Chromecast setup and first impressions

Google caught more than a few people off guard Wednesday when it revealed Chromecast, a Chrome-powered HDMI dongle designed to bring the best content from any device to your TV. It doesn't seem that a single person was pessimistic about the idea though, as just a few demos of what Chromecast was capable of had the whole audience ecstatic about the idea.
Delivering precisely what was promised by the Nexus Q and more, at just one-tenth the price, the Chromecast has some serious potential behind it. We've got our hands on one, and having gone through the process of setting up and using the device we're downright giddy with excitement about this thing.
So what is it like to set up and use a Chromecast connected to your TV, controlled by your Android device? It's actually quite an enjoyable experience.
Setting up the Chromecast
Google tried to give the impression at its press event that the Chromecast was some kind of magical attachment that required no setup, but there are a few steps that need to be taken before you're up and running. First thing's first -- you'll need to plug the Chromecast dongle into an available HDMI port on your TV and also connect it to USB for power. The two annoying parts about this are that a TV's "service" USB port won't work for power, and the power plug is on the end directly opposite the HDMI plug. Meaning that unless you have a TV from the last couple of years you'll be connecting another wall plug for power and if your TV is mounted a wall it may be a bit tight against the wall with everything connected.
That aside, you can configure your Chromecast either by visiting google.com/chromecast/setup on a computer or by downloading the Chromecast app from Google Play (opens in new tab). In either case, the simple apps makes a direct Wifi connection to your Chromecast and let you sign in to your local Wifi network using your phone, tablet or computer, a process that takes only a few minutes. You then assign a name to your Chromecast -- "Living Room" or "Bedroom", for example -- and you're all set.
We recommend keeping the apps installed on whatever device you choose to use for initial setup, as they can be a useful tool for troubleshooting. On both computers and Android devices, the Chromecast app lets you manage multiple Chromecast dongles, reboot and even factory reset them remotely.
Playing content on your TV
Setting up the Chromecast to accept content isn't too intensive, but it does you no good unless you've got something on your phone or tablet to send over to it. As of right now, you're limited to just a few options for content you can "cast" over to a Chromecast dongle: Google Play Music, Play Movies & TV, Youtube and Netflix. Expanding the options is the "Google Cast" Chrome extension, which lets you send any Chrome tab on your computer -- including video sites -- to the Chromecast.
Once you've updated to the latest versions of the apps or installed the Chrome extension, simply hit the new "cast" button (which looks like a screen with radio waves in the corner) and you'll be prompted to select a device to send the content to. Select the Chromecast unit by its name in the menu, and your TV will perk up to accept the incoming command. Start playing the music, movie or video on your phone, tablet or laptop and you will see the content play on the TV rather than your device. Play, pause and even volume controls on your device control whatever is being played on the TV, even though it isn't being streamed from the device itself.
After you've initiated playback on the Chromecast, you are free to do anything you want on your device without interrupting that content. Notification and lock screen widgets control playback on the Chromecast as if the content was playing locally on the device, giving you plenty of control over what's on the TV. Switching between apps is simple as well -- if you're playing music and switch to Youtube, you'll be prompted to confirm the action and the Chromecast will quickly switch to your new content choice.
So simple, so powerful
The folks here at AC have already voiced initial opinions on the Chromecast, and after going through the setup process and playing with one for the evening, we have to say that we're coming away impressed with what this $35 device is capable of. For just over 10-percent of the price of the original Nexus Q, we're looking at a device that brings the best content from your phone, tablet or laptop directly to your TV with few hassles along the way.
It's still very early days for the Chromecast, but after spending a brief time with it we're hopeful for the future of Google's living room entertainment efforts.
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Andrew was an Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central between 2012 and 2020.
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"Chromecast is not available in your country." :-(
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Let me guess… If I go to US, buy a Chromecast and take it home with me, I won't be able to use it? OK. Now I'm wishing it fails miserably.
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If that's you're reason for hating a product, then you're a bloody idiot. There are many products that the US doesn't get; you don't hear us hoping that they fail. Still, I hope it does expand beyond the US. Posted via Android Central App
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Idiot, moron, short-sighted, small on logic and history. Is that all? No need for personal attacks because of a rant based on frustration about a consumer product. Even if I rant, it shouldn't be personal. I know I should have displayed my credentials first, telling that I use everything Google and may have more time, money and cheers invested in lot of things Google than most of you (really), but somehow I thought it wouldn't be necessary. Too much for an obvious rant. Anyway, please don't think I want this to fail (a little of good faith works wonders when guessing a meaning). It wouldn't even matter (Netflix alone pays it). So, let's chill and resume the constructive talks, shall we? Thank you.
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"Anyway, please don't think I want this to fail.." Yet, from your original post to which he replied: "OK. Now I'm wishing it fails miserably."
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Haha yeah, I love oxymorons.
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You're right. I'm sorry for calling you an idiot. My inner fanboy got the best of me.
Here's to hoping that you're able to order a Chromecast, should you desire to. Posted via Android Central App -
No problem. Sorry if my frustration made me say things I didn't really want about the Chromecast. See you around.
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Then act the idiot, you moron.
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I bet against it, because I am from Europe and I ordered one :-) Yes, it will need a little sideloading and a VPN - but I have that for Hulu and Netflix already... Posted via Android Central App
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What do you need the VPN for? Just for using Netflix? Or do you assume that you'd also need it to play youtube videos, or use it with other apps that would support it in the future?
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Wow. I guess you're not big on either history or logic. Lots of Google's new products/services start off as US only AT FIRST, and then broaden out to other countries. But I guess you're too short sighted to think about that, and just want it to fail since you can't have it right away. Moron.
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This. Posted via Android Central App
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Unfortunately, Google is notoriously slow/apparently not interested in bringing many paid services to other countries. Where I live, in Europe, there is no Play Music, TV, Movies, Books. The only thing I can buy from Google is apps.
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Damn, Google needs to stop slacking on expanding their core services, then. Posted via Android Central App
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Yeah, over here in NZ we only have Play music(all access) and apps. We don't have books,movies,TV shows, magazines or Play devices or Play store gift cards. Google has expanded out of the US MY ASS!
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Maybe it's because the EU's antitrust efforts that Google drags its heels on rollouts to European nations? I really don't know, just a thougt.
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Unfortunately getting all the licensing deals to get the content in all the various locations takes time and sometimes just doesn't happen at all. But hopefully they can make it happen for you.
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Its called copyright issues. Thanks to the bloody media companies, Google has to make deals with each region for every new product they want to ship. When in doubt, blame big media when we can't have nice things everywhere.
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Forget Europe. We don't have Google Play Music Locker or Store in Canada. No Google Wallet. And now no Chromecast.
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Actually, I live in Italy, which is in Europe last time I checked and I get Play Music and Books.
Google Movies and Magazines are *yet* to come.
Google TV? No need for that, *when* Chromecast arrives. -
That, dear sir, is due to the content owners, not Google. They can't offer Play Music, TV, Movies, Books until they have content licenses, which they have not yet gotten in large chunks of Europe and Asia.
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Again, like I told to the guy above you, while I understand the critic to what I said (I should have enclosed the fail in the proverbial rant quotes), this personal and fanatic nonsense is obviously unwarranted. Calm down. We all want to use Chromecast asap, even if that means hacking around the geographical limitations.
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This. Posted via Android Central App
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As a 'credentialed' member of the community, perhaps you'd like to expand on what makes you qualified to criticize those who criticize your ineptness at forum conversation.
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And I guess you're only big on selective history, because some of those promised products and services never reach other markets. Two of the biggest reasons I bought the galaxy nexus was for wallet and music. I had to bounce off of a proxy just to get the cloud service of music but there is no sight of either wallet or a music store. They keep rolling out new beta products without providing what I paid for 18 months ago. So yeah, the fact that I'm blocked from placing a chromecast order for no reason kinda sucks. Posted via Android Central App
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And lots others don't..
As an example, the Netherlands just recently got Google play Books.
We don't have Google Play Music or Movies.
The only reason for us to get the Chromecast is to mirror youtube and enabled apps.
So, yes, the dude might have said something in frustration, but what he said is based on solid history of Gsnobbery... -
You do realize that even if chromecast gets released internationally, the streaming services of Hulu and Netflix are still regional. You moron. So you still would need a VPN service to make it work abroad.
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ha i live in trinidad in the caribbean and we got netflix "without a VPN" but no hulu, jus sayin
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Or, hope it does so well, that the US movie companies say "We could make more allowing it outside the US"? I don't know *any* reason Google wouldn't want this outside the US, but the copyright holders would.
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:-( Posted via AC App N4
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I love Google for doing this. I've purposely held off on getting a streaming box because I've been wanting a solution from Google for my Google Play content. And lucky me, I've got ONE spare HDMI port on my tv. Got my shipping notification, too, from Google Play. My Chromecast can't come soon enough!
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But can it play Hulu? Free Hulu, not Hulu Plus.
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According to Wired, they asked Google and they said yes, through the chrome tab cast.
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If that's the case, good bye Hulu Plus. That would mean I'd be able to watch ALL Hulu content on my TV over Chromecast.
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How do you get past the hulu restriction for chrome on a mobile device, or are you "casting" from a pc?
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i'd assume he's using a pc, i'll be doing the same to watch vimeo videos on my tv :)
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Yes you'll be able to watch "ALL Hulu content"
FYI is not as extensive as Hulu Plus's -
Sounds like you would be able to do that via a Chrome browser tab, not the Hulu app itself. I bet other apps will jump on the bandwagon pretty soon. Considering the price point, I pulled the trigger on getting on yesterday and am looking forward to messing with it. Just Netflix without the need for another device like my aging Xbox 360 would be useful. If it could stream DLNA from another storage device that would make it THE media device to have. ;)
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exactly the reason i'll buy one; no need to run Boxee or buy a different HDMI dongle i was looking at.
for $35, this thing is going to be awesome (esp if it gets supported by other video streaming apps) -
That Chromecast extension should enable that... as well as Amazon Instant Video.
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Yup, already did it. I did experience a drop in frame-rate and be sure you're network isn't dl'ing other stuff at the same time.
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Were you able to test the the "Google Cast" Chrome extension,and if so does it cast audio in addition to video? I am betting that you get video on the TV, but that audio does not follow making Hulu / HBO Go a no go.
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Seriously? What good would this be without audio? You craaaaaaazy.
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Obviously YouTube, Netflix and other plugins would support audio. They stream to the dongle directly from the source. The option to send a tab from chrome on your PC to the screen is different, and I am wondering if it is screen sharing or whether they get audio over as well. No I am not crazy. Hulu specifically blocks Hulu free from getting to any large screens easily I don;t see them leaving a big hole like this unplugged.
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It's not screen sharing. Don't forget that the Chromecast actually runs ChromeOS. It is a simple matter for tabs to be shared...just look at the Chrome-to-phone extension that has been kicking around for so long. The Chromecast still pulls the tab and its content for itself.
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I have tried it and it works with audio and video. Great for watching movies from websites.
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Excellent! Thanks
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Have you tried plugging it into an HDMI input port on a receiver so that the sound and video can play through a home entertainment system?
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+1
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This is BIG since anyone these days has a home theater setup with an AV receiver with multiple HDMI ports..The question remains, will it work with a receiver once you assign the function to the HDMI port it's plugged into?
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+1 -- Looking for this info. I'm thinking that it should. And if your receiver supports HDMI CEC, then it also should allow the TV to power on and switch inputs. But we'll see. I'm also excited about connecting this to my backyard projector sans laptop as the source device.
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Works great connected directly to my Denon 4308CI (HDMI 1.3a).
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It plugs in to an HDMI port, HDMI carries audio.
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Does it cast audio??? They just showed a video of music being played and video with audio.... am I missing something?
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Folks don't seem to be clear on this... When you "cast" from YouTube or Netflix or google play, the app tells the dongle to go play the same content, then it is streamed right to the dongle from the cloud and sent on its way via HDMI. Teh app can then tell it to stop start etc., but no audio or video is being transferred from your device to the dongle. When you open up a tab in chrome browser on your PC and tell it to play that tab on the dongle it would need to send the content (not just a link to the source on the cloud) to the dongle. It will allow the sharing of media and tabs straight from Chrome to a Chromecast-connected TV. That is why I asked if it would send audio and video
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Any HDMI 1.4 port should be able to also power the Chromecast, making the USB power requirement optional.
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People keep saying that but I have not heard that from Google and other people keep saying it absolutely is not the case.
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Are you confusing HDMI with MHL? I know, with MHL, the device is streaming content and being charged, by the port, because of the adapter. Your "run-of-the-mill" HDMI socket won't provide enough charging power to the Chromecast, unfortunately. Posted via Android Central App
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The power in 1.4 comes from the source device, not the TV. In this case, the Chromecast is the source device, hence the need for an additional power supply.
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I don't think this is the case. Based on the below question/answer below from the official HDMI knowledge base it seems that the TV is the source and the Chromecast is an accessory device. But maybe I'm misinterpreting something. Q. If an HDMI accessory device (i.e. switch box, cable booster) does not have a dedicated power supply, is it still compliant and will it work?
An HDMI device that has active electronics should have a provision for external power in order to be compliant (e.g. a receptacle to allow the use of a standard power adapter, sometimes called a power “brick”). Here we are drawing a distinction between “active” devices that actually have some powered electronics, and “passive” devices, such as some switches (more on those later). Some active devices, such as actively powered HDMI cables or in-line signal extender boxes, will by default attempt to power their electronics by taking power from the 5V line (+5V power) available on the HDMI connector. The HDMI specification requires all source devices to provide at least 55mA (milliamps) on the 5V line for the purpose of reading the EDID of a display. While 55mA is not enough current to operate most HDMI accessory devices (which typically require about 100 to 150mA), most source devices on the market today provide significantly more current on the 5V line than the HDMI specification requires. As a result, the vast majority of accessory devices can operate when interfaced with a source device that provides more than the required current (i.e. over 100-150mA) on the 5V line. However, manufacturers should provide a provision for their powered HDMI accessory devices to obtain external power, and consumers are encouraged to look for this external power provision when purchasing such products. Looking to the future, not all HDMI devices may provide this much power over the 5V line. For example, as HDMI expands into more and more portable applications (cameras, camcorders, laptops, etc.), power consumption is often much more of an issue, and such devices may not power the 5V line with the > 100mA required by such “active” devices. Again, consumers should consider ensuring that their active HDMI accessory device purchases have a provision for external power for this reason. -
After some more thought it makes sense that a TV is a display device, not a source device and therefore probably doesn't provide any power. So the dongle probably can't draw power from a TV but I wonder if it can draw power from an HDMI 1.4 A/V receiver? It seems like that could be considered a source device. Or maybe this is just a wild rumor that got started. However there are multiple reviews on Amazon backing up the claim. For example one reviewer who has had the device for about a week says "I have a 2012 LG LED and a 2013 Lenovo 27" Monitor with HDMI input and the ports power it with no cable.".
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My $50 MK808B does all of this and more, but I'd be all over it if I didn't have it. Really great move by Google. More impressed it never leaked.
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No it doesnt do the same thing
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Ok dbag...let's argue over semantics. Yes, it does "essentially" the same thing AND more. Happy?
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I like it. It would give my old tv some life.
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what about movies i put on the phone. Can i play them? Or only purchases thru google play?
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Google Play, yes. I haven't heard anything about movies that you put directly on you phone/tablet.
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video of playing local movies!
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/07/25/tip-you-can-play-local-video-files-... -
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. God I can't wait to try all this sh!t out for myself!
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Awesome! No if someone can tell me that it will work connected to an hdmi A/V receiver port, then I'm ordering 2 more!!!
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Only through Google Play, it seems. There was no mention of UPnP or DLNA. Now the interesting thing will be if you can cast media from Google Drive to it.
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You can play videos that you upload to your phone through Play Movies so hence you can play them through Chromecast.
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I hope you are right, this would be the best, unexpected feature.
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thinking about it, I don't know if this will work or not. Even though you can play video through Play Movies I am not sure if you can play something that you didn't get through the Play Store because it would have to be streamed via UPNP. I am sure BubbleUpnP will be updated to support Chromecast very soon and you will be able to cast through that.
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This is an interesting question. I have to check the ChromeCast API - how it works etc. Maybe if the file on your Google Drive has public access it will be possible...
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but on google play you can select personal movies and it just goes to the built in player. you think this might work? i understand that other players, mx, bs etc probably wont (for now - go devs)
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I have a quick question about the device and was wondering if you guys tried this out. I'm sure a few others have a set up like this as well, but is it possible to plug the chromecast into an available port on the back of your A/V receiver instead of your TV and have it work? Posted via Android Central App
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This is my biggest question too. I'd hate to have the sound come from my tv's crappy speakers.
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Why not run the sound out from your TV to your receiver? Then anything over HDMI would play out of the receiver. That's really how everything should be set up. Posted via Android Central App
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This setup does not work in a lot of cases. Many TVs will not keep the audio signal intact when transferring it from HDMI to digital coax or optical out. As a result, you only actually get stereo sound. The true way to set up a sound system is to have HDMIs from each source running to an A/V receiver and then run one HDMI to the TV. Nothing will be lost from audio or video.
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Hey Viper. Alot of TV's do not have a HDMI out port. So my question is how would you get sound to you AV receiver using an HDMI cable.I do not want stereo sound. I hate running my cable box to my receiver to the tv because you loose picture quality. any suggestions would be nice.
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You misread my comment. All inputs go into the A/V receiver via HDMI. The receiver outputs video to the TV via HDMI. So there is nothing coming OUT of the TV. If you are losing picture quality by running HDMI through your receiver, then I suggest either changing your setup options on the receiver if possible, or buying a new one, because that shouldn't be happening. I know on my Onkyo, I had to set it to do pass-through video, and not change it to a specific resolution. I run a Dish cable box, XBox 360, and a blu ray player through the receiver. Video quality is excellent from all 3.
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Thats what I am trying to figure out. How to get sound from the TV to output to the AV receiver when there is no HDMI out connection. If you plug chromecast into your tv it will only output the sound through your tv speakers. everyone looses some picture detail when passing through your receiver, nothing beats a direct connection. It still looks good but try this unplug your cable to the receiver and connect it directly to the tv and see that the colors are a little more brilliant.
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You don't. You send the signal from the source (in your case the cable box, not the TV) to the receiver. If you don't want to pass the video through your AV receiver, just send the video via HDMI to your TV, and an optical audio cable from the box to your receiver. You can set up the options in the cable box menu to send audio using the HDMI only, Optical/RCA jack only, or both if you want. There's a myriad of different configurations you can set up.
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Digital signals do not lose quality when passing through digital equipment. This used to happen with analog but does not with digital. That's one of the big advantages of going all digital.
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Exactly how I have my TX-709 set-up as well.
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That is *NOT* how an A/V system should be setup at all! The TV is not a source of data - video or audio, therefore you should not be taking outputs from it back to the A/V receiver. The reason so many of us are asking if you can plug into a receiver is because we understand how that box functions. All inputs to the A/V receiver, switch with the receiver, and listen/view with the "dumb" terminals (TV, speakers). That's how an A/V system is setup properly.
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Oh you can't just run optical audio out from the TV to the receiver. I do it this way so I only have the source on the TV to change and not both the receiver and TV Posted via Android Central App
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TV's will only output stereo audio via Toslink cables (optical). I'm going to stick with my Roku XS for now even though we don't have YouTube yet. I bought mine for $50 and I can stream any YouTube vid I want by saving it on the Plex server.. AND I stream full surround sound from Vudu, Amazon, Netflix or Blockbuster and don't need to burn the battery up on my phone while streaming.. I'm gonna wait and see how it goes once people have had this dongle for awhile :)
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I still get audio from my rear speakers too. Posted via Android Central App
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I tell you what, throw in Hunger Games on blu ray. They have an audio tester on the disc. Try it out. Did the sound come out of the correct speaker each time? If so, then you are fine. Some TVs will pass through the true audio signal. But if not, you are getting cheated. Just because audio comes out of the rear speakers doesn't mean it is really working. And if you do what either of us suggested, you would only ever have to change the source on the receiver, not the TV. Do yourself a favor, go buy a Logitech Harmony 650 remote, set it up, and never worry about switching sources again. You will wonder how you ever lived before owning one.
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What's blu-ray? People still use that? Lol j/k
I'm sorry I offended all the audiophiles!!! I didn't know!!!!!
My couch is 12 feet back from my TV, so I have no use for 1080p. That's why I never got blu-ray. I stream everything. Posted via Android Central App -
I have a harmony 550. I run everything in my living room via XBMC from my computer in the office, I just assumed it was hooked up properly. Posted via Android Central App
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"That is *NOT* how an A/V system should be setup at all!" You are stupendously wrong. In general, it's cleaner and easier to use the A/V receiver as the switcher. That's how I have mine setup. However, there are use cases where you want the audio signal to go the other direction; from the TV to the amp. For example, if you have an HDTV antenna setup and connected to your TV you would send the audio back to your receiver for amplification unless you could get by with the speakers in your TV. In fact, the most recent HDMI standards include a featured called ARC or Audio Return Channel. This is an additional digital channel for audio to go from a TV back to an amp. Both the amp and the TV have to support the standard but this feature was added just for this type of use case.
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According to an article on Gizmodo you have to run it through a TV.
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I read somewhere (forget where) that you can run it through a receiver, but you lose the ability to turn the TV on using the app. Everything else is supposed to work.
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I'm glad I bought one. This looks really cool! Posted via Android Central App
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But its only for USA i think... :( Posted via Android Central App
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so if i buy an Blue-Ray HD movie on Google Play, will i get that same HD resolution on my Samsung 60" LED TV? (assume that i'd be streaming from new Samsung Win8 Laptop or my G-Nex over WIFI.)
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Blu-Ray!
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According to specs it is capable of 1080p quality. From what I'veheard and seen so far is that if the source is that quality and your wifi is good enough then you will stream at that quality. It streams from the source not the device.
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another question. how is the sound? i have the slimport dongle connected via hdmi for Nexus 4 and it doesn't do audio. (and sucks) I have to play through a bt stereo. not my entertainment center. which is annoying.
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So many unanswered questions. Posted via Android Central App
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Mine is stuck in a reboot loop...returning for a replacement tonight...that's what I get for being an early adopter
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Neat device and for the price I might pick one up but there are a few things I'm disappointed with. First, I really wish this had HDMI pass-through like googleTVs. I would use something like this for short videos/content I want to share with others in the room and don't want to have to change inputs. Ideally there really should be an option to show pictures/slideshows. Also, can't believe they didn't include miracast! That is a major fail IMO! Last but not least a digital audio output for music only via a receiver would have been good.
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Dude, it's $35... I'll say that again: it's $35. There will be other Chromecast devices soon. This is kinda the 'nexus' of Chromecast devices. Someone, somewhere will make a Chromecast with miracast. And it won't cost $35.
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I know and applaud Google for the price. Are you sure this is a reference design and others can make alternate versions? First I have heard of that, not saying it's not true to reasonable... The other thing is that it may get Miracast later as it's likely not a hardware limitation. The Nexus 7 (original) and Nexus 10 didn't get miracast in a 4.2.x but do now in 4.3...
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WHAT? The original N7 gets Miracast with 4.3??? Posted via Android Central App
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That's what I read but don't have an N7 to confirm. The girlfriend does so I should be able to confirm on hers it the next few days. My N10 did not have miracast on 4.2.x and the option shows up on 4.3 although I don't have a miracast dongle yet so have not used it. I found the info on XDA..
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i wish they included Miracast, too. My S4 would be better off buying a Miracast adapter for $20 more and mirroring all my games/movies/apps.
Still, for $35 this is a great option for anyone who doesn't want to purchase a Roku box for Netflix. -
For Miracast to work properly it would have required the 5ghz frequency (anybody who's used Miracast with 2.4ghz knows what I'm talking about in terms of reliability). That would have made it cost prohibitive and not the $35 sweetspot, not mention the number of dual band routers is probably not as ubiquitous as we nerds think. I could see the masses attacking it as a failure because Miracast didn't work properly when the shortfall was not the device, but the lack of an N Band. I would expect the next Chromecast to be 802.11ac and support Miracast when the price of ac comes down to a reasonable level, with a strong penetration of 5ghz routers.
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Mine should be here on Friday. I cannot wait to play around with this! :)
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One question on wifi-setup: does "makes a direct Wifi connection" mean that there is a wi-fi-direct connection established between android app and chromecast ? Hope we haveit in germany soon :-)
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Just for the setup - not for the use afterwards. Posted via Android Central App
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So what's the deal with having to power this thing. I know it comes with a usb power plug but i heard somewhere that you don't always need to use that. Does it depend on the TV?
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You need the USB. The folks saying it gets powered by the HDMI are wrong.
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Well that tamps the elegance a little bit. I'm still going to get one haha
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Wrong! You simply need a HDMI 1.4 port. Pre HDMI 1.4 didn't provide bus power...
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Source? Proof? Any kind of link, to back this up? Posted via Android Central App
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Where did you get that from? HDMI pin 18 has always provided power at +5v. Which would be great for this...you may think? However max current is around 50mA which is too low for this device (USB is normally 500mA). HDMI 1.4 did not increase this spec.
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It comes with a USB plug for power. It can also be plugged into a wall plug that comes with it. Posted via Android Central App
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Would a 90 Degree adapter work for tight situations? See my avatar for a pic of the adapter.....
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It comes with an adaptor for tight spots Posted via Android Central App
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I bet the adapters would. Monoprice has a bunch of options on these pages: https://www.androidcentral.com/e?link=https2F2Fcli...
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I would think that it would since it even comes with an adapter/extender of its own.
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Any adapter should work fine. It comes with an extender cable in the box though. Posted via Android Central App
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I'm assuming Google didn't expect such a huge run on the product. Everyone is out of stock already. Best Buy has it on their website but it's not in stores yet. Amazon sold out. Google is 3-4 weeks before it ships. Guess I'll wait.
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You are surprised google screwed up yet another launch?
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Lmao. Google never expects this, even though, it's happened with the last two product launches. Posted via Android Central App
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Let's just consider ourselves lucky that the Play Store didn't completely shit itself due to traffic.
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Yeah, that would have sucked Posted via Android Central App
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I just ordered it about an hour ago from best buy and i can pick it up at the store now. amazon still showing sold out though. Can't wait to try this as watching Youtube vids from my BluRay player is really hard to do using the remote arrows.
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Will it mirror my itunes movie library. I got about 100 movies in there. Tia, Ian B
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It will if apple adds a 'cast' button... waiting.
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so the answer is no since Apple is a closed walled joke of a company
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Apple would have to add cast functionality to iTunes or a desktop app to mirror your screen would need to be made. The first is never going to happen and the second will likely have performance issues considering the way Chromecast works. Posted via Android Central App
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I updated the apps last night bust still don't see the Cast icon. Does it show up only if Chromecast is detected on the network?
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I believe so as I am in the same boat as you. Apps uploaded but waiting on chromecast dungle. Ian B
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i am assuming so...at the very least you probably need the chromecast app on the play store. but i would assume it needs to be set up.
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I think you have to initiate the media, then click the cast option.
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You can actually hit the cast button and connect first, then choose media if you'd like. Posted via Android Central App
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The Cast button was added to my N4 Youtubue app when my TiVo Youtube app was given the cast function. So yes, once you pair your device with a Cast device, the option will appear in apps.
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Yup only shows when there's something available to "cast" to. Posted via Android Central App
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What is I am using Chrome with the extension on my desktop which is wired to the network, not wireless. Will it still work or do I have to break out a laptop or tablet with a wifi connection?
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It connects to the network, not WifiDirect... Once setup the phone is just a smart remote to the device...
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But I was asking about using the Chrome extension on a wired desktop......
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After you've set things up... It should just need to be on the same network, wired or wireless. I can test this today. Posted via Android Central App
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IS there a way to plug this into an audio only device rather than a TV. At this this price it sounds like the kind of thing I'd want plugged into every room to listen to music but I don't want to listen to music on my TV. I can't see why there shouldn't be an audio out port, It doesn't sound like the screen is needed for setup at all.
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That would make it a fantastic, cheap multi room audio device. Maybe on Chromecast 2.x?
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Since it is hdmi, it should output sound through your received. I will be plugging to my home theater projector through the 3d receiver and should get sound without having to turn on the pj unless I want to watch whatever is being streamed. Ian B
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I know people are complaining about what it doesn't do, but lets be honest here. For $35 you are getting a device that has almost limitless potential. And yes, there is not much available now to cast with. But with the current feature set it still is a great deal. And when more developers get a hold of the SDK, you will see even more amazing things. I'm sold. Shut up and take my money!
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This. And with the three months of free Netflix, the cost is, essentially, only $11. Posted via Android Central App
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+1 I'm glad finally someone mentioned this! Thank you! To me it's a no-brainer. Get the Chromecast and believe. Anyone who has ever had a G1 (or any device circa 2009) and is still with Android now knows what great things can be had with a little patience.
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Agreed. If it where available in the UK I would buy ONE, but only ONE. For it to replace the Apple TV's and Apple Airports I have attached to all my stereo's it needs to handle Audio only output. The Nexus Q ONLY handled Audio content, so how is this the successor? It solves a completely different problem.
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In theory its a successor because of the audio features, but I would really call it a redux. They trimmed the fat, added more features, and left it in the hands of developers to expand it's reach. Using a device to get the developers (and even users to an extent) involved in increasing its reach is not a bad thing at all.
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I thought the Q also had HDMI out??? It did have a built in amp though.
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Kind of annoying I can't run this through my receiver.
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Are you sure this is true? If so I will be disapointed as I run everything through my AVR to my "Best Speakers" in the house.
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According to a Gizmodo article you have to run it through a TV and then out to speakers. http://gizmodo.com/for-music-fans-google-chromecast-is-no-apple-airplay-...
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That Gizmodo article never says that they explicitly tried plugging it into an HDMI port on their stereo (it's quite possible the author doesn't have one). I'm holding off judgment until I see someone that says "I plugged it into the HDMI port on my stereo and it didn't work". Andrew, can you try this for us?
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I can't really see how it *can't* work? As long as you set it up on a TV, after that you plug it into an HDMI port (they all follow a spec) and it will out put music and video. It doesn't need to (or can't even) check whether the video is being physically displayed. As an AV receiver acts like a video and audio output device in itself it wouldn't matter. Your TV doesn't even need to support CEC for it to work (that is the signalling protocol) Therefore it is just the HDCP copy protection that could give it away as the repeater bit would be set and the device could detect it. But why would Google wish to specifically try to limit content to a sink and stop it going to a receiver would be pointless. Extra work, completely against the spec for HDCP and would have no request from copyright holders or and reason to do so. Therefore I would expect it to work absolutely fine with any receiver which is HDCP compatible (all of them) but probably not with something that doesn't support HDCP (cheap AV splitter)
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I plugged my ChromeCast into my receiver, and it works pretty well. It wakes the receiver, changes it to the correct input, and displays video on the TV. My only problem is that I am only getting stereo sound from my receiver(2.1).
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Awesome news. That's a good start anyway.... Posted via Android Central App
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I'm getting 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus through Netflix on mine-- connected to a Denon 4308CI (HDMI 1.3a).
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Getting sound from the TV to a AV Receiver depends on your AV receiver and TV and the version of the HDMI spec they support. The later HDMI specs have the concept of an Audio Return channel. The purpose of this channel is to carry audio from the TV back to the receiver where it can be routed to the speakers connected to the receiver. Assuming you TV, receiver and cables (I think all cables have support) have support for the Audio return channel the sound should come out from your receiver. Mine works this way with the NetFlix, YouTube, and other apps installed on my TV, Panasonic ST60, and AV Receiver, Denon 3113. The result is that when I run one of the TV's apps the audio is sent to the receiver and out to the speakers throughout the room. Jerry
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I would like to ask you some questions: When you mention HDMI Specs, which HDMI version support Audio Return channel. how you exactly have all the cable connect? Steven
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It would have been nice if you could mirror you're tablet screen too. Not just youtube or netflix or music.
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You're misunderstanding what Chromecast is doing. Its not running content off of your device or making a link to your device in any way. The Chromecast pulls content down from the internet on its own and displays it on the TV. Your phone or tablet is just a remote that's on the same WiFi network. Posted via Android Central App
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I believe though that, theoretically, you could create an app using the Android and Chromecast SDK to cast whatever's on your current screen at the time. Since Chromecasting is from what I understand not an OS level function, but an app function, you can build or upgrade an app to add Chromecast support. That right there is what makes Chromecast special.
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What a joke! I'm already do this and WAY WAY WAY more with my Android on a stick(Android TV.... not Google.tv) I can send over ANY video file from any phone/PC as well as pics and music! I can also send over my screen from my phone and display it on the TV thanks to RockChips App. Just look at sites like freaktab and get an idea of what you can do. Android on a stick is basically a really big Android phone minus the touch screen. It is way better than a "dumb" device that is waiting for a VERY limited amount of media and has no ability to run apps itself. Oh and price point, my device was 65 bucks shipped. Again why settle for this when you can have an entire Android OS on your TV. Get with it Google! Stop trying to be Apple and giving us dumbed down devices!!
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Last time I checked, $35 (with three free months of Netflix) is cheaper than $65. If you don't like it, that's fine. But, don't bash it, just because others want to try it. Haters. Gonna. Hate. Posted via Android Central App
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Android sticks are cool but not for everyone. You likely spent a lot of time to get yours working the way you do... This is basically plug and play for the average consumer... I assume you are using DLNA for video/audio but I am curious what you are using to mirror the screen? Please share!
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Nah I don't want some crappy device like that which will die at some point. Where as Google's eccosystem there will be 1000's of apps that far surpasses anything you can do with some fly by night chinese company device.
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You what sucks? I'm totally enamored by the idea of Chromecast but the HDMI on my TV is shot. I have to use HD Component cables. :( Posted via Android Central App
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Casting games and All Access to Google Play Movies & TV will make this killer
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I think the video gamers who purchase games through play store are gonna be the big winners here. Dont have to pay $60 bucks for a platform game to enjoy it. Yes, not every game will be in the store but, that is a trade off. Now, streaming movies from the play store as well as Google music, both are winners. Also, free months of Netflix makes it a no brainer. Ian B
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Does anyone know if the free Netflix is available to current subscribers or is only for people without a Netflix account? Sometimes those deals work like that. Posted via Android Central App
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Existing and new clients get the deal. Posted via Android Central App
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I seen somewhere on the Chromecast site that said all new, past or current subscribers are eligible, which is everyone I take it.
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I have a question. On my Roku, when I'm playing music or something there is an automatic screen saver feature that comes up after a bit, saving my plasma some nasty burn in from a never-changing audio app screen. The big question: Does Chromecast enable a screen saver after a while if you're on a static screen? GOD I hope so, otherwise, huge huge problem.
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Are other apps like MX Player going to be able to eventually work with this?
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If the dev of that player adds support it will.
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I was playing Tiesto Kaleidoscope as I started playing this video. Great review, can't wait to get my hands on mine. :)
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Great minds... ;)
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I really need to get my hands on one of these. Posted via Android Central App
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Whats the deal with multiple connections from many devices using Play Music? Can I have a music cue driven by this for a room full of people? Does everyone have to have All Access? If a user does not have all access can they cast a song from their personal library to my Chromecast? Is there a shared cue for music that everyone can add to? I'm looking for similar functionality to http://djtxt.me
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Yup multiple devices can manage music or video queues in GP Music and YouTube. The only requirement is that they're on the same network. Posted via Android Central App
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Can I plug it into the HDMI port of my monitor and do the same magic?
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Should work just like a TV. Posted via Android Central App
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Mine just got delivered, and I didn't even pay for the expedited shipping.
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I skimmed through and didn't see anything... If I cast a tab to the TV, can I use my pc for other activities (like browsing another site) while casting or does it only work if that tab is the active tab? Posted via Android Central App
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It doesn't have to be the active tab to continue playing, no. Posted via Android Central App
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Interesting. I might have to give this a try when I can find it in stock. Posted via Android Central App
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My Netflix app hasn't updated so I can't cast from it yet.ugh.
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edit: had install the app to my phone lol.
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is there anyway to cast your google+ photos to the TV? that would be my main use, to share photos of kids when I visit my family, on their tv's...
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From a phone or tablet there's no way yet. Expect apps like this to be updated quickly I think. Posted via Android Central App
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thats what Im hoping, after reading it has wifi-direct, you should be able to direct stream anything without any wifi network around... cant wait to see what developers come up with
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I have a question regarding this dongle. My Samsung TV is connected to Denon HD Audio system receiver and there is only one cable running from the receiver to the TV just to stream the video and the audio through the HD Denon receiver. If I want to buy the dongle, should I plug it to the HDMI input in my Denon receiver or to the HDMI on my TV??? Any help is appreciated
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If you run everything through your Denon receiver including cable boxes, game systems and whatnot, you can plug it into the Denon. However if you only use it for an audio output, then you would have to plug it straight into your HDTV.
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Thanks for replying King. As you mentioned, my receiver used with those devises and it streams the audio in HD through Denon, and picture through TV, all through HDMI cables only.
In this case, are you saying dongle will work the same as my cable box connected to the receiver so I can hear the high quality sound from my Denon and see the picture through the TV when I plug the dongle to Denon? -
Yes. as long as the Denon is being used to connect everything to the tv you will be fine. I know some receivers are used strictly for audio only, while others can control both and act as an HDMI Splitter. You should be ok.
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Super excited about this product, Cant wait till Canada gets it. Im getting one for me and one for my mother so my niece can watch what she wants on youtube and i dont have to hand over my phone.lol
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Do you need JB 4.2.3 to use the Chromecast? I thought I read that somewhere. Also how do you use the cast a tab? Would have liked to see that in the video. I guess you will get the cast button also when you have the Chromecast hooked up?
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"Chromecast is compatible with WiFi-enabled Android 2.3+ smartphones and tablets; iOS 6.0+ iPhones, iPads, and iPods; Chrome for Mac® and Chrome for Windows®; and Chromebook Pixel." And watch the "Chromecast: for Bigger Fun" video. At about 30 seconds you see someone click the Cast icon on a tab. It's that easy, and yes, you'll see it when you have a Cast device hooked up.
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Thank you, I must of added the 4 in my head to the 2.3 LOL Posted via Android Central App
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So this only works with a few things, Netflix, youtube etc. My question is does it work with Chrome browser? If I was watching a live feed sports event could I have it show up on my TV?
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If you're watching in Chrome on a computer, yes. No Chrome support on the phone/tablet yet though.
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Am using my "service" USB on my Sony Bravia TV to power my Chromecast. Not saying it will work on all television's but it might work with some, like it does wit my.
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The instructions explicitly say not to use the "service" port, and it didn't work on my Sharp Aquos 32" LCD. YMMV though, of course.
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Oh boy oh boy. Just picked one up at best buy. Can't wait to try it out. Have big plans for cutting cable cord Posted via Android Central App
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i got a question here. so if i open any website that contain video on google chrome browser.i should able to view the video on tv right?
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Thats awesome, you set your SSID to be www.NoAgendaShow.com
I have done the same in the past, and will be doing that now on my new router. Good to see that NoAgenda has infiltrated the crew of AndroidCentral!!! -
ANDREW MARTONIK I apologize if this has already been thought of or addressed but this is great idea the flexible hdmi cable. If you do have your TV wall mounted like I have. I use these devices and have given this advice to lot's of friends. http://www.vpi.us/video-adapter-flex.html
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Can you broadcast the same content to multiple dongles at once? Say, for instance, a bar or restaurant with multiple TVs... could I have 5 dongles and broadcast the same tab to all of them at the same time?
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It's like having a Airplay-only AppleTV inside a dongle. I hope we'll see more apps supporting it. I like the price of it and will probably buy one when it's available here, in Canada.
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Wow, I love this!!!!
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Of course Google won't even release it here in New Zealand.
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This is going to be huge.
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http://googleisfuture.blogspot.com/ my thoughts on the Chromecast...
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anybody knows if there is a VPN service that works with Chromecast?
i tried Astrill and it does not work