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?
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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
Related
help??????
i need info from people with these services. please tell all.
53 views and not one reply??? no one has dish or direct??
I have DirecTV now, and I have not been dissatisfied with it once. The DVR is great, albeit a little slow at times, and the regular receivers are snappy and fast. Both are easy to use. The rain rarely interferes with my signal. What other information are you looking for?
fiktion said:
I have DirecTV now, and I have not been dissatisfied with it once. The DVR is great, albeit a little slow at times, and the regular receivers are snappy and fast. Both are easy to use. The rain rarely interferes with my signal. What other information are you looking for?
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thank you. and i live in ky with comcast right now. bill is over 150 a month. so im done. but i cant find anything bad with either company (dish and direct) so it comes down to hardware. the dvr is a big deal to me. i have heard direct tv can lag some times but is the best on the market. then dish came out with their vip boxes or w/e.
whats channel selection like with direct? comedy central HD? history HD. discovery HD. i need those.
Avalaunchmods said:
thank you. and i live in ky with comcast right now. bill is over 150 a month. so im done. but i cant find anything bad with either company (dish and direct) so it comes down to hardware. the dvr is a big deal to me. i have heard direct tv can lag some times but is the best on the market. then dish came out with their vip boxes or w/e.
whats channel selection like with direct? comedy central HD? history HD. discovery HD. i need those.
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Well, DirecTV is apparently phasing out the standard receiver to replace them all with DVR receivers. I don't know if they've all been phased out yet, or what, but I would ask them. They have all of those HD channels, and lots more.
Dish Network, on the other hand, have a 1TB hard drive in their new ViP Slingloaded DVR. You can watch TV from your computer or mobile device. The Duo DVR, from my understanding, is a DVR device that you can use in one room, but it can also be used on a TV in another room.
To me, Dish sound like they have the cool factor when it comes to DVRs. DirecTV's, speaking from experience, are easy to use, laggy *sometimes* usually when you get into the 600+ channel area (as are their standard receivers), but it's not big deal, and causes no frustration.
fiktion said:
Well, DirecTV is apparently phasing out the standard receiver to replace them all with DVR receivers. I don't know if they've all been phased out yet, or what, but I would ask them. They have all of those HD channels, and lots more.
Dish Network, on the other hand, have a 1TB hard drive in their new ViP Slingloaded DVR. You can watch TV from your computer or mobile device. The Duo DVR, from my understanding, is a DVR device that you can use in one room, but it can also be used on a TV in another room.
To me, Dish sound like they have the cool factor when it comes to DVRs. DirecTV's, speaking from experience, are easy to use, laggy *sometimes* usually when you get into the 600+ channel area (as are their standard receivers), but it's not big deal, and causes no frustration.
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sadly this is the hardest decision i have had in awhile lol. that 1tb and slingbox is extremely tempting.... im leaning towards dish now because of that. i have looked into both and talked to reps from both sides. i cant go wrong either way haha. i guess ima get dish. i wish someone with dish would comment and tell me what they think.
anyways thanks alot man. you helped on a huge decision for me
No problem. Apparently, DirecTV is also saying in their commercials that they have the largest DVR capacity, although I don't know if it's 1TB or bigger. I do know, however, you can plug an external HDD into the receiver after an activation cost.
You're welcome, glad I could help.
I've had Dish for a few years now. Tried numerous times to get directTV beforehand, but they failed to install on 3 visits, techs were rude, etc. Couldn't be happier than I am with Dish.
Mi|enko said:
I've had Dish for a few years now. Tried numerous times to get directTV beforehand, but they failed to install on 3 visits, techs were rude, etc. Couldn't be happier than I am with Dish.
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Upon reading this, I remembered that my install tech did a piss poor job. He used coaxial cable on my big screen HDTV, the wires hung around the house, and he took our old Dish Network dish down and left it sitting in the back yard along with boxes and litter strewn all over the yard.
I've had DTV for over 10 years now and have not had any issues with the service or DVR performance. They are a little more expensive than Verizon FIOS or Dish but those don't offer the NFL package which is a must for me. They also offer more HD channels than DISH or cable. DTV is also coming out with new DVR's later this year to compete with ATT's U-verse. Record multiple shows on a DVR and watch them on any another DVR in your house.
I say Dish. # of HD channels between the two are the same these days but the channel lineup is slightly different. Dish has the superior DVR and Sling capabilities. Dish also offers VOD 1080P and were the first to do so. (Be aware that your TV or monitor must be capaable of 1080P24. 1080P60 is not supported. Customer service is better (and that does not say much at all!) Installers are usually better (YMMV). Price is better. Only thing Direct has going for it is certain sports packages. If that is your thing that can be the dealbreaker. (I am a movie buff and Dish comes out ahead here). If you compare top line tiers in both Dish comes out cheaper and is cheaper than cable and U*verse in my area also.
Hope this helps.
Sorry for not running into this thread before...I'm a Satellite Tech and have done both...DishNetwork & DirecTV, 7 years experience...
If you're into sports (NFL Sunday Tickets, MEGA MARCH MADNESS®, CricketTicket™, MLB EXTRA INNINGS), go with DirecTV.
But if not, go with DishNetwork...
Also keep in mind special features that both carriers have to offer, I like the WholeHome of directv and their receivers are nicer looking...
International channels that may be of your interest is also something to consider cause both have different international channels.
DirecTV on the Tech side has a better signal strength than DishNetwork, but it all depends on the install...it's all about luck when it comes down to getting a professional experience tech or not.
Just my 2¢s
spinsat74 said:
Sorry for not running into this thread before...I'm a Satellite Tech and have done both...DishNetwork & DirecTV, 7 years experience...
If you're into sports (NFL Sunday Tickets, MEGA MARCH MADNESS®, CricketTicket™, MLB EXTRA INNINGS), go with DirecTV.
But if not, go with DishNetwork...
Also keep in mind special features that both carriers have to offer, I like the WholeHome of directv and their receivers are nicer looking...
International channels that may be of your interest is also something to consider cause both have different international channels.
DirecTV on the Tech side has a better signal strength than DishNetwork, but it all depends on the install...it's all about luck when it comes down to getting a professional experience tech or not.
Just my 2¢s
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Maybe you didn't run into it because it's from twenty чертов ten.
I have had both. And I have dish now and have for the lastseveral years. I switched to them when they bought VOOM! satellite network. Their dvrs are the bomb. I recently upgraded to the 922k sling loaded box. I love it. You can record 4 shows at one time .. Two over the air and two satellite feeds. And watch a prior recording while that is going on.
You have the 1tb hard drive but a considerable amount of that is reserved for streaming and not usable for recording your shows to. But then you have the option of hooking up an external drive for extra space.
My brotherhas DirecTV. His dvr is slow, clunky, and has a very unappealing interface. You need laser sights for the remote. My 922 has two rf remotes so that is not a problem.
I am real excited to see dish's new Hopper series dvrs. Viewing recorded shows from any room and the ability to record 6 shows at once. Nobody really need to record that much but it comes in real handy if you have conflicting programs in your schedule or multiple users.
Dish is cheaper and and i feel has a superior picture. My brother gets a lot of macro blocking in action scenes due to the compression that direct uses. Dish can still have that but not near as bad. I wish the satellite companies would use more of the available bandwidth without compression like over the air broadcasters.
spinsat74 said:
If you're into sports (NFL Sunday Tickets, MEGA MARCH MADNESS®, CricketTicket™, MLB EXTRA INNINGS), go with DirecTV.
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Sounds like sports spam to me. Have you been in the general forum a lot lately, offering streaming services?
I've had both.
DISH gets my money.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
I did not like customer service at direct at all but dish cut out ALOT of good channels from their lineup back home
Archer said:
Sounds like sports spam to me. Have you been in the general forum a lot lately, offering streaming services?
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Not at all, just trying to be useful that's all.
Neither. Comcast all the way
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
I had both. Around here, satellite goes out every time it rains, the wind blows, someone farts.....ect.
I got rid of satellite and went with FiOS.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using Tapatalk
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
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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!
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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!
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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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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.
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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
im thinking about getting one when i go pick up a nexus 7 today. is it just a mirroring device?
It is not a mirroring device. It allows you to stream content from supported services, using your device as a remote control. In other words... if you send a YouTube or Netflix video to it from your handset, the ChromeCast actually connects to YouTube or Netflix and starts streaming.
Solutions Etcetera said:
It is not a mirroring device. It allows you to stream content from supported services, using your device as a remote control. In other words... if you send a YouTube or Netflix video to it from your handset, the ChromeCast actually connects to YouTube or Netflix and starts streaming.
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I probably won't use it then being as I have a ps3 for all of that
If you already have some equivalent of a home theater PC, a Chromecast is a little redundant.
I love mine, though - it basically gives me a HTPC in a tiny, low power device that I can unplug and take with me traveling.
It appears that Google has put some hooks into Android 4.4.2 that may support screen mirroring in the future, though.
Actually it can mirror the chrome browser on the PC or Mac. I will assume HBO go has an app coming and plex is semi supported (will be fully in a month or two I'd guess)
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app
I have one. Its just nice using your phone or tablet to control everything instead of some other ui. Though I got it when it came with 3 months Netflix so it was basically $10.
Sadly it doesn't support a lot of services yet like a full htpc does but it has a lot of potential.
gliz5714 said:
Actually it can mirror the chrome browser on the PC or Mac. I will assume HBO go has an app coming and plex is semi supported (will be fully in a month or two I'd guess)
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app
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Actually HBO Go is now supported so this thing is awesome!!
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app
Yes, HBO GO is awesome. So much more content than "On Demand" through cable / satellite providers.
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
Blitzpwnage said:
Actually HBO Go is now supported so this thing is awesome!!
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app
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ahhh. I am getting my chromecast in a few weeks, just haven't gotten any apps for it yet. glad HBOgo is supported now!
I have one and barely use it but it is pretty cool, kinda a novelty. Say someone is telling you about something on youtube and you are by your tv and want everyone in the room to see it, just cast it to the tv and there it is.
I have one but I really didn't use it that much because it lacked the ability to cast local data. Now that it can it has much more purpose. Android mirroring is in the works from what I've read which is pretty cool.
I tried to explain a chromecast to someone and said it's similar to a wireless HDMI cable. It's perfect for me since I can take it to work and do training in one big swoop as opposed to having my shift sit down at a computer one at a time and hope they actually do what I told them to do.
I use it almost daily, stream my hbo go, and comcast, hulu and other things to it. There is rumor that it will we getting device mirroring in the near future as someone found some code relating to it in 4.4 kit kat.
I just got one a few days ago, after the Plex update, since I needed it for media center streaming.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
I have a Chromecast that I use on the small TV in my bedroom. I like it better than the Roku I used to have in there, and it's more useful (Roku, as far as I know, won't stream Google Music, and I use my TV as my speakers in the bedroom). I recently downloaded Real Cloud, because I think you can cast videos from any of your devices with the app on it - so I want to see if I can install the app on my laptop where I have some movies and cast them to the TV using the Android app.
sicmadek said:
I probably won't use it then being as I have a ps3 for all of that
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It works way better than PS3 for streaming services and uses a very small amount of power. PS3 is a waste of energy for netflix and what not.
I haven't found any other way to stream Google Play Music All Access (without plugging in), and it's actually pretty great for that purpose alone. Play/Pause, Prev/Next, and volume control, all wirelessly from the phone.
I actually just picked up a second one since I had a $25 credit at Amazon, and they are selling them for $32 with free 2nd day shipping with Prime. Cost me $7 out the door, and landed on my porch 2 days later.
Wade-0 said:
I haven't found any other way to stream Google Play Music All Access (without plugging in), and it's actually pretty great for that purpose alone. Play/Pause, Prev/Next, and volume control, all wirelessly from the phone.
I actually just picked up a second one since I had a $25 credit at Amazon, and they are selling them for $32 with free 2nd day shipping with Prime. Cost me $7 out the door, and landed on my porch 2 days later.
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being a parent, having netflix is awesome. and, since we watch zero adult programming, hulu is awesome too. so i have 4 as it works as a perfect replacement for a PS3/HTPC, etc solution - especially where you can't have one of those devices (or multiple devices).
i just disconnected my htpc from the main TV because support on a few items were starting to get scarce. i have my Cc plugged in now instead. the only drawback is its less convenient to stream media from my local drive. i wish there was an easy solution. Real Cloud makes it sound liek you have to upload the media first.
640k said:
being a parent, having netflix is awesome. and, since we watch zero adult programming, hulu is awesome too. so i have 4 as it works as a perfect replacement for a PS3/HTPC, etc solution - especially where you can't have one of those devices (or multiple devices).
i just disconnected my htpc from the main TV because support on a few items were starting to get scarce. i have my Cc plugged in now instead. the only drawback is its less convenient to stream media from my local drive. i wish there was an easy solution. Real Cloud makes it sound liek you have to upload the media first.
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I just use WiFi Direct on my phone and it 'flick' over a YouTube video and it works great. I guess the Chromecast is for people without a Smart TV?
RyanTX said:
I just use WiFi Direct on my phone and it 'flick' over a YouTube video and it works great. I guess the Chromecast is for people without a Smart TV?
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i don't have a single TV in my house with WiFi.
640k said:
being a parent, having netflix is awesome. and, since we watch zero adult programming, hulu is awesome too. so i have 4 as it works as a perfect replacement for a PS3/HTPC, etc solution - especially where you can't have one of those devices (or multiple devices).
i just disconnected my htpc from the main TV because support on a few items were starting to get scarce. i have my Cc plugged in now instead. the only drawback is its less convenient to stream media from my local drive. i wish there was an easy solution. Real Cloud makes it sound liek you have to upload the media first.
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I think you can stream from any device that has the app installed on it. I'm going to install the app on my computer tonight and see if that's the case, or if I have to upload.
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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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.
Hey guys,
I'm looking to buy a Chromecast off of ebay but I'm not sure if this is ok to buy: https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Chrome...HDMI-Media-Video-Streamer-Player/392876990895
There's no Google branding anywhere so it's obviously a knockoff but would it still allow me to mirror my phone screen via Smart View, PC desktop and browser tabs, YouTube, Spotify and Poweramp from their apps just like a legit Google Chromecast would? Would be nice if someone who's bought a similar thing shares some info. I'd like to save as much money as possible as all Google branded ones have delivery fees bigger than the device itself and in the local shops here it's around 40 euro which is still pricey.
koragg97 said:
Hey guys,
I'm looking to buy a Chromecast off of ebay but I'm not sure if this is ok to buy: https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Chrome...HDMI-Media-Video-Streamer-Player/392876990895
There's no Google branding anywhere so it's obviously a knockoff but would it still allow me to mirror my phone screen via Smart View, PC desktop and browser tabs, YouTube, Spotify and Poweramp from their apps just like a legit Google Chromecast would? Would be nice if someone who's bought a similar thing shares some info. I'd like to save as much money as possible as all Google branded ones have delivery fees bigger than the device itself and in the local shops here it's around 40 euro which is still pricey.
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Buy once cry once. Don't cheap out on something you really want to use and enjoy. I personally gave up on casting since dex seems to have a cleaner image quality to me with movies.
macgyver40 said:
Buy once cry once. Don't cheap out on something you really want to use and enjoy. I personally gave up on casting since dex seems to have a cleaner image quality to me with movies.
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Yeah but I'd like a way to use my TV wirelessly. DeX needs an HDMI cable. Also if I buy a Chromecast I can use wireless DeX if it comes to my Note9. Guess I'll get the real Google Chromecast as a present for my birthday in 6 months.
I just hope I can cast H265 HEVC mkv video files via VLC. I know the Chromecast 3 doesn't support it but I've read VLC converts it to H264 in real time and plays it via the Chromecast.
koragg97 said:
Yeah but I'd like a way to use my TV wirelessly. DeX needs an HDMI cable. Also if I buy a Chromecast I can use wireless DeX if it comes to my Note9. Guess I'll get the real Google Chromecast as a present for my birthday in 6 months.
I just hope I can cast H265 HEVC mkv video files via VLC. I know the Chromecast 3 doesn't support it but I've read VLC converts it to H264 in real time and plays it via the Chromecast.
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I use VLC and it does work with the fjrst gen chromecast but even I notice a quality different and beyond 720p I normally don't. It also could lag etc. I recently unplug my chromecast since it kept freezing playing the same movie it played the night before flawlessly. Just my experience. I have been looking at the nvidia device and wondering if it could handle casting better.