Chromecast - Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact Questions & Answers

Can anyone cast screen using Chromecast? Used to be able to do that with several other devices. But on this device, I get msg that screen not optimized for Chromecast. I can cast videos from different apps, but can't cast the phone screen anymore.
Please check and let me know what you're experiencing.

Tried right now and it works. Buggy, but it works. And with buggy I mean 1 out of 3 or 4 times I cast, it ends after a few seconds with a "casting has ended" for no reason. But when it does work, it goes for hours with no problems...

Odd. Screen casting using an Xperia X Compact (with its slower processor and less RAM) is fine, but on the XZ1C it disconnects or freezes nearly every time. I have found a workaround, however. The app "Web Video Caster" works reliably, and can access the full storage, including an SD card, using a built-in file explorer. Offers subtitle search and can play everything I have thrown at it so far.

flintfirewalker said:
Can anyone cast screen using Chromecast? Used to be able to do that with several other devices. But on this device, I get msg that screen not optimized for Chromecast. I can cast videos from different apps, but can't cast the phone screen anymore.
Please check and let me know what you're experiencing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chromecast works perfect for me.
But I have read that the Chromecast dongle needs excellent wifi to work properly, ideally within ten foot of a fast router.

@Didgesteve
It's curious how I've done everything short of completely resetting the phone, including updating firmware on both phone and Chromecast, and the screen cast connection is almost never maintained for more than a few seconds, if it connects at all to begin with. However, through a 3rd party application, as I indicated above, the connection is reliable, as is also the case for all connections (including the built-in screen casting) on the Xperia X compact..

pseudonym58 said:
@Didgesteve
It's curious how I've done everything short of completely resetting the phone, including updating firmware on both phone and Chromecast, and the screen cast connection is almost never maintained for more than a few seconds, if it connects at all to begin with. However, through a 3rd party application, as I indicated above, the connection is reliable, as is also the case for all connections (including the built-in screen casting) on the Xperia X compact..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried the Chromecast in another enviroment, different wifi setup?
Are there any power cables or transformers near the back of the TV? The ariel for the TV may be built into the frame, whilst the Chromecast might suffer being lumped next to all the power connectors at the back.
Try sending it back for a replacement, you might have a duff unit.

Related

Chromecast to 60" lcd toshiba smart tv.

hey guys, just got my Chromecast and works perfect in my 40" tv. but when I plug it into my new 60" toshiba smart tv the screen image is there but the whole picture is pink/purple. any ideas?
Sounds like you have a bad HDMI port or TV.
Hey, I'm having the same exact problem you are having. I have a 55" Toshiba Smart Tv and I originally purchased the chromecast on the first day it went on sale, came home and found everything to be in shades of Pink/purple. I returned it thinking it was a problem with the device since I've never had any problems with HDMI ports on the TVs and just got another chromecast device today and the SAME THING HAPPENED! I've tried all ports and the chromecast does not work on any (my blu-ray and other HDMI connected devices work fine on all of them ). Please let me know if you find a solution.
Thank you.
cottageboy said:
hey guys, just got my Chromecast and works perfect in my 40" tv. but when I plug it into my new 60" toshiba smart tv the screen image is there but the whole picture is pink/purple. any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4niner said:
Hey, I'm having the same exact problem you are having. I have a 55" Toshiba Smart Tv and I originally purchased the chromecast on the first day it went on sale, came home and found everything to be in shades of Pink/purple. I returned it thinking it was a problem with the device since I've never had any problems with HDMI ports on the TVs and just got another chromecast device today and the SAME THING HAPPENED! I've tried all ports and the chromecast does not work on any (my blu-ray and other HDMI connected devices work fine on all of them ). Please let me know if you find a solution.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have an HDMI audio receiver you can also just plug it into an HDMI port there too. I have mine plugged into my sony 7.2 receiver. Works fine, CEC and all.
Toshiba 47L6200U - same problem
4niner said:
Hey, I'm having the same exact problem you are having. I have a 55" Toshiba Smart Tv and I originally purchased the chromecast on the first day it went on sale, came home and found everything to be in shades of Pink/purple. I returned it thinking it was a problem with the device since I've never had any problems with HDMI ports on the TVs and just got another chromecast device today and the SAME THING HAPPENED! I've tried all ports and the chromecast does not work on any (my blu-ray and other HDMI connected devices work fine on all of them ). Please let me know if you find a solution.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also having this issue on my Toshiba Smart TV (Toshiba 47L6200U). Wanted to add that at one point I switched from USB power on the television to the wall charger, and the Chromecast went through an update during which time the progress wheel was in full color. Once it finished the picture then changed back to purple. Unfortunately I have no other devices to try to plug it into but there does appear to be a pattern with these sets.
Unfortunately I don't have a receiver and hadn't planed on getting one for this set up. I've never been able to connect the TV to the internet to perform any firmware updates so perhaps this may help? I'm really not sure. I also have seen that once it is updating - the rotating wheel is in the normal proper colors, however once it reverts back to the setup/welcome screen - it goes back to the shades of pink. I called up google and they said they've not heard of it so it seems to be a problem solely with the Toshiba XXL6200U series TV's. Have any of y'all performed the firmware updates?
gottahavit said:
If you have an HDMI audio receiver you can also just plug it into an HDMI port there too. I have mine plugged into my sony 7.2 receiver. Works fine, CEC and all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4niner said:
Unfortunately I don't have a receiver and hadn't planed on getting one for this set up. I've never been able to connect the TV to the internet to perform any firmware updates so perhaps this may help? I'm really not sure. I also have seen that once it is updating - the rotating wheel is in the normal proper colors, however once it reverts back to the setup/welcome screen - it goes back to the shades of pink. I called up google and they said they've not heard of it so it seems to be a problem solely with the Toshiba XXL6200U series TV's. Have any of y'all performed the firmware updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity did you try the HDMI extender that came with your ChromeCast in case it is a connection issue?
I have the same TV, but have not received my chromecast yet. I'm wondering if it may be hdmi cec is off or on? I read up on this more and it may be the hdmi handshake that is causing the issue. It says to swap ends, try another cable etc.
gottahavit said:
Out of curiosity did you try the HDMI extender that came with your ChromeCast in case it is a connection issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
zires said:
I have the same TV, but have not received my chromecast yet. I'm wondering if it may be hdmi cec is off or on? I read up on this more and it may be the hdmi handshake that is causing the issue. It says to swap ends, try another cable etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried using the extender that came with it, and also another one I had laying around the house. Neither of them worked.
I'm not really tech savvy so not sure what CEC is or how to turn it on or off. Getting frustrated trying to do the firmware update as well. I connected a USB with the firmware update on the root menu but for some reason the TV isn't recognizing the usb.
4niner said:
I tried using the extender that came with it, and also another one I had laying around the house. Neither of them worked.
I'm not really tech savvy so not sure what CEC is or how to turn it on or off. Getting frustrated trying to do the firmware update as well. I connected a USB with the firmware update on the root menu but for some reason the TV isn't recognizing the usb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cec is in the TV settings. Menu (on remote ), preferences, hdmi cec control setup, turn it on and see what happens.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 4
Same issue
cottageboy said:
hey guys, just got my Chromecast and works perfect in my 40" tv. but when I plug it into my new 60" toshiba smart tv the screen image is there but the whole picture is pink/purple. any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an old 2007 vintage Toshiba 37X3030DB. If you have the Chromecast plugged into HDMI-2 (Digital only port), select that as the input port, then power on the Chromecast, it completely works as expected. However, change back to HDMI-1, then back to HDMI2 using the Toshiba remote, you get a permanent blue screen - even though the Chromecast thinks it's working.
Placed a tech support call with Toshiba UK to see if updated firmware beyond 2.9 will help...
I have a 2006 Westinghouse (it was one of the very first 1080P TV available). I have had issues with Pink screen screen with various HDMI devices. Usually turning the TV off and back on will fix the pink screen, usually on the first try though not always.
With the Chromecast this seem to work, but not anymore. It may or may not have to do with the update to FW 13300, I can't say for sure. But sadly the pink screen is more persistent now.
My Chromecast is connected to my Pioneer receiver and I found that if s switch back and fourth with another input I can eventually get rid of the pink screen. I works best if I wait and let the input receive a signal and at time it does take me several attempts before it works.
So just something to try.
don't know if this is related, but sometimes when you have a loose connection on say a pc monitor you will get a pink screen, it could be that the connection to your guys tv isnt fitting all the way in, might want to take a closer look. it could be that the mini usb thats connected to the Chromecast is weighing down on the chromecast and making it loose and thus creating the pink screen, might wanna look closer at the connection.
im trying to cast from computer.. chromebrowser, has worked perfect earlier. but now the picture is pink.. sounds work good... the chromecast background pictures shows fine when not casting anything...
If I use the built in cast option in youtube.com it was great.. but not when casting the whole page in chromebrowser..
i have a really bad connection at home, but it has worked on that before
cowsick said:
im trying to cast from computer.. chromebrowser, has worked perfect earlier. but now the picture is pink.. sounds work good... the chromecast background pictures shows fine when not casting anything...
If I use the built in cast option in youtube.com it was great.. but not when casting the whole page in chromebrowser..
i have a really bad connection at home, but it has worked on that before
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my exact issue.
It isn't the HDMI port, it isn't faulty, or else every device would show the pink hue. The dongle itself isn't broken or else everything would be pink and not just tabs that are cast, like cowsick said, Youtube casts perfectly, just any other tabs.
Kinda blows, worked fine previously, an no one anywhere seems to be addressing the issue.
andrew2163 said:
This is my exact issue.
It isn't the HDMI port, it isn't faulty, or else every device would show the pink hue. The dongle itself isn't broken or else everything would be pink and not just tabs that are cast, like cowsick said, Youtube casts perfectly, just any other tabs.
Kinda blows, worked fine previously, an no one anywhere seems to be addressing the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Green, gray or magenta are often the sign of decoding "nothing" meaning the data didn't reach the destination in time.
I would look to network latency caused by network congestion between the PC and Chromecast (on a bandwidth-limited connection, or are there other network transfers going on in the background?) and to transcoding latency on the computer casting to Chromecast (how busy is the CPU?). Try reducing the resolution via the Cast extension settings.
For direct casting to Chromecast via native apps, Chromecast can buffer and negotiate connection speed as necessary. When it's getting a tab casted over, there's a constant stream of frames being generated, compressed and sent over that need to be decoded - all in reasonable sync with the PC.
For example, in the case of MPEG-2 for DVD, there are Presentation TimeStamps (PTS) and Decode TimeStamp (DTS). PTS determines when a frame should be display (ie, 0:09;13 should be displayed 9 seconds, 13 frames in) while DTS determines when the frame's data need to be retrieved and decoded. If a frame can't be retrieved by the decode time (for example, because of a disc read error) usually the player will simply hold the previous frame, so you'll see a pause. But if the player actually tries to decode the data (for example, in a video editing program), you can see a frame of mainly or solid green, gray or magenta - an empty frame caused by decoding "nothing."
RojasTKD and BurnOmatic are right that a similar effect can be seen if HDCP handshake is broken or interrupted - there's a "garbage" screen that appears until HDCP re-synchronizes, but as andres2163 and cowsick say, if that was the case it should happen for any Chromecast output, not just tab casting.
Fix: disable hardware accelaration
Disabling hardware acceleration fixes the issue.
For detailed instructions, go to:
HTML:
learnhill.com/technology/fix-pink-screen-when-casting-tabs-with-chromecast/

After 3 weeks my pros and cons

It's been almost 3 weeks since I purchased 4 Chromecasts. I have some Pros and Cons about my experience. I encourage you to add your own Pro/Con list.
Pros:
- Cheap. At $35 it's an impulse buy. I expect to see it at the checkout aisle of the supermarket next to the gift cards.
- Cheap will make it ubiquitous. Every app developer will rush to make their app Chromecastable.
- Extremely easy to set up. Some have had troubles as we've seen on this forum but my daughter set hers up without a single phone call to me. And she has absolutely no tech skills.
- I absolutely, positively love the ability to queue YouTube videos. I wish Netflix had that and I hope other app developers pick up on that. I wish there was one central queue where I could queue up Netflix, YouTube, Google Music, et all in one big queue. I could plan a whole night's viewing and then just sit back and watch.
- Shared control. It's nice that I can start a video and leave the room and my wife can take over control of it on her device. Very clever.
- Doesn't tie up my device. I can do other things while watching a video. Multitasking as it were.
- I can start a video on my phone then cast it to my family room TV, then pause it and start playing it on my bedroom PC, then pause it and finish it on my tablet. Very versitile.
- Video quality is superb. 1080p is very nice from the Chromecast. As good as cable TV.
- Audio is also superb. 5.1 is a nice surprise.
- If you have multiple wifi routers with multiple SSIDs you can control a Chromecast across SSIDs. And you see all the Chromecasts no matter which SSID you're currently using.
CONS
- Using the phone/tablet as a remote is not as convenient as a real remote. We have an unwritten rule in our house that when someone starts a conversation we pause the TV. With a real remote I can do this in a split second without looking at the remote. Using Chromecast I can't. Not only do I have to look at the phone, thus ignoring the person that is talking to me, I have to find the app that cast the video and start it up again to be able to pause it. This has made for an awkward situation more than once.
- It's not a perfect device, lots of app tweaking needs to be done.
- Sometimes I get spinning circle on my phone and it never casts.
- Sometimes I get spinning circle on my phone but the cast actually starts. This is not good at all as I have no way of pausing or stopping it from my phone. Same thing happens to my tablet so it's not a device specific issue.
- There's no ability to reduce picture quality. If I'm in a hotel using my phone's hot spot capability I could easily eat up 5gb of data watching a 1080p movie when 480p, or even less, would have been satisfactory.
- It has connectivity issues with some routers, especially Verizon FIOS' Actiontec router. There's not much in the way of documentation to help with this. The help information refers to turning off a feature that the router doesn't have.
BOTTOM LINE
The Chromecast is not a perfect device, like all devices, but the low cost and ease use make up for a lot of its misgivings. Almost all of the Cons I have listed can be corrected by software updates. I only see this product as getting better and better. The only fear is that it becomes another Google castoff like Google TV or Google Reader or Google Q or Buzz. But at $35 there's not much risk.
This product is a sign of the future and the future is bright. With many devices battling for this space, Apple TV, Roku, etc. we will all be the winners. Just as many people have multiple game consoles so will many people have multiple streaming devices. This is going to be a fun ride.
TabGuy said:
There's no ability to reduce picture quality. If I'm in a hotel using my phone's hot spot capability I could easily eat up 5gb of data watching a 1080p movie when 480p, or even less, would have been satisfactory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, what? Have you been able to get it to work using a hotspot? Everything I've read says it's not currently possible.
We need more app's....
TabGuy said:
- Extremely easy to set up. Some have had troubles as we've seen on this forum but my daughter set hers up without a single phone call to me. And she has absolutely no tech skills.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I was setting it up, I had no idea I needed a WiFi device for first time set up. I was using my desktop connected to my router with the WiFi turned off. So quickly I assumed it was because of that. (I have a WAP broadcasting another SSID so i turned off my router) After I turned on my router, I was still getting the same problem stating my WiFi was off. Then I feared that my desktop needed to be a WiFi device to work with the Chromecast. After some quick searches I found that the WiFi device was just for setup which I did on my phone and got it up and running smoothly.
TabGuy said:
- If you have multiple wifi routers with multiple SSIDs you can control a Chromecast across SSIDs. And you see all the Chromecasts no matter which SSID you're currently using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So my setup was kind of like this, and i feared that it would not work. After the setup, I just installed the extension on Chrome for all my computers in the family and it showed up on all of them. Relieved and happy that it was simpler than I was dreading.
andrewhchiu said:
As I was setting it up, I had no idea I needed a WiFi device for first time set up. I was using my desktop connected to my router with the WiFi turned off. So quickly I assumed it was because of that. (I have a WAP broadcasting another SSID so i turned off my router) After I turned on my router, I was still getting the same problem stating my WiFi was off. Then I feared that my desktop needed to be a WiFi device to work with the Chromecast. After some quick searches I found that the WiFi device was just for setup which I did on my phone and got it up and running smoothly.
So my setup was kind of like this, and i feared that it would not work. After the setup, I just installed the extension on Chrome for all my computers in the family and it showed up on all of them. Relieved and happy that it was simpler than I was dreading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Common sense should tell you that you can't connect to the Chromecast through your wireless network before it get connected to your wireless network. Assuming it's protected with a password how do you suppose Chromecast would connect to it? And for open networks I think it's illegal to just auto connect to open networks. I would think that most people buying a Chromecast would have a smartphone or tablet.
rkirmeier said:
Common sense should tell you that you can't connect to the Chromecast through your wireless network before it get connected to your wireless network. Assuming it's protected with a password how do you suppose Chromecast would connect to it? And for open networks I think it's illegal to just auto connect to open networks. I would think that most people buying a Chromecast would have a smartphone or tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured it was going to be something like connecting a bluetooth device where it would broadcast its own signal and then you can connect to it. but i guess i wasn't thinking.
Echo the majority of the above comments, still too early to be overly concerned that Google hasn't yet released their chrome cast API.
I'm in UK so had to wait slightly longer than others for my US bought one (first day purchase) to arrive here in the UK, but its here I love Google play , Google movies and YouTube integration
Waiting for CM casting to go live and hopefully be implemented into aokp.
Not tried casting chrome tabs from my laptop yet or my hard wired pc workstation, is it true that sounds cabled PC's can have issues connecting to chromecast
Am I meant to be able to cast from chrome browser tabs on my N4 ?

so... whats the point of chromecast vs HDMI out?

So, I finally bought a chromecast and after 30 minutes was left wondering "why did I buy this instead of just getting a 15' HDMI cable to dual monitor my laptop on my TV.
It seems like casting from a tab uses more resources, uses double the bandwidth, and has limited features compared to just dual-monitoring.
In order to continue using a VPN and chromecast I have to mod the firmware on the router. chromecast uses a fair amount of resources when casting video. And as far as I can tell there's no benefit (besides it being wireless) compared to HDMI out dual monitoring... am I missing something or is it really just nothing that special?
codecobalt said:
So, I finally bought a chromecast and after 30 minutes was left wondering "why did I buy this instead of just getting a 15' HDMI cable to dual monitor my laptop on my TV.
It seems like casting from a tab uses more resources, uses double the bandwidth, and has limited features compared to just dual-monitoring.
In order to continue using a VPN and chromecast I have to mod the firmware on the router. chromecast uses a fair amount of resources when casting video. And as far as I can tell there's no benefit (besides it being wireless) compared to HDMI out dual monitoring... am I missing something or is it really just nothing that special?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Codecobalt,
The main benefit is convenience. There's something just very natural about selecting content from your phone and then having it play on the TV - with how the chromecast connects it's actually the device that creates the connection to the provider and as such there shouldn't be any increased bandwidth usage (only control information is sent via your phone in most cases - excepting applications that pass your data via external services).
If you wish to use a VPN you may have to mod your router however you can normally just add a route or some mechanism to stop it's connection to google DNS servers which will force the device to fall back to locally defined DNS servers if that helps. If you require assistance with the whole router thing let me know (as I've done many of them in many different ways).
Again as I said, the main reason for the device is convienience - I personally although being a tech head don't like the idea of having to launch movies with a mouse and keyboard off a laptop and all the rigmarole that comes with it (since purchasing chromecasts I haven't used my local movie stash in around 3 months).
Well that's my speel about it, if you have any specific requests please do not hesitate to ask and I hope you grow to love the device as much as I do.
I have no real gripes about it, I just don't see the real benefit to me, but I'm a laptop user who always has my laptop in front of me. I can understand though how you like the ability to use your android phone to launch videos wirelessly. I love to use my phone to launch youtube videos on my PS3.
It just seems like so long as you already have an HDMI out connection (and a laptop infront of you at all times) it's more universal to just dual monitor. for instance while casting "Watch ESPN" on my PC to TV, I can't fullscreen the video in the tab so that the video on my TV is fullscreen and still use the PC.. which kind of defeats the purpose. but with dual monitor I can have the video fullscreened on my TV while still using my laptop screen for everything else.
If it were a wireless option to dual monitor I would LOVE IT! but that's not what it was intended to be. I like it being wireless, but since I already have a 15' ethernet cable (just prefer it to wifi when available), usb to mini usb cable to charge my ps3 controller, and a wired headset for my ps3, one extra cable (the hdmi) running across the floor doesn't really bother me too much.
It's cool tech and very affordable for what it is, but it just left me wanting much more... thought I had to be missing the point.
For people without a ps3 or xbox or multiple TV's/chromecasts I can see the advantage.. just not for me I suppose.
I mostly wanted it so that I could watch my comcast xfinity online account (watch espn/2/u, FX, FXX, etc to stream live TV as an alternative to my netflix while I'm away from home and have a real screen. the ps3 doesn't have an xfinity app and I liked the idea of being able to stream only 1 specific tab. but then I have to use the zoom function on the tv to make it fullscreen and still use the laptop.
codecobalt said:
So, I finally bought a chromecast and after 30 minutes was left wondering "why did I buy this instead of just getting a 15' HDMI cable to dual monitor my laptop on my TV.
It seems like casting from a tab uses more resources, uses double the bandwidth, and has limited features compared to just dual-monitoring.
In order to continue using a VPN and chromecast I have to mod the firmware on the router. chromecast uses a fair amount of resources when casting video. And as far as I can tell there's no benefit (besides it being wireless) compared to HDMI out dual monitoring... am I missing something or is it really just nothing that special?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Casting from a tab (or the entire desktop) is not Chromecast's core use case. If that's all you're doing, then you are better off using HDMI or WiDi.
Chromecast's advantage, in addition to the sheer browsing/usage/convenience factor that @Kyonz mentioned, is "offloading" the playback duties. Chromecast's power usage is far less than your laptop, and you're free to take your laptop/phone/tablet and run if you need to while Chromecast continues to play. Someone else in the household can easily take over control of Chromecast from another device as well (there's some annoyance/bad to this too, but it's good as long as everyone plays nicely).
Likewise, I can move where media is being played back in most apps by pausing the playback, and resuming it on another Chromecast. Sadly, it won't turn off the TV though.
The previous paragraph deals solely with Chromecast-native applications, ie, not tab-casting or desktop-casting with the Cast extension from Chrome. Like I said in the beginning, if you're mainly trying to cast your computer's tab or screen, Chromecast is not the ideal solution.
I find the chromecast handy in my TV room... No hdmi cables everywhere. Just pull out my phone or tablet and pull up whatever I want to watch then send it to the chromecast and put the phone down.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
rans0m00 said:
I find the chromecast handy in my TV room... No hdmi cables everywhere. Just pull out my phone or tablet and pull up whatever I want to watch then send it to the chromecast and put the phone down.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
also a nice way to upgrade an older non-smart TV to semi smart......
I never got it to work with my jellybean android phone. installed the app but never saw a chromecast feature in anything... chrome browser, watch espn, gallery nothing... but again didn't really try too hard.. hdmi for me.
codecobalt said:
I never got it to work with my jellybean android phone. installed the app but never saw a chromecast feature in anything... chrome browser, watch espn, gallery nothing... but again didn't really try too hard.. hdmi for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all apps have the casting feature. Avia does YouTube does. ESPN and gallery do not
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2
One of the Advantages is to be able to stream content to TVs in other rooms for Family and Friends without having to tie up your Laptop.
Truth is a Laptop has the fewest options available for using the CCast. None of the CCast compatible Apps will run on a Laptop and the only real benefit is you can launch a Netflix, Hulu and YouTube movie to the CCast from their Webpages.
So you can watch a movie on your TV while you do other things with the Laptop.
In the OP's case a secondary out from the computer doesn't "tie it up" much except for CPU and network usage. Well, launching a full screen game or something would likely jam things up.
Sent from a device with no keyboard. Please forgive typos, they may not be my own.
When using the hdmi out wont the graphics card be stressed also? Using the chromecast eliminates that altogether i thought...i use plex mostly for my entertainment system and debated getting a dedicated graphics card...in the end i chose casting between my devices because i have the bandwidth to support it and no desire to push my graphics card too hard if i chose to watch a 1080 trilogy....hows my logic?
That's reasonable logic too. Chromecast had hardware processing for the (limited) formats it supports, so it uses far less power than a laptop, perhaps even less power than a tablet because it's not also powering a screen. Personally I like the "start it up and let it go" aspect - no worries about what I do on my phone/tablet/computer once it's playing.

Cast without wifi or internet?

Trying to set up something in my camper so that I can watch downloaded movies or shows from my phones. I have a Note 3 with android 5.0.2 and miracast seems to be broken? When the Note 3 had 4.4 it worked fine and I used a Sony dvd player that it worked with just fine. It "sees" the player but won't cast to it.
I have a Google Pixel XL that does not see the dvd player for some reason. I brought a wifi router into the camper and tried to set up a chromecast (Gen 1). I can get it set up but then neither device, when connected to same wifi, see the device so that I can cast to it. I am going to grab a Gen 2 model from home and see if this will work.
Is there a simpler way to make this work? It was so easy just using miracast and now this has turned into a massive headache.
If you have the Stock FW on the CC, please ensure, that guest mode is enabled (via Google home). In this case the CC provided an own Wifi net if needed.
Mad07 said:
If you have the Stock FW on the CC, please ensure, that guest mode is enabled (via Google home). In this case the CC provided an own Wifi net if needed.
Click to expand...
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I've never been able to get the guest mode to work. It seems like no matter what the chromecast still needs an actual internet connection, even if only casting a movie/picture right from device.
So far what works for me but it's annoying. I have my actual Verizon phone turned on as hotspot, Set up the chromecast to connect to hotspot. I leave it up and running. My Note 3 has my movies on it so I connect to same hotspot and cast using Allcast app...I think. That's the only app that even seems to find the chromecast. Yes I have Google Home installed on both devices. If I turn off the hotspot Chromecast stops working. Neither device finds the chromecast after that unless I turn hotspot back on. Yes guest mode is turned on. A pin is never displayed but since devices don't see it it won't help anyway.
I had a spare wifi router and did the same test. Still need an actual data connection. If no data connection the devices do not see the Chromecast.
Technology is really frustrating at times. Miracast worked just fine until Google didn't like it and made the Chromecast. The Note 3 is old and close to being dead so I am not buying a MHL adapter for it nor will I buy a new tv that has something built in that does not seems to work either. Many other camping people are starting to run into this issue as well.
if you go in Google Home under your device, Settings, there is a possibility to switch the guest mode on. This means the CC works like a hot spot. Its written also on the screen. Every device, which is not in your network, could get an access. I don't know, at which time the guest mode will be disabled automatically. Maybe at this time, if you stream something over your own network to the CC.
Hi,
I bought a cheap "MiraCast" dongle from eBay that works great. Less than $14 with shipping included from China. They list them as a "2nd Generation Chromecast 2" screen mirroring devices, a little misleading, but I'm happy with the unit, as it was brand new, in a very nice box I might add. If you need a link, then PM me, or reply here.
PS, they picture a Chromecast shape, but the lead with a Wi-Fi antenna is a giveaway. Here is a link to get you started, and actually is titled better than the one I bought, which is sold out. There are lots more like it at varying prices. https://m.ebay.com/itm/2-Digital-HD...d=202018167243&_trksid=p2349624.c100408.m2460
Motorhome option to cast from phone or tablet or TV without Wi-Fi or hotspot connecti
I was looking at a thread that discuss different connectivity options without Wi-Fi but could not figure it out. Are there any updates to this? Right now the only results that I have is to hardwire an iPhone to the TV using the HDMI connection and Apple Adapter device. The Mira cast Dongle works most of the time but is intermittent at best.
My son upgraded to an iphone so I got his old S7. Using it and the sony dvd player I can use miracast again.
I have also set up my main phone as a wifi hotspot and connected a chromecast and my S7 to it as well and been able to cast. This method ties up both devices and then they also both need to be plugged in. My wifes Iphone can also cast to the chromecast when connected to my hotspot.
Best I can come up with for now.

Weird Chromecast problems, but only with this phone. Maybe some obscure setting?

I have two Chromecasts -- one first generation and one second generation. I also have an old Firestick. My wife's Galaxy S 9 works fine with all three devices. My phone worked fine with all three until a couple of weeks ago. Now, my phone can only cast to the Firestick (and obviously only from supported apps like YouTube and Netflix). If I open the Google Home app on my phone, both Chromecasts appear in their appropriate rooms, but that's about where my control ends.
In Home, I can tap and connect to the second generation device to control the volume and I can also tap the "Watch live TV" button below the icon and it will start casting some weird network with old game shows. I can do absolutely nothing else with that Chromecast including screen mirroring, casting from any app, or even viewing or controlling playback of media cast from a different phone. I can tap to connect to the first generation device, but it says "Not available" and that's the end of that. There is no "Watch live TV" button below it.
Again, all of these devices work fine with my wife's phone. I have tried all the usual culprits from unplugging every relevant device and waiting a few minutes, resetting the Chromecast, clearing Home app data, uninstalling and reinstalling apps, verifying all devices are on the same network, making sure Home and Google Play Services have full permissions, the phone isn't in power save mode, sensors are enabled, etc... Google Home has no trouble managing other connected devices in my home including light bulbs and speakers. I can reset the Chromecasts and actually set them up with my phone from the Home app, but as soon as they connect to Home, my phone can no longer control them.
Anyone ever had a similar experience? Can you think of any obscure settings that might be causing me issues? I already spent an hour or more with Google's Chromecast support and I'm about to see if I can find a good Samsung support channel.

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