Controlling Android on a Raspberry Pi - Raspberry Pi Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I realize this is a dumb question but I haven't been able to find the answer. If I install Android on a Raspberry Pi attached to my TV, how do I control it? Is there a way to use a regular remote control?

There is always the wireless Keyboard and Mouse option.
I believe you can also use multi-touch touchpads such as Wacom Bamboo.

LiFE1688 said:
There is always the wireless Keyboard and Mouse option.
I believe you can also use multi-touch touchpads such as Wacom Bamboo.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.I was hoping to use a media center remote or something similar, but I assume none of the drivers will work.

If you want to control your RPi using a remote I wouldn't install Android (The current builds aren't that stable and are buggy at best). I would recommend taking a look at Raspbmc, it's Xbmc for the RPi and should be compatible with a variety of media remote controls.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

You can Use a Normal Mouse (And Keyboard)

Xbmc isn't really what I'm looking for. If a keyboard and mouse work, maybe someone will figure out how to use a remote.

When android is more polished I think you will have options
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

lithium630 said:
Xbmc isn't really what I'm looking for. If a keyboard and mouse work, maybe someone will figure out how to use a remote.
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Click to collapse
What are you looking for then? Since you want to drive it using an IR remote (I'm guessing), that typically indicates some sort of media center.

METDeath said:
What are you looking for then? Since you want to drive it using an IR remote (I'm guessing), that typically indicates some sort of media center.
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Click to collapse
I run Windows Media Center on all my tv's with the Ceton Companion app to control it. Currently the app does not support streaming live tv but it is supposed to be in the works. When it finally supports streaming to android, I could build a small raspberry pi box and use it as an extender when I'm out of town. If nothing else I would finally have an excuse to buy one.

lithium630 said:
I run Windows Media Center on all my tv's with the Ceton Companion app to control it. Currently the app does not support streaming live tv but it is supposed to be in the works. When it finally supports streaming to android, I could build a small raspberry pi box and use it as an extender when I'm out of town. If nothing else I would finally have an excuse to buy one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is something like what I want, too. I would ultimately like to have an HTPC running android that supports video streaming, local media playback, live tv and streaming of everything above to all my connected devices.....like xbmc, but also with an option to use it as an android device when necessary. I don't want to have to use a mouse and keyboard for it either since my tv is too far away from the couch for that to be a reasonable option.....but mouse and kb support are still necessary for some things. IMHO, the best possible option would be a logitech remote that also has an on-screen pointer and motion controls like a wii remote has.
......come to think of it, an app supporting a wii remote to control android functions wouldn't exactly be a bad solution!!

you can use raspbmc instead of android if you are willing to use it as media center. it also has broader possibilities for choosing a remote.
http://www.raspbmc.com/wiki/user/configuring-remotes/
but i prefer this one most
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.xbmc.android.remote
enjoy !

I use a regular remote from my tv when i use raspmbc since it supports cec. The xbmc remote most people use through their Android device is specific for xbmc, so it wouldnt do much good with anything else. Droidmote isnt the prettiest but its functions well. Theres a lot of apps for remotes, that even take advantage of voice and nfc. So when Android is running stable enough, you will be able to take your pic. If your not interested in embedded hardware or other similar usages for the pi, you could always get a g box midnight or minix neo g4 or 5. There all dual core and come rooted with firmware updates that will give you JB and xbmc. There is a quad core one that is out or coming out and will come with JB and full hardware acceleration.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

In raspbmc u can use u tv pilot to control xbmc.

Nizda1 said:
IDroidmote isnt the prettiest but its functions well.
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Click to collapse
You can also use Tablet Remote
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tournesol.tabletremote
or LANmote
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=lanmote

Yatse is a damn good remote for xbmc, it syncs your library list to your device, so you can scroll on device, links to imdb for movies,you can change audio tracks,dl subtitles, and all sorts of cool stuff. And it's free
Sent from my DROID3 using xda premium

You can already stream to your ras pi from windows or wherever, I like prefer my tablet or phone. Download the app bubbleupnp from the playstore and it will populate a library of videos, music whatever you have on the device by selecting it as the local renderer and it will see the raspi then press play. Also some android apps like youtube for ex.you can just share it to the app and it will play on your tv connected to the pi. If I want a remote I use the official xmbc remote or if im using a win box to get the media ill use unified remote app. Which then gets cool cause you can use voice and all kinds of stuff.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

Related

Android Windows Media Center remote control???

Are there any apps that I can use as a remote control for Windows 7 media center? Preferably one that shows album art for the currently playing song etc.
I haven't seen any. I would love to be able to control my media center with my phone. A while back I made my own remote for my winmobile phone. It was functional but not very good looking or polished. If I had the time I might attempt to make one for android... but I will probably never have the time, especially if I want it to look good.
GMote works wonders for me.
Not sure if that will work for you, but I can choose to play video on my htpc, or stream the video from my htpc to my phone....requires a daemon to be running on your htpc plus the app.
I really dig it.
Yep, seconded, Gmote is awesome, not only integrated with media centre controls and streaming from the media centre to the phone as well but you can also use the touch screen as a mouse track pad and the g1 keyboard as the pc's keyboard, both absolutely awesome features. The server app running in the windows taksbar takes virtually no cpu or memory, auto starts and is found very quickly by the phone.
Wraith_17 said:
Yep, seconded, Gmote is awesome, not only integrated with media centre controls and streaming from the media centre to the phone as well but you can also use the touch screen as a mouse track pad and the g1 keyboard as the pc's keyboard, both absolutely awesome features. The server app running in the windows taksbar takes virtually no cpu or memory, auto starts and is found very quickly by the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been trying to run the gmote program with my Windows Media Center (Windows 7) setup for about a week. It seems that the server on the computer crashes fairly regularly. Has anyone else been having this issue? I especially see this if my phone goes to sleep (black screen) and then I wake the phone back up.
I'm using an HTC Hero (CDMA/Sprint).
I would recommend switching to XBMC, I've been helping out testing this app which should be coming to the market soon and it's absolutely amazing works wonders for my xbox running xbmc.
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=55346
seaweeduk said:
I would recommend switching to XBMC, I've been helping out testing this app which should be coming to the market soon and it's absolutely amazing works wonders for my xbox running xbmc.
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=55346
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks nice for sure. Just wish XBMC had DVR and live tv functionality like Windows Media Center.
seaweeduk said:
I would recommend switching to XBMC, I've been helping out testing this app which should be coming to the market soon and it's absolutely amazing works wonders for my xbox running xbmc.
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=55346
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, this program requires XBMC. I have my entire system setup to use Windows Media Center.
Windows Media Centre remote
Gmote is crashy and annoys me, i use Windows Media centre remote (on my android). But if the computer is busy, sometimes it reacts slowly. But it does not crash a lot.
As an update: The newest Gmote (2.0) works much better than the previous version I was using; maybe due to Windows 7, maybe due to the updated application. (Probably both). Anyway, it works much more reliably now. Unfortunately, there really isn't access to your playlist
Another option I am using now is MyRemote from the Market. Seems to be fast, stable, and provide more Windows Media Center type button access.
Sent from my HTC Hero CDMA using XDA App
Media Center Control is a good choice. Search it with google or in the Android Market. It's a remote control with many features and works very well.
skola28 said:
Another option I am using now is MyRemote from the Market. Seems to be fast, stable, and provide more Windows Media Center type button access.
Sent from my HTC Hero CDMA using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Hey sir.
I am in Chinese.
my windows 7 already install MyRemote server. But my phone can not get MyRemote.apk file. Could you please give me Myremote 1.1 or MyRemote 1.09 apk file? my Email is:[email protected]
Thank you so much.
lopez1_de said:
Media Center Control is a good choice. Search it with google or in the Android Market. It's a remote control with many features and works very well.
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Click to collapse
Has there been any development on this? WMC Windows 7 controls?

NC for HTPC remote - thoughts?

Going to be setting up a HTPC pretty soon and was looking for remote control options. Considering I just want it to mainly be a HTPC remote, it would just need Wifi, a big screen, and Android, the NC does seem a strong contender at first glance.
XBMC with it's Android wifi-based remote app seems like a very nice solution, as well as some others, (as long as the apps work fine on the larger screen).
Anyone have any thoughts or experience with this, or alternate suggestions?
The Nook is a fantastic media remote. I've not tried the XBMC apps specifically yet, though they should work fine.
I've built a home theater & home automation setup around a Windows program called Girder, from Promixis. Girder offers a full web server with javascript hooks so you can create html pages and use any browser to control things.
I started with this, using Nokia 800 tablets as the controller. It worked great, but I wanted more responsiveness and features than browsers would easily let me achieve. Thankfully Girder has a nice web service interface, against which I've been writing a native Android app that acts sort of like a Philips Pronto universal remote, except with all the Android goodies like voice recognition, gestures, etc.
Regardless of the implementation details, the Nook is a solid media remote control when paired with a decent back-end. The battery life is fine if you don't mind keeping a plug nearby (I get just under a week with moderate remote usage and occasional browsing), the form-factor isn't too big, and the bundled capabilities of an armchair browsing/<insert Android app here> device are hard to beat.
My only wants that the Nook doesn't have would be a few more physical buttons (I already map the volume buttons to TV volume controls but would like channel and FF/Rewind/Play or D-Pad controls), vibrate feedback for button presses, and a less finicky plug, ideally a drop-and-charge dock of some kind.
HTH!
I'm an avid XBMC fan. Been running it for a good while now. I ordered a NookColor for the same reason you did OP. The XBMC app is great on my Android phone, and I've been talking with the dev who works on it, trying to come up with some improvements for when it's run on tablets. I'd definitely recommend using it if you've got XBMC running off a machine at your place.
Thanks for the responses. Think I'll end up getting one later on, once I get the rest of the setup going (who knows, they might be back in stock by then ).
I've had XBMC running on my home server as a test for a little while, with the app on my HD2 running Android. App hasn't been 100% stable, force closing here & there, but hard to tell if it's the app, or just some of the quirks found in running Android on HD2. I did notice battery life suffered quite a bit, but that was with heavy remote testing today. I'll have to see how that goes with more testing.
The Girder stuff looked interesting, except for it's price tag. I'm on a bit of a budget & still have to get HTPC specific hardware, and slightly redo the backend. XBMC on Ubuntu is free and quite acceptable, so that's what I'll stick with for now. I did like that the stock phone volume controls worked through XBMC to control it's playback volume.
I use my Nook for a remote on my Ubuntu HTPC box.. Using Boxee instead of XBMC though. The Boxee app works great.
I tried both the apps for xbmc in the market - they both work well.
My problem is I have freeze-ups with xbmx on win 64 computer; don't know if it is related to nook as controller yet.
XBMC is the way to go, no doubt.
The app works fine now, but since the screen is so much larger, there is room for scaling improvements throughout the app. Nothing is a deal breaker, though.
I love that you can send links to stream to XBMC
Another XMBC user here using the Nook as a remote. Also on my Ubuntu box I'm running Subsonic (/w the Android app) - makes a much better streaming music server.
The boxee app is what I use on my HTPC. Then I use the Cloud Boxee remote app on my nook. It works great!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I have tried a few of the remote apps on the Market and I havent found anything yet that really fits.
Can anyone point to a tutorial on how to set up the XBMC/NC remote to work with a Win7 HTPC?
Still very new to the rooted NC world.
Many thanks!
sorry, found it shortly after I'd posted this
I installed both "the official" xbmc remote, and the other one that is rated well, but neither one is working. The official one asks that I set up Hosts in Settings, but the settings page it offers is blank. So there is no way to do what it is asking
The other one, keeps telling me to make sure XBMC is allowing control via HTTP in Network settings (which it is) My Nook is connected to my wlan, so it should be connecting
Unified Remote Control offers the most remotes I have seen in 1 program.
Really simple and handy.
RASTAVIPER said:
Unified Remote Control offers the most remotes I have seen in 1 program.
Really simple and handy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if it successfully works in XBMC?

Chromecast on Pi

Can it be done? I know that chromium was ported, and chromium odds was being worked on. Can you kitbash one of these into one of those?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
We are working on a similar product:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2359972
to make Pi to support iOS devices and Android devices using AirPlay Mirroring and Miracast.
This is not a port though, I think it should be better as chromecast won't support AirPlay mirroring.
A direct port should be possible too if chromecast source code is available, I would guess it has miracast emulation.
seems it's well possible to emulate Chromecast.
I spent a few days to emulate Chromecast inside rPlay, finally it can find the rPlay (on Raspberry Pi) as a chromecast device, and it can send youtube URL redirection. still long way to go, but seems possible.
Attached is a screenshot of Youtube on Nexus 7, the Chromecast button is shown, when clicked, it will show rPlay as the device.
huisinro said:
seems it's well possible to emulate Chromecast.
I spent a few days to emulate Chromecast inside rPlay, finally it can find the rPlay (on Raspberry Pi) as a chromecast device, and it can send youtube URL redirection. still long way to go, but seems possible.
Attached is a screenshot of Youtube on Nexus 7, the Chromecast button is shown, when clicked, it will show rPlay as the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess that's the best lead we could find thus far, as well as some assurance that this (https://github.com/dz0ny/leapcast) can also redirect Youtube links.
I think it will only be a matter of time until this is fully working like the chromecast
yes, the initial implementation is available in our rPlay software, beta version is available.
We will add more and more chromecasting features to it, in addition to airplay mirroring,
http://www.vmlite.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&Itemid=158&func=view&catid=23&id=10991
Toadyus said:
I think it will only be a matter of time until this is fully working like the chromecast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also if possible please add option to stream/play local media files which official chromecast lacks.:good:
Is the Chromecast protocol open? If not, has anyone asked Google why not?
Very Cool. Hows the progress
This is very cool. How is it going? Does the Pi have sufficient performance?
D.
huisinro said:
seems it's well possible to emulate Chromecast.
I spent a few days to emulate Chromecast inside rPlay, finally it can find the rPlay (on Raspberry Pi) as a chromecast device, and it can send youtube URL redirection. still long way to go, but seems possible.
Attached is a screenshot of Youtube on Nexus 7, the Chromecast button is shown, when clicked, it will show rPlay as the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kurchatovian said:
This is very cool. How is it going? Does the Pi have sufficient performance?
D.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also amazed . I'm curious if it's going good too
deathbearer said:
Also if possible please add option to stream/play local media files which official chromecast lacks.:good:
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Click to collapse
Yatse and bubble UPNP already do this with XBMC on the Pi.
I can easily send YouTube videos to the pi using the share feature in Android and Yatse remote app. Similarly with local content.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
I'd say the main thing holding my Pi back is silverlight drm. Otherwise I'd be perfectly happy with my xmbcrpi.

Send videos from XBMC to Chromecast?

Has anyone found a way to send videos from XBMC addons such as mash up or 1channel to chromecast? It uses online streams usually just regular mp4 files. I know Google updated the Chromecast and that broke some apps but I also has read sometime else might have found a way to do it using WebRTC some how. Anyways I look forward to the day I can have XBMC on my laptop or tablet and send videos to the Chromecast like I can with Netflix and YouTube. Any info I'm this would be great.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Link_of_Hyrule said:
Has anyone found a way to send videos from XBMC addons such as mash up or 1channel to chromecast? It uses online streams usually just regular mp4 files. I know Google updated the Chromecast and that broke some apps but I also has read sometime else might have found a way to do it using WebRTC some how. Anyways I look forward to the day I can have XBMC on my laptop or tablet and send videos to the Chromecast like I can with Netflix and YouTube. Any info I'm this would be great.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to know more about this too. Allcast has a time bomb.
I don't really understand why there isn't more interest in getting XBMC to work with Chromecast. It would basically let you watch anything you could possibly want to.
Off of a pi there's a good kit on eBay for 80 I believe it was...
I would love to do this!!!
would love it
I don't even use my Chromcast but this feature would change that.
A few problems with this, first SDK is still in preview mode and they haven't opened it up so everyone can add support for their apps willynilly. This means even if someone had a solution that works the way google wants their system to work they couldn't widely release it since it'd work on only devices that have been whitelisted for development.
You could possible treat whatever you want to view as a webpage and make it possible to watch something from XBMC using the tab casting feature, but this isn't as optimal as the just send a link and have the chromecast pull up the content itself. So this method doesn't really work on low powered devices meaning you definitely couldn't do it from the chromecast.
Another issue with running xbmc on a pi and using chromecast for the video feeds is you'd need a either a way to send the main menu to the chromecast so you could see it as you navigate it, or you'd need a second display just to navigate through the menus on the Pi. Not horribly efficient that second option.
GabrialDestruir said:
A few problems with this, first SDK is still in preview mode and they haven't opened it up so everyone can add support for their apps willynilly. This means even if someone had a solution that works the way google wants their system to work they couldn't widely release it since it'd work on only devices that have been whitelisted for development.
You could possible treat whatever you want to view as a webpage and make it possible to watch something from XBMC using the tab casting feature, but this isn't as optimal as the just send a link and have the chromecast pull up the content itself. So this method doesn't really work on low powered devices meaning you definitely couldn't do it from the chromecast.
Another issue with running xbmc on a pi and using chromecast for the video feeds is you'd need a either a way to send the main menu to the chromecast so you could see it as you navigate it, or you'd need a second display just to navigate through the menus on the Pi. Not horribly efficient that second option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the pi guy just meant setup a pi for XBMC and connect it to your TV without chrome cast. I want to use XBMC on my laptop or tablet and cast the videos to my chromecast.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Link_of_Hyrule said:
I think the pi guy just meant setup a pi for XBMC and connect it to your TV without chrome cast. I want to use XBMC on my laptop or tablet and cast the videos to my chromecast.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah well in that case, setting up a pi with xbmc is completely irrelevant to the chromecast, and has already been done http://www.raspbmc.com/
Edit: I realize the pi guy was saying this was possible with a Pi. But if someone is here they've most likely already bought a Chromecast as opposed to a Pi
It would be nice to see XBMC support in some way. Though I have currently switched to plex since you can pull up the interface via web and watch movies that way you can tab cast it rather nicely with a decent enough computer.
We probably won't see official support for plex or xbmc until the sdk comes out of preview release and you're not required to get your device whitelisted for the features to work, unless either group gets the preferential partner treatment like netflix, hulu, and pandora.
Well if everything I have read on this thread is correct I will not be buying a Chromecast soon.
I don't regret getting the chrome cast is totally worth it just for YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
XBMC over Chromecast through Avia
Using Smartphone - XMBC can be watched over Chromecast through Avia Player which costs $2.99. YouTube Video shows how.
http://youtu.be/vS-7hwYe4nw
Using Computer - XMBC can be watched over Chromecast through Avia Player which costs $2.99. YouTube Video shows how.
http://youtu.be/NCgP0r5Dvp8
Good Luck
Chromecast streaming could happen easily. You do not need to physically have a menu on chromecast...look at all the other apps like Netflix hulu. You pick what you want on your phone and throw it to chromecast. They just need to work in a casting button for XBMC and then all will be good since most videos are mp4 anyway
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I would love this as I just want a all in one solution that works perfect that dont cost me a arm and a leg and yet to find it.. this is close.. I got netflix hulu. I want amazin instant and xbmc.
(I have a ouya and a rasp pi but I just like how this works a lot better)

[Q] Physical Remote

I would love to see a physical remote used with the chromecast. I feel that is a major item missing when it comes to controlling a set top box. This wouldn't be all that helpful with casting, but for netflix/hulu use and other apps it would be great. I like having dedicated/physical buttons for things.
Not sure where to begin on this journey. Anyone else feel the same way I do?
Possible options:
WiiMote - Bluetooth?
Keyboard - bluetooth
Is this someones attemp at a wiimote + chromecast?
https://code.google.com/p/chromecas...entation/ABI/testing/sysfs-driver-hid-wiimote
Don't know what you'd control with that.
You can use a wiimote/dualshock 3 with your android device to control YouTube, if that's what you mean.
Sent from my XT907 using xda premium
Leraeniesh said:
Don't know what you'd control with that.
You can use a wiimote/dualshock 3 with your android device to control YouTube, if that's what you mean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think they're after a physical implementation of RemoteCast
Closest thing I can think of would be to see if RemoteCast's dev would support some kind of paired Bluetooth controller like a Wiimote, but its function would still be tied to a phone/tablet somewhere.
If Chromecast does well, I wouldn't be surprised if Google releases some firmware that enables the Bluetooth part of its WiFi chip and sells us a remote and/or provides Bluetooth functionality in the SDK. But first things first, they need to release the SDK...
I would be much more interested in some IR Control myself...
Not just for when I'm using the Chromecast but for when I'm not as well.
If implemented it could automatically change your TV to the chromecast input when you cast something to Chromecast and when your not casting it would allow the Chromecast to serve as a conduit to using your tablet/phone as a full IR remote for your TV, Set Top Boxes and whatever else you have at your Home Entertainment system.
Asphyx said:
I would be much more interested in some IR Control myself...
Not just for when I'm using the Chromecast but for when I'm not as well.
If implemented it could automatically change your TV to the chromecast input when you cast something to Chromecast and when your not casting it would allow the Chromecast to serve as a conduit to using your tablet/phone as a full IR remote for your TV, Set Top Boxes and whatever else you have at your Home Entertainment system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine already changes the channel and turns the TV on if it's off.
Unless you have an unusual setup, all you need to do is enabled HDMI-CEC in your TV's settings, and make sure Chromecast has power when the TV is off (if you want it to turn the TV on).
IR would be quite complicated, mainly because something has to receive the IR and process it.
You'd probably be better off getting a network-enabled IR receiver/blaster like the GlobalCache GC-100 to do network-triggered IR blasting.
bhiga said:
Mine already changes the channel and turns the TV on if it's off.
Unless you have an unusual setup, all you need to do is enabled HDMI-CEC in your TV's settings, and make sure Chromecast has power when the TV is off (if you want it to turn the TV on).
IR would be quite complicated, mainly because something has to receive the IR and process it.
You'd probably be better off getting a network-enabled IR receiver/blaster like the GlobalCache GC-100 to do network-triggered IR blasting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have that option on my TVs...
As for receiving IR.... no not what I am asking...Just for the chromecast to SEND IR and act as the globalcache device does.just on the Tx side.
I don't want to use a IR remote I want to be able to control the Home Ent system (Ir devices) via my Tablet. All I need is Tx for that and if CC had a mini plug for IR transmitter lead and some IR emitter circuitry it could do it. IR Codes would be set via the Tablet App.
Asphyx said:
I don't have that option on my TVs...
As for receiving IR.... no not what I am asking...Just for the chromecast to SEND IR and act as the globalcache device does.just on the Tx side.
I don't want to use a IR remote I want to be able to control the Home Ent system (Ir devices) via my Tablet. All I need is Tx for that and if CC had a mini plug for IR transmitter lead and some IR emitter circuitry it could do it. IR Codes would be set via the Tablet App.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, I see. Well, I was working within the constraints of what could potentially be done with software development and existing hardware.
Adding an IR minijack to Chromecast is well outside of that.
bhiga said:
Ahh, I see. Well, I was working within the constraints of what could potentially be done with software development and existing hardware.
Adding an IR minijack to Chromecast is well outside of that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but I'm already thinking towards Chromecast II! LOL
Or would they call it Chromecast 2014 like they did with the Nexus by adding rear facing camera and LTE! LOL
Asphyx said:
Yes but I'm already thinking towards Chromecast II! LOL
Or would they call it Chromecast 2014 like they did with the Nexus by adding rear facing camera and LTE! LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm hoping more along Chromecast 2015 - at least give the current one a full year before making it obsolete!
bhiga said:
I'm hoping more along Chromecast 2015 - at least give the current one a full year before making it obsolete!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe we both should just hope we get rid of the whitelist before 2020! LOL
Doesnt have to be an IR remote. Could be wireless like on the Roku, or bluetooth like on the Wii.
An IR blaster on the ChromeCast would be helpful for learning remotes, so you could have 1 remote to control all of your devices.
I just prefer the physical feel of a remote. Not having to fumble around looking for capacitive buttons.
Im trying to find a cheap alternative to a Roku 3.
$35 Chromecast + remote would be cheaper than $75+ for the R3.
Why the hell do you need a physical remote when its all network based anyways? IR remote is not needed for any of the apps and an IR remote wouldn't handle all advances functions seamlessly anyways. What do you want an apple TV remote which is about worthless and constantly getting lost anyways? Perhaps and hdmi-cec network based remote might be cool but HDMI cec is still wonky though its a lot better than a few years ago.
sent from my sm-9005.
Asphyx it might be that it is not named HDMI-CEC as the diffrent vendors like to call it there own name. Here is a list over the most well known names of HDMI-CEC and it is something that have been in flat screens the last 5-6 years now so as long your tv is not older then that you should have it.
Code:
Branding Vendor
Anynet Samsung
BRAVIA Sync Sony
KURO Link Pioneer
NetCommand Mitsubishi
REGZA-LINK Toshiba
RIHD Onkyo
SimpLink LG
I am just hoping for more implementation of HDMI-CEC. I would like to use the atual tv remote to play/pause or fast fwd etc. I would also like the ability to NOT turn on the tv when i fire up google music. Now if it could turn on my receiver that would be great
ParanoidDK said:
Asphyx it might be that it is not named HDMI-CEC as the diffrent vendors like to call it there own name. Here is a list over the most well known names of HDMI-CEC and it is something that have been in flat screens the last 5-6 years now so as long your tv is not older then that you should have it.
Code:
Branding Vendor
Anynet Samsung
BRAVIA Sync Sony
KURO Link Pioneer
NetCommand Mitsubishi
REGZA-LINK Toshiba
RIHD Onkyo
SimpLink LG
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Click to collapse
Yes but I'm almost certain that standard was made more recently than the TV I have...
I pretty much have a first Gen HDTV and believe the CEC Protocal was not part of HDMI 1.1
It wasn't available until HDMI 1.2a if I'm not mistaken.
I could check for a firmware upgrade but merely changing the channel on the TV to Chromecast is only part of what I would like it to do.
I suppose I will have to spring for the $200 IRoverIP blaster to get it.
scoobdude said:
I am just hoping for more implementation of HDMI-CEC. I would like to use the atual tv remote to play/pause or fast fwd etc.
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Click to collapse
Many would find that handy - so it is a bit strange that it has not yet been implemented. One reason might be that the chromecast team want to emphasise that a remote is not necessary and that controlling using a mobile device is preferable. I guess that it will be added down the road (just like the delete button was added to gmail).
Arne S said:
Many would find that handy - so it is a bit strange that it has not yet been implemented. One reason might be that the chromecast team want to emphasise that a remote is not necessary and that controlling using a mobile device is preferable. I guess that it will be added down the road (just like the delete button was added to gmail).
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Actually the most likely reason is they wanted to keep the cost down at it's current $35 and adding any IR or extra CEC support would have driven the price up another 10-20 dollars.
These things we are hoping for may all show up whenever Chromecast II comes along.
Right now they are competing with Miracast dongles that can be had for around the same price point.
I think the target with this initial version was to do Miracast better because it can work over wired networks as well and frees the device that initializes the stream to do other things..
Not possible with Miracast!
Asphyx said:
Actually the most likely reason is they wanted to keep the cost down at it's current $35 and adding any IR or extra CEC support would have driven the price up another 10-20 dollars.
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Click to collapse
The chromecast is already using some CEC functions so additional HW would be probably not be required to implement support for using the TV remote to control the dongle.
Arne S said:
The chromecast is already using some CEC functions so additional HW would be probably not be required to implement support for using the TV remote to control the dongle.
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Big difference between adding a Transistor or two to a chip that will make a contact to switch to the current input or Power On than it is to put an entire set of them that can do much more complex functions. Just the TV compatibility alone would add to the price.
I agree it should be possible to do easily but these things all need to be added to the silicon which would make it cost more.
This is SOP for any new device you're trying to get adopted. The Next gen will probably add a ton of things to inspire upgrading to it.
Remember the Nexus7 (2012) came with no Rear Facing Camera or LTE to keep the price down as well....
Fast Forward to 2013 and Nexus 7 (2013) has BOTH included!
This version we have now is a proof of concept device, Gets us hooked and serves as a starter platform to get 3rd Party support for it's innovative streaming methods.
And now that is done so the 3rd parties can start making it useful while Google thinks up what the next generation can do that the first gen doesn't do but probably should!
Just a matter of time of you ask me...And don't be surprised to see some Chromecast functionality built into your smart TV that has the full blown IR and CEC support your looking for.
Here is a list of all the functions CEC does most of which have no useful application regarding Chromecast until such time as they decide using Chromecast as an IP Remote device is something they really want to do. And most are not applicable other than play stop and pause.
One Touch Play allows devices to switch the TV to use it as the active source when playback starts (Currently Supported I believe)
System Standby enables users to switch multiple devices to standby mode with the press of one button
Preset Transfer transfers the tuner channel setup to another TV set
One Touch Record allows users to record whatever is currently being shown on the HDTV screen on a selected recording device
Timer Programming allows users to use the electronic program guides (EPGs) that are built into many HDTVs and set-top-boxes to program the timer in recording devices like PVRs and DVRs
System Information checks all components for bus addresses and configuration
Deck Control allows a component to interrogate and control the operation (play, pause, rewind etc.), of a playback component (Blu-ray or HD DVD player or a Camcorder, etc.) (This is what your looking for I sure wouldn't mind having this)
Tuner Control allows a component to control the tuner of another component
OSD Display uses the OSD of the TV set to display text
Device Menu Control allows a component to control the menu system of another component by passing through the user interface (UI) commands
Routing Control controls the switching of signal sources (Currently Supported)
Remote Control Pass Through allows remote control commands to be passed through to other devices within the system (I want THIS!)
Device OSD Name Transfer transfers the preferred device names to the TV set
System Audio Control allows the volume of an AV receiver, integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier to be controlled using any remote control from a suitably equipped device(s) in the system (You and I would BOTH like this!)
Asphyx said:
Big difference between adding a Transistor or two to a chip that will make a contact to switch to the current input or Power On than it is to put an entire set of them that can do much more complex functions. Just the TV compatibility alone would add to the price.
I agree it should be possible to do easily but these things all need to be added to the silicon which would make it cost more.
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Click to collapse
That might be. I do not know. The Chromcast is powered by the Marvel Armanda 1500-mini chip which is also used in other devices. I do not know what CEC capabilities this chip has but according to its documentation it supports HDMI v1.4 while CEC was introduced in v1.3. I think that both the fact that this is a "standard" chip also used in other devices and the fact that it uses HDMI v1.4 points in the direction that the HW in the Chromecast dongle supports more CEC functions than the ones currently exposed.

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