Chromecast

Swarfega

Swarfega

Swarfega

Associate
Joined
20 Dec 2010
Posts
2,246
Location
East Devon
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About
Chromecast is a digital media player developed by Google. The device plays audio/video content on a high-definition television by directly streaming it via Wi-Fi from the Internet or a local network.

Specs
Power Micro-USB
System-on-chip used Marvell DE3005-A1[2]
Display 1080p
Connectivity HDMI (supports CEC), Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4 GHz)
Dimensions 72 mm × 35 mm × 12 mm
Weight 34 g

Release dates
24th July 2013 - US
19th March 2014 - Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the U.K

Purchase

Currys: http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/audio/...a-players/google-chromecast-22021414-pdt.html
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=chromecast

Useful links
Official page: http://www.google.co.uk/intl/en_uk/chrome/devices/chromecast/ (Currently redirects to US)
Recognised apps: https://www.google.co.uk/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/apps.html
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromecast
Reddit: http://www.reddit.com/r/Chromecast/
XDA: http://forum.xda-developers.com/hardware-hacking/chromecast


Original thread post
Swarfega said:
Has anyone got one of these?
I want one for NetFlix for me dumb TV but obviously they havent been officially released here yet. Does UK NetFlix work on these imported units? Are there any major limitations?
Kinda bored of waiting for a UK release now and thinking about buying one of the imports.
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I didn't import one, but got it from an auction site instead. Netflix works fine on it, as does YouTube. But as of now, that's pretty much all it does (other than Google Play content).


I wanted one just for the sake of it, but I'm not sure I could recommend one @ £35. A Roku/BluRay player would be a better investment I think.
 
I got one from Amazon US, as Scottland says Netflix is fine.

If your used to using DNS tricks to get the US Netflix then be aware that the Chromecast ignores your routers settings and always goes through Google's DNSs. IP Tables hackery gets around it easily but a lot of routers can't do this.

It is pretty limited at the moment but, given the low cost, its worth it for Netflix, Youtube and Play Music. Using your phone as the content selection device is just so much better a way of doing things than 10ft UIs are, its the future.
 
Will be interesting to see how successful they are. They're amazingly small, but the lack of a "normal" remote control would be annoying. They'll need to get 4od/iplayer etc to really compete with the likes of the Sky Now TV.
 
This should be good as long as it gets iPlayer & 4od, all I would use it for besides YouTube...

Was looking at getting a Raspberry pi to do the same but this looks like a better option...

Let's just hope we don't get the usual UK ripoff pricing given what it's selling for in the USA!
 
I have two in the house. They are mainly used for Netflix. I use it for YouTube every so often.
When chromecasting on Plex goes public I'll be using that to stream movies from my PC.
 
Is it possible to use Chromecast in the same way as an AV cable from iPad to TV to just mirror whatever you have viewing on the iPad or does it only work through apps like a smart TV?
 
Received my chromecast today and have had a quick look whilst setting up, seems pretty good for the price and size of the device itself. I read that google play has recently being updated to allow developers to support chromecast so should be good to see what apps will soon be available.

Has anyone tried the Plex app to stream files over your network?
 
I use plex but currently use Avia until plex make chromecast support free for all users. Avia is ok but picky about your media. It will play MP4 fine but it hates AVI. MKV also has no sound. I have no idea why like as I thought plex transcodes on the fly.
 
Eyed up a chromecast when it was first released in the usa - and looked into pricing every now and then since, I'm always tempted to get one but not sure of how much usage il get lol
 
Swarfega said:
I use plex but currently use Avia until plex make chromecast support free for all users. Avia is ok but picky about your media. It will play MP4 fine but it hates AVI. MKV also has no sound. I have no idea why like as I thought plex transcodes on the fly.
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thanks, my files are a mix of avi, mp4 & mkv but will give Avia a try.

Don't understand why Plex are charging £2.99 for chromecast support whilst in "preview" and than making it free once fully supported ... shouldn't it be the other way around :confused::confused:
 
Avia charge for their chromecast support :-(

Whilst I have had some success with it I would recommend waiting for plex to go free.
 
Rensin said:
Has anyone tried the Plex app to stream files over your network?
Click to expand...

hi there, ive tried the plex app with chromecast and it works very well, its played everthing ive asked it to.

ive switched to a now tv box though as my missus cant use plex as she doesn't have the plex app on her phone.

another good edition is if you use the web app for plex your pc you can send movies to whichever device you like...
 
Anyone who uses the Yatse remote for XBMC now supports chromecast (paid)

Have tried different files and the only files that don't work are .avi, mp4 & mkv playback perfect.
 
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