Chromecast Apps Discussion - READ FIRST POST!!!

BionicRasher · 26-08-2014 5:23pm

Ludo wrote: »

Well I just store everything on a laptop (big enough hard drive for now) and it acts as the plex media server. I don't have a NAS but list of Plex supported ones here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MfYoJkiwSqCXg8cm5-Ac4oOLPRtCkgUxU0jdj3tmMPc/edit

I can play from the laptop itself via a web browser or the Plex app on android devices also connects to this server and can play on the device itself or cast it to any chromecast it sees It was trivial to set up to be honest and I got the app for 50p in a sale on amazon (3 quid normally).

Only minor issue is having to have the laptop on but that is really minor as it is on nearly all the time anyway. The kids (6 years old) are even using it now to watch their cartoons on instead of the media player I used to use. The interface very nice looking yet simple to use.

It was very cheap to set up with one chromecast initially and see if it is worthwhile. I was considering getting a new media player at the time and chanced this instead...very happy with it obviously as I got 2 more chromecasts and the old media player hasnt been switched on since.

OK thanks
So from what I gather the ideal set up may be as follows

Dedicated tablet (cheapo tab would do) with Plex app installed
Chromecast in the TV
Plex installed on a NAS (or a PC/Laptop etc)

Tablet will see the media stored on the Plex server and you can then cast from the tablet to the TV

Of course you could exclude the tablet if you just want to use your phone etc but I dont allow the kids to have my phone and they dont have their own yet

Ludo · 26-08-2014 5:28pm

Yep....that is exactly what I have. Tis very simple. Tablet and phone both have the app...like you say, kids use the tablet rather than the phone.

dregin · 26-08-2014 5:29pm

You cast from the media server to the TV. Not the tablet.

Ludo · 26-08-2014 5:48pm

dregin wrote: »

You cast from the media server to the TV. Not the tablet.

You can "cast" the media on the pc to the tablet if you want from the phone.

i.e.
movie sitting on pc hard drive which is the plex media server. Use the phone to browse your plex library from the pc...from the phone cast it to the tablet so it actually plays there. Not sure why you would want to do it but you can if you want to so it is not just to the tv.

One thin you dont appear to be able to do it cast from the laptop directly to the phone or tablet...they dont appear as players on the laptop. or vice versa. The phone and tablet can see each other as valid players to cast to as well as the tv.

blocparty · 26-08-2014 7:15pm

has anyone here built an app for the Chromecast or investigated the SDK?

Would be interested to know as I would love to develop something for it and am wondering how different building an Android and Chromecast app are

FYI im not building an illegal app

ThisRegard · 26-08-2014 8:38pm

droidman123 wrote: »

Yes you can,but you must be on chrome browser and get the cast extension.it works perfectly.

I think he may mean he wants the Chromecast to act as a second monitor as in a dual monitor setup, as opposed to just mirroring what's on one screen.

BionicRasher · 26-08-2014 8:50pm

dregin wrote: »

You cast from the media server to the TV. Not the tablet.

You need an intermediary I would assume. The tablet is the media browser / remote control.

You have movies on a nas and the chromecast can't see that directly (or can it? Correct me if I'm wrong)
So you need plex to serve the movie to the tablet and from there you cast the movie to the chromecast.

dahat · 26-08-2014 9:09pm

Does the Chromecast have to be unused to be rooted?

Ludo · 26-08-2014 9:11pm

BionicRasher wrote: »

You need an intermediary I would assume. The tablet is the media browser / remote control.

You have movies on a nas and the chromecast can't see that directly (or can it? Correct me if I'm wrong)
So you need plex to serve the movie to the tablet and from there you cast the movie to the chromecast.

The chromecast can see the NAS directly (in a way). In your scenario above once the movie starts playing on the chromecast, you can turn off the tablet...the chromecast is effectively streaming directly from the pc/nas. The tablet is now only a remote control in that scenario to set up the stream between the server and whatever player is showing it (be it a chromecast or another android device).

corkie · 26-08-2014 9:15pm

dahat wrote: »

Does the Chromecast have to be unused to be rooted?

Not with the latest hack, but the method needs a teensy device to root it.
And as long as it hasn't updated past 17977 and is currently on that version or not update(unused out of the box)

See here

BionicRasher · 26-08-2014 9:17pm

Ludo wrote: »

The chromecast can see the NAS directly (in a way). In your scenario above once the movie starts playing on the chromecast, you can turn off the tablet...the chromecast is effectively streaming directly from the pc/nas. The tablet is now only a remote control in that scenario to set up the stream between the server and whatever player is showing it (be it a chromecast or another android device).

So it's not really seeing it directly you need the man in the middle to allow plex to cast to chromecast. That man in the middle being a tablet (or phone too)

Ludo · 26-08-2014 10:17pm

BionicRasher wrote: »

So it's not really seeing it directly you need the man in the middle to allow plex to cast to chromecast. That man in the middle being a tablet (or phone too)

Yes...something needs to act as the controller to initiate the stream (phone, tablet or pc). After the stream starts they are not really needed...they are just remote controls at that point.

The chromecast is seeing the server directly in that it streams directly from it once started...there is no middleman passing the stream along.

dahat · 26-08-2014 10:46pm

corkie wrote: »

Not with the latest hack, but the method needs a teensy device to root it.
And as long as it hasn't updated past 17977 and is currently on that version or not update(unused out of the box)

See here

Mine updated as soon as I used it, unsure what version is on it, will have to check it out.

dahat · 27-08-2014 12:35am

For those who may wish to delve into the dark side, Youporn via your browser has casting in it.

A mate told me earlier............

irishpancake · 27-08-2014 3:21am

BionicRasher wrote: »

You need an intermediary I would assume. The tablet is the media browser / remote control.

You have movies on a nas and the chromecast can't see that directly (or can it? Correct me if I'm wrong)
So you need plex to serve the movie to the tablet and from there you cast the movie to the chromecast.

You are serving/streaming media from your NAS, which should have the Plex Media Server s/w installed, and which transcodes CC unsupported media if necessary, to your Chromecast.

Using either the Plex PC App [Free] the Plex Android App [Not Free] you can select and control your media, but the streaming is from the NAS to the CC.

You can of course also choose to stream media to your Android device, or your PC/Laptop with the Plex Apps.

Chromecast is working in exactly the same way via Plex, as it would streaming content via your Internet connection directly to your CC, from YT, or HuLu, Netflix, etc....the many CC enabled Content Providers.

BionicRasher · 27-08-2014 6:53am

irishpancake wrote: »

You are serving/streaming media from your NAS, which should have the Plex Media Server s/w installed, and which transcodes CC unsupported media if necessary, to your Chromecast.

Using either the Plex PC App [Free] the Plex Android App [Not Free] you can select and control your media, but the streaming is from the NAS to the CC.

You can of course also choose to stream media to your Android device, or your PC/Laptop with the Plex Apps.

Chromecast is working in exactly the same way via Plex, as it would streaming content via your Internet connection directly to your CC, from YT, or HuLu, Netflix, etc....the many CC enabled Content Providers.

What I am trying to say is that the Chromecast can't see the NAS directly. As in... I turn on the telly and fire up the chromecast channel but I can't see the files on the NAS. I need to get the tablet (or phone or PC) with plex installed to see the files. Once I start the cast or stream then the tablet etc can be taken out of the equation and the NAS and chromecast do all the work.
Just trying to understand if that's the case as local media is important in this house!

Are there other apps similar to Plex? I know I have PlayTo installed and it can send stuff to my Roku.

Ludo · 27-08-2014 8:45am

BionicRasher wrote: »

What I am trying to say is that the Chromecast can't see the NAS directly. As in... I turn on the telly and fire up the chromecast channel but I can't see the files on the NAS. I need to get the tablet (or phone or PC) with plex installed to see the files. Once I start the cast or stream then the tablet etc can be taken out of the equation and the NAS and chromecast do all the work.
Just trying to understand if that's the case

Correct.

BionicRasher wrote: »

as local media is important in this house!

Not sure what this means to be honest.

BionicRasher · 27-08-2014 9:14am

Ludo wrote: »

Not sure what this means to be honest.

Means we have lots of Movies, Music and Photos in the house so local files are important and we like to be able to access and play them on the TVs around the house

Ludo · 27-08-2014 11:43am

BionicRasher wrote: »

Means we have lots of Movies, Music and Photos in the house so local files are important and we like to be able to access and play them on the TVs around the house

ah right yeah...that is what I do..all stored on the laptop.

I use the chromecasts for netflix also but not that often...mainly for streaming local content.

gerrybbadd · 27-08-2014 2:09pm

I've just bought my 2nd Chromecast - fantastic little device. Gonna try Plex out on it later too. I've hundreds of movies on the laptop ready for streaming

irishpancake · 27-08-2014 3:01pm

BionicRasher wrote: »

Means we have lots of Movies, Music and Photos in the house so local files are important and we like to be able to access and play them on the TVs around the house

CC itself, the device, is quite dumb, as in there is not much native support for what you are asking.

The CC app was only intended as a method for initial Wi-Fi setup, your local network, and controlling and facilitating those CC enabled apps, like YT and Netflix, etc, those with the "casting icon".

There is no streaming to the control device, as in media streaming.

When Google released the SDK for independent devs, there was then scope for adding stuff not originally intended (allegedly) with 3rd party apps, which can implement extra functionality,like streaming local media, where ever stored, which now includes DLNA enabled servers like Plex, cloud storage like Dropbox and G Drive, G Plus, now natively enabled by latest update.

All Cast lead the way, and Bubble UPnP, and LocalCast.

These could only work with media files which CC supported initially, but there is now transcoding available, somewhat limited, I like Bubble best, tbh.

It has also got a media server, you pay for, but gives much more functionality.

But Plex is very smooth and gas all the functionality needed to stream local content to CC, particularly with the free Web App on your PC or NAS. There is also an Android version, which has all the functionality to allow streaming to any CC in your Local Network.

Google added screen mirroring to the native CC App recently, but it requires quite a high band with local network, and is, IMO, unsuitable for streaming video.

Hope this helps.

irishpancake · 27-08-2014 3:32pm

Ludo wrote: »

ah right yeah...that is what I do..all stored on the laptop.

I use the chromecasts for netflix also but not that often...mainly for streaming local content.

I think, my personal opinion, you are missing the point of CC, which was intended for streaming Internet based content. You pay for Netflix, but use it sparingly??

And there is a way to stream, for example, BBC iPlayer content, which is also CC enabled, so needs no 3rd party app.

There is also can unmentionable way to stream other, more recent movie and show content, if you are so minded.

Don't ask won't tell, OK.

Most BB plans now offer unlimited broadband, subject to fair usage.

I have dispensed with Sky altogether, we get all the content I need via the Internet and FTA TV.

For music, there is CC enabled Google Music and Pandora.

G plus is CC enabled for photos and video, using numerous 3rd party apps, also Dropbox.

I honestly believe that CC has started a revolution in how people will consume content in the coming years.

I have loads of local content stored on a laptop, and also accessible for streaming via Plex or Bubble, but I use it less and less. I think in future local storage will only be for really treasured stuff.

dinneenp · 27-08-2014 4:32pm

HI,
I'm on Meteor, PAYG with unlimited data.
If I have Google Chromecast and enable tethering I should be able to watch Netflix on my tv. correct or are there problems/issues?

Thanks,
Patrick.

corkie · 27-08-2014 5:33pm

dinneenp wrote: »

HI,
I'm on Meteor, PAYG with unlimited data.
If I have Google Chromecast and enable tethering I should be able to watch Netflix on my tv. correct or are there problems/issues?

Thanks,
Patrick.

You will need a second device to cast stuff from, because your tethered device won't be able to cast. Make sure tethering is allowed on your plan?

Ludo · 27-08-2014 7:51pm

irishpancake wrote: »

I think, my personal opinion, you are missing the point of CC, which was intended for streaming Internet based content. You pay for Netflix, but use it sparingly??

:rolleyes:

I am fully aware of its capabilities and intended purpose. I choose to use it in the best way that suits me the best...i.e streaming local files with Plex to replace media players I previously had. It has turned every tv into a player for any content...local and remote You make it sound like I am "doing it wrong" or something just because I use it a lot more for local rather than remote content.

Yes, I use Netflix sparingly as there isn't much to watch on it as far as I am concerned. The kids use it all the time which I why I have it but they use it via their WiiU for the most part.

irishpancake · 27-08-2014 8:21pm

Ludo wrote: »

:rolleyes:

I am fully aware of its capabilities and intended purpose. I choose to use it in the best way that suits me the best...i.e streaming local files with Plex to replace media players I previously had. It has turned every tv into a player for any content...local and remote You make it sound like I am "doing it wrong" or something just because I use it a lot more for local rather than remote content.

Yes, I use Netflix sparingly as there isn't much to watch on it as far as I am concerned. The kids use it all the time which I why I have it but they use it via their WiiU for the most part.

Ah no, you are perfectly entitled to use CC in any way that suits your personal preference.

I am sorry if you took my comments that way, it was just intended to be constructive, and hopefully informative, commentary for all users on the thread, and in no way meant to personally critical of you, which I hope you accept??

I did say "my personal opinion", shown in the quote?? And that remains, without wishing to cause offence.

I agree on your Netflix point, and even though I have US Netflix, the differences are narrowing. However, some of their own stuff is really good, thinking of Breaking Bad, House of Cards, OITNB, The Killing.

Just finished Happy Valley, a gritty, UK police drama, starring Sarah Lancashire in a tough role which is exceedingly good.

Of course, new current, content is available on the other app!!

Again sorry, I did not mean to offend. OK??

Ludo · 27-08-2014 8:55pm

No worries.
I have US netflix and all the various unmentionable methods of watching things. I have seen all the shows you mentioned above also..tv addict ya see :-)
Must check out Happy valley. Thanks for the tip. Sorry for reacting like I did.

_Whimsical_ · 28-08-2014 2:04pm

Completely off topic but Happy Valley is fantastic!

irishpancake · 28-08-2014 8:39pm

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

Completely off topic but Happy Valley is fantastic!

For me, "was" fantastic, but I believe, more to come?? [Sorry OT again]

Couldn't agree more though, as The Guardian said:

Sarah Lancashire has hit a remarkable streak of acting form, having taken the best supporting actress Bafta award this year for her performance in Last Tango in Halifax, which is also written by Wainwright. This troubled grandmother, though, is her best performance yet, reaching with perfect pitch all of the script's demandingly contradictory notes of tragedy, comedy, love, guilt, weakness and courage........

But the violence can be justified by the series' recurrent theme of violence, physical and mental, suffered by women.

Surely pointedly, Cawood's daughter, dead in despair at 18, is buried in the Heptonstall cemetery that holds the grave of the poet Sylvia Plath.

Watch it!!!

_Whimsical_ · 29-08-2014 12:27am

irishpancake wrote: »

For me, "was" fantastic, but I believe, more to come?? [Sorry OT again]

!

Yup series 2 in the works although it's hard to imagine how it'll live up to last season! There's a thread over on the tv forum for us enthusiasts

robinph · 01-09-2014 10:36am

Is it possible to display a photo gallery from a PC onto chromecast without first having to upload it to Google+?

All the results that are popping up on search are going on about uploading the photos first, which is fine in some cases, but other times I just want to go through the directory essentially without uploading stuff online first.

Atomic Pineapple · 01-09-2014 11:29am

robinph wrote: »

Is it possible to display a photo gallery from a PC onto chromecast without first having to upload it to Google+?

All the results that are popping up on search are going on about uploading the photos first, which is fine in some cases, but other times I just want to go through the directory essentially without uploading stuff online first.

If you use something like Plex it lets you do this.

irishpancake · 01-09-2014 11:56am

Atomic Pineapple wrote: »

If you use something like Plex it lets you do this.

I would recommend Local Cast for local media now, no need for Plex for most stuff.

For CC supported fiile formats, or use handbrake s/w to convert.

EDIT: for clarity.....shares from Laptop/PC/NAS via smb [Windows sharing settings] or dlna [local media server needed].

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.stefanpledl.localcast

duffman85 · 02-09-2014 6:21pm

Looks like Now TV works with chromecast:

http://thenextweb.com/apps/2014/09/02/skys-now-tv-app-android-ios-lets-watch-big-screen-via-chromecast/

irishpancake · 03-09-2014 3:00pm

duffman85 wrote: »

Looks like Now TV works with chromecast:

http://thenextweb.com/apps/2014/09/02/skys-now-tv-app-android-ios-lets-watch-big-screen-via-chromecast/

are there not still at least 2 problems with Now TV.

1. not for Ireland ( Officially, via Play)

2. Won't work on rooted devices.

corkie · 08-09-2014 12:38pm

Chromecast build 19084 seems pretty hosed.

If you receive this build, do NOT factory reset your Chromecast. This will possibly turn it into a paperweight, as it will no longer connect to wifi networks, and will not be able to update itself to a newer/fixed build.

Quote from Koushik Dutta on google+

Also if your hoping to root your chromecast with the latest method, do not let it update to this firmware.

mossie · 08-09-2014 4:19pm

I got the update to 19084 and I'm having serious issues with Netflix and Youtube among others. Playback stops part way through, then seems to buffer and then gives a message to say it can't continue playback. The chromecast app shows that the chromecast device is not on the network so it seems to be losing connection to the router.

gerrybbadd · 08-09-2014 4:43pm

My Chromecast started playing up the other night, not detecting the Wifi. Hadn't realsed it was the update was flawed!

irishpancake · 08-09-2014 5:37pm

mossie wrote: »

I got the update to 19084 and I'm having serious issues with Netflix and Youtube among others. Playback stops part way through, then seems to buffer and then gives a message to say it can't continue playback. The chromecast app shows that the chromecast device is not on the network so it seems to be losing connection to the router.

FYI, and related...

the latest Android Netflix update has also caused me no end of trouble, using Smart DNS, but just on the Android, videos will not stream locally, on your device...it times out, but they will stream to the Chromecast, when it is selected !!!

Of course, Chromecast is not Android, so there is a problem with the Android playback, and this is on three Android devices in my house, a moto g, a Nexus 7 and a Chinese Android tablet, all the same, after the latest Netflix update, and only when using my Smart DNS settings [US Netflix].....

my Smart DNS [SmartyDNS] provider says it is OK with them???

Weird or what??

mossie · 09-09-2014 7:39pm

Mine plays fine on my phone and tablet but on chromecast it keeps dropping the connection, buffering and disconnecting completely. The chromecast app shows the device is missing if the network every few minutes. Definitely a glitch in the update I think

_Whimsical_ · 09-09-2014 10:42pm

Is there a way to prevent it updating?

irishpancake · 10-09-2014 3:47am

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

Is there a way to prevent it updating?

I think by rooting, but the new f/w patched the root exploit, so I don't know.

I do know that my CC would not update via the hacked router, to allow Smart DNS, and I could not cast to it until I reverted the router to normal, i.e. no static routes for google DNS, 8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4

It updated straight away once I reconnected after return to normal.

I then reverted to my Smart DNS, and all was OK.....

except Netflix Android update via my provider SmartyDNS, [the old/previous Netflix still works!!!]

It is a problem with Smarty, coz I tried with a different provider, and AOK.

So, they are gettin the bums rush asap.

Ste05 · 10-09-2014 7:42am

How did you change the DNS settings on your Chromecast without Root??

_Whimsical_ · 10-09-2014 4:40pm

Ste05 wrote: »

How did you change the DNS settings on your Chromecast without Root??

You can't , you have to change the settings on your router instead.

irishpancake · 10-09-2014 5:51pm

Ste05 wrote: »

How did you change the DNS settings on your Chromecast without Root??

Why router do you have?

You need static routes set up, or a DD-WRT enabled router.....

http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index

I did a pictorial guide for the old eircom netopia somewhere here, I'll dig out a link if you need it, the process is easy.

_Whimsical_ · 11-09-2014 7:15pm

My chromecast updated today and since it has it's not working at all. It takes quite a bit of time to connect to my wireless network but once it does my phone cannot find it to cast anything to it. Everything from all cast,chromecast app and other apps we don't mention here cannot find it.

Anyone have any advice?

corkie · 11-09-2014 8:31pm

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

My chromecast updated today and since it has it's not working at all. It takes quite a bit of time to connect to my wireless network but once it does my phone cannot find it to cast anything to it. Everything from all cast,chromecast app and other apps we don't mention here cannot find it.

Anyone have any advice?

The most obvious thing to do would be to factory reset it. But don't be tempted because you could possibly end up with a paperweight (Not a good one at that).

Maybe try reconfiguring the network settings on the device.

Hopefully Google is working on another update to fix the bugs in this one.

_Whimsical_ · 11-09-2014 9:10pm

corkie wrote: »

The most obvious thing to do would be to factory reset it. But don't be tempted because you could possibly end up with a paperweight (Not a good one at that).

Maybe try reconfiguring the network settings on the device.

Hopefully Google is working on another update to fix the bugs in this one.

Thanks Corkie.
That's so disappointing! Mine is now completely useless but thankfully I resisted the reset. Google better get a move on with that update.

Ste05 · 12-09-2014 10:27am

irishpancake wrote: »

Why router do you have?

You need static routes set up, or a DD-WRT enabled router.....

http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index

I did a pictorial guide for the old eircom netopia somewhere here, I'll dig out a link if you need it, the process is easy.

Unfortunately, I have one of the Sky BroadBand routers and AFAIK you can't update the DNS on them, or certainly I wasn't able to find a simple way to do it last time I checked.

_Whimsical_ · 12-09-2014 2:05pm

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

My chromecast updated today and since it has it's not working at all. It takes quite a bit of time to connect to my wireless network but once it does my phone cannot find it to cast anything to it. Everything from all cast,chromecast app and other apps we don't mention here cannot find it.

Anyone have any advice?

Answering my own Q just in case this happens to anyone else.

I read that pulling the usb cable out for a few mins and then putting it back in can fix this problem and so far it seems to have worked for me, mine is again connecting to wifi and my phone can find it and cast to it.

Chromecast Apps Discussion - READ FIRST POST!!!

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