Google Chromecast feedback thread

DrJohnZoidberg

DrJohnZoidberg

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Would like to hear what people think of their Chromecasts and in what setup you use it.

I was a bit disappointed at first but it's starting to grow on me now that I know it's not going to replace my Roku 3.

Some annoying things I've noticed on my side:

1. DNS settings cannot be changed on the device (without rooting). To use DNS services like Unotelly you have to redirect DNS traffic on your router to the appropriate servers, if you can even do this on your router.
2. Netflix doesn't seem to want to stream at 1080p. My Roku plays perfect 1080p.
3. It doesn't support the new wifi ac standard, I guess for the price it's okay but you would think in 2013 they would have included this.

Some nice things:

1. Casting browser tabs. This is sweet.
2. Youtube casting is seamless and works extremely well from any smart phone or tablet.
3. Doesn't hog resources from the device you're casting from.
4. Very low power consumption and no footprint. Switches off when you turn the TV off.
5. Quite affordable (although still pricier in SA).

If anybody is looking to get one I would say that it's nice to supplement your setup and shouldn't be used as your primary player if you are serious about media.
 
I got mine today and not too impressed. But like you, maybe it needs to grow on me.

Are you going to sell your Roku 3? I am in need of a fifth one and will take it off your hands for you?
 
Compton_effect said:
To be honest - planning to use the Chromecast as a second entertainment device.
But my first - a WD TV Live - is not living up to its expectations. Thinking of selling it and getting a Roku.
Click to expand...

I am going going to use my Chromecast on the bar TV for now seeing as DrJohnZoidberg won't sell me his Roku :( Going to hunt for a Roku for the bar still.
Chromecast will be handy for holidays though.

Used to have 4 WDTV's. All replaced with Roku's. The Roku is a much better device dude.
 
Mike Smit said:
I am going going to use my Chromecast on the bar TV for now seeing as DrJohnZoidberg won't sell me his Roku :( Going to hunt for a Roku for the bar still.
Chromecast will be handy for holidays though.

Used to have 4 WDTV's. All replaced with Roku's. The Roku is a much better device dude.
Click to expand...

Sigh. I know. Hence the sale
 
Mike Smit said:
I am going going to use my Chromecast on the bar TV for now seeing as DrJohnZoidberg won't sell me his Roku :( Going to hunt for a Roku for the bar still.
Chromecast will be handy for holidays though.

Used to have 4 WDTV's. All replaced with Roku's. The Roku is a much better device dude.
Click to expand...

Do you just have the latest model? Or are the previous iterations acceptable?
 
akescpt said:
Do you just have the latest model? Or are the previous iterations acceptable?
Click to expand...

Of the Roku? If yes... I have 2 x Roku 2 XS's and 2 x Roku 3's.
Function wise they are identical. The 3 is definitely zippier though.

My only real requirement with the Roku 2 is ethernet which is why I got the XS models. Too much simultaneous streaming in my house to depend on wifi.
 
Mike Smit said:
Of the Roku? If yes... I have 2 x Roku 2 XS's and 2 x Roku 3's.
Function wise they are identical. The 3 is definitely zippier though.

My only real requirement with the Roku 2 is ethernet which is why I got the XS models. Too much simultaneous streaming in my house to depend on wifi.
Click to expand...

Yep. Distribution needs to be sorted out at home. I like openelec but no plex is becoming a bit if an obstacle.

This chromecast has plex as well. Decisions decisions.
 
akescpt said:
Yep. Distribution needs to be sorted out at home. I like openelec but no plex is becoming a bit if an obstacle.

This chromecast has plex as well. Decisions decisions.
Click to expand...

I used OpenElec on my Pi when I tried that route of streaming. It's nice and great if you have a single viewing area. I have multiple though (> 10) and having to hack each installation for a shared server was not for me.
I don't care for customising the UI as Plex suits me fine.
Setting up a new viewing environment now only entails hooking up a Roku, logging into my account, wait for apps to auto download and install based on my profile, and get streaming. So freaking simple and just works.

The Chromecast won't replace my Rokus. I still find the Roku simpler. It will be more of a convenience toy - like holidays. Will see how that works out.

If I was in your shoes having to flip between a Roku or a Chromecast with the intended purpose being Plex/Netflix/Hulu.. The Roku would win hands down.
 
Mike Smit said:
I used OpenElec on my Pi when I tried that route of streaming. It's nice and great if you have a single viewing area. I have multiple though (> 10) and having to hack each installation for a shared server was not for me.
I don't care for customising the UI as Plex suits me fine.
Setting up a new viewing environment now only entails hooking up a Roku, logging into my account, wait for apps to auto download and install based on my profile, and get streaming. So freaking simple and just works.

The Chromecast won't replace my Rokus. I still find the Roku simpler. It will be more of a convenience toy - like holidays. Will see how that works out.

If I was in your shoes having to flip between a Roku or a Chromecast with the intended purpose being Plex/Netflix/Hulu.. The Roku would win hands down.
Click to expand...

What kind of server would you need to do 5 1080p plex transcodes?
 
Doodler said:
What kind of server would you need to do 5 1080p plex transcodes?
Click to expand...

Plex on the Roku will play direct if it can, so not sure.
When I was using a microserver for plex it would choke at 2. Had zero issues since upgrading to the quad xeon.
Netflix is used more than plex on my house, so adsl takes more strain than the media server I reckon :D
 
Sorry to bring back an old thread but just have a few questions hoping someone with a Chromecast can answer before I purchase 2 of them.

I already have a Roku 3 and it will remain my primary device for Netflix, Plex, Hulu ect. I am only looking for something that will allow me to stream online sports from various websites and the like of NTV ect. I know for a fact Roku doesn't support this and doubt they ever will. Also have done the route by connecting HPMS to TV with XBMC and using keyboard and mouse to control but not a fan unfortunately.

My plan was to buy an Apple TV and then use Airplay to stream the streams from mac to Apple TV connected to TV. I know it will be an overkill but seemed the best option at the time until I remembered about Chromecast.

Chromecast will make alot more financial sense. Could someone please test a live stream streamed from a mac or pc to the Chromecast and let me know how it works?
 
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