[jtwrace]

I'm not quite sure if I can use this for what I need.  I need to be able to stream from my laptop (MBAir) to my TV. 

It will be online tutorials that are just not fun to watch on a computer. 

Will this do the trick?

Google Chromecast

[cab]

as long as you can open and view them in the google chrome browser, it works great.

[jtwrace]

as long as you can open and view them in the google chrome browser, it works great.

Does this mean you use one?

I'm watching it now with Google Chrome on my MBAir and thought it would be nice to have it on the TV.   


Are there any better options regardless of cost?

[low.pfile]

as Cab mentioned you need to use Google Chrome browser which allows you to stream a specific tab's content: video or static content.

I have a chromecast and it works as expected. I have used a macbook pro with Google Chrome. But mostly I have used it for streaming Netflix streaming from my iPad as I have old "non-smart" equipment.

Better options? it depends on what else you want it to do. Chromecast doesn't have all the apps of the more expensive devices.  oh a heads up....the Chromecast requires a little power, so another cable is either attached to a USB on your TV or a provided power adapter. They don't show this in the ads!

Apple TV does video mirroring from your Air but is $99 and you get more capabilities. it is really small. I am thinking of picking one up in the near future

[jtwrace]

I bought a Chromecast today and it's perfect for what I need.  I thought about the ATV but after reading some on it most said the Chromecast will do most of what you need for much less.  Also, I have always thought the ATV needs some major updates so perhaps I'll get one if/when they do that.  In the meantime, the Chromecast works great and is portable which is also a bonus. 


It took <5 min to plug in and configure with an update.   

[Doublej]

as long as you can open and view them in the google chrome browser, it works great.

Chromecast now has display mirroring capability. I tired it at a friend's house. It worked fine but using wireless g instead of n leads to choppy full screen video.

[jarcher]

Friend of mine got one……….and has been very unhappy + plans to return.  Says the A/V is so choppy it's useless.  He lives in a 850 sq ft apartment, though it does have thick concrete walls.  Don't know if he tried "N" or "G". 

In any case, would be good to have other's chime in on personal experience about it's performance.

[Alberto DeRoma]

I'm not quite sure if I can use this for what I need.  I need to be able to stream from my laptop (MBAir) to my TV. 

It will be online tutorials that are just not fun to watch on a computer. 

Will this do the trick?

Google Chromecast

Have it. Love it. Can't beat the price or convenience.

Alberto

[Doublej]

Friend of mine got one……….and has been very unhappy + plans to return.  Says the A/V is so choppy it's useless.  He lives in a 850 sq ft apartment, though it does have thick concrete walls.  Don't know if he tried "N" or "G". 

In any case, would be good to have other's chime in on personal experience about it's performance.

I tried video using G. It was very choppy. I have not tried it with N yet.

[kc8apf]

Are you trying video via casting from a browser tab or from an app like Netflix?  I've had poor performance and quality from casting a browser tab.  When I use YouTube or Netflix to cast directly, the quality is excellent.

[Doublej]

Are you trying video via casting from a browser tab or from an app like Netflix?  I've had poor performance and quality from casting a browser tab.  When I use YouTube or Netflix to cast directly, the quality is excellent.

I believe Netflix and Youtube are built into the Chromecast so when you stream these you go directly to the Chromecast from the source bypassing the computer. That's better than having a machine in the middle.

[Scott F.]

Could one of you guys clarify something about Chromecast for me please?


Somebody above mentioned that it now has the capability of screen mirroring. Does that mean you use it simply to surf the web via your Windows laptop and broadcast it to your big screen?


I use my Roku for streaming movies (Netflix, Amazon) but I'm looking for a device where, when I want to share website contents with my wife (or someone else), all I do is switch my input into my pre-pro and I can surf the web and broadcast it to my big screen from either my Windows laptop or Android pad.


I've tried several devices and none seem to work very well starting with the Logitech Revue (early Google TV), Boxee Box and finally the Vizio CoStar (modern Google TV). The best luck I've had is simply hooking my laptop up to the big screen via an HDMI cable then using a wireless keyboard and mouse. Trouble with that is the wireless range...plus it's a pain to connect and disconnect just to show my wife quick content from a single website.


TIA

[Doublej]

Could one of you guys clarify something about Chromecast for me please?


Somebody above mentioned that it now has the capability of screen mirroring. Does that mean you use it simply to surf the web via your Windows laptop and broadcast it to your big screen?


I use my Roku for streaming movies (Netflix, Amazon) but I'm looking for a device where, when I want to share website contents with my wife (or someone else), all I do is switch my input into my pre-pro and I can surf the web and broadcast it to my big screen from either my Windows laptop or Android pad.


I've tried several devices and none seem to work very well starting with the Logitech Revue (early Google TV), Boxee Box and finally the Vizio CoStar (modern Google TV). The best luck I've had is simply hooking my laptop up to the big screen via an HDMI cable then using a wireless keyboard and mouse. Trouble with that is the wireless range...plus it's a pain to connect and disconnect just to show my wife quick content from a single website.


TIA

Yes you can broadcast your laptop wireless to your big screen TV. The only thing you need on your Window PC is the Google Chrome browser with the free Chromecast plug in.

It's still a beta feature of Chromecast but worked fine when I used it.

[Scott F.]

Cool, thanks.


It's in my wishlist at Amazon