How to set up and use a Chromecast

It’s been a while since Google announced their popular video streaming dongle. While in the meantime their product has indeed changed, the basic setup instructions have not. Before you can begin the chromecast setup process, there are a few things you need to consider.

Chromecast requirements

One of the first things you need to bear in mind is that if you want to use Google Chromecast, then you need to have a TV with an HDMI port and a USB port. If your TV doesn’t have a USB port, then you need to at least be able to plug in a USB cable to a mains adaptor near the television set. In order to connect that device, you’ll need to have an active Wi-Fi connection, but also a device that can be used as a remote control. If you have a tablet, such as an iPad, an iPhone or any other tablet that runs Android or iOS, you can use it as a remote. You can also use your Mac, PC or laptop as a remote.

Setting up Chromecast

1. If you want to know how to connect chromecast to tv, then this is quite simple. If you got the original Google Chromecast, then you know it comes with a short HDMI extension cable and an HDMI port. The cable can be used as an extension cable based on the location of your television set’s HDMI ports. If you bought the newest Chromecast version, then you have probably noticed that it has a longer HDMI dongle. Therefore, you may not need to worry about extending it. However, when it comes to the Chromecast, it does still connect to your TV and is powered in the same way as the original.

2. At this point, you’ll need to find a free HDMI slow on your TV and then plug in your Chromecast. Next, be sure to write down the exact port you’ve connected the Chromecast to. Next, you’ll need to plug in the micro-USB cable you’ve got with the Chromecast into the other end of the device. You can connect it to either a USB adaptor and then plug it into a mains power outlet or attach it to a USB port on your television set.

3. You will now need to turn on your TV. If Chromecast is not detected and the TV doesn’t switch to the right input, then you have to select the HDMI input you’ve noted on step one by using the TV’s remote control. Once you do that, a setup screen will pop up.

4. To control Chromecast, you need to go to chromecast.com/setup or install the Google Home application. At some point during the installation you’ll be asked to accept the ToS. Before you do that, ensure that your device is connected to your Wi-Fi network that you plan on using for your Chromecast device.

5. If you look at the top right of the Google Home app, you’ll notice the devices icon. Be sure to select it and let it search for any casting hardware on the network. Once it finds your Chromecast, be sure to select it and then start setting it up.

6. You will now see a code popping up on your handset. The code needs to match the code that’s displayed on your TV screen. If you want to continue, then be sure to tap I See The Code.

7. At this point you may wish to change your Chromecast’s name to one you like. Once you change its name, you just have to click Continue.

8. Look for your Wi-Fi network and then click Continue. Once you do that, the Chromecast will connect to the internet. It’s also possible that certain updates may be downloaded and installed in order to ensure the device works at peak performance. Completing the setup process is simple. Just sign in to your Google account and follow the installation steps.

9. You are finally ready to stream. The good news is that there are also plenty of applications that support casting. If you’d like to begin streaming, then all you have to do is look for the Cast icon on their interface and then choose your Chromecast. Mirroring your Android tablet or phone’s screen is also possible. You can do this by using the Google Home application and then selecting Cast screen/audio. Next, just choose Chromecast and you’re set.

The post How to Connect Chromecast to your TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Ever since Chromecast was released though, the market has changed quite a bit. Now we have a lot of streaming devices we can choose from, with the most popular ones including the Amazon Fire, Roku, and the Apple TV.

However, Google has released version 2 of their dongle and now you can get the google chromecast 2 which promises amazing performance at the same price. Some of the new features include screen mirror, but also gaming mirroring, and content aggregation.

Design and setup

While the original Chromecast looked very much like a stick, the second generation seems to shy away from that design. The 2nd gen features a round chassis that can be connected to your television’s HDMI port. In fact, the google chromecast 2 is also a cross-platform device, meaning that it has support for both Windows and iOS devices. The broader compatibility together with its low cost makes it by far one of the most attractive offers for anyone looking for a high quality streaming device.

As it was with the original Chromecast, the setup process for the latest iteration is basically the same. You just need to attach the power cable and then install Chromecast on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. At this point you’ll just need to power up the application and then follow the commands on the screen to connect the device to your Wi-Fi network and finally pair it with your chosen device. Once you do this, you’ll be able to start streaming.

The new app

Even though the setup process is simply the same, the second generation Chromecast runs a fully redesigned app. According to Google, their app now acts as a sort of hub for all your digital content needs. So the way it works is that it pulls content from every app that you have installed on your device and then makes it possible for you to stream it.

This is very useful, since no more will you need to access each app individually in order to stream your desired content from it. You can therefore watch videos from Vimeo and Netflix alongside with videos recently added to the BBC iPlayer, for instance. Better yet, the google chromecast 2 also features a cross platform search function. What this means is that you can search for content from all other apps installed on your device, making the Chromecast 2 a truly all in 1 entertainment hub.

Large number of apps supported

One thing you’ll certainly love about the google chromecast 2 is the fact that it supports a wider range of applications. In terms of entertainment, Spotify is by far the best addition. If you used the 1st gen Chromecast, you probably know that it didn’t have Spotify support. The 2nd Gen Chromecast also added support of productivity apps, including Polaris Office and Google Docs. Another great addition is the ability of streaming web pages from tabs opened in Chrome. Thanks to this new functionality, you can now easily stream content from unsupported apps onto your TV. Lastly, google chromecast 2 supports some basic Android games (such as Wheel of Fortune for instance).

Streaming quality

According to Google, it seems that their latest Chromecast iteration is able to stream video a lot faster thanks to the added Fast Play feature and especially the 5 GHz Wi-Fi network support. As you may already know, the newest 5 GHz frequency allows the Chromecast 2nd Gen to connect to other devices a lot faster. If you had the first Generation Chromecast with its 2.4 GHz, you probably noticed that sometimes it would get jittery when streaming content.

Now when it comes to the Fast Play feature, it’s certainly a nice addition. The way it work is that it starts to cache content (that you’re likely to watch) in the background. Based on what Google said, thanks to this function you’ll be able to stream content about 80 percent faster.

Google Chromecast comparison (1stGen vs. 2nd Gen)

We wanted to compare the two Chromecasts and so we pitted them against each other. The results were as expected: the second generation was a bit faster. In our tests, we used a 55 inch Sony TV while streaming content from BBC iPlayer, Vimeo, and Netflix on a Samsung Galaxy S7 smartphone and a BUT Home Hub router.

We tested both devices on the 2.4 GHz frequency and were surprised to find out that the 1st generation Chromecast loaded between 2 to 5 seconds faster than the second generation. We then changed the frequency to 5GHz, but unfortunately no speed or picture quality improvements were noticed. In terms of loading times though, Chromecast 2 was faster.

While the device is truly impressive, it cannot yet stream 4K content unlike other competitors, such as Amazon Fire TV and nVidia Shield TV. While there is not too much 4K content out there anyway, the lack of 4K support doesn’t make the device future proof.

Should you get the Chromecast 2?

Well, if you currently have a first generation Chromecast device, then you certainly should not buy it. Its main selling point is the new app and improved application support. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a streaming device, then by all means get it.

Compared to all other options on the market, the Chromecast 2 is by far the most affordable choice. Not only that, but it offers functionality that is usually found in devices at least twice as expensive. Even if you’re an iOS user, we still recommend this device especially if you’re on a budget.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the Chromecast 2 is one of the best valued streaming devices you can currently get. While it’s not terribly original, it does its job of streaming content extremely well.

The post An honest review of the Google Chromecast 2 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

How does Chromecast work?

When it comes to casting, it’s important to keep in mind that all you’re doing is using your cell phone to tell the Chromecast device the content you’d like it to play. Once you do that, Chromecast uses its own connection to stream the content in the best possible quality.

If you decide to connect a Chromecast Ultra to a 4K TV, then you’ll be able to play 4K content you can view on your cell phone.

On the other hand, if you want to mirror the cell phone to your 4K TV, then you’re sending the signal directly from your phone to the Chromecast device, so both devices need to stay connected.

Requirements

To use Chromecast, you first of all need to plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, but also an open USB port on your display/TV. Your cell phone (iOS or Android) needs to have the Cast app installed and updated. You can also use a Chromebook, Mac or Windows computer, but make sure you have Chrome browser installed and updated. You should also ensure your device and Chromecast use the same Wi-Fi connection.  If they don’t, you won’t be able to cast on your TV.

Things you can do

Using Chromecast, you can cast photos, television shows cast enabled applications, but also movies and more from your iPad, iPhone, Android tablet and Android phone. If you want, you can also cast entire tabs or websites from the Chrome browser on Chromebooks, Macs, and Windows machines.

Even though it’s not required, you can get the Cast extension so you can install the Cast icon in your browser. Once installed, you can click it and then choose the Chromecast enabled device you’d like to cast to. In just a few seconds, the content will be displayed on your TV.

Note: You don’t need a remote control nor is there a UI, meaning that you can control the app by just using your computer or mobile phone. Newer versions of the app now allow users to cast their Android screen to their TV.

What websites and applications are Cast-enabled?

Apps

Enjoying your mobile apps on a TV has never been easier. You can choose whether you want to use your tablet or mobile device as a remote control and control everything from volume to playback. If you’re curious and would like to know exactly what apps are compatible with Chromecast, below is a list of the most popular ones:

1. BBC iPlayer.
2. Pandora.
3. Twitch.
4. PBS Kids.
5. YouTube.
6. Google Photos.
7. Watch ESPN.
8. Hulu.
9. HBO Now.
10. Spotify.
11. Netflix and more!

When it comes to casting, you have many options to consider, yet using Chromecast to share photos and videos from your mobile device is definitely a lot more convenient and fun!

Websites

Many websites are already Cast enabled, with some of the more popular examples including Google Play Music, Google Play Movies, Netflix, YouTube, and more. According to Google, new websites are being added all the time. To check if a website is Cast enabled, all you have to do is see whether it has a Cast button within its video player. Even if a website is not yet Cast enabled, you can still view content on your TV by using the Cast extension.

Why should you use Chromecast?

Experiencing things on a larger display accounts for a much more immersive experience. For instance, let’s say that you’re out with friends and you found a really funny video on YouTube that you’d like to share with everyone. Instead of having everyone huddled around your phone, you can use Cast to share the content on your big screen TV so everyone can enjoy it. In a similar way, let’s say you found a great website and want to show it to your friends. Instead of having them crowding around your laptop, you can use Chromecast to cast the website to your TV.

As you can see, there are many benefits to using Google Chromecast. From sharing photos with your friends and family to entire websites on your TV, Chromecast helps you go big when going big matters. On top of that, it’s easy to use and cheap, too!

The post What is Chromecast? Setup, Requirements and How-To’s appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Tupil has today released Beamer 3.0, a major upgrade to their Mac OS X video streaming app that allows users to stream any video file from a Mac to any Apple TV, Chromecast or Google Cast-supported HDTV. Version 3.0 brings a redesigned interface, improved playlist controls, new sound playback and subtitle options, quick selection of playback options and support for Chromecast devices.

The app also allows users to fast-forward, reverse, or completely skip to the next movie using the Apple TV Remote.

Beamer is a ‘drag, drop & watch’ solution, which means that you don’t need to convert files to the “right” fileformat – the app handles it for you on the fly. Simply drag and drop a movie file and start watching immediately.

Beamer is compatible with the new Apple TV and does not require any app to be installed on the Apple TV.

Here’s the complete list of new features in Beamer 3.0:

* Now supports playback to Google Cast devices, such as Chromecast
* Supports the fourth-generation Apple TV
* Use the Apple TV Remote to skip to the next movie by double-clicking the play button
* Modern, redesigned interface
* More controls are available from the playback window
* Options to automatically select subtitles and audio tracks of a certain language
* Option to set Beamer to automatically use a surround soundtrack when available
* Set a playlist or a movie to repeat automatically
* Improved automatic subtitle selection
* Improved color accuracy for movies using the bt709 color matrix
* Detects more subtitle tracks in VOB files
* Updated transcoding backend
* Numerous performance and stability improvements

Beamer requires OS X Yosemite or later and is compatible with Apple TV 2/3/4 and Chromcast 1st/2nd generation.

Beamer 3.0 is sold at $19.99 USD  and is available through the Beamer website. Existing Beamer 2 owners can upgrade via Beamer’s unique “Pay What You Want” upgrade program.

Also read:

• AirParrot 2: the ultimate companion app for Apple TV 4
• MAME emulator running on Apple TV 4
• Official Plex app for Apple TV released
• How Apple is fixing what’s wrong with console gaming today

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Beamer updated to version 3.0, now compatible with Apple TV 4 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

If you got a new Apple TV but you find native AirPlay mirroring in OS X too limited or you own a Windows or Chromebook machine, you may want to check out AirParrot 2. It’s the go-to app for all of your mirroring and streaming needs.

AirParot 2 allows you to wirelessly send your Mac/PC screen or media files to Apple TV. Among the main features are:

• Specific window or app mirroring
• Ability to mirror to multiple devices simultaneously
• Ability to stream audio around the house to AirPlay-enabled speakers
• Mirroring support to Apple TV, Chromecast and Reflector
• High-quality streaming for video and audio files (5.1 Surround Sound, 1080p mirroring)
• Compatibility with every mirroring-enabled generation of Apple TV

Check out our review of AirParrot.

Related articles:

• Pangea releases five tvOS games with support for 3DTV
• MAME emulator running on Apple TV 4
• VLC coming to the new Apple TV
• tvOS not coming to Apple TV 2 and Apple TV 3
• How Apple is fixing what’s wrong with console gaming today

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post AirParrot 2: the ultimate companion app for Apple TV 4 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Beamer, a popular AirPlay video player for Mac, has been updated to version 3.0 (public beta) that features a brand new interface, sub/idx file support, option to skip movies with the Apple TV remote and support for Chromecast.

Here’s what’s new in Beamer 3:

• Chromecast support

Beamer 3.0 supports streaming directly to Chromecast.

This includes subtitle support for all formats supported by Beamer: external files, embedded in movies, text based, picture based.

• Redesigned interface

A new, modern interface that makes commonly accessed options such as selecting the audio track or subtitles easier.

Integrated in the player window is a queue. The queue also includes a history when you scroll up, so it’s easy to see what you watched previously and put it back into the queue.

• Skip movies with the Apple TV remote

Skip to the next movie in the queue by double-clicking the play button on the Apple remote. Just like skipping a track with the Apple headphones clicker.

• Improved subtitle support

In addition to subtitle files such as SubRip (.srt) and MPL, Beamer 3.0 also supports BluRay (.sup) and DVD (.sub/.idx) subtitles as external files.

Beamer is a ‘drag, drop & watch’ solution. You don’t need to convert files to the “right” file format – the app handles it for you on the fly. Simply drag and drop a movie file and start watching immediately.

Beamer 3 also supports HQ streaming (1080p, 5.1 Surround Sound). The app streams video directly so it will be played natively on Apple TV and Chromecast. The developers promise no glitches, clicks, pops or other shenanigans.

The video looks just as good as it would on your desktop.

Read our review of Beamer.

For existing Beamer 2 customers, Beamer 3 is a free upgrade. Beamer 3 will cost $19.99, but during the beta it can be purchased for only $15.

Beamer requires OS X Yosemite (10.10) or later.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Beamer 3 released with redesigned interface, improved support for subtitles and Chromecast support appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV dominate streaming media device market in the U.S. with 86% of sales, according to a new report by Parks Associates. The analysts believe that “this market concentration will force new entrants to develop unique solutions in order to have an impact in this expanding ecosystem” and we’re sure we’re going to see such a “unique solution” on Sept. 9th.

“Roku continues to lead streaming media device sales in the U.S. with 34% of units sold in 2014. Google is second with 23%, and new entrant Amazon overtook Apple for third place,” said Barbara Kraus, Director of Research, Parks Associates.

The Streaming Media Device Landscape reports that nearly 20% of U.S. broadband households own at least one streaming media player, such as a Roku 3, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV. Eight percent own at least one streaming stick, such as a Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Roku’s HDMI Streaming Stick, while 2% own both form factors.

Roku devices are the most used among U.S. broadband households that own a streaming media device at 37%, followed by Google Chromecast at 19%, Apple TV at 17%, and Amazon Fire TV devices at 14%

The report estimates that 86 million streaming media devices will be sold globally in 2019.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Apple TV currently the fourth most popular streaming media device on the market appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Slides is Google’s answer to MS PowerPoint and Apple’s Keynote. It is cloud based and let’s you create presentations on the go, to be accessed from anywhere on any device. The Slides app for iOS just got updated with AirPlay support, making it more appealing to Apple TV users.

Once you start the slideshow over AirPlay, your iPhone or iPad screen turns into presenter’s best assistant. It shows a preview of your current slide on top and below that, you can have your notes for the presentation. You can also place a timer for each slide to make sure you stay within the allotted time limit.

When you’re up on the big screen, you can use your smaller screen to advance slides, view speaker notes and stay on track with a built-in timer. This way you can focus more on telling your story and engaging your audience…instead of on logistics.

The update also adds Google Cast support, which means you will be able to broadcast to Chromecast and Android TV as well, from the iOS app.

So if you are an avid Google user or would like to make use of Google Doc’s free 15 GB document storage, you can get the Google Slides app for iPhone and iPad from the App Store for free.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Google Slides iOS app updated with AirPlay support appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

AirParrot 2 highlights:

• Media streaming

The ability to stream video files adds an entirely new element to the formerly mirroring-only application. Users can now drag and drop their favorite movies, TV shows and other media files to begin streaming. When available, home theater users will enjoy 5.1 channel audio.

AirParrot 2 allows mirroring and streaming of audio only, too. It can now send audio files or audio from open applications to available receivers. Audio even plays in sync when sending to multiple receivers.

Streaming media is available to Chromecast, AirPlay-enabled speakers and traditional AirPlay receivers like Apple TV and Reflector.

• Multiple destination support

AirParrot 2 allows streaming and mirroring to more than one destination at the same time: Apple TV, AirPlay speakers, Chromecast – all at once. It works for both video and audio-only streaming.

• Chromecast support

AirParrot 2 is the first application to enable screen mirroring from a Mac or Windows computer to a Chromecast receiver.

• Bluetooth discovery/IP Connection/Quick Connect 

AirParrot 2 adds easier ways to connect to AirPlay receivers and Chromecast. Bluetooth discovery and patent-pending Quick Connect technology allow connections over complex and limited networks.

• Redesigned UI

AirParrot 2 includes an entirely new UI. Additions like a recently connected device list and new status bar are believed to “improve the overall experience and make wirelessly displaying content easy.”

AirParrot 2 is a paid upgrade. Original AirParrot users can upgrade at a discount through 11/26/2014 using the code AP2UPGRADE. New users can purchase AirParrot 2 for $14.99 from the Squirrels website.

We are already working on a review of a new version of AirParrot. Meanwhile, you can read our in-depth review of the previous version.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post AirParrot 2 for Mac and Windows released with media streaming, Chromecast support, improved performance and redesigned UI appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Most of you, Apple TV Hacks readers, are probably familiar with AirParrot, a little pice of software for Mac, Windows and Chrome OS that takes AirPlay mirroring to the next level. AirParrot lets you wirelessly mirror your Mac, PC or Chromebook’s screen to your Apple TV, all without any additional hacks or jailbreaks.

You can read our full review of AirParrot here.

AirParrot is brought to you by Squirrels, the developer of other popular apps – Reflector and Slingshot.

Partnering with Squirrels, we’re giving away three Super Prize packs! Each will contain:

The post Giveaway: win a free copy of AirParrot and Reflector, T-shirts, water bottles, mugs and more, courtesy of Squirrels appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.