Chromecast Fun

[zzzone.net]

I never thought I would have so much fun with this inexpensive bit of tech but wow.

It's a small dongle-like device that plugs into an unused HDMI port on your TV.  Unfortunately it's not battery-powered so it also has a USB power cable.

Once plugged in, you go to the chromecast website and configure the device with a name and hook it into your wi-fi network.  The devices updates itself to the latest firmware.

Then you download the Chromecast app to your Android or iOS device (phone or tablet).

Once that is complete you can download several Chromecast-supported apps (if you don't already have them) such as YouTube, VEVO, Netflix.

Then you open the app, activate the Chromecast function from within the app, find the content you want to cast or show on your TV, and hit play.

All the glorious chaos on YouTube is now on your TV.  VEVO has a lot of interesting music content also.  Two or more people can take turns controlling the content seamlessly from their devices.

It's a lot of fun watching the music videos for my favorite artists that were never broadcast in this country (e.g., The Durutti Column) and to see some of the highly artistic videos that accompany some of my favorite tunes.

It's also a nice way to "drive" Netflix streaming.

You can also control it or cast from any computer that uses your wi-fi via a Chromecast plugin for the Chrome browser.

It's 29 bucks at Amazon.  This is yet another reason to become a couch potato but I'm fighting it by heading off to the gym right now

Jim

[mgriffin]

$29 is very cheap, and it sounds like it does most of what our Roku 3 will do.

[darkenedsoul]

My TV is 6 yrs old, not a smart one. Have been debating off/on on whether it's worth getting a Roku 3 or something else. I don't have NetFlix, don't plan on getting it either (Have amazon prime). Other than some random porn channels on roku and foreign channels, is it worth the $99 price tag? I am not a Hulu user (my girlfriend uses it at her place since she has the low end comcast tier since she thinks prices are too high - as do I and others but...) either or any of the other *online* services that these devices offer. I know some are free, others subscription types. So, is either of these worth a hill of beans to anyone who isn't into netflix/hulu stuff?

Mike

[mgriffin]

You've just listed a bunch of reasons why you don't need or want to watch streaming content on your TV, so I wouldn't try to talk you into a device that is pretty much ONLY about watching streaming content on your TV.

I love the Roku so much, I bought a 2nd one for upstairs. 95% of our viewing is over the Roku now, between Netflix, Amazon Instant, ESPN and Plex.

[darkenedsoul]

Hi Mike,

So you think a Roku 3 would be a better investment for the time being? If/when I replace my tube HDTV in the bedroom the 47" LG will probably migrate to that room (and Roku with it but that would mean running it via WiFi or routing yet another cable through the walls....not looking for that....) and get a little bit larger one for the living room.

Mike

[mgriffin]

No, I guess what I was saying is that neither Chromecast nor Roku would seem to be much use if you don't want to watch streaming video, since that's pretty much all they do.

[darkenedsoul]

No, I guess what I was saying is that neither Chromecast nor Roku would seem to be much use if you don't want to watch streaming video, since that's pretty much all they do.

Chromecast from what I understand slings it to your TV from a PC - not what I am interested in. Roku though has a bunch of stuff on it (I am looking for free worthwhile stuff on it) to put out to my TV since it isn't *smart*. Cheap enough investment and I already have Prime from Amazon via my PS3 so I can watch whatever I feel like when bored with TV or just for something different. I know Roku has a bunch of channels (some not for kiddies). Anyone check out I think a horror movie streaming channel on it? Be interested to see if there's anything cult or worth while in that respect (and/or sci-fi/anime/fantasy channels).

Mike

[zzzone.net]

No, I guess what I was saying is that neither Chromecast nor Roku would seem to be much use if you don't want to watch streaming video, since that's pretty much all they do.

Chromecast from what I understand slings it to your TV from a PC - not what I am interested in. Roku though has a bunch of stuff on it (I am looking for free worthwhile stuff on it) to put out to my TV since it isn't *smart*. Cheap enough investment and I already have Prime from Amazon via my PS3 so I can watch whatever I feel like when bored with TV or just for something different. I know Roku has a bunch of channels (some not for kiddies). Anyone check out I think a horror movie streaming channel on it? Be interested to see if there's anything cult or worth while in that respect (and/or sci-fi/anime/fantasy channels).

Mike

Chromecast slings and controls.  You can sling stuff from your phone or slate, like doodles on the screen with a stylus or finger.

But mainly Chromecast just serves as a remote control for apps like NetFlix, HBO Go, or Vevo.  Instead of selecting a movie with your remote control on NetFlix, you use your finger on your tablet or phone; however, the movies gets to the TV in the same way a Roku works.

So Roku and ChromeCast are very similar.