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This is a bad and hardly structured review with a focus mainly on video playback. This is not a full review, and there's more things I want to test (and probably info I will post) for the future. It is also 4 AM, so don't expect any literary gymnastics.
So, I've had the (Euro) HDMI dock for a few weeks now (as well as the black leather sleeve, which is nice) but hadn't really gotten around to testing it. Primarily because I hadn't gotten around getting a mini-to-normal HDMI cable - yes the dock has a mini-HDMI output. The cable in question is commonly known as an HDMI "A<->C" cable with male ends on both sides.
Let's get the details you all know already out of the way. We're talking about the ECR-D980, more info here.
The dock itself comes packaged with nothing. No extra USB cable, no HDMI cable (or even converter plug), nothing. Keep in mind that these up the total cost of ownership for the dock quite a bit. I got the dock for about 29 euro, add about 20 euro total before you have a second SGT USB cable and a mini-to-normal HDMI cable. So that's 50 euro or about $70 US minimum cost at the time of writing, significantly more if you don't search a bit to find the cheapest deals. You don't strictly need the extra USB cable, but it becomes annoying in most setups if you don't have it - you'd be switching the cables location a lot.
The dock itself feels like a solid piece of equipment, much like the Tab itself. It features a 3.5mm audio out, mini-HDMI out, and 30-pin Samsung "PDMI" USB / power connector (the same connector on the Tab itself).
I started out testing at a friend two weeks ago, using his Sony soundsystem (several HDMI ins & outs) and his 42" high-end-4-years-ago Philips LCD. We were however completely unable to get it to work. Having no clue which component the problem was, we gave up after a bit. Note that his LCD doesn't do 1080p, but max 1080i (at time of purchase, even 1080i was rare). So I borrowed his cable, and today I tried it (with his A-C cable) in my home, on my Samsung 6-series 37" LCD that does do 1080p, without any special soundsystem. Note again that I used a converting cable, not an A-C converter plug. I know people have reported problems using those.
As soon as I plugged everything in, I immediately had display on my screen. We still don't know what the issue was at my friend's house, but keep in mind that it may be a requirement that the display device supports 1080p. The signal received by the TV was 1080p30. I think this is the maximum the device will do, as my TV does support both 1080p50 and 1080p60 as well (and I regularly use both those modes).
Immediate snags:
(1) First, the dock needs to be connected (via the USB cable) to a power, or HDMI will not work. I actually used an old HTC adapter instead of the Samsung one, that delivers 1a instead of 2a, and that worked fine. Connecting it to a computer USB port (0.5a) reportedly does not work, but I have not tested this myself (yet).
(2) Second, the Samsung USB cable you got with your Tab is really short, using an extender cable is almost certainly necessary for most situations.
(3) Third, the 3.5mm audio out does NOT work while HDMI is connected (reported by others, not tested myself)
(4) Last, the backlight will NEVER go off when connected over HDMI. Not even using the power button.
So, when you have it all connected, you will see one of two things: a really narrow output of your portrait screen, or a screen-filling output of your landscape screen. I advise everyone to put the device in landscape mode and enabling the orientation lock before connecting. Note that the HDMI dock is also a really handy standard for landscape mode!
When in the normal Android UI, you can clearly see the artifacts of upscaling. You'll see whatever happens on the Tab on the TV as well, scaled up (and not using a good resampler). The Android UI does NOT suddenly see a FullHD screen (as I expected, but some may be surprised).
However, some applications that go full-screen do see and use the FullHD resolution. I have not extensively tested this on many applications. For example, the YouTube app appears to see FullHD, but I can not be certain. The stock Samsung video player does see and use the FullHD resolution, as far as I can make out.
I have tested playback of the following videos, in the stock video player:
(1) Iron_Man_2-DivXPlusHD.mkv - 81mb, 2:30, CCV1 1920x800 23.98fps, AAC 48000Hz stereo, 4.4mbps
(2) Cowboys & Aliens - Trailer.mp4 - 174mb, 2:31, CCV1 1920x816 23.98fps, AAC 48000Hz stereo, 9.2mbps
(3) v.2009.s02e03.720p.hdtv.x264-ctu.mkv - 1118mb, 41:22, CCV1 1280x720 23.98fps, Dolby AC3 48000Hz 6ch, 3.6mbps
(4) the.mentalist.s03e12.720p.hdtv.x264-ctu.mkv - 1119mb, 41:48, CCV1 1280x720 23.98fps, Dolby AC3 48000Hz 6ch, 3.6mbps
These four videos all played fine, with audio and everything. V even had subtitles, and those worked well. However I must note that the button to disable subtitles is disabled while outputting to HDMI. Not sure what that is about. DTS is still on my to-test list, but I'll get around to that when we get the setup working on my friend's soundssystem, where I can also test whether or not the output is more than stereo or always downsampled to 2-channel.
The video output is pretty good, but not without buts.
(1) First, as stated before, the backlight on the Tab will not go off no matter what you do, and you will see one of the first frames of the video as a still on the Tab. You can however still use much of the videoplayer UI (which is suddenly slightly different: amongst other things options like brightness and scaling disappear), and that UI only appears on the Tab, NOT on the TV. Now if only I could control that UI, over Wi-Fi, with my SGS ... (might be possible through DLNA, btw, a nice test for the future)
(2) When you look closely at the image produced, you will see that the postprocessing is not quite up to par to the quality you get from CoreAVC or even ffmpeg on a laptop or HTPC or whatnot. The difference does really seem to be postprocessing though, not bad decoding or scaling.
(3) There is some shift in framespeed. Not traditional suttering you might see when the player cannot decode fast enough, though, the speed seems to be fine. I think this has to do with the fact that first the Tab has to scale 24fps to 30fps, which is probably done with some pulldown scheme, and then my TV has to scale that to 100hz, again with some pulldown scheme. I'm sure the videophiles amongst you will understand what I am talking about, even if the jargon is not correct. If you're not following, you are probably someone who wouldn't even notice it. Also note that I have all video-enhancing features on the TV itself turned off (as always). Enabling the 100hz motion interpolation mode makes the issue mostly disappear, but I really hate the "homevideo" effect you get when doing that. All in all, when watching a 40 minute show, you don't really notice it anymore after a few minutes, but if you're like me you know it's there and see it. If it were 1080p25 instead of 1080p30, the issue would probably not exist.
All in all, it does look good and works pretty well. Unfortunately, though most of these individual issues are small, together they are big enough to prevent this from being more than a casual playback device. It comes close, but not close enough to being a home-theater device. However, who knows maybe XBMC can be ported and we'll get past a number of these problems.
I won't make any claims as to whether the HDMI dock is worth the money or not. You know the price, and you have a bit of information here, and more in other reviews online. You have to decide for yourself it it's worth it. Hope this is helpful and/or interesting to someone.
For me the dock was totally worth it. The framespeed issue you describe is definitely there, but I do not notice that unless I am consciously looking for it. I have watched a lot of movies quite comfortably using the dock on Full HD TV.
And yes, if TV is not 1080p, for example just HD Ready and not Full HD, the video output is not HD at all. I think it's the same as Tab's screen: 1024x600.
"Connecting it to a computer USB port (0.5a) reportedly does not work, but I have not tested this myself (yet). "
USB from my computer (Kies drivers installed) works fine with the Dock. I have an HDMI capable computer monitor and this also works fine with the dock.
Thanks for the review!
For those who purchase movies through MediaHub, you will not be able to play back through HDMI dock to TV. http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/ECR-D980BEGSTA-reviews
GeorgijSapkin said:
For me the dock was totally worth it. The framespeed issue you describe is definitely there, but I do not notice that unless I am consciously looking for it. I have watched a lot of movies quite comfortably using the dock on Full HD TV.
And yes, if TV is not 1080p, for example just HD Ready and not Full HD, the video output is not HD at all. I think it's the same as Tab's screen: 1024x600.
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Click to collapse
Have you tried movies with DTS ? And on a surroundl soundsystem ? If so, can you share the details ?
Re: 1080p, you are saying even if the TV does not support 1080p, you do still get output ? Would mean that 1080i is not the problem on my friends' system, as we got no output at all.
(good info on this dock is hard to find )
specmac said:
"Connecting it to a computer USB port (0.5a) reportedly does not work, but I have not tested this myself (yet). "
USB from my computer (Kies drivers installed) works fine with the Dock. I have an HDMI capable computer monitor and this also works fine with the dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant using the computer as power source for HDMI. Do you get HDMI output when the USB cable is connected to a computer ? I read on some other reviews people did not get that to work.
quattr0 said:
Thanks for the review!
For those who purchase movies through MediaHub, you will not be able to play back through HDMI dock to TV. http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/ECR-D980BEGSTA-reviews
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is really silly ...
Yes, dock connected to my computer via usb and connected to my monitor via hdmi. Outputs to the computer monitor just fine with this configuration.
Sent from Samsung Galaxy Tab
Dock but no audio
I have this dock but I get no audio what so ever... Have you had to do anything at all to enable it?
gsjurseth said:
I have this dock but I get no audio what so ever... Have you had to do anything at all to enable it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked out of the box for me, through HDMI. Haven't tried 3.5mm jack. Have heard that complaint before though.
Nice review its a bit dissapointing for me that they chose the mini HDMI standard as there is plenty of space to have included a normal size plug.
Maybe I'm just annoyed because I have HDMI cables laying around but now need to buy a mini HDMI cable
Ghostwalker9 said:
Nice review its a bit dissapointing for me that they chose the mini HDMI standard as there is plenty of space to have included a normal size plug.
Maybe I'm just annoyed because I have HDMI cables laying around but now need to buy a mini HDMI cable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100% agree
YouTube is great when you're docked. You can flip through videos and playlists on the tab while a YouTube clip continues to pay fullscreen on your TV - nice! It's a shame you can't play HD though.
I stripped the DRM off all the free movies that came with my Tab so I can play them directly through the dock. Inception looks great! You're right though, post-processing looks a little rough at times.
The dock is pretty overpriced for what you get but I'm happy with it all-in-all. If it came with a mini HDMI cable it would be perfect.
are you using a stock rom or custom rom? wondering if that will matter in regards to dock performance, i am on the rotohammer jme v4 and love how fast it is compared to the stock roms.
thanks for the notes/review!
Chainfire said:
Have you tried movies with DTS ? And on a surroundl soundsystem ? If so, can you share the details ?
Re: 1080p, you are saying even if the TV does not support 1080p, you do still get output ? Would mean that 1080i is not the problem on my friends' system, as we got no output at all.
(good info on this dock is hard to find )
I meant using the computer as power source for HDMI. Do you get HDMI output when the USB cable is connected to a computer ? I read on some other reviews people did not get that to work.
That is really silly ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My projector is 1024x768 and the dock work well with it, so 1080p is not necessary for it to work, and as a power source I use an external battery rated 500mh, so I guess a computer usb port should be able to power it.
My problem is that my projector doesn't have an audio out jack, and when the hdmi cable is connected all the audio port of the tab get disabled, INCLUDING bluetooth audio. This is why I now use this dock as an overpriced charging dock
Sent from my Galaxy Tab
http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=236523&t=2611349
Just an FYI. $37 Shipped.
FYI, I got this 6 foot long Samsung sync/charge cable for only $8 (with shipping) that is a great companion for the Dock because the stock Samsung cables are way too short.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300509955254
w4rmk said:
FYI, I got this 6 foot long Samsung sync/charge cable for only $8 (with shipping) that is a great companion for the Dock because the stock Samsung cables are way too short.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300509955254
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Click to collapse
Just what I needed !
does SGT screen needs to be turned on while docked, because while streaming / watching vids i dont want to hav twin/identical display
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
erlz said:
does SGT screen needs to be turned on while docked, because while streaming / watching vids i dont want to hav twin/identical display
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As metioned in the first posting of this thread, unfortunately you cannot turn off the screen on the Tab when it's in the doc. When watching video's the first frame of the video stays visibile on the Tab the entire time. When your not watching videos the displays on the Tab and your TV are mirrored.
I buy the HDMI station dock and I find it no really good!
A HD photo is not so nice on the LCD, it ok buy when you see then at the real resolution with the camera, it's bad!
The only way that I can have good resolution is when i plug the tab into the PS3 like a hard drive annd the I see the same photos like they are and my videos arein real 720P or 1080P
I will returned it and wait for a new model or plug into my PS3
I just picked one of these up and was a bit disappointed with the video quality too. Videos looks great in HD on the Tab but jaggy and average quality on the TV - no better than a DVD really.
I bought one so I could connect it to the TV in my hotel room when I go on Holiday soon. Is it true that if you get no audio over HDMI, you can't use the line out at the same time? I was going to take some small speakers just in case the TV in the hotel didn't support audio (should be fine, think they're Samsung 32" LCD TVs).
I'm a bit surprised there's no settings you can tweak on the Tab other than PAL or NTSC to correct the overscan and advise on resolution and FPS.
Surprised about the quality, I loaded a webpage up in Xscope and could hardly read it on the TV, very poor. I genuinely thought it would be near HD. I could just take my 13.3" Laptop with HDMI out but that's 2.5KG.
At least I'll get lots of films on the Tab as there's no point putting HD ones on there if they don't look HD on the big screen. What an oxymoron that they look better on the Tab screen!
Hi,
I am a new user to the forums. Recently I have purchased TV out original samsung 3.5 to RCA cable for TV out capability but I see distorted image on TV. Thought it was a cable problem and went to at&t device support center but they couldn't help me out because they can't test my device at there center. I wonder any one tried it and if so is there any limitation on hardware/software for captivate.
Please help.
shashib said:
Hi,
I am a new user to the forums. Recently I have purchased TV out original samsung 3.5 to RCA cable for TV out capability but I see distorted image on TV. Thought it was a cable problem and went to at&t device support center but they couldn't help me out because they can't test my device at there center. I wonder any one tried it and if so is there any limitation on hardware/software for captivate.
Please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine works just fine, quality is comparable to an old VHS vcr.
Some cables you have to switch the red audio out with the video to get them to work right.(use right audio for video, and video for right audio)
nickm50 said:
Mine works just fine, quality is comparable to an old VHS vcr.
Some cables you have to switch the red audio out with the video to get them to work right.(use right audio for video, and video for right audio)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Nick for the quick input. I appreciate your concern.
Might want to also try jacking with the cable on the phone end.
The 3.5mm Jack isn't exactly a "Great" output mthod for Video. Try just pulling it up and pushing it down a little. You can fell where the grooves are. Just try to move them around in there to get a better connection.
Thats what worked for me @ least.
I'm slightly miffed as to why Samsung decided no HDMI out, and instead stuck with a crappy 3.5mm headphone out for video.
Works fine for me....can't seem to get the volume any louder though
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I also get the same distorted video and a buzzing-hum that drowns out the audio with my 3.5 to RCA/AV cable. I have tried both tv out settings on the phone and swapping the red and yellow ends of the cable. I can, however, use my Play Station 3 to watch, copy and save videos and pictures with the usb cable. It works great and gives awesome audio and video.
Rooster* said:
I also get the same distorted video and a buzzing-hum that drowns out the audio with my 3.5 to RCA/AV cable. I have tried both tv out settings on the phone and swapping the red and yellow ends of the cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here.
I just ordered an RCA out cable and am really excited to get it. Even thought it isn't HD it will still be really nice to do.
I was surprised with how good the quality is. I use a cable that came with my Zune dock. It matches correctly to the inputs. My phone looked much better than the Zune did using the same cables.
The audio was great, and the video was as others said VHS quality. Definately watchable. I will say the landscape quality was much better than the portrait quality. On my HDTV I want to say it wasn't full screen, but using the zoom in the TV menu it became full screen, correct proportion.
I agree that Samsung leaving out HDMI support is bad, and disappointing after they told everyone a micro-usb to HDMI cable would fix that, then changed their minds.
This is a problem I won't trouble myself with much longer, I plan on getting an Atrix when they come out.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
SM Galaxy S Captivate I896 running CM7: 3.5 mm to AV out?
Hi everyone, I am wondering if anyone knows whether or not I can use the 3.5 MM to AV out option with a Captivate I896 that has been modded with Cyanogen Mod 7.
I don't seem to have the TV out option in my display settings.
Canadacorps said:
Hi everyone, I am wondering if anyone knows whether or not I can use the 3.5 MM to AV out option with a Captivate I896 that has been modded with Cyanogen Mod 7.
I don't seem to have the TV out option in my display settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know it's not (yet) supported by cm7. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Sent from my Captivate
Rooster* said:
I also get the same distorted video and a buzzing-hum that drowns out the audio with my 3.5 to RCA/AV cable. I have tried both tv out settings on the phone and swapping the red and yellow ends of the cable. I can, however, use my Play Station 3 to watch, copy and save videos and pictures with the usb cable. It works great and gives awesome audio and video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interested in the whole PS3 thing. How do hook up phone to PS3? Headphone jack to USB or a way to go micro-usb to USB?
Canadacorps said:
Hi everyone, I am wondering if anyone knows whether or not I can use the 3.5 MM to AV out option with a Captivate I896 that has been modded with Cyanogen Mod 7.
I don't seem to have the TV out option in my display settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curti.nogg is correct, unfortunately :-( TV-out is not yet supported with CM7. Maybe if enough people talk about the devs will look into it...
RTBee said:
Interested in the whole PS3 thing. How do hook up phone to PS3? Headphone jack to USB or a way to go micro-usb to USB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just use the usb cable that came with the phone or any other micro usb to usb 2.0 cable. Just write folders on your phone's sd card named PHOTO, MUSIC and VIDEO. Put your photos, music and/or video into the corresponding folders. Plug the phone to the PS3 via usb cable. Turn on usb debugging on the phone. Now look on the PS3 in PHOTO, MUSIC or VIDEO for USB MEDIA STORAGE. There will be all your stuff. You can copy back and forth or just play it on the tv or sound system.
Sorry it took so long to answer, I totally forgot all about this thread.
Hi @all,
I've a problem with Chromecast. My setup is that I'm using an Onkyo receiver which has plenty of HDMI slots. Since I've no TV I've connected a monitor to the Onkyo. Unfortunately the monitor works at best in 720p (I've also attached a PS3 to the system where I'm also using 720p)...
So my question is, can I force Chromecast to output its HDMI signal in 720p. I don't have any image at the moment, with the exception during booting... (I see the Chrome Logo).
Any ideas????
ccflo said:
Hi @all,
I've a problem with Chromecast. My setup is that I'm using an Onkyo receiver which has plenty of HDMI slots. Since I've no TV I've connected a monitor to the Onkyo. Unfortunately the monitor works at best in 720p (I've also attached a PS3 to the system where I'm also using 720p)...
So my question is, can I force Chromecast to output its HDMI signal in 720p. I don't have any image at the moment, with the exception during booting... (I see the Chrome Logo).
Any ideas????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
720p is the highest and I believe the default that chromecast outputs at. You can change to 720p high or low bitrate, or 480p via the chrome browser extension.Sorry I was thinking about tab casting when I read the OP.
supernova_00 said:
720p is the highest and I believe the default that chromecast outputs at. You can change to 720p high or low bitrate, or 480p via the chrome browser extension.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's false. That setting is only for the resolution of the tab-casting. Not the output of the Chromecast. Chromecast outputs a 1080p signal. (https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=chromecast). I beleive it even upscales lower resolution content to 1080 but I can't confirm on my current setup.
rekh127 said:
That's false. That setting is only for the resolution of the tab-casting. Not the output of the Chromecast. Chromecast outputs a 1080p signal. (https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=chromecast). I beleive it even upscales lower resolution content to 1080 but I can't confirm on my current setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so far.... yes, it is about the signal what's coming out of the chromecast not about casting! I definitely need 720p and I hope somebody can tell me how to force this device to do this.... Normally you could do this on any device (PCs, PS3, Xbox, Ouya...).
I'm really open to any advice.
Hi, I'm wondering if you found any answer to forcing(?) chromecast to a certain resolution. I'm wondering if the chipset inside the stick is capable of outputting anything other than 1080P? In my case I have to have 480P or 1080i (my TV is too old that it doesn't even accept 720P <LOL>). I know the Roku3 won't output anything lower than 720P so I'm wondering what the chip inside chromecast is capable & if there are ways to turn the switches on/off?
I'm still searching for a solution... none found yet.
What I figured out is that Chromecast can detect what the device can display at maximum. There is a standard to this...
But in my case (the AV receiver which accepts full resolution but the display not) I can't force it to do this... I submitted a feature request at Google help... I also read that people claim Google are very much interested in getting feedback... so I did what I can do.
So for now my Chromecast is just an Audio Stream adapter... but a quite good one so net completely useless for me
Thank you for the heads-up and I'm glad you are getting use out of it
Been looking around and found some info on the variant of SoC that is in the stick (from Marvell) as that thread suggested the info on Marvell site is thin and nothing about resolution. I sent an inquiry to their sales support but since I'm not looking to buy a lot of 10k of those SoC on the pallet so I'm not holding my breath for an answer. Also the thread said that it is not quite the same SoC so they were suspecting a neutered on customized for Google.
ccflo said:
I'm still searching for a solution... none found yet.
What I figured out is that Chromecast can detect what the device can display at maximum. There is a standard to this...
But in my case (the AV receiver which accepts full resolution but the display not) I can't force it to do this... I submitted a feature request at Google help... I also read that people claim Google are very much interested in getting feedback... so I did what I can do.
So for now my Chromecast is just an Audio Stream adapter... but a quite good one so net completely useless for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a similar problem, as I'm trying to run my Chromecast on a non-TV.
Short of Google giving options (which would be GREAT - most HDMI sources allow selecting what resolution gets sent), you could use an in-line EDID "injector" like Gefen HDMI Detective. They also have a DVI version of it called DVI Detective.
EDIT: Another option may be the Dr HDMI
In your case I would set the HDMI Detective to report that it only supports 480P and 720P resolutions and put it after your receiver (between receiver and monitor), so all your devices see proper progressive-only EDID.
Alternatively you could try to see if you can reprogram your monitor's EDID (via something like Powerstrip), though that's significantly more dangerous especially if you're a novice.
bhiga said:
I have a similar problem, as I'm trying to run my Chromecast on a non-TV.
Short of Google giving options (which would be GREAT - most HDMI sources allow selecting what resolution gets sent), you could use an in-line EDID "injector" like Gefen HDMI Detective. They also have a DVI version of it called DVI Detective.
EDIT: Another option may be the Dr HDMI
In your case I would set the HDMI Detective to report that it only supports 480P and 720P resolutions and put it after your receiver (between receiver and monitor), so all your devices see proper progressive-only EDID.
Alternatively you could try to see if you can reprogram your monitor's EDID (via something like Powerstrip), though that's significantly more dangerous especially if you're a novice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Gefen is $129 and the Dr. HDMI is $399!
He'd be better off buying a new Monitor.
Dr. HDMI is only $99 (full boat HDfury3 is $399, Dr. HDMI is down past). But I agree, if money is to be thrown at the problem it's poetically better spent on a new monitor, unless you have something special.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk now Free
bhiga said:
Dr. HDMI is only $99 (full boat HDfury3 is $399, Dr. HDMI is down past). But I agree, if money is to be thrown at the problem it's poetically better spent on a new monitor, unless you have something special.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk now Free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, thanks for the correction. I clicked the buy now button and it showed up as $399, and I thought somethings wrong here.
OP, What monitor do you have? Does it not show any picture or is the picture quality just not good?
I recently did a search for best TV under $500 and their are some decent options for the money. My parents just picked up a 32" LCD TV from Costco on clearance for $180. It a Sceptre and 720p, but looks good and can handle a 1080p feed. It was on clearence, so might be hard to find at that price, but you can get a decent TV on the cheap with a little legwork.
Good luck.
FWIW as a test I have my Chromecast running to a Planar 1024x768 VGA monitor through a HDfury2.
The Planar says it's getting a 1280x720 signal, and I can tell from the green tint that it's receiving YPbPr (aka YUV).
So Chromecast definitely can output 720p if it thinks that's all the monitor can accept.
and I meant "probably" not "poetically" heh
any news?? I have a 720p projector connected to the onkyo. The chromecast doesn´t appear...
psikonetik said:
any news?? I have a 720p projector connected to the onkyo. The chromecast doesn´t appear...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you wall power Chromecast and boot it directly connected to the projector with the projector on, do you get picture?
-= this post enhanced with bonus mobile typos =-
bhiga said:
If you wall power Chromecast and boot it directly connected to the projector with the projector on, do you get picture?
-= this post enhanced with bonus mobile typos =-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When the screen says "starting...." I can see the picture well, I guess its on 720p, then it appears chromecast logo blurry and then a red noise digital noise screen.
I guess I need to change chromecast output resolution...
psikonetik said:
When the screen says "starting...." I can see the picture well, I guess its on 720p, then it appears chromecast logo blurry and then a red noise digital noise screen.
I guess I need to change chromecast output resolution...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IIRC the boot screen is 480p.
This could be a failure of resolution negotiation (projector tells Chromecast it supports a resolution it can't handle) or missing/broken HDCP support on the projector.
Unfortunately you can't force Chromecast to a specific resolution so you'd have to control the reported supported resolutions with Dr. HDMI or similar that I mentioned earlier in the thread.
Is the digital noise blocky or more like fine random colored pixels?
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The digital noise are red vertical lines at the screen, if I press the home button on my onkyo remote it changes to the casted image in 4 squares disorganized...
I find dr HDMI very expensive and I don´t think google will solve this issue. Maybe scene will do it eventually.
Well now I have a music streamer hehe, maybe I'll buy an fire tv or an apple tv...
Thanks a lot!
psikonetik said:
The digital noise are red vertical lines at the screen, if I press the home button on my onkyo remote it changes to the casted image in 4 squares disorganized...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. Definitely sounds like your projector doesn't like what Chromecast is sending, maybe it doesn't like 1080p. Regardless, considering the cost of Chromecast I would just use it on another display or gift it to someone else and go with a more "full" player.
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Hello guys,
I ask my question here after googling all day ...
I just bought an Chromecast this morning, and on my TV, the screen is pink. The background images, netflix videos, all is pink.
I have tested with all 3 HDMI inputs availables on my TV.
Is there any solution ? On the other websites, the guys were saying "buy a new TV" .... But I don't want to buy a new TV because of a little device which costs 35€ ....
Start messing with the TV video inout settings, my old TV had something like color profile that I had to adjust to make certain HDMI devices display properly. Also certain older TV HDMI ports just don't work with chromecast.
carmelo42 said:
Hello guys,
I ask my question here after googling all day ...
I just bought an Chromecast this morning, and on my TV, the screen is pink. The background images, netflix videos, all is pink.
I have tested with all 3 HDMI inputs availables on my TV.
Is there any solution ? On the other websites, the guys were saying "buy a new TV" .... But I don't want to buy a new TV because of a little device which costs 35€ ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like an HDCP issue... I'd make sure your TV supports it... (It should) Do you have any other HDMI devices? Xbox 360/PS3/HD Cable Box?
I think my TV isn't HDCP compliant
I have PS3 and XBOX 360 connected with HDMI : they both work fine on that TV ....
carmelo42 said:
I think my TV isn't HDCP compliant
I have PS3 and XBOX 360 connected with HDMI : they both work fine on that TV ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PS3 and XBox 360 both require HDCP to function with a TV properly... Hmm. How do you have the chromecast powered? Via the TV's USB port or through the included power brick
death2all110 said:
PS3 and XBox 360 both require HDCP to function with a TV properly... Hmm. How do you have the chromecast powered? Via the TV's USB port or through the included power brick
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I tried both : USB port of the TV, and with the power adapter provided with the chromecast !
Are you sure the chromecast works? Does it work on other TV's? What model is your TV?
yes, I tested it on my 27" LCD iiyama, it's ok
I assume that only one port of the tv can be put into PC mode, so that is not the problem. Then it may be a matter of the wrong color standard. There is sRGB, which is common for computers and multimedia devices, and the multimedia standard xvYCC. My Samsung TV is a bit vague about what it actually uses. I have xvYCC set to off, and the various color mixers at default.
But pink is the color of trouble, streaming and decoding glitches often appear in pink. And hardware issues.
carmelo42 said:
yes, I tested it on my 27" LCD iiyama, it's ok
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe try contacting TCL? Maybe they have a firmware update they can send you?
So i have top tier problem
When i turn on my chromecast screen is just black it shows Chromecast.... then google logo aka multi color G and then just black screen if i stream stuff it does output audio (chromecast audio update jokesaside) i tried 2 chromecasts and both same effect (chromecast 1st,2ndgen) question is are there any ways to fix this as in shop they will throw bricks at me if i bring another chromecast claiming that its faulty :silly::silly::silly::silly:
It could have an issue with your WiFi.
Try it on a different one.
If I remember right, at least the 1st gen, supports only 2.4GHz routers.
So find one, or try it on a few.
wolfaas12345 said:
So i have top tier problem
When i turn on my chromecast screen is just black it shows Chromecast.... then google logo aka multi color G and then just black screen if i stream stuff it does output audio (chromecast audio update jokesaside) i tried 2 chromecasts and both same effect (chromecast 1st,2ndgen) question is are there any ways to fix this as in shop they will throw bricks at me if i bring another chromecast claiming that its faulty :silly::silly::silly::silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it has something to do with your screen, is it a 720p or a 1080P?
mnd86 said:
I think it has something to do with your screen, is it a 720p or a 1080P?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made a hackish bypass i bought a hdmi to av converter and connected it to av but when it comes to tv its 1366x768
wolfaas12345 said:
I made a hackish bypass i bought a hdmi to av converter and connected it to av but when it comes to tv its 1366x768
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have like the same setup like you so unfortunately there is no fix. Chromecast will work only on the formats 720p or 1080p. I purchased a cheap Miracast dongle and works like a charm on a set-up like yours. Unless the converter can be setup to 720p you will be able to use it...