Have no HDMI in my house. I can convert HDMI to DVI and run it into monitors, but that leaves me with no digital audio. The RPI is weak enough that I would rather offload the audio rendering to a receiver. What inexpensive and cpu efficient ways have you found to get optical or coax spdif / toslink passthrough?
You could check out the HiFI Berry:
http://www.hifiberry.com/
There are USB DACs as well.
oribunokiyuusou said:
You could check out the HiFI Berry:
http://www.hifiberry.com/
There are USB DACs as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More than I was expecting to pay, but it's an option that I did not know was available. I've used DACs for audio recordings. Does anyone know if there is considerably less cpu overhead for those vs the onboard analog out and some that have been tested with XBMC Rpi distros?
fields_g said:
More than I was expecting to pay, but it's an option that I did not know was available. I've used DACs for audio recordings. Does anyone know if there is considerably less cpu overhead for those vs the onboard analog out and some that have been tested with XBMC Rpi distros?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HiFiBerry Digi is an S/PDIF output (can be found on the same web site). The HiFiBerry DAC has been tested with Raspbmc. The support in the current version still does not work, but the january release of Raspbmc should fix this. I would expect that the HiFiBerry Digi will also be supported in Raspbmc soon (but not in the january release).
I don't have did any tests with the onboard sound, but with the HiFiBerry DAC there is only a minimal CPU load, as data transfer to the sound card is mostly done via DMA.
Best regards
Daniel
I'd probably go with the hifiberry AS it just fits and isn't too expensive. There are pretty cheap bay China USB China sound cards, they work ootb with raspbian. Or you go full high end with the Buffalo DAC which is what i did. I know, it's just Voodoo...
D802 @ AOSPA 4.4
Hi, I just stumbled upon this old post. Anyway, here's how I resolved the same problem:
Buy HDMI to HDMI + SPDIF + Analog converter from eBay, plug it in and you're good to go.
I'm not allowed to post links so: search for "hdmi spdif", select order by price+P&P: lowest first. It' the one like on the image.
It's true passthrough (Dolby, DTS), and you don't need any kernel modules, and you get to keep it or use it elsewhere, unlike with HiFiBerry.
...and you get a free set of knives :laugh:
here are the flags from config.txt:
config_hdmi_boost=4
hdmi_drive=2 (I think this one is important)
EZCast is a competing technology, in some cases it's packaging is just a clone
Dongle acts as ap/wireless router in order to use it.
Client app connects to EZCast wifi and EZCast dongle is connected to home/office wifi network.
EZCast dongle examples:
EZCast M2 III
Measy A2W
Tronsmart T1000
Vsmart v5II
and dozen of others, some even with external antennas.
These dongles are often advertised as Miracast dongles.
Click HERE to view list of XDA threads tagged Miracast
Specification
OS: EZCast ROM(Linux OS) updated mothly
Source code for dongle or apps have never been released.
Majority of EZCast dongles use the same operating system!(regardless of manufacturer)
RAM: DDR3 128MB (or 256MB)
Storage: Single-level cell (SLC) NAND Flash memory: 128 MB
Chipset: Actions-Micro AM8251 600 MHz (or 1GHz)
Networking: Realtek RTL8188 Wifi Module 2.4Ghz. 802.11 B/G/N(150Mb) - WEP/WPA/WPA2, unfortunately WPS is enabled.
Video Outputs: 480p (HDMI), 720p (HDMI), 1080p (HDMI)
Support Video-formats: avi, divx, mkv, ts, dat, vob, mpg, mpeg, mov, mp4, rm, rmvb, wmv, etc.
Support Subtitles: ..smi , *.srt, *.cdg on Android and iOS, on PC Windows platform it's not supported yet.
Support Audio-formats: MP1, MP2, MP3， WMA, OGG, ADPCM-WAV, PCM-WAV, AAC etc
Support Picture-formats: JPEG, BMP, PNG etc.
Support File-formats: Adobe PDF, MS Word, Ms Excel, Ms Powerpoint, etc.
Standards: Ezcast, Miracast(its not possible to use it directly with Intel WiDi/Windows 8 built features, it requires EZCast windows app), DLNA, Airplay
Power Input: 5.0V- 0,3A to 1.0A depends on dongle, usually 0,5A
power adapter: USB powered
System Requirements: Requires a laptop, smartphone, or tablet support Miracast wireless display; HDTV with available HDMI input
software inside:
BIND 9.9.2-P1 (Jan 22 2013)
thttpd/2.25b 29dec2003
hostapd v0.6.9 20009-03-23
udhcpd
Unboxing and review VIDEOs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGFFJJxMaWI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loDi34vbqeE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9768N0-Ilg
Chromecast vs EZCast(tronsmart t1000) review
http://liliputing.com/2013/12/tronsmart-t1000-miracast-wireless-display-adapter-giveaway.html
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Security - In terms of security both products are flawed:
*Chromecast acts as open AP if is not connected to, in case of rooted it allows to steal your ESSID and PASSPHRASE
*EZCast(Measy A2W in my case but it's just EZCast standard)
EZCast is by default protected by WPA2 and 8 digit passphrase which is fair.
Dongle acts as ap/wireless router in order to use it. Client app connects to EZCast wifi and EZCast dongle is connected to main wifi network.
1. EZCast Dongle has for some unknown reason WPS enabled.
WPS is broken/hackable via WASH/REAVER since December 2011. Fixed in firmware 13886 (Aug 2015)
2. EZCast has always the same ESSID(should be an option to change it), also 32 characters limitation.(fixed in 2015)
3. It's not possible to hide ESSID broadcasting.
4. Passphrase to it's network is always limited to 8 ASCII characters, which is too short, should beup to 63ascii/64hex characters.
5. AP that EZCast can connect to has to be about ESSID 16 character long/16 characters long, should be ESSID 32 chanracter long and passphrase 63 ascii or if 64 hex character long.
6. After dongle factory reset initial WPA2 passphrase is always the same(returns to stock value), should be randomized.
7. I find it strange that iezvu .com collects unique ESSID, email, IP, while default WPA2 password is the same after each dongle reset.
Probably there is a correlation between ESSID, MAC and passphrase - guys from RouterKeygen are good at finding this....
https://code.google.com/p/android-thomson-key-solver/
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For mirroring desktop/expanding desktop EZCast is superior to Chromecast Stream can be about 30 - 35Mbps.
You may stream up to 4 desktops at once to one screen1/ split 2/split 4, I have tried only 2 at time.
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If it comes to playing movies (nearly all formats supported) with EZCast Windows it runs fluid in Video Mode, but without subtitles.
It's also possible to watch movie with subtitles with screen mirroring but it's not so enjoyable - slightly tearing.
You may also stream audio files.
It's supposed to be better from Android phone but i just have tried audio/video/camera live stream
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Video cloud storage playback is available in android and it is fully enjoyable. YT, Vimeo, around 50 sites supported. It works in similar way as chromecast.
Even more sites supported for Chinese consumers.
For cloud video streaming for this moment Chromecast may be a winner, but EZCast is in active development - monthly cycle. Chromecast development is still slow.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price of EZCast dongle is about $30-$35 so it's very similar to Chromecast price.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Links:
Main EZCast technology site:
http://www.iezvu.com/index.php?l=en
EZCast on Google+:
https://plus.google.com/100070160405847243669/posts
https://plus.google.com/communities/112623351806986703053
EZCast on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/iezcast
Latest FW changelog:
http://www.iezvu.com/upgrade/ezcast/appupgrade/update.php?&al=US
ROM is definitely moddable.
Main link of ezCast OS 11283:
http://www.iezvu.com/upgrade/ezcast/ezcast.bin
Client EZCast Apps:
http://www.iezvu.com/index.php?m=download&a=index&id=29&l=en
Android EZCast app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actionsmicro.ezcast
EZCast forum:
http://www.iezvu.com/bbs-en/
Manuals:
http://www.iezvu.com/bbs-en/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=f8f72e91923e869d137e256a638fb1c6
http://www.ezcast-wifidisplay.com/manual/EZCast-quick-installation-guide.pdf
Why to post is in Chromecast subforum? The product fills the gap that CC fails to fill yet.
PS: I am not affiliated with iezvu.com in any way.
measy a2w + mtk6577
I have the measy a2w. miracast works well with android 4.2.
But for my 3 phones/phablets with mtk6577 chip and running android 4.1. It was difficult. The EZcast app wouldn't install. I figured out how finally. I had to add the .apk app file to /data/app manually and set permission to rw-r--r--, then reboot.
The manual is a joke, as always. It doesn't even talk about miracast.
settings > display > wireless display > search device > connect
That's all it takes for android 4.2.
Ok this kinda suck then if subs dont work the way it has to.
I'm half deaf and I need subs to understand what they are saying.
If they can't fix this, then it's not worth to buy it.
I've seen the video on Youtube and it's just a tutorial how to get it work and that's it.
Some functions are not explained well...or if it exist.
It's more like 'look we got a chromecast copy and this are the functions and some will not work''.
If they want to sell a product, then they have to take the time to show it so people can say WOW...worth the money.
But no you get questions after questions.
Anyway...lets hope most video player apps will add chromecast support asap since Google released the developers kit.
[-Amrish-] said:
Ok this kinda suck then if subs dont work the way it has to.
I'm half deaf and I need subs to understand what they are saying.
If they can't fix this, then it's not worth to buy it.
I've seen the video on Youtube and it's just a tutorial how to get it work and that's it.
Some functions are not explained well...or if it exist.
It's more like 'look we got a chromecast copy and this are the functions and some will not work''.
If they want to sell a product, then they have to take the time to show it so people can say WOW...worth the money.
But no you get questions after questions.
Anyway...lets hope most video player apps will add chromecast support asap since Google released the developers kit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In full screen mirroring its possible to watch with subs, its just not too enjoyable while dynamical motion, its much better than chromecast full screen or tab mirroring.
mathorv said:
In full screen mirroring its possible to watch with subs, its just not too enjoyable while dynamical motion, its much better than chromecast full screen or tab mirroring.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AH I forgot about the mirroring!
But the quality won't be that good if you have to mirror it instead of streaming the video.
The other thing with EZcast is that it doesn't take over all the work like Chromecast does.
So your phone is still consuming power to run the media? Correct me if I'm wrong.
[-Amrish-] said:
AH I forgot about the mirroring!
But the quality won't be that good if you have to mirror it instead of streaming the video.
The other thing with EZcast is that it doesn't take over all the work like Chromecast does.
So your phone is still consuming power to run the media? Correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are probably right(i have not tested it with android.) You may ask on their (iezvu) forum. I bought Measy A2W (EZCast dongle) because of decent screen mirroring and flawless movie playback with any format(on PC i did not succeeded to use subs) , things that Chromecast is totally missing.
Added plenty of info on the subect
Also Chromecast vs EZCast (Tronesmart T1000) review.
http://liliputing.com/2013/12/tronsmart-t1000-miracast-wireless-display-adapter-giveaway.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhOrJHdWgTY
I have the Ezcast M2 and it works flawless if I'm near my wifi router, but if I'm downstair, there are massive lags when viewing in 720p and higher. It kept buffering. I believe Miracast acts more like bluetooth which is based on distance I wish there's a way to improve this. If anyone have any idea how to fix this lag, please chime in.
xterminater07 said:
I have the Ezcast M2 and it works flawless if I'm near my wifi router, but if I'm downstair, there are massive lags when viewing in 720p and higher. It kept buffering. I believe Miracast acts more like bluetooth which is based on distance I wish there's a way to improve this. If anyone have any idea how to fix this lag, please chime in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure it's updated to 11391, place it not too close to the wall/floor, you may use hdmi extender for tests.
Generally this device should be placed in line of sight not another floor.
It depends on how good is wifi adapter is used. If its not in 802.11n(150Mbps+) or newer such as 802.11ac card there is high chance for lags.
Cast movies via Video mode not mirror screen mode.
mathorv said:
Be sure it's updated to 11391, place it not too close to the wall/floor, you may use hdmi extender for tests.
Generally this device should be placed in line of sight not another floor.
It depends on how good is wifi adapter is used. If its not in 802.11n(150Mbps+) or newer such as 802.11ac card there is high chance for lags.
Cast movies via Video mode not mirror screen mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my ezcast plugged into my Yamaha receiver to have surround sound, and the router I have is a linksys e2500 dual band. I have most stuff connected through the 5ghz channel, leaving the 2ghz dedicated to guest and ezcast or any other devices. Both bands are on wireless N only, and it's not pointed toward the wall or on the floor, it's sitting on top of my tv stand. My router is fine I have no issues with the roku 2 xs, just the ezcast is always buffering on 720p when streaming from youtube, and 1080p as well. I have the latest firmware and the app update as well. Any more suggestion?
xterminater07 said:
I have my ezcast plugged into my Yamaha receiver to have surround sound, and the router I have is a linksys e2500 dual band. I have most stuff connected through the 5ghz channel, leaving the 2ghz dedicated to guest and ezcast or any other devices. Both bands are on wireless N only, and it's not pointed toward the wall or on the floor, it's sitting on top of my tv stand. My router is fine I have no issues with the roku 2 xs, just the ezcast is always buffering on 720p when streaming from youtube, and 1080p as well. I have the latest firmware and the app update as well. Any more suggestion?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not much(I doubt it will help):
Update routers firmware.
Experiment with router position - should not be too close to wall/floor or other high density objects.
Be sure you use 40MHz channel width and experiment with different wireless channels.
cheap signal booster example, it'll be hard to direct it between floors
http://lifehacker.com/5839243/use-an-aluminum-can-as-a-wi+fi-extender
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZD3MZZTpeY
http://lifehacker.com/296367/boost-your-wireless-signal-with-a-homemade-wifi-extender
Alternatively just forget about it.
mathorv said:
Be sure it's updated to 11391, place it not too close to the wall/floor, you may use hdmi extender for tests.
Generally this device should be placed in line of sight not another floor.
It depends on how good is wifi adapter is used. If its not in 802.11n(150Mbps+) or newer such as 802.11ac card there is high chance for lags.
Cast movies via Video mode not mirror screen mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mathorv said:
Not much(I doubt it will help):
Update routers firmware.
Experiment with router position - should not be too close to wall/floor or other high density objects.
Be sure you use 40MHz channel width and experiment with different wireless channels.
cheap signal booster example, it'll be hard to direct it between floors
http://lifehacker.com/5839243/use-an-aluminum-can-as-a-wi+fi-extender
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZD3MZZTpeY
http://lifehacker.com/296367/boost-your-wireless-signal-with-a-homemade-wifi-extender
Alternatively just forget about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's working so far, but I noticed my ios youtube native app no longer can airplay to the ezcast! It keep telling me playback error, however if i use the "web" function of the ezcast app it works flawless.
a quick update on this... I tried the ezmirror using my laptop and it plays 720p and 1080p perfect! I don't know why when playing over tablet or iphone it lags so much! Any experts in here know how to sniff out the protocol it uses?
xterminater07 said:
a quick update on this... I tried the ezmirror using my laptop and it plays 720p and 1080p perfect! I don't know why when playing over tablet or iphone it lags so much! Any experts in here know how to sniff out the protocol it uses?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure that you use latest version of app.
EZCast 1.1.150 Feb 01, 2014 https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/ezcast/id677053215
It requires iOS 6.1 or later and is optimized for iPhone 5.
Use Wireshark on Linux or OS X platform if you want to " sniff out the protocol it uses"
https://www.wireshark.org/download.html
Alternatively read specs and manuals from links in OP(Opening post).
Or even visit their forum that's linked in OP and ask there.
P.S.
That's cool that I helped to solve your problems.
You didn't mention what worked and you don't even bother to say thank you.
mathorv said:
Be sure that you use latest version of app.
EZCast 1.1.150 Feb 01, 2014 https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/ezcast/id677053215
It requires iOS 6.1 or later and is optimized for iPhone 5.
Use Wireshark on Linux or OS X platform if you want to " sniff out the protocol it uses"
https://www.wireshark.org/download.html
Alternatively read specs and manuals from links in OP(Opening post).
Or even visit their forum that's linked in OP and ask there.
P.S.
That's cool that I helped to solve your problems.
You didn't mention what worked and you don't even bother to say thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have iphone 5 but running ios 7. I am on windows lapto so I can't use that wireshark! Also I have not forget to say thank u to u, just we have not finished solving this issue that is all eheeeh don't misunderstand! I greatly appreciate all anyone does to help troubleshoot!
xterminater07 said:
I have iphone 5 but running ios 7. I am on windows lapto so I can't use that wireshark! Also I have not forget to say thank u to u, just we have not finished solving this issue that is all eheeeh don't misunderstand! I greatly appreciate all anyone does to help troubleshoot!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two answers at once:
1. Technologies used on iOS - Ezair(Airplay)
2. There are known issues on iOS 7 with no workaround.
According to developer "yuanwei" it should be fixed within a month. SOURCE
Thank u! I did see their forums but it looks very inactive thats why I didnt bother posting there! Odd how it worked before on native youtube app but not anymore! It's like random.... Also I wish they have a stronger antenna bc I cannot connect to any other channel besides auto! It also took me awhile to connect to the tv via my laptop, but it connected fine now. Major lags within the windows OS when using ezmirror but youtube stream and flash contents are on sync with the laptop!
xterminater07 said:
...and the router I have is a linksys e2500 dual band. I have most stuff connected through the 5ghz channel, leaving the 2ghz dedicated to guest and ezcast or any other device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's worth to read about linksys routers vulnerability
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/02/17/linksys_vuln_confirmed_as_a_hnap1_bug/
I have the Tronsmart T1000 and have been using it for a couple of months to stream from both Android and Windows.
I have used both Miracast with Android and also using the devices built in WiFi network to stream from Android and Windows. Miracast is a little laggy and buggy but typically works fine. Sometimes with larger video files there is a .5 second sync issue with audio and video but it is not present at all times.
The Tronsmart (and devices like it) really do fill a gap that the CC doesn't. If anyone has any questions about the Tronsmart T1000 let me know!
@mathorv
I'm waiting for my Measy A2W right now. Can you tell me how is the situation with multichannel sound? I see on my Galaxy Note 2 (Android 4.3) that there is option for surround sound on HDMI output, but I guess it's just some kind of Virtual Surround. At least I didn't get any DTS or Dolby Digitial signs on my amplituner (I was using mhl adapter). Would I be able to get proper 5.1 surround sound out of Measy A2W with GN2 or will I have to stick to Dolby Prologic? I've heard that Chromecast can output multichannel sound so maybe this baby can do this too?
Recently, i bought the Raspberry Pi Camera Board v1.3 and hooked it up to my Raspberry Pi, because i wanted to make a livestreaming (web) camera.
Many tutorials are advising me to use ''Motion'', but this simply DOESN'T work, and i'll tell you what:
I installed everything following every single detail on installing Motion for the Raspberry Pi and it's costum camera, but when i go to my Raspberry Pi's IP address and add :8081 or :8080 my browser simply does NOT find the page ''this page does not exist'', but just going to :80 works fine, and i can ping, SSH, and FTP it normally.
After reflashing my SD-card and installing Raspbian like a hundred times it only worked ONCE, but for just 3 seconds! after that it failed again.
So because Motion is a piece of crap i tried other livestreaming stuff like MJPEG and MJPG, but it's storing like 10 pictures every second on my SD-card, if i would continue using that software my SD-card would die/wear-out within a few weeks, so that's not going to be it too.
I also tried using a simple command line together with VLC so i can watch it from there, but the problem is that you cannot set the FPS any lower than 24, i need to do that because streaming 1080p 24 FPS via a raspberry outside your local IP causes it to lag (because the RPI cannot handle the bandwith?) and setting the camera to anything lower than 24 FPS causes huge lag too (looks like the camera doesn't support it?).
So what now? how can i make a simple HD with 2-5 FPS livestream via web with a Raspberry Pi? should i buy a simple USB Logitech webcam? what other software can i use?
I would like to be able to connect my Chromecast to an older 4:3 monitor. I already have the hdmi -> VGA adapter, and have used it on a 1080p tv, but I'm curious if there is a way to force non widescreen HDMI modes on the chromecast if it's already rooted, maybe by manipulating some files to force that? Any idea where to start looking?
I know the different HDMI modes are listed in a Raspberry pi wiki and the settings I used for that with the adapter for a 1280x1024 monitor were:
hdmi_group=2
hdmi_mode=35
from here: http://elinux.org/RPiconfig
I know they are different, but thought I'd ask.
Thanks
Those modes you found are specific to rpi.
The output mode for a display connector, like HDMI, should be determined by the EDID that the display device returns when queried. Analog VGA devices tend to be very flakey when it comes to EDID. Sometimes they sent back something incorrect, sometimes they sent back nothing at all.
I suggest sticking with digital displays.
Note that it is also possible that the chromecase simply can't support certain display modes, due to UI considerations. Keep in mind what the thing is meant for.