Streaming & "casting" newbie

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Bunbun

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Hi guys.
Probably been asked 1000 times before but this streaming / casing "virgin" needs help please.
I need someone to please explain to me like you would to a 10 year old exactly what I need and what the cheapest options are in order to play Showmax & Netflix on my TV via my android phone. Google chromecast at over R1000 seems a bit expensive to me.
I'd need an option that will allow me to watch episodes I've downloaded on the showmax app since I don't have sufficient data to live stream everything at home.
Low budget & easy peasy please

I have a non-smart , Samsung phone & am using a vodacom wifi modem for data.
Thx in anticipation
 
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Just buy a dedicated lit box etc. Yeah 1000+ but that's the best way and it includes chromecast
 
The truth hurts and the truth is, you will be pulling your hair out with any device sub 1k to cast from your phone..

Save the money over a few months and get a chrome cast..
 
A chrome cast is going to be your best bet in terms of managing your data too

That gives you the ability to download the shows on your phone from anywhere ie. When your on uncapped WiFi at some point in your day. Head home and cast it up to the TV. It’s freaking handy to have an also means your phone can service the TV while at the same time eliminating you from having the TV box registered as another device on your account.

If you looking for something more static then I would highly suggest looking at a Mibox which has a chrome cast built into it. Both are not cheap as mentioned but I promise you it’s going to save you the pain and struggles in the future.
 
Thx so much guys, I appreciate the help.
One last question .... can I get any chromecast or do you recommend a specific model.
Google chrome 3rd gen for example...?
Im assuming an "anycast" isn't a good option?
Thx
 
Bunbun said:
Thx so much guys, I appreciate the help.
One last question .... can I get any chromecast or do you recommend a specific model.
Google chrome 3rd gen for example...?
Im assuming an "anycast" isn't a good option?
Thx
Click to expand...

Get the authentic Chrome Cast rather, buying cheap now is always expensive in the end.

The model all depends on the life you want to get out of it. If you can get the 4K Chromecast you would ensure the thing has plenty of life in it and great for when/if you have a 4K TV obviously. Really maximizes the investment and is slightly “speeder” than the previous gen.

If you happy with the simple 1080p then the previous gen to that will be sufficient for you. In the end they do the same thing ultimately it’s just down to the visual aspect.
 
Cheapest option would be Chromecast device, buy a proper Google device tho, not one of the el cheapo's. Save yourself a lot of frustration, and then getting the real macoy later, because your hair is starting to get very thin.

Better option, but more expensive is to get a Mi-Box, Telkom LIT box or Emantic box. The Telkom one has gotten rather dear, and does not go on special. Tho you might get it as part of a Telkom internet deal for free.

Do it properly first time, and enjoy for a long long time, unless you enjoy tears of frustration, and despair.
 
www.express.co.uk

Chromecast users could soon see an impressive new Netflix design

IF YOU use a Google Chromecast to binge your favourite Netflix shows and films, you'll be pleased to know that a shiny new design is on the way that could make your next movie marathon a lot more enjoyable.
www.express.co.uk www.express.co.uk

Chromecast users are about to see a massive Netflix redesign


------------------

This really looks fantastic and makes the Chromecast experience even better. A bit like having an onscreen device like an Android TV box.

I might even subscribe to Netflix!

I hope DStvNow and Showmax are watching.
 
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9to5google.com

Google lowering Chromecast Ambient Mode quality temporarily to save bandwidth

Google is set to lower the quality of Chromecast Ambient Mode slideshow quality temporarily to ease the pressure on internet infrastructure.
9to5google.com 9to5google.com

Google is set to lower the quality of Chromecast Ambient Mode slideshow quality temporarily to ease the pressure on internet infrastructure.

We’ve seen Google reduce quality on quite a few of its products now including Nest video, YouTube video defaults, Hangouts, plus a few more. The Chromecast Ambient Mode photo slideshow mode is the latest product to get a quality dip as the internet reels from increased usage due to global COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown (via Android Police).

In a dedicated support post, the Chromecast team confirmed that the rotation speed of Ambient Mode on Chromecast devices and even smart displays will slow and the resolution of images will decrease over the coming days to help ease internal home internet speeds as well as overall network strain.
 
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