Chromecast

[MK Shrimper]

Anyone have one? I'm a little bit confused - does it just replicates my laptop screen on my TV so I can watch anything, or is it restricted to only certain apps like BBC Iplayer?

Ta in advance.

 

[Jam_Man]

Was looking at them.

My understanding is that rather than display your desktop (which you might as well use DVI or HDMI to do if thats what you want) you run an app on your mobile device or Chrome on a PC to play stuff like netflix etc.

Quick google says VLC are working on an app to chromecast so you can then stream videos to one that you have stored on your PC.

 

[Pubey]

I think there's a Chrome browser extension so that you can get whatever is on Chrome on your Chromecast/telly. If it works reliably with it then I might be tempted. An acestream app would be best!:winking:

 

[Jam_Man]

Workmate got a raspberry PI which does the same sort of thing, without the restrictions of google, not sure he made much progress with it. They are meant to support acestream though.

 

[MK Shrimper]

Was looking at them.

My understanding is that rather than display your desktop (which you might as well use DVI or HDMI to do if thats what you want) you run an app on your mobile device or Chrome on a PC to play stuff like netflix etc.

Quick google says VLC are working on an app to chromecast so you can then stream videos to one that you have stored on your PC.

I already have a VGA cable & speakers linked, but it's bloody annoying. I guess I can use Chrome for those naughty (not PORN!) websites.

 

[Jam_Man]

TAke a look at Raspberry PI, seems to be ok for streaming sport etc.

 

[Mr Plow]

Here's a review by the brilliant MKBHD when it was released last year, obviously there's now a ton of more functionality with it being out for over a year now.

[video=youtube;TK4u6wm-HIk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK4u6wm-HIk[/video]

 

[davewebbsbrain]

You need this. Android TV, much the same as Chromecast but by downlaoding a couple of apps, you can stream any film you want anytime


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Natural-CX-919-RK3188-Bluetooth-Android/dp/B00CRXDTII

 

[Jam_Man]

How well does it stream HD movies over wifi?

 

[davewebbsbrain]

How well does it stream HD movies over wifi?

I guess it depends how good your internet is. Top tip. Get the film going then pause it for 10 mins to let it buffer up so it's always well ahead.

 

[Jam_Man]

I guess it depends how good your internet is. Top tip. Get the film going then pause it for 10 mins to let it buffer up so it's always well ahead.

Most peoples internet will be fine for streaming these days, mines 152mb so no issues there.

I personally download things to a hard drive and then stream to a media player in my lounge via powerline, which is more reliable than wifi and even that can sometimes have issues.

HD movies and HD 3D movies can be 10gb+ and I wonder how well wifi will cope with that sort of bitrate.

Streaming Netflix etc Im sure is easier.

 

[davewebbsbrain]

Most peoples internet will be fine for streaming these days, mines 152mb so no issues there.

I personally download things to a hard drive and then stream to a media player in my lounge via powerline, which is more reliable than wifi and even that can sometimes have issues.

HD movies and HD 3D movies can be 10gb+ and I wonder how well wifi will cope with that sort of bitrate.

Streaming Netflix etc Im sure is easier.

Apparently it handles HD fine. It'd only 30 odd quid so worth a punt

 

[Jam_Man]

I am looking at getting something, the media player I have is great at playing movies, but would be nice to have something to stream sports. Not that I get the chance too often to watch it in the front room anyway with the wife and pesky kids....

Ive got a NowTV box for the rare occassion I watch skysports which I only bought for a southend game, but to be honest its SD and cant stand watching SD on a 46" TV.

 

[Sandbach Shrimper]

If you're looking for a streaming device, Roku is better (although a little more expensive) than Chromecast. www.roku.com/uk

How they work is basically connecting your TV to the internet and then you can access apps like iPlayer, ITV Player, 4oD etc as well as hundreds of 'specialist' free channels which you'll probably never watch. They turn a normal TV into a smart TV.

 

[jstallan]

I have a Chromecast and a ROKU attached to the main TV. Preference is with the ROKU on the basis that it has a traditional remote control unlike the Chromecast. With no remote (apart from the device you initiated the 'cast' with) I just don't really get on with it that well.

However, where is scores points is when you are browsing YouTube on your phone or tablet and rather than watching on that device, just 'cast' it to the TV. Same again when others are using laptops and want you to leave your comfy chair to huddle round a laptop for 30 secs - they just 'cast' the laptop screen. It's a bonus in those areas as far as I'm concerned, but I just leave the usage of Plex for my Roku.

Although I've had the device for a few months they do release special offers via the Chromecast. At the moment I just picked up an offer where you get 3 months free on the NowTV Entertainment package :smile:

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/wua...free-chromecast-buy-a-tv-series-19-99-2011925 Although it's just expired, it's not the first time it's been down at this price.