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After 3 weeks my pros and cons

It's been almost 3 weeks since I purchased 4 Chromecasts. I have some Pros and Cons about my experience. I encourage you to add your own Pro/Con list.
Pros:
- Cheap. At $35 it's an impulse buy. I expect to see it at the checkout aisle of the supermarket next to the gift cards.
- Cheap will make it ubiquitous. Every app developer will rush to make their app Chromecastable.
- Extremely easy to set up. Some have had troubles as we've seen on this forum but my daughter set hers up without a single phone call to me. And she has absolutely no tech skills.
- I absolutely, positively love the ability to queue YouTube videos. I wish Netflix had that and I hope other app developers pick up on that. I wish there was one central queue where I could queue up Netflix, YouTube, Google Music, et all in one big queue. I could plan a whole night's viewing and then just sit back and watch.
- Shared control. It's nice that I can start a video and leave the room and my wife can take over control of it on her device. Very clever.
- Doesn't tie up my device. I can do other things while watching a video. Multitasking as it were.
- I can start a video on my phone then cast it to my family room TV, then pause it and start playing it on my bedroom PC, then pause it and finish it on my tablet. Very versitile.
- Video quality is superb. 1080p is very nice from the Chromecast. As good as cable TV.
- Audio is also superb. 5.1 is a nice surprise.
- If you have multiple wifi routers with multiple SSIDs you can control a Chromecast across SSIDs. And you see all the Chromecasts no matter which SSID you're currently using.
CONS
- Using the phone/tablet as a remote is not as convenient as a real remote. We have an unwritten rule in our house that when someone starts a conversation we pause the TV. With a real remote I can do this in a split second without looking at the remote. Using Chromecast I can't. Not only do I have to look at the phone, thus ignoring the person that is talking to me, I have to find the app that cast the video and start it up again to be able to pause it. This has made for an awkward situation more than once.
- It's not a perfect device, lots of app tweaking needs to be done.
- Sometimes I get spinning circle on my phone and it never casts.
- Sometimes I get spinning circle on my phone but the cast actually starts. This is not good at all as I have no way of pausing or stopping it from my phone. Same thing happens to my tablet so it's not a device specific issue.
- There's no ability to reduce picture quality. If I'm in a hotel using my phone's hot spot capability I could easily eat up 5gb of data watching a 1080p movie when 480p, or even less, would have been satisfactory.
- It has connectivity issues with some routers, especially Verizon FIOS' Actiontec router. There's not much in the way of documentation to help with this. The help information refers to turning off a feature that the router doesn't have.
BOTTOM LINE
The Chromecast is not a perfect device, like all devices, but the low cost and ease use make up for a lot of its misgivings. Almost all of the Cons I have listed can be corrected by software updates. I only see this product as getting better and better. The only fear is that it becomes another Google castoff like Google TV or Google Reader or Google Q or Buzz. But at $35 there's not much risk.
This product is a sign of the future and the future is bright. With many devices battling for this space, Apple TV, Roku, etc. we will all be the winners. Just as many people have multiple game consoles so will many people have multiple streaming devices. This is going to be a fun ride.

TabGuy said:
There's no ability to reduce picture quality. If I'm in a hotel using my phone's hot spot capability I could easily eat up 5gb of data watching a 1080p movie when 480p, or even less, would have been satisfactory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, what? Have you been able to get it to work using a hotspot? Everything I've read says it's not currently possible.

We need more app's....

TabGuy said:
- Extremely easy to set up. Some have had troubles as we've seen on this forum but my daughter set hers up without a single phone call to me. And she has absolutely no tech skills.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I was setting it up, I had no idea I needed a WiFi device for first time set up. I was using my desktop connected to my router with the WiFi turned off. So quickly I assumed it was because of that. (I have a WAP broadcasting another SSID so i turned off my router) After I turned on my router, I was still getting the same problem stating my WiFi was off. Then I feared that my desktop needed to be a WiFi device to work with the Chromecast. After some quick searches I found that the WiFi device was just for setup which I did on my phone and got it up and running smoothly.
TabGuy said:
- If you have multiple wifi routers with multiple SSIDs you can control a Chromecast across SSIDs. And you see all the Chromecasts no matter which SSID you're currently using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So my setup was kind of like this, and i feared that it would not work. After the setup, I just installed the extension on Chrome for all my computers in the family and it showed up on all of them. Relieved and happy that it was simpler than I was dreading.

andrewhchiu said:
As I was setting it up, I had no idea I needed a WiFi device for first time set up. I was using my desktop connected to my router with the WiFi turned off. So quickly I assumed it was because of that. (I have a WAP broadcasting another SSID so i turned off my router) After I turned on my router, I was still getting the same problem stating my WiFi was off. Then I feared that my desktop needed to be a WiFi device to work with the Chromecast. After some quick searches I found that the WiFi device was just for setup which I did on my phone and got it up and running smoothly.
So my setup was kind of like this, and i feared that it would not work. After the setup, I just installed the extension on Chrome for all my computers in the family and it showed up on all of them. Relieved and happy that it was simpler than I was dreading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Common sense should tell you that you can't connect to the Chromecast through your wireless network before it get connected to your wireless network. Assuming it's protected with a password how do you suppose Chromecast would connect to it? And for open networks I think it's illegal to just auto connect to open networks. I would think that most people buying a Chromecast would have a smartphone or tablet.

rkirmeier said:
Common sense should tell you that you can't connect to the Chromecast through your wireless network before it get connected to your wireless network. Assuming it's protected with a password how do you suppose Chromecast would connect to it? And for open networks I think it's illegal to just auto connect to open networks. I would think that most people buying a Chromecast would have a smartphone or tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured it was going to be something like connecting a bluetooth device where it would broadcast its own signal and then you can connect to it. but i guess i wasn't thinking.

Echo the majority of the above comments, still too early to be overly concerned that Google hasn't yet released their chrome cast API.
I'm in UK so had to wait slightly longer than others for my US bought one (first day purchase) to arrive here in the UK, but its here I love Google play , Google movies and YouTube integration
Waiting for CM casting to go live and hopefully be implemented into aokp.
Not tried casting chrome tabs from my laptop yet or my hard wired pc workstation, is it true that sounds cabled PC's can have issues connecting to chromecast
Am I meant to be able to cast from chrome browser tabs on my N4 ?

best alternative device to Chromecast in mirroring phone

I've been looking for a near-perfect solution to mirroring my Samsung note 3 but to no avail. Here's my usage scenario and criteria below:
Usage:
- play various video formats via Diceplayer
- reply to WhatsApp messages
- surf the web
- take notes with Evernote
Criteria:
- TRUE plug-and-play capability after 1 time setup ( there shouldn't be a need to adjust settings after the dongle is inserted into TV)
- no lag/latency problem
- TRUE mirroring capability (WYSIWYG, no limitations on what apps can or cannot be used on my Note 3)
- Big plus if it can also work with my wife's 5S
- Big plus if it is future proof
any suggestion please?
Thanks in advance for your help!

dylansmith said:
I've been looking for a near-perfect solution to mirroring my Samsung note 3 but to no avail. Here's my usage scenario and criteria below:
Usage:
- play various video formats via Diceplayer
- reply to WhatsApp messages
- surf the web
- take notes with Evernote
Criteria:
- TRUE plug-and-play capability after 1 time setup ( there shouldn't be a need to adjust settings after the dongle is inserted into TV)
- no lag/latency problem
- TRUE mirroring capability (WYSIWYG, no limitations on what apps can or cannot be used on my Note 3)
- Big plus if it can also work with my wife's 5S
- Big plus if it is future proof
any suggestion please?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you have a Samsung device, I recommend Samsung's AllShare Cast Wireless Hub unless you also have a Samsung TV that supports the function (or upgrading to a Samsung TV with it is an option). I got a new open-box one recently off eBay for about the price of Chromecast.
Basically you plug it into one of your TV's HDMI ports using the supplied slim HDMI cable or your own, plug the supplied MicroUSB cable into the supplied power adapter (or another MicroUSB wall plug that outputs 5V at 450+mA), then switch the TV to that input.
You'll get a screen with some device information and a pairing ID. On your phone/tablet, you go into Screen Mirroring, and when you get the list you long-press on it to use Passkey mode (some devices may support the button mode - mine does not) - plug in the passkey on screen and it pairs. After that when you engage screen mirroring it'll automatically try to reconnect.
(Side note: I believe this is how Chromecast setup should work - requiring a challenge-response that ensures you can see the connected TV...)
As far as performance goes, it feels about the same as Chromecast screen mirroring on my Galaxy S3. AllShare Cast might be a tiny bit faster, but it also seems to slightly affect my WiFi network performance, as WiFi Direct is essentially running an ad-hoc connection to the hub.
Also, you need line-of-sight with the hub. Its WiFi signal is not as powerful/sensitive as a normal WiFi router/AP.
There is a little bit of overscan (edges cut off) that I couldn't figure out how to get rid of. It's not in my TV settigs as my Chromecast is on the same TV input via HDMI switch, so I could see the difference flipping back and forth.
Other than those minor things, I think AllShare Cast works pretty well. If Chromecast screen mirroring didn't work for me, I would be using it. Actually my wife is still using AllShare Cast since her S3 is still on 4.2
Unfortunately I don't think anything's going to work on your wife's 5S, well, nothing except an AppleTV... but I could be wrong.
And as for future proof, there really is no such thing. Especially in the video world. Because almost everything appliance-like is built minimalistically and relies on a hardware decoder, once a new CODEC becomes mainstream, all the old devices get left in the dust.

dylansmith said:
I've been looking for a near-perfect solution to mirroring my Samsung note 3 but to no avail. Here's my usage scenario and criteria below:
Usage:
- play various video formats via Diceplayer
- reply to WhatsApp messages
- surf the web
- take notes with Evernote
Criteria:
- TRUE plug-and-play capability after 1 time setup ( there shouldn't be a need to adjust settings after the dongle is inserted into TV)
- no lag/latency problem
- TRUE mirroring capability (WYSIWYG, no limitations on what apps can or cannot be used on my Note 3)
- Big plus if it can also work with my wife's 5S
- Big plus if it is future proof
any suggestion please?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A Android stick/box with a rockchip processor
-dualcore = rk3066
-quad core = rk3188
-quad core = rk3288
can mirror your device via miracast and you can install apps via the playstore like evernote. You can find it on geekbuying.com or ebay for 50$
ex. Mk908II, CX-919, Minix x7 (it costs 120$ but you get excellent quality and service)

erdal67 said:
A Android stick/box with a rockchip processor
-dualcore = rk3066
-quad core = rk3188
-quad core = rk3288
can mirror your device via miracast and you can install apps via the playstore like evernote. You can find it on geekbuying.com or ebay for 50$
ex. Mk908II, CX-919, Minix x7 (it costs 120$ but you get excellent quality and service)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm using the MK908ii myself but didn't know it had the miracast function. just plowed through the settings but still could not find anything.
any idea how i can activate this function?

dylansmith said:
i'm using the MK908ii myself but didn't know it had the miracast function. just plowed through the settings but still could not find anything.
any idea how i can activate this function?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should have a app called wifidisplay, click on it and set it up

Chromecast Help Forum

I have a network at home which includes a standard router which is connected to other parts of the house via 3 Powerline Adapters which broadcast the Wi-Fi signal.
I have 3 Chromecast devices and 1 Chromecast Audio.
The Chromecast attached to the TV at the main router is very stable and rarely gives is problems.
One of the other Chromecasts has to be powered down when that TV is not in use so on each use it has to go through a restart. On Saturday I noticed that even after a restart I couldn't find the device. The Chromecast backdrop photos were scrolling, it showed up on startup as connected to the network but it was not visible in the apps or in Home. It took a restart of both my mobile device and the Chromecast to get it working. This issue was with a Samsung S7.
Today (Sunday) I was trying to use the third Chromecast and had similar issues except, at times, the Chromecast was visible in Home but not in the apps (Netflix or Google Music). Again several restarts of both Chromecast and mobile device were required. Eventually I got it working but after watching a feature film the Chromecast disappeared from both Home and the app (Netflix). The film credits were rolling but I could not stop the film or choose another film. These issues were with Samsung S7 and S5. The S5 was unable to see the Chromecast. Both mobiles are up to date with software.
I get similar issues with the Chromecast Audio but to a lesser extent.
I am beginning to have severe reservations about Chromecasts reliability.

are you sure, that the Powerline Adapter forward the Arp request and discovery messages? that was the reason,that the poweradapter did not live long beside me...to much network issue's
Gesendet von meinem Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 SM-P905 mit Tapatalk

I am not sure I know what the ARP request is and how to check it.

Starting a automation home

Good evening all.
Just wondering where I should start on setting up a automation home. Wondering which google product I should buy.
I have a big house floor layout with 5g I have one of the first chromecast that only has 2.4 wifi. My house isn't wired with cat6 or 5 cable to the TV's.

Ideas
Hi Josh,
I am new on xda, so I will try to give some answer on blank thread.
1) Its some time you gave this question, have you managed to decide what to buy? Share please
2) Buy 2nd gen Chromecast because it runs on 5GHZ (maybe 2 or 3 for whole house)
note: Most smart devices works (dunno why) only with 2.4GHZ and also connecting Chromecast to 5GHZ can be tricky. Usually, your router can be set to broadcast both 2.4 and 5GHZ network - so check this you will need 2.4GHZ for (easily sattable) automated home for now.
3) Buy Google Home device (maybe cheapest "mini" version for first try) and than u can try control your Chromecasts by voice (it is 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5Ghz))
4) Buy WiFi Smart Plug and than u can voice/phone control any device plugged-in.
maybe cheap Sonoff Sxx Smart Plug
1. It's Cheap
2. Good Quality
3. Easy To Use (also can be upgraded with skills)
only 2.4GHZ​(3 Reasons Everyone Is Switching To Sonoff For Alexa And Google Home: youtube.com/watch?v=98FIopxG6qI
5) Buy Philips Hue light bulbs and than u can voice/phone control these lights
or / and
6) Buy Smart Wifi Switch (Sonoff) and than u can voice/phone control any device wired with these switches (like any chandelier wired directly to wall without socket)
7) Focus on youtube tutorials is probably the simplest way how to continue

Have a look at home assistant it can manage it all trough gh

adas4190 said:
Have a look at home assistant it can manage it all trough gh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Adas, what do you mean by this?
Is it same advice as "3) Buy Google Home device" or do I miss smt?

chrnec said:
Hi Adas, what do you mean by this?
Is it same advice as "3) Buy Google Home device" or do I miss smt?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look at that
It's not an easy solution but it's worth exploring
BTW. it can be integrated with Google Home for voice control.

Chromecast Ultra issue with custom DNS

I have multiple Chromecasts on my home network, 1x Chromecast Ultra, 2x Chromecast Gen3 all connected via wired ethernet using the chromecast power adaptors (so they are powered on 24/7).
In order to cast media from my local Jellyfin server to them I have blocked google DNS in my firewall (8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4) so that they use the local DNS server that is handed out via DHCP.
The chromecast gen3's work flawlessly, never had a single problem.
The ultra however regularly "hangs" in a state where there is a background photo showing on the TV but no text (e.g. no clock, no device name, etc...). When it is in this state it does not show up in the list of cast devices and the Google Home app cannot see it.
To fix the issue I have to power cycle it - sometimes more than once. I originally thought it was a hardware fault so bought another one recently but it exhibits exactly the same behaviour! It usually goes into the "hung" state every 24hours or so.
Gen3 firmware: 1.56.275994
Ultra firmware: 1.56.281627
Any ideas? I am at a loss as to what to try next.