Database Develop

Hello, my name is.....

Hello All!
New to Android, but not new to hacking mobiles.
Palm devices in middle school and high school. Original B&W iPods (hex editing using ipw) and every iPod through to iPhone (Including internal hardware mods like rerouting the DAC) - high school through past college.
Got sick of the Apple games they play with developers and haphazard code systems (rather than doing good drivers, just kept it to a bare minimum of working - see bluetooth section especially when it comes to "bitrate grouping" and "real time operations"). Played with Android, thought it was awesome and put in preorder for Evo when came.
One of the Best decisions I have ever made! In fact, so good that I am getting my boyfriend to buy one (we will be on the same plan - 25% Company discount ). Now my brothers and cousins and aunts and uncles want one too after playing with it for a few hours. Best part, google is never going to send me angry letters or freak out about a rooted phone, heck they might even encourage it.
4G Coverage is great by me (5-6MB) so I can kick Comcast to the curb (terrible company) and everything on the phone just works, doesn't keep crashing. Everything just works, especially hooking up to my car setup and various automation tools. Games are not as good (ChaosRings), but who buys a phone to be a PSP? It is a tool!
CURRENT TASK - IR Universal Remote for Android devices (other lossless capable players with a headphone jack can too). Hopefully will be able to make it into a learning remote, but the problem is getting it to record in at a lossless or very low loss, then cleaning the signal and modulating onto stereo at 19k/channel. If someone really knows encoding, help is appreciated and it would be a free program of course! just sick of loosing remotes....and the hardware piece can be put together for $6 worth of radio shack parts or $1 using a broken remote and a trip to the dollar store.
NEXT TASK - Get a working USBhost for EVO that allows use with USB Touchscreen (lilliput model) for the ultimate Car Docking and control station.
BTW - congrats Sven on getting a USBhost for Nexus!
So well..... Hello and Nice to meet you!

And your name is??
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REVIEW samDock the Apple to Android converter cable with VIDEO SLIDESHOW!

Today we’re looking at the samDock
Click here to see the original review and you'll also find links to purchase.
The samDock is an adapter cable that let's you use Samsung's latest Android phones like the Note 2 with Apple's 30 pin connector to charge or play audio.
Main advantage: affordable, long length, works by simply plugging it in
Main concern: NONE
Unique features: You can use android devices on Apple docks!!!
I've personally wanted a product like this for years, but it just didn't exist. It seems so simple, there are adapters for everything why not one that adapts Apple's useless proprietary connector to work with the much more universal micro USB standard? The good news is that the wait is over, the bad news is that most people don't care at this point unfortunately. We've seen the wide scale adoption of Bluetooth and things like DLNA, Wifi Direct, and mirrorlink. That means that Apple's stranglehold on the accessory market gets weaker and weaker by the day. For a time, it was the law of the land that all of the coolest docking solutions were Apple exclusive. That's just where the money was, so that's where the effort went.
Nowadays wires are a nuisance and wireless is nearly standard. Bluetooth is everywhere and it's in everything. The great news for those of you that dropped your hard earned money on some sort of Apple capable dock is that this is an extremely affordable solution. If you need to use your Note 2 or most any other Galaxy device with an Apple 30 pin dock it's as simple as plugging this wire in. For some phones that's all it takes and you're done. Others will have to go into your settings and enable Audio Output Mode. You'll just check the box that says, "use external speakers when device is docked.” That's all it takes though. Docks big and small, portable or built in. You'll pass through high quality audio and you even retain the ability to charge your devices.
The cable itself is 24” long, 2 feet is long enough to do plenty without feeling tethered to a dock. It comes in black instead of the apple standard white which is a nice little touch of defiance. It worked with every dock that I tested as well as simply attaching it to an apple charging cable. It will work with the Galaxy S 3 and 4 as well as the Note 1 and 2.
Thank you again to CableJive for supplying their product for review.
Alternatives: none that I've seen
How much: 24.95 each at CableJive.com
Is it worth buying: For under thirty dollars, it's worth buying it to just throw it in your bag on the off chance that you find yourself at a friend's house and you need to arrange some last minute karaoke with an iPod alarm clock.
Click here to see some angles of the cable in a video slideshow
ENJOY YOUR GADGETS!

snapz54 said:
Today we’re looking at the samDock
...Condensed...
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Click to collapse
Man, please take this as useful constructive advice. Ditch that music that seems to be your trademark.
It's awful and annoying. 10 seconds in on both of your videos and I'm rushing to close the window.
The product isn't getting seen if I'm closing the window because of the 'cute' music.

apallohadas said:
man, please take this as useful constructive advice. Ditch that music that seems to be your trademark.
It's awful and annoying. 10 seconds in on both of your videos and i'm rushing to close the window.
The product isn't getting seen if i'm closing the window because of the 'cute' music.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agreed! 100%!

Another point, people have invested a lot of money into Apple accessories and can take advantage of using it with android phone. But the whole beauty of apple gadgets was docking integration without any need for cables or devices laying on the side. This solution does work, but you kill the look of the setup by not being able to dock your smartphone.

apallohadas said:
Man, please take this as useful constructive advice. Ditch that music that seems to be your trademark.
It's awful and annoying. 10 seconds in on both of your videos and I'm rushing to close the window.
The product isn't getting seen if I'm closing the window because of the 'cute' music.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS!!!!!
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 2 using XDA Premium

are you guys talking about the very start of every video? The opening with the choir type voices? That's from an everclear song.
Otherwise, for every product reviewed, I pick a song that has something to do with the product or it's name. It's just a fun little touch. So this is the samDOCK so the song is hickory dickory DOCK, which is a child's nursery rhyme. It's just a goofy little added touch and you can always mute and just look at the pictures if the music is bugging you. I was this close to doing a death metal cover of hickory dickory dock but I couldn't find a clear enough recording.
now that I think of it there were a bit of children's songs, they just fit really well. I reviewed a wireless charging dock the other day and I used the song, "I've got no strings" from Pinocchio. "I've got no strings, to hold me down" no wires, wireless charging, you get it. Just a fun little touch.
They aren't always kids songs.

Lol I really think everyone is giving you a hard time because that zip thing you reviewed was just stupid.
I mean really guys no one is forcing you to watch the slideshow, you can always mute and listen to whatever you want if you want to setethe pictures.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium

I'm interested at this. Can you still use the remote on Bose sound dock to skip and control volumes?
Sent from my SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

Not trying to give you a hard time by any means, it's honestly meant as constructive criticism! I am truthfully trying to be helpful, nothing else! You may not care though, and if what your doing is working for you then I suppose there's no need to change it. I just think your videos would be more professional without some of the music in them, that's all. I did watch many of your YouTube videos! Trying to help out because the more views the better for you. Like the NeatDesk Scanner, that song is just awful! Whether it goes with the product being reviewed or not, I find it very annoying. For the video showing the Otterbox Defender and Seidio Convert cases for the Note 2, I actually really like the song choice! That said though, I still think the video would appear more professional with out the song. Now for the Phillips Hue video, that's a great song choice!! No, not something that I would listen to in my car, but it's like elevator music, simple music with no lyrics. That is very fitting for your videos, and doesn't distract attention from the video whatsoever!! See, I'm not basing this off of what I like or want to hear, just telling you what I think comes off as being more professional. Of course, this is just my opinion. You may not even care what I think or what I have to say. I'm just trying to give you a viewer's perspective, that's all.
Now on to this product! This is something I really need!! My tool chest/box has a CD player and 2 6x9 speakers built in to it! This was one of the selling points to me, not the only one as this tool chest has many unique features not found in any other tool chest, but one of the selling points nonetheless. Coming out of a little slot in the top area of the tool chest/box once the lid has been opened, there is a cable that is tied in to the stereo system in the tool chest. It has an Apple connection on the end of it . Isn't that big of deal, as the CD player also has a 3.5 mm auxiliary jack on it, so I can just use that. I would like to be able to shut the little door that covers the CD player while I'm working though (also has a remote for it), and can't do that with an auxiliary cable sticking out. I do have a 4th Gen iPod Touch 32GB. The remote also allows me to skip songs when it's hooked up through the Apple cable, which is a very nice function!! Obviously the remote can't do anything with my phone, except adjust volume, when it's hooked up through the auxiliary cable. With this adapter/converter you posted here, it would give me the same functionality of my phone as I currently have with my iPod!!
Honestly, using my iPod in the tool chest is basically the only reason I haven't sold it yet! Getting this adapter would be awesome for me! Thank you for taking the time to make this review, and especially for sharing it with this community!! It's greatly appreciated!!
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 2 using XDA Premium

Glad I dont own any Apple docks!

Well,
Got one today and I've now tried 3 docks and it works on none. I've flashed back to stock ROM in case it wasn't compatible with ProBAM.
Not having a bit of it. Money down the drain.

snapz54 said:
...So this is the samDOCK so the song is hickory dickory DOCK, which is a child's nursery rhyme. It's just a goofy little added touch...
the other day and I used the song, "I've got no strings" from Pinocchio. "I've got no strings, to hold me down" ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You had me cracking up reading your defense of your videos. I didn't watch it because I don't have a need of the product, and honestly I don't know why I clicked on your thread.... but I say be you, because there aren't enough of you in the world. You are trying to help people out, raise awareness of a product and putting work and effort into stylizing it a bit for peoples enjoyment. BE YOU BROTHER!! When people are hating your doing something right.
"...hi-ho the me-ri-o, that's the only life I know..."
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

harajyuks said:
You had me cracking up reading your defense of your videos. I didn't watch it because I don't have a need of the product, and honestly I don't know why I clicked on your thread.... but I say be you, because there aren't enough of you in the world. You are trying to help people out, raise awareness of a product and putting work and effort into stylizing it a bit for peoples enjoyment. BE YOU BROTHER!! When people are hating your doing something right.
"...hi-ho the me-ri-o, that's the only life I know..."
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the kind words, I'm going to keep it up and hopefully people that enjoy the info will keep reading.

harajyuks said:
You had me cracking up reading your defense of your videos. I didn't watch it because I don't have a need of the product, and honestly I don't know why I clicked on your thread.... but I say be you, because there aren't enough of you in the world. You are trying to help people out, raise awareness of a product and putting work and effort into stylizing it a bit for peoples enjoyment. BE YOU BROTHER!! When people are hating your doing something right.
"...hi-ho the me-ri-o, that's the only life I know..."
+1
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sent from my t-mo note 2

snapz54 said:
I appreciate the kind words, I'm going to keep it up and hopefully people that enjoy the info will keep reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We gave feedback to hopefully help you improve the reception of your videos.
If you don't want the feedback or use it in anyway, don't expect fanfare and trumpets for future works.
But nah, listen to the guy that didn't bother to watch or even attempt to watch your work.
Best of luck amigo.

apallohadas said:
We gave feedback to hopefully help you improve the reception of your videos.
If you don't want the feedback or use it in anyway, don't expect fanfare and trumpets for future works.
But nah, listen to the guy that didn't bother to watch or even attempt to watch your work.
Best of luck amigo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like to pick out a song that hints to the product in a some way. I don't give hints in the description and sometimes it's harder to figure out why I'd choose a certain song. It's a little side game and people have contacted me saying that it makes them happy to figure it out. I could just find generic background music, but I'm trying to put in a bit more effort than that. Please mute it if it upsets you.

I've seen some adapters similar to this on ebay for cheap. Not sure if they'll allow data(music is the only thing I want) to pass through though. Anyone try one of the adaptors from ebay or similar? Less than $10, so they're super cheap, but even still I don't wanna through ANY money at them if they'll only charge...
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 2 using XDA Premium

Hi
I'm thinking about creating something along the lines of Grace Digital GDI GSD8200 - in my option would be - (Bose sounddock => cablejive /samDock/ => iGRIP Universal Micro USB Charging Dock ) - mounted on the top of my Bose and use it for my Samsung Galaxy phone
My question is - if micro usb plug from samDock will work with the iGRIP charging dock ? (charging and sound signal) or any micro usb charging dock
Wysłane z mojego GT-N7100 przy użyciu Tapatalka

Or any charging docs ?
Wysłane z mojego GT-N7100 przy użyciu Tapatalka

Ok so whats your honest opinion of the chromcast

So wondering what you all think of your chromcasts, I like mine but I can't say its the best thing ever. It feels almost useless. Now don't get me wrong, what it does do, it does extremely well and ts my favorite way of watching youtube but it doesn't do much.
I mean there are just so many devices that can stream youtube and netflix. And both youtube and netflix could already be controlled remotely way before the chromecast. The only thing its super useful for is for those who invested a lot of money in google play music and movies and I personally havn't due to their prices usually being more.
Then again it was only $43 after shipping and taxes and it should have plenty more features on the way I hope. Hopefully google will finish the sdk soon and we can get some real use out of it. Though its hard to justify buying something on what it might do in the future.
I guess I don't regret buying it, but its hard to recommend it to someone right now.
How do you all feel about it?

I love mine, but I only paid $35 (amazon free shipping, and no tax where I live), and I got the three months free Netflix (already a member).
I have a Vizio smart TV, and the Netflix app is bad. It hasn't been updated in three years. Cannot enable closed captions. Cannot view all episodes for a TV series with more than 100 episodes. Plus, it's slow. So the Chromecast was an easy way to upgrade my Netflix experience.
I was going to use it to stream local stuff to my TV, but instead I just hooked up my computer directly to the TV and set up plex for other TVs.
I would like to see being able to cast the browser from a phone. Plus support for plex or other DLNA streaming would be nice.
At $43, it's too close to $55 for a Roku XS, personally. I don't see it as a Roku or Apple TV competitor. Nor, in its current state, a replacement for either or them. But, I think it's a much better play at getting to TV service than the Q was. I'm interested to see what Google does with it in the next year.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337

firesoul453 said:
So wondering what you all think of your chromcasts, I like mine but I can't say its the best thing ever. It feels almost useless. Now don't get me wrong, what it does do, it does extremely well and ts my favorite way of watching youtube but it doesn't do much.
I mean there are just so many devices that can stream youtube and netflix. And both youtube and netflix could already be controlled remotely way before the chromecast. The only thing its super useful for is for those who invested a lot of money in google play music and movies and I personally havn't due to their prices usually being more.
Then again it was only $43 after shipping and taxes and it should have plenty more features on the way I hope. Hopefully google will finish the sdk soon and we can get some real use out of it. Though its hard to justify buying something on what it might do in the future.
I guess I don't regret buying it, but its hard to recommend it to someone right now.
How do you all feel about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pretty much agree with you on all points. For about 6 years i have had a HTPC hooked up to our main home TV screen. With a wireless keyboard attached, it does pretty much everything that chromecast/roku/internet tv's/xbox 360/etc will do and more. I have been a XBMC user since back in the softmodded xbox 1 days. I switched to my HTPC when high def video releases became more common and I needed more horsepower.
Using my tablet to browse and cast youtube videos has been pretty fun. Chromecast caused me to take the time to get my tablet (iconia a500) on a updated and stable ROM. I had been ignoring it for some time and the previous rom I had was crashy and frustrating.
Mostly, i bought Chromecast because i believe the dev community will eventually do some fun stuff with it.
Chromecast was next to free when i bought it since I got the netflix deal. I wish I would have bought at least 10 more. they seem to be going for double on Seattle Craigslist.

firesoul453 said:
So wondering what you all think of your chromcasts, I like mine but I can't say its the best thing ever. It feels almost useless. Now don't get me wrong, what it does do, it does extremely well and ts my favorite way of watching youtube but it doesn't do much.
I mean there are just so many devices that can stream youtube and netflix. And both youtube and netflix could already be controlled remotely way before the chromecast. The only thing its super useful for is for those who invested a lot of money in google play music and movies and I personally havn't due to their prices usually being more.
Then again it was only $43 after shipping and taxes and it should have plenty more features on the way I hope. Hopefully google will finish the sdk soon and we can get some real use out of it. Though its hard to justify buying something on what it might do in the future.
I guess I don't regret buying it, but its hard to recommend it to someone right now.
How do you all feel about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like mine a lot. But, then, i like my Toast-r-Oven a lot also. Is my Toast-r-Oven the same as a full sized oven? No. Is it the same as a microwave oven? No. But that doesn't mean that I won't have all three and use them differently.
The best feature about the Chromecast is that it's literally plug and play. Type in a wifi password and you're done. About as easy a technology product to use that I've ever seen. This will make it a big hit. I would have no problem giving this to any friend that knows absolutely nothing about technology.

I've used an HTPC as my primary mode of content delivery for years and I've been always searching for a better way to completely eliminate the need for a mouse/kb. My remote and tablet both fully XBMC for all the things I download. But my other big source of content has been Netflix, for which there has been no good way to access without using a mouse at the very least. That's been a big annoyance to me for some time, so being able to fully control Netflix, while getting the highest HD and 5.1 stream possible, has been huge.
I'm hoping that HBO Go will be implemented soon. Hopefully the Xfinity will get support, as well. I'm not going to hold my breath, but maybe someday Amazon will finally release a true Android app and they'll put in Chromecast support. I'm looking forward to the expansion of content, but for me, just putting the control of Netflix onto my tablet has made the product a winner.

a better way to completely eliminate the need for a mouse/kb. My remote and tablet both fully XBMC for all the things I download. But my other big source of content has been Netflix, for which there has been no good way to access without using a mouse at the very least.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Off the main subject, but...
Have you tried the gmote app? it sort of accomplishes the same thing as turning your tablet or android phone into a touchpad. You have to run a little server app on the HTPC though.
Another workaround I came up with is to used a wireless keyboard with a mouse (roller ball or touchpad) built in. These are no good for gaming, bit they are a little handier than a separate mouse and keyboard. I have tried both of these and they have been decent.
lenovo multimedia remote/keyboard
Iogear multimedia remote/keyboard

mudsloth said:
I've used an HTPC as my primary mode of content delivery for years and I've been always searching for a better way to completely eliminate the need for a mouse/kb. My remote and tablet both fully XBMC for all the things I download. But my other big source of content has been Netflix, for which there has been no good way to access without using a mouse at the very least. That's been a big annoyance to me for some time, so being able to fully control Netflix, while getting the highest HD and 5.1 stream possible, has been huge.
I'm hoping that HBO Go will be implemented soon. Hopefully the Xfinity will get support, as well. I'm not going to hold my breath, but maybe someday Amazon will finally release a true Android app and they'll put in Chromecast support. I'm looking forward to the expansion of content, but for me, just putting the control of Netflix onto my tablet has made the product a winner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apple TV (version 3) and Roku 3 are both 1080p and have on-screen browsing, which is obviously better than dinking around with a tablet. And they are only $100, so there is no barrier to just getting one.
I have a htpc, too, and it sits now. It's just too much easier and better to browse with a remote.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium

To those using XBMC get yatse. Its a remote for XBMC and you can "share" youtube vids with your XBMC from your phone or tablet

It's very hit or miss.... Having an HDMI to your PC is way better. And cheaper. Maybe once hackers fix all the ludicrous functionality gaffs..... My advice: wait to buy till it's useful.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

It's by far the best netflix streaming experience I've had.
It looks great in 1080p, and I don't have to use yet another remote control to navigate a clunky interface from 10 feet away.
I'm very pleased with it and it will only get better as more developers add support to their applications.

Right now... Not worth $35, however long term once we get Pandora, HBO go, etc support. Then I believe it will be a perfect media device. Am I disappointed with mine? No. Do I use it often? Yes. My only gripe is the lack of app support and some bugginess when streaming from chrome.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4

The way they showed it work on Google's press conference. It was almost instant mine doesn't work like that. It sometimes takes a little while to load. And it seems to slow down the netflix app on my phone. Anyone else experience this?
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!

I'm with you guys. I have a Mac Mini running XBMC and after that kind of an experience, this is a pretty big let down. I have been eyeing an Ouya running XBMC for a while now, and I was hoping to have that modded onto this, but I don't think that's going to happen now.
Furthermore, format support is really not there for such a single purpose device, it no doubt has the horsepower to decode more. I was hopeful when I found I could stream stuff directly to it without some sort of transcoding, but instantly disappointed with no AC3 audio, which is a bit of a deal breaker.
Yatse on my Android phone with some sort of XBMC remote is a lot more up my alley. I suppose this is nice for Netflix, which I can't get on there, but I have an XBox currently capable of doing it.
One last thing, my Chromecast interferes with my over the air signal. I don't know why or how, but if that sucker is plugged in anywhere close to my TV, no over the air channels receive at all. Mind you, I already have plenty of wifi, bluetooth, and other wireless gadgets over there.

Waiting for more dev support
I have Logitech Revue (which is just awesome since I got it for 99bucks). I love that it has physical keyboard, and plays everything that Chromecast does and more and has better controls (thanks to the keyboard). Also,Chromecast currently does not support live streaming on youtube, which sucks. The main reason I purchased it was I got 3 months free Netflix (which I am a member anyway) and the possible dev support in future. I pretty much knew what I was buying, so did not have any more expectations.

Am ok with it
its not the jesus streamer but it covers 97% of what i would like it to do. Changing to mp4 isn't deal breaker. streams well enough from youtube and excellently from netflix. hopfully more to come

I have mine connected to our office TV (second of 2 TVs in our house). That TV does not have a cable box connected to it because we could not justify the cost of the cable box for the limited amount that we would use it. I did get a Roku 3 for that TV but returned it the day before Chromecast was announced because it was having trouble staying connected to our network. Chromecast does exactly what I want it do do. I can start streams from any of our devices and and I have had no issues (other than a minor installation hiccup). I would like other services to work with it like HBO Go and MLB.TV, but those should be coming and I am content for now. There are a lot of little things that could be improved to make this an exceptional product, but it is still a very god product as it presently stands.

Actually no, onscreen controls are NOT obviously better than dinking around with a tablet.

everyone needs to wake up, a roku is triple the price of this thing, you can't buy a ipod or hell a watch that can do any of what this can do for 35.00. in a simple term this is a Netflix/youtube streamer. routers, modems, download speeds are all going to impact things. I have a Roku 2 XS , Roku is clunky and unpolished. I don't care who you are but Roku is no speed demon, it does a ok job at 50 bucks I got on a accomidation. Chromecast is working for me like the demo. I have a beefed up Asus router, I'm about 4 feet from my router with my tv and I run Cat 6 across all my connections. Chrome cast is fast and snappy. My setup was smooth too. Everyone is going to have a different experience. The only thing close to this is a raspberry PI. at 35.00 I may want the Pi for other things but for playing my content you won't find any streamer with the hardware or Dev support community this little device has. It's one of a kind whether you choose to accept that or not. a plex plugin is in the works also. It's all simple I can buy a 200 dollar nexus 7 or a 330 dollar ipad mini. build quality will be a bit better on the ipad the camera sharper. and more accessories and gadgets. so why to I get the nexus 7? because anyone can buy a ipad if you had the money and 2 the open experience. I can't crack open roku and flash a new OS. with chromecast it's endless since chrome browser can have anything built on it making it your own.

Mine works fine out the box, no issues. I can't see how anyone can complain about the out-the-box features. It IS lacking features, which is why I wasn't gonna buy one. But once I realized the possibilities and the fact that it was only around eleven dollars after the Netflix promo, I snapped one up on faith that Google would open it up to things like what Koush is doing. But even if that never happens, I can't complain. I'm still left with a painless way to use services on my TV that I use everyday.
Long story short, if you have real issues getting to work, your complaints are valid. But if you bought one and you're unsatisfied with the features, you have no one to blame but yourself.

I have an old TV & stereo in my garage / workshop that I wanted to project to from my phone, mainly for the Google Play Music app. I used to use an Airport Express but switched to Android so that was no longer an option. For me, Chromecast is awesome. I had to get an adapter to connect the audio to the stereo, but the Chromecast + Adapter was still cheaper than the Airport Express was. I was looking for something similar to Airplay and for me this was by far the best option. No, it's not an HTPC or even a Roku, but if you realize it's a dumb stick aimed at people who have no idea what anyvody on XDA is talking about, it's a great little device.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4

Chromecast: worth it?

Well for the $35 dollar price tag with its locked down state is it worth it? I already have a PS3 for netflix (the Netflix app is better on there than on android) but I want a device to stream netflix when my PS3 is in use and also to stream Google music, but it doesn't do much else. I do hope it'll go places but I don't really see that happening. Of people who already own it, is it worth it?
Aaron Swartz, Rest in Pixels.

I think so. I have a PS3 also but since I really only use it for blurays I found it annoying to have to update to watch Netflix. I also have a dedicated htpc. Its so convenient to fire up the app on your phone or tablet app and find something to stream then just send it to the TV. Plus I get better quality streaming to the chromecast than my htpc.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

I can't say my quality is better in the Chromecast than my htpc, but it is certainly more convenient. Also, more than one tv, and it's a lot easier to move around.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app

Yes. It is worth it

For only $35, it's a good buy if you're going to using it. I'll get one when they're officially released in the UK. Ebay prices are crazy.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

$35 can't go wrong. I bought two but might sell the other as I ended up not really using it (only one TV bought the second to move around with) just ease of use. especially for google music which i can simply turn on and start playing from my bed room to get music going.

I watch all my not so legally downloaded movies through chrome and I have good WiFi so it's a great buy for me... Quality is on par with direct hdmi and I can't be happier
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4

thesparky007 said:
I watch all my not so legally downloaded movies through chrome and I have good WiFi so it's a great buy for me... Quality is on par with direct hdmi and I can't be happier
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
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How are u watching them with latest firmware?
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!

Very worth it. I use it daily. A lot of streaming from my computer but also Netflix. I came from an apple TV and I have not looked back. Of course I do use my Xbox for things like HBO to go.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

borijess said:
How are u watching them with latest firmware?
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
Click to expand...
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Chrome can still play local videos.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

borijess said:
How are u watching them with latest firmware?
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
drag and drop into a chrome tab

Netflix definitely is everything else not so much
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Jury is still out
I have 2 Chromecast units. I think the jury is still out on whether they are worth $35. When the SDK is final, there is great potential for a powerful and flexible device that really opens up integration between TV and Android. Based on Google's behavior so far (whitelist and updates to kill work arounds), I'm concerned that the final product will be so locked down as to only be good for streaming a few paid services (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu +, etc.) and some token Chrome browser integration. We have to wait and see what Google does. We have to wait and see if they device allows creative app development, flexibility in streaming (local media from PC, dropbox, etc.). I have no question that the hardware has huge potential, but if Google neuters the device, and keeps tight control on what apps can use it, I don't think it will be worth $35. I also think that if they neuter this device, they will have an awfully hard time convincing consumers to buy Google multimedia devices in the future.
I'd say wait and see if Google is smart enough to realize how important it is to open up access and encourage broad development or if they are dumb enough to cater only to the big money streamers and leave Chromecast to wither on the vine.

I have one and don't use it. Having to go get a phone or tablet to start streaming is a huge turn off. Honestly, these are targeted at single people living in apartments...nothing wrong with that, but that's what it is. No Ethernet, no on-screen ui, etc. just doesn't work as well as it could in a house with kids. I don't carry my phone around with me in the house, and my tablet is often in the study. My kids' tablets are wherever the left them, lol. I just want to pick up my remote and watch the next episode of Top Gear. My kids the same, but maybe the next episode of Ben 10 or something. Just doesn't fit our lifestyle as well as an Apple TV or Roku. Sitting around watching YouTube videos is just not something a 40 something dad does.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Thanks everyone! I will be getting one on Friday, that's the soonest I can get one anywhere!
Aaron Swartz, Rest in Pixels.

jamosjamos said:
I have 2 Chromecast units. I think the jury is still out on whether they are worth $35. When the SDK is final, there is great potential for a powerful and flexible device that really opens up integration between TV and Android. Based on Google's behavior so far (whitelist and updates to kill work arounds), I'm concerned that the final product will be so locked down as to only be good for streaming a few paid services (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu +, etc.) and some token Chrome browser integration. We have to wait and see what Google does. We have to wait and see if they device allows creative app development, flexibility in streaming (local media from PC, dropbox, etc.). I have no question that the hardware has huge potential, but if Google neuters the device, and keeps tight control on what apps can use it, I don't think it will be worth $35. I also think that if they neuter this device, they will have an awfully hard time convincing consumers to buy Google multimedia devices in the future.
I'd say wait and see if Google is smart enough to realize how important it is to open up access and encourage broad development or if they are dumb enough to cater only to the big money streamers and leave Chromecast to wither on the vine.
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Click to collapse
I agree.
Between the time I ordered it, and the time it arrived, Google disabled the apps which provided the only functionality I desired from the hardware. I would have been better off with a roku.
I usually do not buy a device and then wait to see if it will ever grow into the device I want.

HowardZ said:
I agree.
Between the time I ordered it, and the time it arrived, Google disabled the apps which provided the only functionality I desired from the hardware. I would have been better off with a roku.
I usually do not buy a device and then wait to see if it will ever grow into the device I want.
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Click to collapse
Geez. I've paid more for dinners that I didn't like than I paid for the Chromecast. I just can't believe all this whining over $35.

TabGuy said:
Geez. I've paid more for dinners that I didn't like than I paid for the Chromecast. I just can't believe all this whining over $35.
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I have to agree. I have a smart TV and a smart DVD player and never liked the Netflix & YouTube experience. Using a tablet or phone with ChromeCast is light years easier. I am watching both and I am over 40. YouTube is more then stupid kids doing stupid stuff but it is impossible to find videos with the on screen GUI from the TV or DVD Player.
More and More shows have follow up videos that are not broadcasted. With Cast I can remote into my desktop and play the video on the TV.
The main reason I got the ChromeCast is because Google is behind it. They are not going to stop at Netflix and YouTube

TabGuy said:
Geez. I've paid more for dinners that I didn't like than I paid for the Chromecast. I just can't believe all this whining over $35.
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greencat2 said:
I have to agree. I have a smart TV and a smart DVD player and never liked the Netflix & YouTube experience. Using a tablet or phone with ChromeCast is light years easier. I am watching both and I am over 40. YouTube is more then stupid kids doing stupid stuff but it is impossible to find videos with the on screen GUI from the TV or DVD Player.
More and More shows have follow up videos that are not broadcasted. With Cast I can remote into my desktop and play the video on the TV.
The main reason I got the ChromeCast is because Google is behind it. They are not going to stop at Netflix and YouTube
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This is what I was thinking, even if it never becomes the device I want it to be, it is a $35 device that I can take and use on most TVs with super ease! $35 is almost nothing, I've spent more on other forms of entertainment that wasn't very good! I do, however, really really hope to see Pandora support on it, maybe Spotify too, then I might actually use that service.
Aaron Swartz, Rest in Pixels.

HowardZ said:
I agree.
Between the time I ordered it, and the time it arrived, Google disabled the apps which provided the only functionality I desired from the hardware. I would have been better off with a roku.
I usually do not buy a device and then wait to see if it will ever grow into the device I want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here I ordered mine prior to the whitelist thing, and it just arrived today and noticed that all the 3rd party apps is locked out... totally blows

Sever Audio Chop on JVC LT-46P510

I was excited to get my Chromecast today, but not excited after testing some of the apps. I can use Netflix fine without issue, but all other apps have severe audio choppiness. For the sake of testing I moved the CC to my Vizio TV and tested the various apps and had no issues. My issue seems to be specific to my JVC LT-46P510 TV.
Anyone have any ideas on a fix? I checked for a firmware update, but nothing. Hoping someone has an answer out there.

I've heard of problems just like this. Other cases were signal issues. Use the extender that came with the cc and make sure the power is plugged into the wall and not a USB on the TV. If this doesn't work you might want to think of moving g the router if possible.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Cuzz1369 said:
I've heard of problems just like this. Other cases were signal issues. Use the extender that came with the cc and make sure the power is plugged into the wall and not a USB on the TV. If this doesn't work you might want to think of moving g the router if possible.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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Appreciate the response. I am currently using the extender and on USB power. As for the router it is about 1 foot from the CC.

Snyperx said:
Appreciate the response. I am currently using the extender and on USB power. As for the router it is about 1 foot from the CC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case, try moving the Chromecast and router farther apart. Too close/strong is also not good for signal strength - the whole constructive/destructive interference thing.

bhiga said:
In that case, try moving the Chromecast and router farther apart. Too close/strong is also not good for signal strength - the whole constructive/destructive interference thing.
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Click to collapse
I guess my question would be, why does Netflix work perfectly then and the other apps have the audio issue? The video play fine for all apps.

Snyperx said:
I guess my question would be, why does Netflix work perfectly then and the other apps have the audio issue? The video play fine for all apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's up to the individual app as to what it points Chromecast to, then it's up to the provider (or site) as to what format is delivered. Seems Netflix is delivering audio in a format that is problematic for your equipment. HDMI supports a few different audio formats as well as sampling rates and bit depths.
Sent from a device with no keyboard. Please forgive typos, they may not be my own.

I would also check the input settings on that TV as well...Some TVs allow you to select which format to expect Audio over HDMI in/

I have the opposite problem. Netflix is all jacked up like Alvin and the chipmunks underwater while other apps are fine.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

Did some app specific testing this morning with some additional info/results. Out of the apps I have installed here is a list of the ones that are working correcting and the ones that are not.
Apps with Choppy Audio:
BeyondPod
Pandora
Vevo
Google Movies
Google Music
YouTube
Apps Working Correctly:
NetFlix
Revision3 TV
RedBull TV
I am hoping a developer or someone with greater knowledge can chime in. I did check JVC's website and no firmware available. I also checked the settings for the input and found nothing for adjusting input audio.

Snyperx said:
I am hoping a developer or someone with greater knowledge can chime in. I did check JVC's website and no firmware available. I also checked the settings for the input and found nothing for adjusting input audio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you say the device works fine on other TVs right?
That suggests it isn't the CCast that is the problem...
Only thing left to blame is the TV. I would suggest calling JVC support.
One thing I noted from your Manual specs is the TV only supports PCM. I'm going to guess this is a very old TV as far as HDMI standards go.

Asphyx said:
Well you say the device works fine on other TVs right?
That suggests it isn't the CCast that is the problem...
Only thing left to blame is the TV. I would suggest calling JVC support.
One thing I noted from your Manual specs is the TV only supports PCM. I'm going to guess this is a very old TV as far as HDMI standards go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TV was manufactured in 2010. I suppose that could be old in HDMI standards.

Snyperx said:
TV was manufactured in 2010. I suppose that could be old in HDMI standards.
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Click to collapse
Sadly, it might be. My Sony TV is 2009 and it doesn't support DLNA Video - only Pictures and Music. Not that I'd really use its interface for that anyway, but you get the point.
Manufacturers tend to lag behind the release of a standard since it takes time to design a product, acquire licenses, and bring it to market. The times when they are chomping at the bit to be first (or at least current), you get stuff like the early 802.11n "draft" hardware that didn't always get updated if there was some hardware limitation.

Snyperx said:
TV was manufactured in 2010. I suppose that could be old in HDMI standards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's less about what year the TV was made and more about how old the design is and what technology they decided to include.
Sometimes to keep the price down they use older circuitry and outdated CPUs since they are cheap to buy at the time,
Sometimes it's all about how much time they spent on the Settings programming, and protocol support.
Still say that a call to JVC would be the best option, Just be sure to tell them that you have no problems with your unit in other areas and DO NOT under ANY circumstances tell them anything they can use to say NOT OUR PROBLEM!
Don't mention things like Signal Strength of WiFi or anything but the fact that it doesn't work with their TV but works with all the others.
Give them even an inch to say it's not our fault and you will get no help.
Hopefully your will not be the first call they get if it is a model wide problem and maybe they will come up with a firmware update to fix it.

Sounds like I am almost S.O.L.

Snyperx said:
Sounds like I am almost S.O.L.
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Click to collapse
No just that it maybe time to upgrade your TV or that there maybe something wrong with it that you hadn't noticed till now.
I would even try another input just to see if it's just a matter of a bad one.

Asphyx said:
No just that it maybe time to upgrade your TV or that there maybe something wrong with it that you hadn't noticed till now.
I would even try another input just to see if it's just a matter of a bad one.
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Only had the TV about 2 years. I did open a ticket with JVC, though have done that in the past for another issue and never heard a word from them. Poor technical support. Will see what happens with this one.

Snyperx said:
Only had the TV about 2 years. I did open a ticket with JVC, though have done that in the past for another issue and never heard a word from them. Poor technical support. Will see what happens with this one.
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The only way to get good results from tech support is to call them and keep them on the phone until they have a decent answer....
Most of the time that means getting past the guy reading from the idiot test menu that tells you the shut off or power down the unit blah blah blah....
Normally I wouldn't blame the TV but you said the unit works fine on others but not the JVC.
The only other option I can think of is to buy a cheap Audio Amp that has at least two HDMI Inputs and plug the CCast into that and let the Amp feed the TV. Then at least your gaining some capability for the money you will be spending.
I would never buy a JVC TV (I tend to stay away from Panasonic these days as well).
Samsung is the Monitor leader along with Phillips. Samsung actually makes a lot of the LED Panels the other brands use.

Asphyx said:
The only way to get good results from tech support is to call them and keep them on the phone until they have a decent answer....
Most of the time that means getting past the guy reading from the idiot test menu that tells you the shut off or power down the unit blah blah blah....
Normally I wouldn't blame the TV but you said the unit works fine on others but not the JVC.
The only other option I can think of is to buy a cheap Audio Amp that has at least two HDMI Inputs and plug the CCast into that and let the Amp feed the TV. Then at least your gaining some capability for the money you will be spending.
I would never buy a JVC TV (I tend to stay away from Panasonic these days as well).
Samsung is the Monitor leader along with Phillips. Samsung actually makes a lot of the LED Panels the other brands use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be afraid to politely ask for your case to be escalated.
I still remember when Sony support was adamant that I unscrew my Clie NX80V's stylus to push the reset button on the back... The NX80V's stylus didn't unscrew and its reset was on the side, pushable by the non-unscrewing stylus. I humored them and pretended to unscrew it.
You could also get an off-board decoder that will "dumb things down" to PCM, but for what you'll usually pay for that, you get a better deal getting the amp with it.

bhiga said:
Don't be afraid to politely ask for your case to be escalated.
I still remember when Sony support was adamant that I .....
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LOL the Beauty of being in Broadcast...I would just call up my Broadcast rep who would have the Consumer guy who worked on the unit development call me back!
Yes don't be afraid to ask to be escalated to a higher level tech. They are available but usually only get them when you confuse the ell out of the guy who originally answered the phone by talking tech way over his head! LOL

Well Sadly I have yet to find a solution to my issue. I pretty much have a Chromecaset where only the Netflix app works on my JVC TV. Not going to upgrade my TV just to get Chromecast to work. Back to a Roku I guess.