• This is a political forum that is non-biased/non-partisan and treats every person's position on topics equally. This debate forum is not aligned to any political party. In today's politics, many ideas are split between and even within all the political parties. Often we find ourselves agreeing on one platform but some topics break our mold. We are here to discuss them in a civil political debate. If this is your first visit to our political forums, be sure to check out the RULES. Registering for debate politics is necessary before posting. Register today to participate - it's free!

What is good about Chromecast?

Mycroft

Mycroft

Genius is where you find it.
DP Veteran
Joined
Oct 27, 2011
Messages
101,964
Reaction score
45,478
Gender
Male
Political Leaning
Conservative
I finally got Android Pay on my phone. I see a new thing about using it 10 times and I'll get a free Chromecast...normally a $35.00 purchase.

Here's an article about the deal: Google's 'Tap 10' Android Pay Promo Could Net You A Free Chromecast And Some Tunes

My question is: What's good about Chromecast?

I'm calling out to those who have and use the thing...tell me the pros and cons about Chromecast.

Thanks, guys.
 
Mycroft said:
I finally got Android Pay on my phone. I see a new thing about using it 10 times and I'll get a free Chromecast...normally a $35.00 purchase.

Here's an article about the deal: Google's 'Tap 10' Android Pay Promo Could Net You A Free Chromecast And Some Tunes

My question is: What's good about Chromecast?

I'm calling out to those who have and use the thing...tell me the pros and cons about Chromecast.

Thanks, guys.
Click to expand...

Chromecast turns a regular TV into a smart TV, that's pretty much it.
 
Mycroft said:
I finally got Android Pay on my phone. I see a new thing about using it 10 times and I'll get a free Chromecast...normally a $35.00 purchase.

Here's an article about the deal: Google's 'Tap 10' Android Pay Promo Could Net You A Free Chromecast And Some Tunes

My question is: What's good about Chromecast?

I'm calling out to those who have and use the thing...tell me the pros and cons about Chromecast.

Thanks, guys.
Click to expand...

I have a chromecast... and a roku, and an amazon fire TV stick (got them on a big sale on Thanksgiving). All three turn your TV into a "smart TV"... a TV where you can watch content from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Youtube, etc... In my opinion, the chromecast is the worst of the three.

Pros:
VERY easy to use. Practically no learning curve.
Will "cast" Youtube, Netflix, Hulu, Plex, any many other Android apps. No sign up needed, no needing to download apps. Just use what's already on your phone. This also makes the interfaces familiar.
No remote required. Your phone does everything. This creates a very easy navigation system.

Cons:
No Amazon Prime Video (at least the last time I checked).
Since everything is on your phone, this will deplete your phone's battery rather quickly.
Not every app "casts". There is another method to use if an app doesn't, but it works VERY poorly.
ONLY WIFI, and since you are "casting" a lot of data, the video quality may vary.
No universal interface, so there is no universal search, and there is no real organization for the apps, unless you do it yourself on your phone.

The Chromecast isn't bad. It's a decent device, but just not as usable as other media streamers.

Feel free to ask me any other questions.
 
Mycroft said:
I finally got Android Pay on my phone. I see a new thing about using it 10 times and I'll get a free Chromecast...normally a $35.00 purchase.

Here's an article about the deal: Google's 'Tap 10' Android Pay Promo Could Net You A Free Chromecast And Some Tunes

My question is: What's good about Chromecast?

I'm calling out to those who have and use the thing...tell me the pros and cons about Chromecast.

Thanks, guys.
Click to expand...

Well, it makes your TV a smart TV. You can from any device, your phone or laptop/PC, play music from Pandora, video from Netflix/Youtube, games from the Chromecast app like Monopoly straight to your TV. Same with showing photos.

Its great if you want to cut the cord from your cable tv provider but still watch the content from say HBO GO. The best part to me is how multiple people can queue video's on youtube, so even at parties people can add song requests to the rotation or suggest new pandora stations.

I use it mostly for Netflix and Youtube though. You can also do screen mirroring with your phone. If you download the Chromecast app from Google Play you can see all the apps/games available, for free.

CaptainCourtesy said:
Since everything is on your phone, this will deplete your phone's battery rather quickly.
Click to expand...

How so? The phone doesn't do any work if you're talking about youtube or netflix, the chromecast is streaming the device because its connected to the wifi. You can even turn the phone off and the video for example will continue to play, also you can cast from your PC.

CaptainCourtesy said:
ONLY WIFI, and since you are "casting" a lot of data, the video quality may vary.
Click to expand...

Well it depends on the connection speed from the chromecast to the wifi. You're not casting the data from your phone. I've never had any video quality drops unless there was a problem with my FiOS.

CaptainCourtesy said:
No universal interface, so there is no universal search, and there is no real organization for the apps, unless you do it yourself on your phone.
Click to expand...

Have you tried the Chromecast app on the phone? Or Google Cast app on Google Chrome?

Also using Google Cast app on your PC's Google Chrome you can stream Amazon Prime Video but for some reason the quality is limited to 720p because Amazon requires your PC keep the page open.
 
Last edited:
I use Chromecast pretty much everyday.

I stream movies, tv, pictures.. from my various PCs, Phones and tablets to my 55 inch Samsung TV... it is brilliant.

It is by far the best value tech item out there.. hands down.
 
CaptainCourtesy said:
I have a chromecast... and a roku, and an amazon fire TV stick (got them on a big sale on Thanksgiving). All three turn your TV into a "smart TV"... a TV where you can watch content from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Youtube, etc... In my opinion, the chromecast is the worst of the three.

Pros:
VERY easy to use. Practically no learning curve.
Will "cast" Youtube, Netflix, Hulu, Plex, any many other Android apps. No sign up needed, no needing to download apps. Just use what's already on your phone. This also makes the interfaces familiar.
No remote required. Your phone does everything. This creates a very easy navigation system.
Click to expand...

Interesting view..

Cons:
No Amazon Prime Video (at least the last time I checked).
Click to expand...

It does

Watch Amazon Video On Your Chromecast - No Fire Needed | Digital Trends

Of course Amazon wont put in native support.. but that aint the fault of the Chromecast. Amazon after all copied Google on this one..

Since everything is on your phone, this will deplete your phone's battery rather quickly.
Click to expand...

Err no. So wrong. Once you are casting, then your phone (or tablet) is bypassed. So start Netflix on Chromecast, choose movie, cast... shut off phone and the casting will continue. The only time it will drain your phone/Tablet is if you are casting something from it.. local content. So pictures, webpages and that kind of stuff. But Netflix, Plex and so on.. no.

Not every app "casts". There is another method to use if an app doesn't, but it works VERY poorly.
Click to expand...

Of course not every app casts.. the app developer has to incorporate the cast system (which is easy) into their app.

ONLY WIFI, and since you are "casting" a lot of data, the video quality may vary.
Click to expand...

It cant be anything BUT Wifi... Same with the Fire and Apple TV. They are for consumption on local networks. However unlike Apple TV and others, you can actually use Chromecast without any local Wifi. And quality depends on your internet connection and its quality. It is full HD streaming (new version), but not 4k yet I think... but then again who the hell needs 4k.

No universal interface, so there is no universal search, and there is no real organization for the apps, unless you do it yourself on your phone.
Click to expand...

There is a Chromecast section in the Play Store. And technically there is an universal interface... since that is the cast button. But I know what you mean, but that misses the whole point of the Chromecast. And yet you set the interface as a pro above?

I have not tried Fire stick, but compared to Apple TV and other streamers, Chromecast is brilliant. It is cheap, and minimalistic without being bad.
 
Crovax said:
Same difference
Click to expand...

Actually no. You said any TV.. which means with a TV receiver in them. Monitors dont have that.. I know it is a stupid difference but it is an important difference. If you have a leftover monitor with HDMI .. with a chromecast you could breathe new life into the monitor by turning it into a smart tv.
 
PeteEU said:
Actually no. You said any TV.. which means with a TV receiver in them. Monitors dont have that.. I know it is a stupid difference but it is an important difference. If you have a leftover monitor with HDMI .. with a chromecast you could breathe new life into the monitor by turning it into a smart tv.
Click to expand...

Maybe it's different in Europe but most TVs still require an extra receiver or antenna to get the basic channels.
 
I thank all of you for the info.

Since I don't have a TV and I don't have a spare monitor laying around, I don't think Chromecast is all that useful for me but that won't stop me from getting it for free from Android Pay...I can always give it to a family member or friend who has a TV.

I have one friend who downloads movies on his desktop computer...accesses the movie wirelessly with his tablet...connects his tablet to his TV with an HDMI cable...and watches the movie that way. His TV isn't a smart TV, though. He might like that Chromecast thing.
 
Maybe this is the right forum to ask this question. It's related to streaming media on WiFi to various devices in the home environment.

I have a bunch of media files on my Linux NAS server, and I'm looking for a PC based (Linux or Windows) media streaming server to reformat the various media formats for display on 'droid phones, 'droid tablets, TiVo and PC browsers.

I tried using Plex, but 1/2 of the functionality is locked up until you become a subscriber. Any other choices out there for this sort of thing.

Maybe this isn't this right forum for this question. Apologies in advance if not.
 
eohrnberger said:
Maybe this is the right forum to ask this question. It's related to streaming media on WiFi to various devices in the home environment.

I have a bunch of media files on my Linux NAS server, and I'm looking for a PC based (Linux or Windows) media streaming server to reformat the various media formats for display on 'droid phones, 'droid tablets, TiVo and PC browsers.

I tried using Plex, but 1/2 of the functionality is locked up until you become a subscriber. Any other choices out there for this sort of thing.

Maybe this isn't this right forum for this question. Apologies in advance if not.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for, but my friend uses "ES File Explorer" on his Android tablet...accesses the drive on his PC that has his movies through his wireless network...opens them with "VLC" on his tablet and watches them on his big screen TV. I think he can also watch them on his tablet if he wants to do that.
 
Mycroft said:
I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for, but my friend uses "ES File Explorer" on his Android tablet...accesses the drive on his PC that has his movies through his wireless network...opens them with "VLC" on his tablet and watches them on his big screen TV. I think he can also watch them on his tablet if he wants to do that.
Click to expand...

Yeah I use that to view media on the 'Droid devices, but that doesn't reformat the media on the fly (some media formats don't really work well). Was kinda looking for something that did that, and this is what a media server does.
 
eohrnberger said:
Yeah I use that to view media on the 'Droid devices, but that doesn't reformat the media on the fly (some media formats don't really work well). Was kinda looking for something that did that, and this is what a media server does.
Click to expand...

Okay.

VLC plays a whole lot of video formats, though.
 
Lachean said:
How so? The phone doesn't do any work if you're talking about youtube or netflix, the chromecast is streaming the device because its connected to the wifi. You can even turn the phone off and the video for example will continue to play, also you can cast from your PC.
Click to expand...

The phone controls the Chromecast. If you turn your phone off, you have no control until you turn it back on. That means no fast forwarding, rewinding, search, switching, stopping, or anything. Sure you can keep turning your phone on and off to save battery power. It substitutes battery power for convenience.

Well it depends on the connection speed from the chromecast to the wifi. You're not casting the data from your phone. I've never had any video quality drops unless there was a problem with my FiOS.
Click to expand...

I have and it wasn't either my internet connection nor my WIFI. I've used several different media streamers. The Chromecast was the least reliable.

Have you tried the Chromecast app on the phone? Or Google Cast app on Google Chrome?
Click to expand...

Certainly.

Also using Google Cast app on your PC's Google Chrome you can stream Amazon Prime Video but for some reason the quality is limited to 720p because Amazon requires your PC keep the page open.
Click to expand...

Correct. There is no native app. I've used this method on Android tablets. It is FAR less reliable and the video quality is far poorer.
 
PeteEU said:
Interesting view..



It does

Watch Amazon Video On Your Chromecast - No Fire Needed | Digital Trends

Of course Amazon wont put in native support.. but that aint the fault of the Chromecast. Amazon after all copied Google on this one..
Click to expand...

As I said in my other post, the lack of native support makes it less reliable, less intuitive, and makes the video quality poorer.

Err no. So wrong. Once you are casting, then your phone (or tablet) is bypassed. So start Netflix on Chromecast, choose movie, cast... shut off phone and the casting will continue. The only time it will drain your phone/Tablet is if you are casting something from it.. local content. So pictures, webpages and that kind of stuff. But Netflix, Plex and so on.. no.
Click to expand...

And I explained in my other post how this is not completely accurate.

Of course not every app casts.. the app developer has to incorporate the cast system (which is easy) into their app.
Click to expand...

And not every one DOES. That's my point. Casting from the Chrome browser, for example does not yield the same kind of reliability or picture quality as casting from an app does.

It cant be anything BUT Wifi... Same with the Fire and Apple TV. They are for consumption on local networks. However unlike Apple TV and others, you can actually use Chromecast without any local Wifi. And quality depends on your internet connection and its quality. It is full HD streaming (new version), but not 4k yet I think... but then again who the hell needs 4k.
Click to expand...

Rokus and Amazon Fire TVs can be WIRED. They do not have to be WIFI.

There is a Chromecast section in the Play Store. And technically there is an universal interface... since that is the cast button. But I know what you mean, but that misses the whole point of the Chromecast. And yet you set the interface as a pro above?
Click to expand...

The simplicity of the interface when casting is a plus; it's lack of universality among apps/programs is a minus. These are distinct issues.

I have not tried Fire stick, but compared to Apple TV and other streamers, Chromecast is brilliant. It is cheap, and minimalistic without being bad.
Click to expand...

With the exception of Apple TV, I have used everything; Roku, Amazon Fire TV, dedicated Android Boxes, and dedicated mini-Windows boxes. And of course the Chromecast. The Chromecast is not bad. It's price is awesome and it's simple to use in regards to the apps. But it is not as full featured as the other streamers. It depends on what one wants. I wouldn't say DON'T buy it, but I would say look at all of them and decide what you need and want.
 
eohrnberger said:
Maybe this is the right forum to ask this question. It's related to streaming media on WiFi to various devices in the home environment.

I have a bunch of media files on my Linux NAS server, and I'm looking for a PC based (Linux or Windows) media streaming server to reformat the various media formats for display on 'droid phones, 'droid tablets, TiVo and PC browsers.

I tried using Plex, but 1/2 of the functionality is locked up until you become a subscriber. Any other choices out there for this sort of thing.

Maybe this isn't this right forum for this question. Apologies in advance if not.
Click to expand...

Kodi (formerly XBMC) might fit the bill. It's harder to configure than Plex but has more customizable functionality.
 
Last edited:
eohrnberger said:
Maybe this is the right forum to ask this question. It's related to streaming media on WiFi to various devices in the home environment.

I have a bunch of media files on my Linux NAS server, and I'm looking for a PC based (Linux or Windows) media streaming server to reformat the various media formats for display on 'droid phones, 'droid tablets, TiVo and PC browsers.

I tried using Plex, but 1/2 of the functionality is locked up until you become a subscriber. Any other choices out there for this sort of thing.

Maybe this isn't this right forum for this question. Apologies in advance if not.
Click to expand...

Plex is probably your best answer. From what I recall, the subscription fee is a one time $4.99 fee... though if you are talking about PlexPass, that's a monthly fee.
 
I have a Chromecast, as well as an Amazon Fire TV box. And I like the fire TV box much better.

The Chromecast works okay, but I don't like having to have my phone involved. I like the Fire TV box much better because it has a dedicated remote, so I can control the TV without having to look at something else.

Considering you can get a Roku stick or a Fire stick for roughly the same price as the Chromecast, I don't see much benefit to purchasing one. If you can get it free, then go ahead, it's still useful. Just not my favorite.
 
Crovax said:
Maybe it's different in Europe but most TVs still require an extra receiver or antenna to get the basic channels.
Click to expand...

It is not a television unless it has a receiver (may be analog.... as in old piece of crap) in it. Else it is a monitor. Now days, you do need to add an extra receiver to older (5+ years old) TVs due to the switch to digital. And of course you need a signal source.. aka an antenna.
 
CaptainCourtesy said:
As I said in my other post, the lack of native support makes it less reliable, less intuitive, and makes the video quality poorer.
Click to expand...

I disagree.

And not every one DOES. That's my point. Casting from the Chrome browser, for example does not yield the same kind of reliability or picture quality as casting from an app does.
Click to expand...

Well yes up to a point. But some times there aint not much choice. Take Netflix.. I have tried it via Chromecast, Browser, AppleStupidTV, SamsungSlowSmartTV and hmm Roku I think. Of all those, the best one for finding stuff was the browser, but the worst quality wise.. the SamsungSlowSmartTV and Chromecast gave best picture/video quality but were horrible to find stuff in. AppleStupidTV was poor on all fronts with navigation being glitchy.. could have been that it was an older AppleStupidTV.

Rokus and Amazon Fire TVs can be WIRED. They do not have to be WIFI.
Click to expand...

https://store.google.com/product/ethernet_adapter_for_chromecast

The simplicity of the interface when casting is a plus; it's lack of universality among apps/programs is a minus. These are distinct issues.
Click to expand...

Well that can be said of the whole iOS system.. and yet it is so freaking popular.

With the exception of Apple TV, I have used everything; Roku, Amazon Fire TV, dedicated Android Boxes, and dedicated mini-Windows boxes. And of course the Chromecast. The Chromecast is not bad. It's price is awesome and it's simple to use in regards to the apps. But it is not as full featured as the other streamers. It depends on what one wants. I wouldn't say DON'T buy it, but I would say look at all of them and decide what you need and want.
Click to expand...

Yes the price is awesome.. and ever since all the competition put UP their prices basically.. the price has become even more competitive.
 
CaptainCourtesy said:
Plex is probably your best answer. From what I recall, the subscription fee is a one time $4.99 fee... though if you are talking about PlexPass, that's a monthly fee.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm not willing to spend $4.99 per month. Right now, I'm just trying it out, but not fully satisfied with it.

Nilly said:
Kodi (formerly XBMC) might fit the bill. It's harder to configure than Plex but has more customizable functionality.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking of throwing up Kodi in a virtual machine and checking it out, see what it does and how it does it. Thanks for the pointer.
 
PeteEU said:
I disagree.
Click to expand...

You have your experience. I have mine.

Well yes up to a point. But some times there aint not much choice. Take Netflix.. I have tried it via Chromecast, Browser, AppleStupidTV, SamsungSlowSmartTV and hmm Roku I think. Of all those, the best one for finding stuff was the browser, but the worst quality wise.. the SamsungSlowSmartTV and Chromecast gave best picture/video quality but were horrible to find stuff in. AppleStupidTV was poor on all fronts with navigation being glitchy.. could have been that it was an older AppleStupidTV.
Click to expand...

Using all three, I have found both Amazon Fire TV and Roku to be faster and more reliable than using a browser on Chromecast. In fact, they are faster and more reliable than using a browser on either a dedicated Android box or a dedicated mini-MS box. The latter two actually surprised me, as I had been using one or the other for quite some time and had been recommending them to others.

https://store.google.com/product/ethernet_adapter_for_chromecast
Click to expand...

Yes, I saw it a couple of weeks ago. New item.

Well that can be said of the whole iOS system.. and yet it is so freaking popular.
Click to expand...

iOS is for people who just want to use a computer and don't want to know HOW to use a computer. I don't disagree with you, but I am not a fan of Apple products at all.

Yes the price is awesome.. and ever since all the competition put UP their prices basically.. the price has become even more competitive.
Click to expand...

The price is good, but one must understand that there are limitations. And other streamers have reduced their prices to be more competitive. Both the Amazon Fire TV stick and the Roku stick are pretty similar in price.
 
eohrnberger said:
Yeah, I'm not willing to spend $4.99 per month. Right now, I'm just trying it out, but not fully satisfied with it.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I used Plex for a couple of weeks. It was OK, but I too was not fully satisfied with it.

I'm thinking of throwing up Kodi in a virtual machine and checking it out, see what it does and how it does it. Thanks for the pointer.
Click to expand...

I use Kodi on a daily basis. Some of the best software I've seen. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom