Chromecast?

[ImBleu]

Well I've known about a chromecast for a while but I never gave it much attention. I just checked the google page and found out what it does and I'm in love with it. I think.

 

Is the Chromecast worth it? It's only $35 but anyone got some insight into how well it works / how useful it is? Saves me paying as much for a Mini displayport to HDMI adapter to plug my Surface Pro 3 into the TV.

 

Thanks

[Jade]

In my opinion it's totally worth it. I use it every day for watching Youtube (usually Linus videos + music), Twitch streams, and simply as a 'wallpaper'-type showcase, and movies/tv shows from Netflix and Plex. Can answer any questions regarding how it functions with Android, if you have them.

[GoodBytes]

Why not the Microsoft Wireless Adapter? You can stream anything from your Surface Pro 3 or any other miracast compatible device, including smart phones (Windows phone and Android) keeping the device aspect ratio, to the TV.

[DudeWazap]

In my opinion it's totally worth it. I use it every day for watching Youtube (usually Linus videos + music), Twitch streams, and simply as a 'wallpaper'-type showcase, and movies/tv shows from Netflix and Plex. Can answer any questions regarding how it functions with Android, if you have them.

I just run an HDMI cable from my PC to my TV, would this be a better option for watching Netflix and Hulu?

[Opcode]

Personally I think the Roku Streaming Stick is better value for the money. It comes with a remote and offers a user interface. It also has support for casting Netflix and YouTube to your TV from mobile devices. Which is really the only thing Chromecast is known for. So if you ever want to just sit down and watch a movie or listen to a song you're required to bring a phone or tablet with you (inconvenient). On top of all of that Chromecast has very little support even to this day. The Roku platform has 1800+ applications. I wanted a Chromecast when it came out and I first saw it, then I did some research and figured it's not worth it when you can get essentially a complete home entertainment platform for $15 more.

 

Roku Windows 8.1 App

[Jade]

I just run an HDMI cable from my PC to my TV, would this be a better option for watching Netflix and Hulu?

Better? Depends on what you mean. In general, I feel like it's a better solution in general, as that's what it's built and meant for. If you remove / replug the HDMI cable every time you want to, then it definitely is. Really depends on your specifc setup and preferences.

[Fgtfv567]

Personally I think the Roku Streaming Stick is better value for the money. It comes with a remote and offers a user interface. It also has support for casting Netflix and YouTube to your TV from mobile devices. Which is really the only thing Chromecast is known for. So if you ever want to just sit down and watch a movie or listen to a song you're required to bring a phone or tablet with you (inconvenient). On top of all of that Chromecast has very little support even to this day. The Roku platform has 1800+ applications. I wanted a Chromecast when it came out and I first saw it, then I did some research and figured it's not worth it when you can get essentially a complete home entertainment platform for $15 more.

 

Roku Windows 8.1 App

I think everyone should read this 

http://lifehacker.com/streaming-stick-faceoff-roku-vs-chromecast-1558054250

Edit: if the chromecast is missing an app, you can mirror with your phone

[ImBleu]

Interesting thought I had, whats the delay between mirroring from Windows through a Chromecast? Could kinda set up a Gamestream kinda thing using it?

[ImBleu]

Why not the Microsoft Wireless Adapter? You can stream anything from your Surface Pro 3 or any other miracast compatible device, including smart phones (Windows phone and Android) keeping the device aspect ratio, to the TV.

 

It is like, double the price though.

[tkell]

Chromecast is able to mirror I use that often on mine, plus the phone or devise is the remote for using Netflix.

[ObeseWalrus]

I use my chromecast to stream Netflix and YouTube to my television, when GTA v comes out on pc you could say that my ps3 has been completely replaced by it.

[Gloxxy]

You can get a mini DP to HDMI 2 metre cable for just over £20.....................if you are living in the UK that is!

 

http://cpc.farnell.com/techlink/726422/mini-displayport-p-to-hdmi-p-lead/dp/AV21401

[GoodBytes]

Interesting thought I had, whats the delay between mirroring from Windows through a Chromecast? Could kinda set up a Gamestream kinda thing using it?

I had a Chromecast... I returned it. Mirror was at best piece of sh*t. I had over 5sec delay! And the router was right next to the chromecast and my device. I did with my computer monitor, all devices right next to each other. And that is just casting Chrome web browser, which you are FORCED to use. Streaming the desktop, was a slide show. Reviews of the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter, shows that under 20ft, you had virtually no latency, as Microsoft advertised. Mind you I have not tried it myself, as I currently don't need one, but it sounds promising so far.

[DanTheMuffinMan]

Love my Chromecast, though I've only ever used with Android devices, works great with Youtube and Netflix. I've also tried from Google Chrome on my main pc and found it to be an ok experience, I wouldn't rely on it for any type of gaming though.

 

So if you're just trying to watch youtube or netflix on your tv, definitely worth the $35.

[Heksjeger]

I love my Chromecast. I think it's still easily worth the $35 even if I got mine for free.

I've mostly used mine with an outdated Android device (Xperia P) and the user experience might not be the smoothest you can get, but like everything with Android, a little patience and a little tinkering goes a long way.

[izaakski]

I love the chromecast. Since I've had it may parents have even brought one because they keep stealing mine. I use it for youtube netflix and plex and play music streaming. I have a computer plugged in to the tv but chromecast is just a much nicer easier and cleaner experience. Its definitely worth it if you use any of the services it supports. 

[ShadowCaptain]

Worth it? I have like 3!!

 

They are fantastic

[SomnolenceGames]

I have 2 Chromecasts, 1 for my Bedroom TV so I can watch YT in bed without having to have a laptop plugged in and making noise and 1 for my TV in the living room for YT and iPlayer etc since I don't have cable or sky.

[typographie]

It sounds like it uses wifi, so my assumption is that the only limitation to it would be your internet download bandwidth, right? Do 1080p60, 1440p, 2160p all work okay if your connection is up to it?

[GoodBytes]

It sounds like it uses wifi, so my assumption is that the only limitation to it would be your internet download bandwidth, right? Do 1080p60, 1440p, 2160p all work okay if your connection is up to it?

Chromecast only support 720p. It downscale any higher resolution to that.

It also uses high compression, and so the image quality is very low, making text hard to read.

[typographie]

Chromecast only support 720p. It downscale any higher resolution to that.

It also uses high compression, and so the image quality is very low, making text hard to read.

 

Mehhhh, deal-breaker. I'd rather use an HDMI cable. Thanks for the info.

[ImBleu]

Mehhhh, deal-breaker. I'd rather use an HDMI cable. Thanks for the info.

Microsoft wireless adapter?

[StillAzure]

TIL Chromecast downscales to 720p, that's certainly a deal breaker.

[Ornstein]

Sorry to necropost, but do you have to pay for individual apps monthly fees (if applicable) or do the sticks themselves comes with an all-in-one package?

[Opcode]

Sorry to necropost, but do you have to pay for individual apps monthly fees (if applicable) or do the sticks themselves comes with an all-in-one package?

The sticks applications are free when you buy the product. Tho the services themselves such as Netflix is subscription based per usual. Personally the Chromecast isn't worth the $35 when all it can do is cast and it's response time is horrible. Spend the $49 for the Roku Streaming Stick that's capable casting and much more. With Chromecast you need to cast everything to the TV as that's all it's intended to do. With Roku you can still cast your entire Android device (what I've tested). Tho when you don't want to cast anything you can still use Roku as an entertainment hub (even has a WiFi connected remote).