Database Develop

Surround Sound

Does Chrome Cast support surround sound via optical cable from the TV to the Receiver once Chrome Cast is plugged in?

justin24 said:
Does Chrome Cast support surround sound via optical cable from the TV to the Receiver once Chrome Cast is plugged in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes. I have my tv set up that way and have no problems.

booked said:
yes. I have my tv set up that way and have no problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have problems with this via web tabs, but Netflix puts out 5.1 just fine.

I have an old receiver that doesn't understand anything newer than regular 5.1 AC3/DD/DTS. My components are connected by optical via a monoprice HDMI switch (MD-415arc).
I have to set my Bluray, Hopper and Xbox 360 all to "Dolby Digital 5.1" (or similar) to achieve 5.1 surround, which works fine.
I seem to only be able to get 2.1 PCM out of the chromecast, and I'm wondering if that's because the only 5.1 output formats are AAC and DD+/E-AC3.
Can anyone confirm whether this is the case? Any inexpensive means to convert e-ac3 to old ac3?

I have a brand new Marantz NR1604 AVR and I only get 2 channels from my Chromecast when connected to an HDMI port on the receiver. Doesn't seem to matter what the source is. Also, when playing MKV movie files from my server thru Chrome/Chromcast, the commentary track is played by default instead of the normal soundtrack. Anyway to change the audio track when playing thru Chrome?

ynnek63 said:
I have a brand new Marantz NR1604 AVR and I only get 2 channels from my Chromecast when connected to an HDMI port on the receiver. Doesn't seem to matter what the source is. Also, when playing MKV movie files from my server thru Chrome/Chromcast, the commentary track is played by default instead of the normal soundtrack. Anyway to change the audio track when playing thru Chrome?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that HDMI audio may be reduced to the lowest common denominator in the device chain. Might need to disable TV's ARC or something (lots of TVs only return 2 channel PCM audio)...I think.
What format is the audio track in your MKV? I think the chrometab mirroring only supports 2ch aac.
Sent from my BN NookHD+ using Tapatalk 4

gooberlx said:
My understanding is that HDMI audio may be reduced to the lowest common denominator in the device chain. Might need to disable TV's ARC or something (lots of TVs only return 2 channel PCM audio)...I think.
What format is the audio track in your MKV? I think the chrometab mirroring only supports 2ch aac.
Sent from my BN NookHD+ using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I am connecting the Chromecast using the Marantz AVR HDMI input, not the tv. Most of my MKV files use DTS. You may be right about the chrometab mirroring only supporting 2ch aac. However, Netflix should have surround audio but I only get 2 channel. I also tried the Chromecast on my Onkyo AVR with the same result.
Is there some setting I am missing in the Chromecast?

ynnek63 said:
Thanks for the reply. I am connecting the Chromecast using the Marantz AVR HDMI input, not the tv. Most of my MKV files use DTS. You may be right about the chrometab mirroring only supporting 2ch aac. However, Netflix should have surround audio but I only get 2 channel. I also tried the Chromecast on my Onkyo AVR with the same result.
Is there some setting I am missing in the Chromecast?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there's supposed to be a way to select audio streams in the Netflix app. Maybe only the stereo stream is selected?

ynnek63 said:
I have a brand new Marantz NR1604 AVR and I only get 2 channels from my Chromecast when connected to an HDMI port on the receiver. Doesn't seem to matter what the source is. Also, when playing MKV movie files from my server thru Chrome/Chromcast, the commentary track is played by default instead of the normal soundtrack. Anyway to change the audio track when playing thru Chrome?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same thing with my NR1602. Doesn't let me select anything but stereo from the netflix app. I thought I got it to play 5.1 at least once, but maybe I am wrong.
As a little test. I had my whole system powered up and ready to go and I powered cycle chromecast thinking maybe it was detecting the TV's stereo settings when the AVR was off (due to passthrough), but it still only gave me stereo options in chromecast.
edit: just tried from the chromecast chrome extension/plugin in chrome browser.. same thing.
edit2: Nevermind. It works fine I wasn't playing movies that had 5.1.

Luxferro said:
I have the same thing with my NR1602. Doesn't let me select anything but stereo from the netflix app. I thought I got it to play 5.1 at least once, but maybe I am wrong.
As a little test. I had my whole system powered up and ready to go and I powered cycle chromecast thinking maybe it was detecting the TV's stereo settings when the AVR was off (due to passthrough), but it still only gave me stereo options in chromecast.
edit: just tried from the chromecast chrome extension/plugin in chrome browser.. same thing.
edit2: Nevermind. It works fine I wasn't playing movies that had 5.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm....i played an random movie, "Cabin in the Woods". Stereo only. Just tried "The Avengers" too, stereo only. Surely those movies would be streamed in 5.1. And there were no audio selections. My internet connection is also fast and stable.
hmmmmm.....just tried my Roku with Netflix, no 5.1 there either. Odd. Could this be a router problem? My Roku and AVR are both connected to my router via Ethernet. I try to avoid wireless when possible although I know the Chromecast uses wifi. Also, my WDLive plays DD and DTS fine from my server.
As a side note, the Dolby Pro Logic II on my Marantz actually does a decent job with surround, but this is simulated and isn't quite up to true 5.1
Thanks for the responses guys.

ynnek63 said:
hmmm....i played an random movie, "Cabin in the Woods". Stereo only. Just tried "The Avengers" too, stereo only. Surely those movies would be streamed in 5.1. And there were no audio selections. My internet connection is also fast and stable.
hmmmmm.....just tried my Roku with Netflix, no 5.1 there either. Odd. Could this be a router problem? My Roku and AVR are both connected to my router via Ethernet. I try to avoid wireless when possible although I know the Chromecast uses wifi. Also, my WDLive plays DD and DTS fine from my server.
As a side note, the Dolby Pro Logic II on my Marantz actually does a decent job with surround, but this is simulated and isn't quite up to true 5.1
Thanks for the responses guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the Roku settings, you choose stereo or 5.1. This could be why you didn't get 5.1 on your Roku.

The Roku streams my MKV files in 5.1 thru the Plex app.
Sent from my Find 5 using xda premium

ynnek63 said:
The Roku streams my MKV files in 5.1 thru the Plex app.
Sent from my Find 5 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plex MKV 5.1 works fine for me as well, as Roku will pass through the AC3/DTS streams. I know that Roku (like Chromecast) streams Netflix 5.1 as DD+. Certainly seems like your AVR should be up to the task of decoding DD+. If you're not even being given the option of 5.1 audio in the app...I dunno, maybe that's a network/bandwidth issue (does Netflix test the bandwidth when it loads or something?). Otherwise I'd start hunting around the settings for your AVR.

gooberlx said:
Plex MKV 5.1 works fine for me as well, as Roku will pass through the AC3/DTS streams. I know that Roku (like Chromecast) streams Netflix 5.1 as DD+. Certainly seems like your AVR should be up to the task of decoding DD+. If you're not even being given the option of 5.1 audio in the app...I dunno, maybe that's a network/bandwidth issue (does Netflix test the bandwidth when it loads or something?). Otherwise I'd start hunting around the settings for your AVR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the receiver decodes DD and DTS automatically from other sources, so I don't think it's in the settings. And my internet speed tests at 18+ Mbps consistently which is more than enough for streaming Netfilx.
---------- Post added at 07:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:12 PM ----------
ynnek63 said:
Well, the receiver decodes DD and DTS automatically from other sources, so I don't think it's in the settings. And my internet speed tests at 18+ Mbps consistently which is more than enough for streaming Netfilx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WTF?!?! I solved the problem. The test movie I have been using is "The Avengers". Well, evidently, on Netflix, this movie is streamed in stereo only!! Seriously??!! For such a blockbuster movie? Wow! Anyway. So I picked a random movie, "Apartment 143", and boom, DD+!! WTF?
Well, I feel pretty stupid now, but am glad to have resolved the issue. Still blows my mind that such a blockbuster like "The Avengers" is only streamed in stereo.
So, thanks to those who replied and hopefully my stupidity will benefit others.

justin24 said:
Does Chrome Cast support surround sound via optical cable from the TV to the Receiver once Chrome Cast is plugged in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My surround sound is working great in every casting method(local media, Netflix, Youtube, etc..). Everything sounds great so far...so far, so good!

How do you get surround sound from local media? Are you playing from tab in chrome? I didn't think chromecast could handle DD/DTS. Or is it passing along the audio streams so they get all the way to your receiver?
Skickat från min HTC Desire via Tapatalk 2

No matter what I try, I can't get 5.1 audio out of my Chromecast. The Netflix app doesn't even give me the option in the audio drop down list. I've tried rebooting, still nothing.
I have my CC plugged into my Vizio E390-A1 then the audio out through the optical out I to my receiver. Is it possible my receiver is too old and isn't able to decode the surround audio from Netflix? I made sure the audio out in the TV menu has Dolby Digital selected instead of PCM. Still nothing.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Sparky977 said:
No matter what I try, I can't get 5.1 audio out of my Chromecast. The Netflix app doesn't even give me the option in the audio drop down list. I've tried rebooting, still nothing.
I have my CC plugged into my Vizio E390-A1 then the audio out through the optical out I to my receiver. Is it possible my receiver is too old and isn't able to decode the surround audio from Netflix? I made sure the audio out in the TV menu has Dolby Digital selected instead of PCM. Still nothing.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to have high quality stream selected in the Netflix menu. Log in on a PC, ts there somewhere.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

Sparky977 said:
No matter what I try, I can't get 5.1 audio out of my Chromecast. The Netflix app doesn't even give me the option in the audio drop down list. I've tried rebooting, still nothing.
I have my CC plugged into my Vizio E390-A1 then the audio out through the optical out I to my receiver. Is it possible my receiver is too old and isn't able to decode the surround audio from Netflix? I made sure the audio out in the TV menu has Dolby Digital selected instead of PCM. Still nothing.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
99% of TVs will NOT pass 5.1 from hdmi sources. Usually you will only get 5.1 over toslink from the internal tuner. Certain TVs will do it, but its a huge exception to the rule. You need to plug directly into a receiver, or what I do is use a HDMI switch with a toslink output that can force 5.1. Its pretty snazzy, has ARC so I even get 5.1 audio from the tv tuner with one hdmi cable and one optical cable. Box isnt cheap though, something like $80 on monoprice.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app

Thanks. That has got to be what I'm running into.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Audio stuttering from YouTube and Play Music

So, casting from Netflix seems to work fine, but anything from YouTube or Play Music results in audio so choppy it sounds like a toddler trying to learn to be a DJ. Video from YouTube plays fine, with no hesitation. Any ideas?

Local files seem to be okay as well. Netflix audio stutters a little at first (maybe 1min),but eventually smooths out. It still does it long enough to be annoying. Kinda regretting my chromecast...

Really, no one?

no issues like that here. well once a youtube video did after i resumed from pausing it reloading the vid solved that issue.
Local files? you're still able to play them?

Yeah, dropping a file into Chrome and casting the tab seems to work. When casting a tab, I'm assuming that a mild delay is typical, right?

To some degree as that is still in beta. Network conditions also play a bigger part when casting via chrome
Sent from my C6506 using Tapatalk 4

Well, someone (on another site, obviously) suggested it might be a bad unit, so I returned it. Grabbed another today...and same thing. Is there a particular wireless security type that it doesn't like? I'm on a 2.4Ghz router. Is there a particular channel that's better?

stick1300 said:
Well, someone (on another site, obviously) suggested it might be a bad unit, so I returned it. Grabbed another today...and same thing. Is there a particular wireless security type that it doesn't like? I'm on a 2.4Ghz router. Is there a particular channel that's better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farproc.wifi.analyzer&hl=en
Use WPA-personal/WPA-PSK is sufficient.

I'm using WPA-personal. And all WiFi Analyzer seems to be telling me is that I have great reception. The channel I'm on fluctuates between 9 and 10 stars, but a couple seem to hold on 10, so I guess I could switch, but it doesn't seem to be a big difference.

Chromecast with Projector and Audio Extractor...no audio

I have a home cinema projector with no audio out, so in order to make my chromecast work I bought the J Tech DHDMI Audio Extractor. I've seen this exact model discussed elsewhere online, so as far as I know, others have used it successfully with Chromecast.
So my setup is - Chromecast into the IN of the HDMI Audio Extractor. HDMI cable OUT to my projector. And Optical Audio OUT to my sound system.
The problem? No audio.
I tried the exact same setup with my PS3 instead of the chromecast, and it worked - video and audio, with the exact same hookup. So the extractor works and the cords are fine.
I've tried all 3 audio toggles on the Audio Extractor (Pass-through/2.1/5.1) and none work for this.
I've tried multiple reboots and factory resets to no success.
I have heard that the ChromeCast tries to be smart about it's A/V capabilities, and there is a chance it may be looking at the HDMI connection, seeing that the projector has no Audio capabilities, and giving up, but I don't know how to attempt to reconfigure that, and there are certainly other people out there who have made my exact setup work, and I can't imagine what they are doing differently...
This theory does have additional evidence: When setting up my PS3 I had to set the sound set up to "Manual" rather than "Automatic" - in automatic mode, the PS3 said the HDMI connection had no audio capabilities. However in Manual mode it seemed to pass through audio just fine. I wonder if the same is happening with the Chromecast, only it's too "smart" to just push the audio through?
To test that theory I used an HDMI to VGA adapter to try to get VGA into my projector, but had the exact same result.
Finally, I tried to configure the Chromecast with JUST the optical audio out from the extractor without video so that it wouldn't try to guess what the audio was, and then hooking up the video after. Same result. Tried turning the projector/audio extractor on and off a bunch of times too..
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

deanCommie said:
This theory does have additional evidence: When setting up my PS3 I had to set the sound set up to "Manual" rather than "Automatic" - in automatic mode, the PS3 said the HDMI connection had no audio capabilities. However in Manual mode it seemed to pass through audio just fine. I wonder if the same is happening with the Chromecast, only it's too "smart" to just push the audio through?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can borrow an HDMI display/TV that has audio, you can try hooking that up first, booting the Chromecast to get audio, then do a hot-swap. That might work, but if it does, it's only a temporary solution and proves your theory that Chromecast is inspecting the audio capabilities on the HDMI side.
HDfury2 works well for me with its built in audio breakout.

bhiga said:
If you can borrow an HDMI display/TV that has audio, you can try hooking that up first, booting the Chromecast to get audio, then do a hot-swap. That might work, but if it does, it's only a temporary solution and proves your theory that Chromecast is inspecting the audio capabilities on the HDMI side.
HDfury2 works well for me with its built in audio breakout.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I think that's got to be my next move if only to make sure the Chromecast is not a lemon.

In case you don't end up getting yours to work. This is what I use to split the audio and use the chromecast on my projector. and it works flawlessly.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECTHIKK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The latest:
* Confirmed Chromecast sends audio by hooking it up to a regular TV
* Tried to hook it up to projector through HDMI->VGA connection and still no audio
* Found out that I'm not the only one having Projector-Chromecast-HDMI splitter problems: (I can't post links but go to the AMazon page for the product)
Ugh. Who wants a free Chromecast? I just don't see this working out for me...

So whatever adapter is used must report audio capabilities. Like I mentioned, I have HDfury2 and get audio fine. The one @Znomon mentioned is cheaper though. Then again, it's still close to the cost of a Chromecast, so...

The latest:
* Confirmed Chromecast sends audio by hooking it up to a regular TV
* Tried to hook it up to projector through HDMI->VGA connection and still no audio
* Found out that I'm not the only one having Projector-Chromecast-HDMI splitter problems: (I can't post links but go to the AMazon page for the product)
Ugh. Who wants a free Chromecast? I just don't see this working out for me.../QUOTE]
Sorry u can't get it to work if u really want to give the chromecast away I'll take it been wanting to try one out.

Hi. I just registered to this forum to say that I am able to do EXACTLY what you trying to do.
But the trick is the "guy" i'm using. It's a chinese cheap HD Converter that splits hdmi audio into RCA output and hdmi video. I know that I have not that special audio since it is turned on a rca output, but it works.
I bought from a local tech market. And the first one I bought did not work and the difference between them is energy source (the first had not).
Good luck and keep persistent.
PS: If you really want, i can buy one for you here in Brazil and send you by mail... but the postage will cost more than the converter!
b3ltazar said:
The latest:
* Confirmed Chromecast sends audio by hooking it up to a regular TV
* Tried to hook it up to projector through HDMI->VGA connection and still no audio
* Found out that I'm not the only one having Projector-Chromecast-HDMI splitter problems: (I can't post links but go to the AMazon page for the product)
Ugh. Who wants a free Chromecast? I just don't see this working out for me.../QUOTE]
Sorry u can't get it to work if u really want to give the chromecast away I'll take it been wanting to try one out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

So there is no way to hack the audio without other hardware (splitter)? I was hoping maybe bluetooth can be a solution?

goprojojo said:
So there is no way to hack the audio without other hardware (splitter)? I was hoping maybe bluetooth can be a solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, need hardware to extract it.
Bluetooth, even if you managed to get Chromecast's Bluetooth enabled, paired and sending audio, wouldn't be good because the audio stream would be delayed, unless it also delayed the video stream too but even that would probably not guarantee lip sync.

I'll take it
Deancommie, I'll take it off your hands. I'm a school teacher, so free is the best price.
deanCommie said:
The latest:
* Confirmed Chromecast sends audio by hooking it up to a regular TV
* Tried to hook it up to projector through HDMI->VGA connection and still no audio
* Found out that I'm not the only one having Projector-Chromecast-HDMI splitter problems: (I can't post links but go to the AMazon page for the product)
Ugh. Who wants a free Chromecast? I just don't see this working out for me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Time to upgrade to an Av receiver with hdmi input me thinks. Chromecast works flawlessly with my home pj setup.

[q] Audio through device and video through TV?

Is it possible to have audio play through headphones while the video is playing on the TV?

It sounds like a good idea, doesn't it? That's why this question has been asked and answered several times before. Unfortunately the answer is No, it wouldn't work because there would be no way to sync the independent audio and video streams.

DJames1 said:
It sounds like a good idea, doesn't it? That's why it has been asked and answered several times before: No, and it wouldn't work because there would be no way to sync the independent audio and video streams.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope a future version of Cast for Audio would address this shortcoming. Video on a TV or a computer / mobile devices + Audio on Cast compatible speakers or A/V receiver.

I use an app by Stefan Pledl called Local Cast for Chromecast and can be found in the playstore for android devices. It does exactly what you are asking and routes audio to phone. You can sync easily with a + and - in 0.1 sec increments.
it is donation ware and is worth the investment of your choice from $3.99 to $10.
Edit: I just did a bluetooth test and it worked as well after setting phone or tablet audio to BT. I routed it to my bluetooth enabled speakers.
Hope this helps.
CHEERS

Interesting! Thanks for pointing that out. It wasn't in my older version of LocalCast from the Amazon app store, but it looks like LocalCast developer Stefan Pledl decided to give this a try in the latest version of his app from the Google Play store. The option to "play audio on phone" appears when you cast a video, along with +/- 0.1 sec. time offset adjustment controls.
I tested it briefly, but unfortunately it remains kind of impractical. In about 10 minutes of trying, I could not get the audio to sync properly. It starts off with a guess of 1 sec. audio delay, but from there it's very tedious trying to click it up and down in units of 0.1 second, then wait a second for it to resync, and then wait several seconds more for someone to speak visibly so you can check the lip sync. Also the app warns that sync will be lost every time you FF/RW/skip to time index, so you can't even skip a silent portion to get to a part where people are speaking - you just have to wait it out. As you might guess, the start of most movies with titles and music has nothing you can use to judge the audio-video sync until about 5 minutes in.
Perhaps it would be ok if you spend the time to get it right one time, and then it remains close to that on future casting from the same source using the same device on the same network. But I suspect that the time offset is different with different sources, and it probably drifts if the streaming is not perfect.
It would help if you could directly enter a time offset instead of tediously bumping it up and down by 0.1 seconds at a time.

How to cast screen to chromecast with sound?

It used to work fine. Now the sound on TV is very low even at maximum volumes on tv and phone, so the phone volume overpoweres tv.
Any ideas?
Thanks.

Quick update: this problem occurs only when casting screen. There are no problems with the volume when casting from apps.

Huh.
No one knows how to fix this.
Or no one has this problem.
???

How can no one have commented on this issue?
Either people do have this problem or they do not.
Humor me!

nabbed said:
How can no one have commented on this issue?
Either people do have this problem or they do not.
Humor me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, I never use chromecast. I only cast to Smart TV Samsung and the audio from the TV is loud and clear. Mirroring to Smart TV also loud and clear.
So I can't answer you on the chromecast.

lius90 said:
Hello, I never use chromecast. I only cast to Smart TV Samsung and the audio from the TV is loud and clear. Mirroring to Smart TV also loud and clear.
So I can't answer you on the chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for replying. I appreciate it.
Perhaps this is something I can do to repay your effort. Maybe.
I too have a Samsung smart tv, but it is from about 2015, so it doesn't support all of the latest features.
However, when I try to play videos with subtitles from a cellphone to the TV, sometimes they (subtitles) work with the Smart TV or sometimes they work with Chromecast. So I am glad that I have both devices, because it guarantees that I can see subtitles.