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The second one, so far as I know.
And if you just enter your digital copy information that works too.
My son-in-law does that but I haven't asked him about the details - he's very happy with the service though.
It's a great Idea....
I have a similar validation system I use....
If I own it already on disc then I feel I have the right to download it if I choose...I paid them their cut so no Guilt involved.
LOL
Similar but I don't pay the conversion fee!
I have a small collection.
I got tired years ago of format changes, player upkeep and having more plastic in the house, so I've been satisfied with rentals. I keep a few favorites on my shelves just in case.
And I had one of my media servers die of old age a few months ago. I'm tired of maintaining my own cloud. Been there, done that. Still do my music and just a few movies now.
I like the ultraviolet model, it sounds simple to me.
And to the OP -
LocalCast does direct entry of http and smb addresses.
EarlyMon said:
I have a small collection.
I got tired years ago of format changes, player upkeep and having more plastic in the house, so I've been satisfied with rentals. I keep a few favorites on my shelves just in case.
And I had one of my media servers die of old age a few months ago. I'm tired of maintaining my own cloud. Been there, done that. Still do my music and just a few movies now.
I like the ultraviolet model, it sounds simple to me.
And to the OP -
LocalCast does direct entry of http and smb addresses.
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yeah unfortunately I live in a very rural area and Cable and Internet outages are common (all the damn trees!)
So when that happens I really have no other recourse than to use whatever is on my Media server to entertain myself...
I went out and invested in a good NAS with Raid that holds 16Tb worth of drives (don't get full16Tbs with Raid though...I may even need to double that soon as I'm running out of space).
My Media Server is my HTPC so I can simply replace that unit if it craps out and just re-install the server software and map the drives.
Been checking out that Chromecast store app...a Lot of stuff in there I didn't know about...
Hello, I don't know much about coding, or Andriod Developing apps. But came up with this.
A Wesbite/App which can have like a large Online database/torrent whereby users can pick any torrents and simply click on then and STREAM them directly.
After doing some research I found this:
The closest thing is from some Russians, who have managed to successfully, create some sort of new Unique protocol or something like that ^^^, and it works GREAT, however its LIMITED to Russian and TV only.
Could an Developer use this Unique Technology/Protocol and create an English type or library?
The App: Torrent Stream
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.vidsoftware.acestreamcontroller.free
"Using this software you can watch TV, movies and any other video content broadcast on technology AceStream (formerly Torrent Stream"
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The software more info :"
" Ace Stream is an innovative multimedia platform of a new generation, which includes different products and solutions for ordinary Internet users as well as for professional members of the multimedia market.
Note: Ace Stream uses in its core, P2P (peer-to-peer) technology, BitTorrent protocol, which is acknowledged as the most effective protocol to transfer/deliver «».""
Ace Stream platform provides excellent audio-visual quality for Internet online broadcasts/shows and the most effective system of storing and delivering audio and video content.
Note: Ace Stream users watch online video with audio-visual quality level ten times greater than quality of video on YouTube (provided in 1080p format) and many times greater than broadcasts/shows of all other existing services of VoD and Live Stream provided by OTT (Over The Top) service operators, which do not use P2P technology.
No existing Live Stream service or standard CDN operator using unicast can provide live broadcast with the same high level quality, for the same number of viewers, that can be provided by the average Ace Stream user from his personal computer using home Internet-channel!
[/B
"P2P Live streaming for all torrent trackers and most popular sites
http://info.acestream.org/#/about/acestream
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Russian Fourm - Please Use google translate
http://forum.torrentstream.org/index.php
http://forum.torrentstream.org/index.php?topic=1295.0
http://forum.torrentstream.org/index.php?topic=1460.0
Would it be possible to model a App like that ^^^ with that protocol/technology,
The tools, are all there! if someone or any developer can use them, it can be very advantageous. If you know any developers please share that or PM me
Plex has multiple "unofficial" channels that do this.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Hey Guys, new to the forum.
I purchased the chromecast, looking to stream local files and get rid of my hdmi cable. I can cast a tab fine, but experience a bit of lag when viewing at max bit-rate. (extreme 720p)
My computer is i7 4770k @3.5ghz and card is HD7970. SO i dont think hardware is the issue. My router is a Linksys EA6900 and its about 5m away from the dongle.
Has anyone managed to actually stream full HD to the chrome cast without noticeable lag or reduction if FPS, or is it simply not available at this point of time?
Thanks
MaverickH93 said:
Hey Guys, new to the forum.
I purchased the chromecast, looking to stream local files and get rid of my hdmi cable. I can cast a tab fine, but experience a bit of lag when viewing at max bit-rate. (extreme 720p)
My computer is i7 4770k @3.5ghz and card is HD7970. SO i dont think hardware is the issue. My router is a Linksys EA6900 and its about 5m away from the dongle.
Has anyone managed to actually stream full HD to the chrome cast without noticeable lag or reduction if FPS, or is it simply not available at this point of time?
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Click to collapse
720p tab casting even of Flash video works well for me, but I seem to be an exception rather than the norm...
Are there any obstructions between your router and Chromecast, especially the TV itself?
My system is a dual Quad-Core Opteron 2.9 GHz Shanghai, 32 GB RAM, running Win 7 Professional x64. AMD/ATI Radeon HD 7750 graphics.
bhiga said:
720p tab casting even of Flash video works well for me, but I seem to be an exception rather than the norm...
Are there any obstructions between your router and Chromecast, especially the TV itself?
My system is a dual Quad-Core Opteron 2.9 GHz Shanghai, 32 GB RAM, running Win 7 Professional x64. AMD/ATI Radeon HD 7750 graphics.
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Its pretty much line of sight and the perpendicular to the back of the TV. What kind of router are you using?
Also what file type are the videos you are watching and how big are the files. For example, if i watch a .mp4 blue-ray RIP its size is around 1.8Gb i experience minor FPS decrease on the High setting. Extreme just leads to lagging.
The way i see it there's the potential for 3 issues.
1. The computer hardware
2. The router connection
3. Google chrome's wireless hardware
MaverickH93 said:
Hey Guys, new to the forum.
I purchased the chromecast, looking to stream local files and get rid of my hdmi cable. I can cast a tab fine, but experience a bit of lag when viewing at max bit-rate. (extreme 720p)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to stream local file (movie) is better to send the file and let Chromecast buffer and decode it than stream a tab.
I've been using this here and works like charm: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/videostream-for-google-ch/cnciopoikihiagdjbjpnocolokfelagl
I don't believe I tried sending a 1080p but 720p is flawless and I can't see why it wouldn't
They also have an Android app for remote control the stream, so I pretty much click play on the PC and sit on the sofa with the phone to control.
If your video is not in a compatible format, I'll go ahead and do a shamelessly self-propaganda: I did this little batch converter specifically for the CC and it seems to be working fine.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2699870
Budius said:
to stream local file (movie) is better to send the file and let Chromecast buffer and decode it than stream a tab.
I've been using this here and works like charm: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/videostream-for-google-ch/cnciopoikihiagdjbjpnocolokfelagl
I don't believe I tried sending a 1080p but 720p is flawless and I can't see why it wouldn't
They also have an Android app for remote control the stream, so I pretty much click play on the PC and sit on the sofa with the phone to control.
If your video is not in a compatible format, I'll go ahead and do a shamelessly self-propaganda: I did this little batch converter specifically for the CC and it seems to be working fine.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2699870
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Click to collapse
Yes i tied to use Videostream, but for some reason it gets stuck on the loading screen. I turned off all my firewalls, changed permissions, ran chrome canary, ran as admin but it still doesn't work.
i think that's the issue. CC needs to buffer video. It sounds like VideoStream is the kind of program i need so will just have to keep working at it.
MaverickH93 said:
Yes i tied to use Videostream, but for some reason it gets stuck on the loading screen. I turned off all my firewalls, changed permissions, ran chrome canary, ran as admin but it still doesn't work.
i think that's the issue. CC needs to buffer video. It sounds like VideoStream is the kind of program i need so will just have to keep working at it.
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well, those HERE are the media types that Chromecast can natively run. Anything besides that it will not work (unless you're just mirroring the screen, but as you noticed, it's pretty slow, or you have some media server on your computer doing some on-the-fly conversion, which can run pretty slow and heat your PC a lot).
I suggest getting a video that you're sure within the spec to test. Probably if you download a YouTube from those "youtube downloaders" website or just something you recoded with your phone, it will be in spec (mp4 container, h264 codec, AAC or MP3 audio).
So what I've done (check my last post) was to code myself a batch converter (helps being a Java developer) so currently my computer at home is converting my whole video collection to compatible format.
Can I upload a mp4 video say dropbox and stream it to chromecast? Any online hosts allow this?
LoL.
I have a Raspberry Pi running Rasbian and it has 1TB USB drive attached, I'm running Apache2 and point it to my drive so it appears in http. I then use the Android NAS Cast app, settings configure to the http of the directory with the MP4 and it casts perfectly decent quality. So there is no desktop involved, Android in your hand and the small Linux server and Chromecast.
As has been said, Chromecast as very limited codecs. You can explicitly seek out the compatible videos, or recode using ffmpeg. The Raspberry Pi is too weak to do real-time recoding but you can batch up and have recoding those files not compatible, and then if low on disk-space, delete the original non-compatible.
I'm 90% through overnight building my own Rasbian system (been on a Dockstar on older Linux for years) and built ffmpeg overnight.
nigelhealy said:
As has been said, Chromecast as very limited codecs. You can explicitly seek out the compatible videos, or recode using ffmpeg. The Raspberry Pi is too weak to do real-time recoding but you can batch up and have recoding those files not compatible,
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Like I said on the other thread.
I found a FFMPEG for RaspianPi but it was so painfully slow. Like a low-res 20 seconds video would take 30 min to encode. Now imagine a tera-byte drive it would take a few years, not really good. Best option is really to get the best-fastest machine you have available and leave it running for a week or two.
Budius said:
Like I said on the other thread.
I found a FFMPEG for RaspianPi but it was so painfully slow. Like a low-res 20 seconds video would take 30 min to encode. Now imagine a tera-byte drive it would take a few years, not really good. Best option is really to get the best-fastest machine you have available and leave it running for a week or two.
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Tried running it locally (Ubuntu desktop) lots of error messages saying
Failed to get FFPROBE
I have the ffprobe command though.
nigelhealy said:
Tried running it locally (Ubuntu desktop) lots of error messages saying
Failed to get FFPROBE
I have the ffprobe command though.
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what does say in the LOG tab?
Try running from the terminal: ffprobe <video_path>.mp4 Does it work or does it say "can't find command ffprobe" ?
at the end of this https://trac.ffmpeg.org/wiki/UbuntuCompilationGuide it shows how to add the ffmpeg to the path
ps.: let's keep debug/conversation regarding the Converter on the converter thread? I guess it's more logical and we don't hijack MaverickH93s thread
moved to the app thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51533199
I use Plex and I love it, try it if you haven't!
The best way is Localcast https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.stefanpledl.localcast
Great for android!
Enviado desde mi Amazon Kindle Fire HD mediante Tapatalk
MaverickH93 said:
Its pretty much line of sight and the perpendicular to the back of the TV. What kind of router are you using?
Also what file type are the videos you are watching and how big are the files. For example, if i watch a .mp4 blue-ray RIP its size is around 1.8Gb i experience minor FPS decrease on the High setting. Extreme just leads to lagging.
The way i see it there's the potential for 3 issues.
1. The computer hardware
2. The router connection
3. Google chrome's wireless hardware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your router is behind the TV? That's how mine is set up, although my Chromecast is actually off to the side of the TV.
My router is a Netgear WNDR4500
I've mainly been watching Flash videos, as that's what the websites my little one likes has (Nickelodeon, BabyFirstTV, Disney Junior)
nigelhealy said:
LoL.
I have a Raspberry Pi running Rasbian and it has 1TB USB drive attached, I'm running Apache2 and point it to my drive so it appears in http. I then use the Android NAS Cast app, settings configure to the http of the directory with the MP4 and it casts perfectly decent quality. So there is no desktop involved, Android in your hand and the small Linux server and Chromecast.
As has been said, Chromecast as very limited codecs. You can explicitly seek out the compatible videos, or recode using ffmpeg. The Raspberry Pi is too weak to do real-time recoding but you can batch up and have recoding those files not compatible, and then if low on disk-space, delete the original non-compatible.
I'm 90% through overnight building my own Rasbian system (been on a Dockstar on older Linux for years) and built ffmpeg overnight.
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Click to collapse
Boy wish you had a tutorial or walk through of setting this up. I would love to use my beaglebone black for that if possible. Any links that would point me in right direction? mind sharing?
I would really like to use headless systems for this. Thanks
I think Plex is the easiest way to stream local movies since it makes everything organized and can convert file formats if needed. The phone app makes it a breeze to control everything. I use localcast to stream pics and videos taken from my phone.
paracha3 said:
Boy wish you had a tutorial or walk through of setting this up. I would love to use my beaglebone black for that if possible. Any links that would point me in right direction? mind sharing?
I would really like to use headless systems for this. Thanks
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as far as I Googled beaglebone is just a little Linux machine like the RaspberryPi. Just install a mini-DLNA on it and that's all you need. Most Android apps in Google Play will run from a DLNA (bubble and LocalCast do it).
Quick Google I found this tuto on mini-DLNA on RaspberryPi (http://bbrks.me/rpi-minidlna-media-server/) should work for the beaglebone too.
I have to throw my hat in the ring for plex, too. Downside is that you have to put your videos in a certain folder and name them a certain way for the server to see them. It doesnt let you just open a random video file like VLC and have it sent to the chromecast. Upside is that it transcodes the videos to a supported format on the fly.
As far as streaming videos/pictures off your phone, there are a few choices, but none of them are ready for primetime yet. Allcast shows some of the videos/pictures taken on my phone sideways and upside down. I also havent found an easy way to tell Allcast to stop casting and return to the chromecast homescreen (screensaver). Localcast has an option to let you rotate the files so you can at least see them with the correct orientation, but it still has some issues with connecting. Localcast does, however, have an option to stop casting so you dont burn-in its screen on your TV.
gianptune said:
I have to throw my hat in the ring for plex, too. Downside is that you have to put your videos in a certain folder and name them a certain way for the server to see them. It doesnt let you just open a random video file like VLC and have it sent to the chromecast. Upside is that it transcodes the videos to a supported format on the fly.
As far as streaming videos/pictures off your phone, there are a few choices, but none of them are ready for primetime yet. Allcast shows some of the videos/pictures taken on my phone sideways and upside down. I also havent found an easy way to tell Allcast to stop casting and return to the chromecast homescreen (screensaver). Localcast has an option to let you rotate the files so you can at least see them with the correct orientation, but it still has some issues with connecting. Localcast does, however, have an option to stop casting so you dont burn-in its screen on your TV.
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The naming should be a non-issue though. Most of the movies and shows you download are already named the correct way.