Chromecast playing MKV through browser with sound - Google Chromecast

I thought MKV wouldn't cast with sound?
I am playing MKV through a chromecast tab and casting it with sound, maybe I got a lucky file?
Or maybe because I installed the DivX Plugin from Here

MadBob said:
I thought MKV wouldn't cast with sound?
I am playing MKV through a chromecast tab and casting it with sound, maybe I got a lucky file?
Or maybe because I installed the DivX Web Plugin from here
your link isn't working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Fixed

How did you fix it? I get the same symptom with the VLC plugin. Is it better with the DivX plugin? More importantly, can you select audio tracks with the DivX plugin?

DJames1 said:
How did you fix it? I get the same symptom with the VLC plugin. Is it better with the DivX plugin? More importantly, can you select audio tracks with the DivX plugin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no idea what symptom you are talking about, i fixed the link in my first post to point at the correct url :cyclops:

Ok
I was talking about the no-sound symptom.
Well, I tried installing the DivX plugin and disabling the VLC plugin. Doesn't do me any good, I still get no sound.
But here's something I don't understand: if I disable both and VLC plugin and the DivX plugin (and the Quicktime plugin, and any other plugin that lists video MIME/file types), the mkv file still plays in a player window that looks exactly the same. Chrome's plugin infrastructure seems very poorly implemented and very poorly documented - it's hard to control which plugin plays a file or even to tell which plugin is responsible for playing it. I was able to get mpeg files (and other video files masquerading as mpeg) to play by disabling the Quicktime plugin, but now I'm not sure if the VLC plugin or DivX plugins are doing anything.

I have neither plugin but now Chrome will play an mkv file whereas before ( earlier vs of Chrome? ) it would only download it. However, it will not cast, only a black screen appears on the TV. Time to experiment I guess.
EDIT: That plugin changes your default search engine to "Conduit" and you cannot unselect that choice. I hope I can deselect it through normal procedure. I don't like it though.
EDIT: No joy, just a grey screen.

I've always been able to play mkv. The only files I can play are mkv and some mp4. Nothing else.

I can't play mkv's with sound, very strange some people can and some can't.

I installed plex media server fixed the no sound with mkvs
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app

Using this workaround until they release android Plex player for non PlexPass...
Code:
http://forums.androidcentral.com/google-chromecast/307019-how-cast-mkv-files-your-chromecast.html#post3360771

It'll play MKV's and the sound depends on the encoding of the audio. The audio needs to be AAC, it'll even work with AAC 5.1. However, if you try to play a mkv with DTS or AC3 audio, you'll only get video as the audio will not decode. It's actually pretty easy/quick to convert audio only to AAC and leave the video untouched or you can just use plex which will transcode automatically.

unr said:
It'll play MKV's and the sound depends on the encoding of the audio. The audio needs to be AAC, it'll even work with AAC 5.1. However, if you try to play a mkv with DTS or AC3 audio, you'll only get video as the audio will not decode. It's actually pretty easy/quick to convert audio only to AAC and leave the video untouched or you can just use plex which will transcode automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surround in Plex is a little sketchy right now they are working on the transcoder as it currently (for some content) is not passing Rear Channel though the Transcoder or CCast. Plex Devs know about it and are working on it.
You should have no issues if your content is MP4/H264/AAC. Chromecast can play these files without transcoding so if you have issues streaming these types it is most likely a Network issue not an encoding problem.

Doesn't work for me. Installed the DivX-Plugin, but Chrome will still try to download the MKV instead of playing it.

i know a software called idealshare vdieogo in one post of the forum.
it can easily helps me to convert all kinds video like mkv, avi, mp4, mov, flv and etc to chromecast supported format.
then i can easily stream the converted local video from computer to chromecast for play on tv by the following way:
Install Google Chrome Cast Extension
Open chrome or a new tab, and then connect your chrome browser to Chromecast
Drag and drop the video/audio file you want to play into the Chrome browser
Click the browser extension and select "Cast this tab", t

catexecutive said:
Doesn't work for me. Installed the DivX-Plugin, but Chrome will still try to download the MKV instead of playing it.
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Click to collapse
Best bet is to download Handbrake and do a batch convert. It's free and open source and available for windows, Linux, and osx

mabuis said:
Best bet is to download Handbrake and do a batch convert. It's free and open source and available for windows, Linux, and osx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So let's say I have an mkv that doesn't have aac, per your experience, what's the size change on one? i.e. from 7gb <-> 9gb

m4f1050 said:
So let's say I have an mkv that doesn't have aac, per your experience, what's the size change on one? i.e. from 7gb <-> 9gb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Provided you don't increase the Bitrate it should not increase in size by much.

Asphyx said:
Provided you don't increase the Bitrate it should not increase in size by much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was afraid you were going to say that. Does the batch section of Handbrake let you pick to transcode in same bitrate audio? I haven't installed it so if I can't then I won't bother to even download it. Thanks for your help!

m4f1050 said:
So let's say I have an mkv that doesn't have aac, per your experience, what's the size change on one? i.e. from 7gb <-> 9gb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't even tell you right now. I've been using BubbleUpnp and steam from my media server to my chromecast with my phone. Haven't had to convert a file in ages. Sorry. If you want, I'll run some samples for you and post the results. What are you looking for exactly?

Related

[Q] Tegra 2 Optimized MKV Player for Xoom?

OK, I've read every thread I can find on XDA on the subject, and it appears that the LG phones have a GPU-optimized video player, but otherwise there is nothing out there that really takes advantage of the Tegra 2 for playback of MKV files. Is that correct?
Most of my files are 720 or 1080 MKV with embedded subtitles. So far the best response I have gotten has been from QQplayer. I tried Moboplayer with the ARM7 codec it sends you to, but could never convince it to show the subtitles.
So what are YOU using to play such files (if anything)? Please also share your settings in case the problem is user error at my end
TIA!
I use PLEX to stream my 720p and 1080p mkv files.
If I need to stored the files on the xoom, i normally convert them to mp4 format using HandBrake.
i havent found a good mkv player for the xoom yet.. i am a VLC kinda guy on my PC and i havent found anything that compares to it...
I use xilisoft ultimate to convert to mp4 for native playback on the xoom
If you haven't bought Plex you have no idea what its like to play MKVs on your device
Plex provides better quality and performance than any other app.
I use Plex but the quality is not the same as if I play the same video (4GB 720p MKV) on the PC.
But one thing is sure, gets the job DONE.
My comments on plex WRT the ASUS transformer:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=13480404&highlight=plex#post13480404
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=13712848&highlight=plex#post13712848
I have found that 3.1 actually does contain enough matroska container parsing (Probably due to WebM) to play any MKV files that would normally play when re-muxed to MP4 however the mimetype and file extension don't appear to be plumbed in. So as long as the audio is AAC or MP3, the video is h.264 and the bitrate/profile/resolution is ok to play then simply renaming the file to add on .mp4 (so the native video player doesn't object to the filename) then launching the video file from a file manager and just choosing "Video player" plays just fine.
Plex is a streamer, we need a local player that's better then Mobo or Rockplayer.
Plex is awesome, but it still won't the display .srt subtitles. I've tried RockPlayer, but it won't play everything.
SilentMobius said:
I have found that 3.1 actually does contain enough matroska container parsing (Probably due to WebM) to play any MKV files that would normally play when re-muxed to MP4 however the mimetype and file extension don't appear to be plumbed in. So as long as the audio is AAC or MP3, the video is h.264 and the bitrate/profile/resolution is ok to play then simply renaming the file to add on .mp4 (so the native video player doesn't object to the filename) then launching the video file from a file manager and just choosing "Video player" plays just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this in 3.01 and it didn't work but I'll give it a go on 3.1. If this works...!!
I started with rockplayer but then I moved to Vplayer.
Vplayer is awesome all the mkv files with subtitles that rockplayer couldn't handle, vplayer played it like a champ.
Plus i use remote potato to stream my stuff from my home PC and vplayer has been the only player to handle the task.
I still do Moboplayer it works for everything I need. When the MKV files I have don't show the subs I back out and long hold on the file and select Soft Decode which always kicks the subs in for me. Try that and see if it works for you.
Is my Xoom the only one that stutters when it's playing 720P movie on either MoboPlayer or RockPlayer?
I have not found any player that can play mkv file perfectly!
Yesterday, i tested with 1 mkv file, 720p, ac3 audio, size=1.5 Gb, both rockplayer and moboplayer could play that movie very smooth and showed subtitle correctly, but there was no sound!
When i switched to "software decode" mode, sound was fine, but video was very laggy!
Unfortunately none of the players allow mixed mode rendering, as hardware for the video is a go, but there is no hardware (or OS level) support for AC3 audio. Honestly, Android still has a ways to go as far as video codec and container support is concerned.
Just got a Xoom yesterday and have tried about 10 different players...
BS Player was the ONLY one that worked well.
kruegz said:
Just got a Xoom yesterday and have tried about 10 different players...
BS Player was the ONLY one that worked well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my G2x, also Tegra 2, I use MX Video player, and the codex required for ARMv7
Sent from Narnia
Old ass thread, but use DICE Player. You'll thank me later.
brandogg said:
Old ass thread, but use DICE Player. You'll thank me later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 DicePlayer is awesome and it supports HW Acceleration
Nobody uses MX Video Player? Found it last year when I wanted to play some anime on my Evo 3D, worked like a charm, and has a separate plugin for device-specific support. Works flawlessly using software decoding, only played 480p videos so far though, supposedly works perfectly using hardware decoding on 720/1080 videos, somebody give it a shot and lemme know
I use Mx Video Player its got best interface and plays most videos and h/w support for 720p videos 1080 is pushing to the limits for Xoom.

cast local avi and mkv files from chrome browser

I got my device today and loving it .. used mostly for youtube/play music and was able to cast chrome tab easily and also fullscreen HTML5 videos
However I got this trick from one of the site .. navigate from chrome browser to say D:\ drive. type this and enter
file:///D:/
you will see you the list of files.. by clicking on them, I was able to play avi and mkv files and cast the same in fullscreen.. only one of my mkv file failed to play (may be issue with codec)..i think the prereq is to install VLC player (who doesn't :laugh: )
can't stop loving my chromecast .. only issue is 720p setting in chrome browser is kinda lagging so switched to 480p , thats ok for now
rajanikanthr said:
I got my device today and loving it .. used mostly for youtube/play music and was able to cast chrome tab easily and also fullscreen HTML5 videos
However I got this trick from one of the site .. navigate from chrome browser to say D:\ drive. type this and enter
file:///D:/
you will see you the list of files.. by clicking on them, I was able to play avi and mkv files and cast the same in fullscreen.. only one of my mkv file failed to play (may be issue with codec)..i think the prereq is to install VLC player (who doesn't :laugh: )
can't stop loving my chromecast .. only issue is 720p setting in chrome browser is kinda lagging so switched to 480p , thats ok for now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
welcome to the known info party lol jk. im glad you realized how to do it on your own though I and many others have had issued with avi. will try your vlc workaround later
any idea how to get avi working? mkv and mp4 work for me, but not avi.
Is this really a way to get AVI files working? I'll have to try it if it really works.
jbaruch76 said:
any idea how to get avi working? mkv and mp4 work for me, but not avi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sungod88 said:
Is this really a way to get AVI files working? I'll have to try it if it really works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I started using wondershare ultimate video converter (you know where to download), I converted all my avi files to mp4 and now i dont have that limitation of playing any type of files.
nook'r said:
I started using wondershare ultimate video converter (you know where to download), I converted all my avi files to mp4 and now i dont have that limitation of playing any type of files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would do that but I have A LOT of files and it would just take way to long to convert them all also I would be converting then deleting the originals. How long does it take to convert the videos?
I use Ctrl & O to get the chrome file browser up. I can't play *.avi files (it tries to copy them to d/load folder instead) is there a workaround? besides converting them all to a different format, is there a reason why Google/Chrome don't natively play *.avi? It's not like I can't play the files using VLC for example.
If you click the down arrow in the upper right hand corner on the chrome extension, there is an option to cast the entire screen instead of just the tab.
@sungod88
It takes about 3-5 min for a 700mb file, by the time you watch 1 movie you should have atleast 15 - 20 movies converted to mp4, its a lot easier than what it seems.
piatikantrop said:
If you click the down arrow in the upper right hand corner on the chrome extension, there is an option to cast the entire screen instead of just the tab.
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doing this just gives me black screen on tv.
Any idea why I can't play avi files in browser? I installed both DivX Plus Web Player, and VLC Web Plugin. I had to disable Quicktime plugin to get MPG, and at this point I seem to have everything (mpg, mp4, mkv, ...) but avi. I see the the avi file extension is listed under the MIME type for VLC plugin, bug chrome still just downloads it. My chromecast gets here today or tomorrow, any ideas about how to get chrome to just play the file?
Also, along the same line of thinking. How can I identify which plugin is playing a given file?
Drag and drop works just fine too..
nice to know you can cast local files. Anyone tried casting video from ubuntu?
No audio in chrome when playing local files
I know that i am not the first person to experience this but i have not been able to find a solution. When playing an MKV file i have no way in getting any audio out of it at all. Not from my laptop and not from my chrome cast. Nothing at all I have a little slash through the audio speaker that wont go away!
rajanikanthr said:
can't stop loving my chromecast .. only issue is 720p setting in chrome browser is kinda lagging so switched to 480p , thats ok for now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's an option for 720p in chrome browser?
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium
dougyfresh254 said:
I know that i am not the first person to experience this but i have not been able to find a solution. When playing an MKV file i have no way in getting any audio out of it at all. Not from my laptop and not from my chrome cast. Nothing at all I have a little slash through the audio speaker that wont go away!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the audio is DTS or AC3 it won't play through Chrome. I believe AAC and MP3 will play. To avoid re-encoding your videos I would recommend installing plex and using their Web view to play the videos, it will transcode the video/audio on the fly and cast that way
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
dougyfresh254 said:
I know that i am not the first person to experience this but i have not been able to find a solution. When playing an MKV file i have no way in getting any audio out of it at all. Not from my laptop and not from my chrome cast. Nothing at all I have a little slash through the audio speaker that wont go away!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you checked the mkv files for Compressed Headers? I had this problem, with trying to play mkv files in my theater+. I used a tool called mkvmerge to remove the compressed headers. That fixed my issue.
Plex works for .avi and mkv fils.
Plex works for .avi and mkv fils.
Using it now.
Just set up Plex Media Server.
tlally2001 said:
Plex works for .avi and mkv fils.
Using it now.
Just set up Plex Media Server.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PLEX is not working. If you did get it to work, please go into more detail in how you pulled it off. Simply installing the software does nothing and it is so unstable that trying to do anything with the software causes it to lock up.
How can I change audio source and choose subtitles, when playing an MKV file in chrome browser?
I've tried to search for a plugin or extension, but couldn't find one.
Thanks

Mkv No subtitles through chromecast

I been testing videos in MKV through chromecast and is totally awesome. Excellent quality video, really fast.. Working great. But i cant see subtitles. Even if they come with the video or apart. Is there any way?
I forgot. Mkv using Avia player.
Enviado desde mi XT1058 mediante Tapatalk
gueszman said:
I been testing videos in MKV through chromecast and is totally awesome. Excellent quality video, really fast.. Working great. But i cant see subtitles. Even if they come with the video or apart. Is there any way?
I forgot. Mkv using Avia player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May change (it seems they've actively adding/changing things) but as of a day or two ago, Avia's FAQ says this is not supported. There is a note about DLNA, if the subtitle file is already on the receiving device, and I have no clue if/how that would work for Chromecast, especially since Chromecast is not (yet) a DLNA receiver.
Subtitles are usually rendered on the Player side either from within the stream or via external file like a .srt.
I don't think CCast can ever fully support external .srt since it has no real filesystem of it's own to load the file from.
But the player app could be coded to show subs that are encoded into an MKV or other container that supports embedded SubTitles.
It might be possible that some sources could encode external SRTs into a stream going to a CCast which would probably be what aVia is doing.
Not sure if Plex does this at all since all of my content that requires Subs has been hardcoded into the video by me when encoded for storage on my server.
Plex does however seem to support putting subs into it's transcoded files if the Transcode profile definition is being read correctly by me...
Not sure if that feature is supported on their current CCast player app they are using.
I use handbrake to encode all my videos and set the subtitle option to burned in so I can watch subed anime on my chromecast.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium HD app
Asphyx said:
But the player app could be coded to show subs that are encoded into an MKV or other container that supports embedded SubTitles.
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Click to collapse
Yup, this seems to be what HBO GO does, unless they have a really precise way of switching Chromecast from one stream to another (possible, that's what streaming media servers do).
I really appreciate the caption support there - makes the late-night viewing much easier, plus my hearing is poor these days.
bhiga said:
Yup, this seems to be what HBO GO does, unless they have a really precise way of switching Chromecast from one stream to another (possible, that's what streaming media servers do).
I really appreciate the caption support there - makes the late-night viewing much easier, plus my hearing is poor these days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's really the best way to do it...The Text from a subtitle adds little to nothing to the Bitrate of a transferring stream, and Why store two versions when you can send one and let the client side decide to use it or not.
The only reason to use a SRT file is if the Video Container doesn't support an embedded Sub stream that can be shut off or if you need a Subtitle for a language not embedded in the Video container. No way to put every language into one Video file.
At least not yet! LOL
T3CHW0LF said:
I use handbrake to encode all my videos and set the subtitle option to burned in so I can watch subed anime on my chromecast.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried handbrake and found it is unable to hard code external srt to my mp4. Am I doing something wrong?
I have tried the divx web plugin for chrome to play mkv but I dont get sound on some videos. I have not tried subtitles. It was also stuck in an install loop. It would ask to update, restart, then ask to update again. Really annoying
Postal Psycho said:
I tried handbrake and found it is unable to hard code external srt to my mp4. Am I doing something wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think Handbrake supports hardcoding subs.
It does support adding subtitle tracks but I don't see an option to hardcode subs at all...
I admit though that I don't use Handbrake unless my main converter has an issue with a file...
I use Xilisoft since it supports hardcoding subs and I don't need to have multiple subtitle and audio tracks for my library.
Asphyx said:
I don't think Handbrake supports hardcoding subs.
It does support adding subtitle tracks but I don't see an option to hardcode subs at all...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://trac.handbrake.fr/wiki/Subtitles might help
I understand that the MKV can not see the subtitles .. but within the mp4 subtitles should be visible, Chromcast handles subtitles, do not believe me? look at this Youtube video Coca-Cola Social Media Guard
Put the subtitle to ON, do not you like the look? Click Options and choose the size you want, the color you want and the background color you want.
For example from the BubbleUPnP program should bring the option to turn ON the subtitles in the MP4, etc.
gueszman said:
I been testing videos in MKV through chromecast and is totally awesome. Excellent quality video, really fast.. Working great.
I forgot. Mkv using Avia player.
Enviado desde mi XT1058 mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the impression that chromecast doesn't support mkv? I only ask cause my home pc is down, so no plex or bubbleupnp (transcoding) for me. Through Avia app I can only play mp4. Avi, mkv etc. must be converted to mp4. Has something changed or is this still the norm. Sorry for derailing the thread.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
mike02466 said:
I was under the impression that chromecast doesn't support mkv?
...
Through Avia app I can only play mp4. Avi, mkv etc. must be converted to mp4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still the case. The CC end doesn't support MKV so it's up to the player/ source end to unwrap it, determine what to send and transcode if necessary.
Sent from a device with no keyboard. Please forgive typos, they may not be my own.
mike02466 said:
I was under the impression that chromecast doesn't support mkv? I only ask cause my home pc is down, so no plex or bubbleupnp (transcoding) for me. Through Avia app I can only play mp4. Avi, mkv etc. must be converted to mp4. Has something changed or is this still the norm. Sorry for derailing the thread.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chromecast supports MKV natively very well as long as it contains supported codecs.
Thanks for the replies guys. Not gonna have a PC for a while, and I hate being so limited. I'll look for proper codecs til I come into cash for a new pc.
Edit: tried 2 mkv files, codec h264, bitrate was around 3700 and still a no go. Oh well
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
bubbleguuum said:
Chromecast supports MKV natively very well as long as it contains supported codecs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lots of confusion about MKV regarding CCast.
I was under the impression that MKV will STREAM on CCast, it won't direct play but it can be streamed to it easily using MPEG-DASH. Because Streaming a file this way pretty much strips the container entirely and just sends Video and Audio tracks in whatever codec was used inside the container. The CCast has no idea it's actually playing an MKV file so if the Codecs are compatible it will have no problem.
There is no device I know of that supports MKV natively though Hardware decoder. All devices that support it have software decoding and other MKV feature support built into the player itself or require Transcoding.
I know Plex is currently transmuxing and streaming MKV to CCast which is why they now work there.
But I'm betting your Bubble player on the CCast side is much better than theirs is as far as handling containers.
So maybe you can direct play codec compatible files where others need to send via DASH.
In the end the best way to handle MKV would be to have the Player handle most of the features so the only time external help is needed is to flip incompatible codecs.
And by features I mean the following:
Client side Subtitle rendering and selection (difficult on CCast with SRT but easier with Internal Subtitle tracks of MKV)
Audio Track selection
Chapter support
At least until Google adds this capability into the next Gen CCast OS.
one way is to convert your mkv software subtitles to mkv hardware subtitles
I believe the MKVToolsNix package has a tool called MKVMERGE that will insert SRT files into an MKV as a subtitle track.
Just be sure to test the external subtitle to be sure it's good before you do or you could make a mess.
This is one of those must have packages for anyone who like to play in the MKV universe.
bubbleguuum said:
Chromecast supports MKV natively very well as long as it contains supported codecs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
Videostream extension for chrome supports subtitles.

Chromecast Video - A Chrome App That Streams Local Video From Your Computer To Chrome

I've posted my Chrome App late last night and has been a big hit on Reddit. Anywho, while we've ran into a couple people with issues it's been a pretty smooth rollout.
If you want to try it, here it is. It's, rather cleverly, called "Chromecast Video" .
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/chromecast-video/cnciopoikihiagdjbjpnocolokfelagl
Let me know how much you love it, hate it, and want to see your bug fixed
-----------
Known issues:
// TODO
Mat.
Great start! So far gives me about a 50% success ratio, at least with mp4 files. And some of those that start successfully die after about 30 seconds. But the ones that stream successfully are smooth.
Reddit comments thread, that should be added in OP:
http://www.reddit.com/r/Chromecast/comments/1ybzw3/chromecast_video_a_chrome_app_that_streams_local/
Could you also add download link that does not require google account login?
PS if you want to know literally everything about acidhax start HERE and dig google
Avia does that
I'm going to check this out tonight, but given that there doesn't appear to be any transcoding going on, is it safe to assume that you still can't play .mkv files with audio?
I keep holding out in hopes that I don't need to convert my huge collection of media to h.264 in an .mp4 container.
mkhopper said:
I'm going to check this out tonight, but given that there doesn't appear to be any transcoding going on, is it safe to assume that you still can't play .mkv files with audio?
I keep holding out in hopes that I don't need to convert my huge collection of media to h.264 in an .mp4 container.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, well, if anyone here is good at NaCl development we can get some ffmpeg transcoding happening
Yet another reason to run Chrome... I may be converted yet...
BTW, added your extension to the FAQ.
It seemed to work but would stop after a few minutes
mkhopper said:
I'm going to check this out tonight, but given that there doesn't appear to be any transcoding going on, is it safe to assume that you still can't play .mkv files with audio?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't play mkv at all as far as I can tell. I just get a spinning circle forever if I try.
enricong said:
It seemed to work but would stop after a few minutes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some users have this problem. I honestly don't know what it is, it could be a Chrome bug or a WiFi driver bug.
Edit:
All I'm really doing is creating a Webserver on the Chrome App, and the Chromecast requests media from you. It'll just drop randomly for certain people.
acidhax said:
Some users have this problem. I honestly don't know what it is, it could be a Chrome bug or a WiFi driver bug.
Edit:
All I'm really doing is creating a Webserver on the Chrome App, and the Chromecast requests media from you. It'll just drop randomly for certain people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there an option to show debugging info or logging to try to determine the cause?
acidhax said:
All I'm really doing is creating a Webserver on the Chrome App, and the Chromecast requests media from you. It'll just drop randomly for certain people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could also be other extensions or antivirus
On this thread the tab casting problem (yes, I realize it probably uses a different mechanism, but it's still within Chrome) ended up being Adware Antivirus, and reinstallation of the Cast extension.
enricong said:
Is there an option to show debugging info or logging to try to determine the cause?
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Not that I'm aware of..
enricong said:
Is there an option to show debugging info or logging to try to determine the cause?
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Click to collapse
Fixed it. Update is being processed as we speak!
Thanks
MKV plays fine, but without sound.
Also, is it possible to support subs?
acidhax said:
Fixed it. Update is being processed as we speak!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confirmed - all better now. With version 0.9.6.5 all mp4 videos play without interruption.
Another minor problem: if I attempt to play a video that doesn't load successfully (for example one of my mkv files), the Chromecast remains stuck on a blank screen and I cannot cast any more videos successfully until the Chromecast Video extension is shut down and restarted. It looks like the UI is still functioning, but maybe the background http server is stuck?
DJames1 said:
Confirmed - all better now. With version 0.9.6.5 all mp4 videos play without interruption.
Another minor problem: if I attempt to play a video that doesn't load successfully (for example one of my mkv files), the Chromecast remains stuck on a blank screen and I cannot cast any more videos successfully until the Chromecast Video extension is shut down and restarted. It looks like the UI is still functioning, but maybe the background http server is stuck?
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Click to collapse
Guys MKV is a container, and have slim to none information about whats in it.
Really think the developer would love to know which Audio/Video codec you use
http://www.videohelp.com/tools/MediaInfo <- Download that tool and the codecs will show up, they would help the developer understanding which codecs works and not.
bormeth said:
Guys MKV is a container, and have slim to none information about whats in it.
Really think the developer would love to know which Audio/Video codec you use
http://www.videohelp.com/tools/MediaInfo <- Download that tool and the codecs will show up, they would help the developer understanding which codecs works and not.
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Click to collapse
Generally my mkv files are all H.264 video generated by Handbrake, the same as my mp4 files. The difference is likely to be in the audio tracks. My mkv files all have either a single AC3 DD5.1 sound track, or else an AC3 DD5.1 sound track plus an AAC stereo sound track like the mp4 files. I stopped including the AC3 DD5.1 sound track in my mp4 files because I found that many (if not most) mp4 players will only accept a single AAC stereo sound track and nothing else. I sometimes wonder what was the point of designing container file formats that allow multiple sound tracks when so many players seem to choke on files that use that capability! Even Microsoft Windows Media Player doesn't have the basic ability to select which audio track to use when there are multiple tracks.
DJames1 said:
I sometimes wonder what was the point of designing container file formats that allow multiple sound tracks when so many players seem to choke on files that use that capability! Even Microsoft Windows Media Player doesn't have the basic ability to select which audio track to use when there are multiple tracks.
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Yes, that's the general problem with containers... Having multiple streams requires additional logic on the player's side that takes it more toward a DVD/BD player, while most media players are more simple. In some cases players "cheat" and their "support" for a container is simply "pretend it's just a raw media stream."
While it does often work, it's bad practice because the kludge fails once the container is actually used as a container.
It's much like how people often like to rename VOB files to MPG to make them "work" but run into trouble when things leave the most-simple cases as VOBs also contain other data like navigational data, subtitles, etc. A proper demux works, but of course requires actual understanding of the container format.
bhiga said:
Having multiple streams requires additional logic on the player's side that takes it more toward a DVD/BD player, while most media players are more simple.
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Exactly! MKV was pretty much invented as a Universal Library container format to better support the different media that would normally be on a DVD/BR disc such as Multiple Language, Commentary tracks and Multiple Subtitles all in one tidy package.
But to support all that it requires Client side support that allows you to pick which tracks to actually use.
Unfortunately the player apps on the CCast are still very young and not yet mature enough to deal with this complexity as most developers are more focused on the communication and linkage needed to cast than they are with developing a full featured player on the CCast side.
This is why Subs and Multi Audio track content have hit or miss issues when sent to a CCast.
It gets even worse if transcoding is required.
And the fact that MKV can contain just about any codec it's even harder to write a transcoder profile or CCast player that can deal with it all.
There is no hardware I know of that supports MKV on chip. All the devices that play them without transcoding use software decoding built into the player. and I suspect in time someone will create a CCast player capable of doing that at some point as well as the capability to select Subtitle Overlay and Audio Track from the client side.
Once someone does that most if not all of our MKV issues will go away. Transcoding will no longer be needed and the selection of what gets seen and played will all happen where it should on the client side.

ViCast HD Chromecast player with transcoding.

Guys, please try our new app
ViCast is a simple and stable HD Google Cast (Chromecast) player (can be found on the Google Play Market).
Enjoy casting your favourite media to the big screen!
We are working hard to provide you with a great opportunity to seamlessly watch your favourite HD movies. It’s highly optimized for streaming H.264 encoded videos and allows to play incompatible Google Cast media. Moreover, your media content will also be accessible via DLNA server.
SUPPORTED FORMATS:
Video: MP4, MKV, AVI, WEBM, MOV, WMV, MPG, 3GP, M4V.
Audio: MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV.
Photo: JPG, PNG, BMP, WEBP, GIF.
For my experience chromecast does not support avi extensions. This app does the miracle ?? At night I try
Enviado desde mi XT1635-02 mediante Tapatalk
joshua764 said:
For my experience chromecast does not support avi extensions. This app does the miracle ?? At night I try
Enviado desde mi XT1635-02 mediante Tapatalk
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Yes, it does
i tested the app.
only video, no audio. apparently it wont transcode on-the-fly like the app "MegaCast".
no reason from my side to use your app, unless you can do better on-the-fly transcoding, for example just transcode the audio stream and pass through the video stream.
THAT would be a reason to use your app!
it was 1080p h264 + dual language ac3 (i guess) in mkv.
Purah said:
i tested the app.
only video, no audio. apparently it wont transcode on-the-fly like the app "MegaCast".
no reason from my side to use your app, unless you can do better on-the-fly transcoding, for example just transcode the audio stream and pass through the video stream.
THAT would be a reason to use your app!
it was 1080p h264 + dual language ac3 (i guess) in mkv.
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Click to collapse
Hi, Purah
Thank you for your review.
Did you cast some local video from your device, or you used DLNA server? And what chromecast version you are using?
Actually ViCast does audio only transcoding when it is possible and it looks like your file is a case. There is a known issue with ChromecastUltra which may lead to behaviour that you have described. We will add this note to the description.
Could you please provide us the file which you have tried to cast?
viappscompany said:
Did you cast some local video from your device, or you used DLNA server?
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Click to collapse
I used a local video to test ViCast and no test with Plex Media Server + ViCast yet.
And what chromecast version you are using?
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Chromecast 1. gen. with root.
Actually ViCast does audio only transcoding when it is possible and it looks like your file is a case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does this mean?
Could you please provide us the file which you have tried to cast?
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Click to collapse
Sorry, not allowed to distribute this file but i can give you the information obtained by media info.
Purah said:
I used a local video to test ViCast and no test with Plex Media Server + ViCast yet.
Chromecast 1. gen. with root.
We are investigating this issue.
What does this mean?
We just transcode the audio stream as you wrote.
Thank you for information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
viappscompany said:
Purah said:
I used a local video to test ViCast and no test with Plex Media Server + ViCast yet.
Chromecast 1. gen. with root.
We are investigating this issue.
What does this mean?
We just transcode the audio stream as you wrote.
Thank you for information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Purah,
Issue with the no audio on Chromecast 1. gen fixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Purah said:
I used a local video to test ViCast and no test with Plex Media Server + ViCast yet.
Chromecast 1. gen. with root.
What does this mean?
Sorry, not allowed to distribute this file but i can give you the information obtained by media info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Purah,
Issue with the no audio on Chromecast 1. gen fixed.
Excellent App
I have been searching for some time for an app to cast my mkv files with ac3 audio. Megacast trancodes but was dropping out part way through. Finally found vicast and it works perfectly. Thanks. Should ask will you be releasing a paid version to get rid of those annoying ads?
ark163 said:
I have been searching for some time for an app to cast my mkv files with ac3 audio. Megacast trancodes but was dropping out part way through. Finally found vicast and it works perfectly. Thanks. Should ask will you be releasing a paid version to get rid of those annoying ads?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Thank you for the review
We are currently working on the paid version.
Why cannot i cast movie codec bluray.h264.aac.mp4 from my tablet to tv. On tablet it works perfectly.
Hi,
I've got this "HuiHeng WiFi Display Dongle", which is supposed to do Airplay, DLNA and Miracast. However it has very poor decoding capabilities. As a result, almost none of my local video files can be casted to this device.
My question is, is ViCast compatible with DLNA and/or Airplay? If not, do you have any plans to include DLNA support in the near future? Willing to pay for a reliable transcoding app for DLNA.
Thanks in advance for your time
viappscompany said:
Guys, please try our new app
ViCast is a simple and stable HD Google Cast (Chromecast) player (can be found on the Google Play Market).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm was planning to buy a Chromecast today to take away with me on my upcoming one month South America trip but the majority of my media is in MKV format, mostly x264 and more recently x265. if viCast can do x264 MKV then I will definitely give it a try. But can ViCast do x265 yet? If not, is this something you think will be possible? Recently I have started only encoding or downloading x265 files due to their tiny size so if I could cast those via the Chromecast I'd be a very happy camper.
Also, is your app able to find and view videos files in hidden folders (ones prefixed with a dot)? My kids use my phone quite a bit so I want to make sure any unsuitable TV shows or movies (or any other, ahem, "adult oriented videos") I might have cannot be viewed by them.
If it doesn't can I make a suggestion? I've seen so many people also request this in other apps - basically you allow support for hidden files and folders but password protect it so even if my 5 year old starts ViCast they can only see the vids in the main Google/OS Videos folder. But if I wanted to watch hidden files I could enter the password (entered during setup) and it would list them and allow me to play them. What do you think?
Superb app! Keep up the good work..
May i have one suggestion though? Please add a video zoom option so that any video size can be zoomed to fill up any screen from where it is watched ?
I have installed de this app but it's not working on Android 9. Every time i tried to cast something the app simply closes itself. The developers still suport the app?

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