How to use the Chromecast feature on your TV – setup step by step

Chromecast (Google Cast) allows you to fully view videos from the Internet or any other user content on the big screen. To use it, you need to know how to properly set up the broadcast. This device provides high quality video and sound and will allow you to enjoy your content.

What is Chromkast

This device is connected to the HDMI connector of the TV. Chromecast receives content over WiFi from home devices: computer, phone or tablet. This device is simple and reliable. Its use does not create difficulties for the user. To use Chromecast, you need to install a dedicated app. The prefix first appeared in 2013. The following versions were created in 2015 and 2018. In the first version, the device could operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency range, but 5.0 GHz was not available to it. In the second version, released in 2015, this flaw was corrected. Chromecast can now work in both frequency bands. https://youtu.be/9gycpu2cTnY

Second generation Chromecast

Chromecast 2 allows you to view video streams from various services, as well as play video, audio files and user images. Chrome cast 2 can directly display the content of pages opened in the Google Chrome browser. The device has a mini-USB connector for power connection. The package includes a cable with mini-USB and USB connectors. The first is inserted into the device. The second is in the USB connector of the TV or in the power adapter connected to the outlet.
Chromecast support [/ caption] There is a Reset button directly on the device. It can be pressed in case the setting is made with errors. As a result, the parameters will be reset to their initial values. Pressing should be long – it should be done for several seconds. Video content is broadcast in the background. If it is running, the user can simultaneously use the gadget for other purposes. Services are handled in a similar way. For example, the following will consider how to view a video from Youtube.

Working with Youtube

The choice of the video is done from the smartphone. To do this, go to the site and select the video of interest to the user. You need to run it. At the top there is an icon representing a rectangle and concentric arcs. After clicking on it, a question will be asked about where the user wants to view the broadcast. You need to select Chromecast, after which the video will be broadcast on the TV. In the process of broadcasting from a smartphone, you can control the viewing of a video: you can, for example, stop, disable or skip it.

How to stream content from the Chrome browser

It is possible to display the contents of Google Chrome tabs. To do this, you need to install the Chromecast extension on your browser. After that, a button will appear, depicting a rectangle with concentrated arcs in the corner. To see the page on the TV screen, you need to click on it. A form will appear on which click on the “Start casting” button. The tab can then be viewed on the large screen. In this case, not only the image will be transmitted, but also the sound. Users note that there is a delay of 1-1.5 seconds when transferring the page content. However, the animation is smooth.

Streaming user content

Certain apps can be used to stream content to Chromecast. In the Android operating system, for example, ES File Explorer has such a function. On iOS, InFuse can do this. To perform the broadcast, just use the “Send” option, and then select the Chromecast. Thus, you can watch video, listen to audio content or view pictures. How to use chromecast built in on TV – detailed overview: https://youtu.be/O-T0gA3mNaA

Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra

The third model, released in 2018, is equipped with a new processor. It was named Chromecast Ultra. The first two models could only work using a wireless connection. The latest version also has a mini-USB connector for connecting a power supply. It has a port for connecting wired internet.
Chromecast Ultra [/ caption]

Miracast vs Chromecast what’s the difference?

Miracast is a content streaming technology used by Chromecast. However, it has additional features that are not used here – for example, transferring data in both directions. Miracast is built into newer versions of Windows. This technology allows you to transfer the screen image to another gadget. At the same time, Chromecast streams content only to the TV. Miracast does not require internet access. He is able to independently create a wireless connection with the desired gadget. However, it is only capable of displaying a screen and is not a TV player. Chromecast is specialized but offers superior functionality and quality.

What devices support Google Chromecast

Smartphones, tablets or computers can work with Chromecast by connecting via WiFi. To access, you need applications that support the corresponding options.

Customization

If you have a smartphone running the Android operating system, the setting is as follows:

1. You need to connect the set-top box to the TV, then turn it on.
2. On a smartphone, go to http://google.com/chromecast/setup.
3. You need to download and install the specified application.
4. After launching it, it will scan for WiFi networks. The Chromecast wireless network will be detected.
5. A page with a button for installation will open. Press the Set up button.
6. You need to wait until the connection is established.
7. A code consisting of four characters will be shown on the TV screen. It should be displayed on the smartphone screen. The user must confirm whether he sees it. To do this, you need to click on the appropriate button.
8. You will be given the option to enter your name for the Chromecast.
9. Now you need to connect the device to an active wireless network by entering its name and security key.

This completes the initial setting of the parameters. A message about this will appear on the smartphone screen. A ready-to-use message will also appear on the TV screen.
Setting chrome cast [/ caption]

Working with iOS

Configuration can also be done from an iOS device. To do this, you need to download and install the Chromecast app from the AppStore. The configuration is carried out in exactly the same way as for devices running Android. Youtube and other similar services on iOS can also work with Chromecast.

Apple TV features

The Chromecast and Apple TV are largely similar devices in terms of functionality. However, they operate in accordance with different principles.

Apple TV is a device with its own remote control. It provides working with an on-screen keyboard, launching your applications. It is able to integrate with other devices in accordance with the AirPlay protocol.

The user can not only broadcast video streams from various services, but also transmit media files for display or broadcast an image directly from the screen of the gadget. Chromecast is mainly focused on working with video streams. It transmits data to the device for broadcasting the selected video stream and can control its playback. In this case, the broadcast itself is organized by the Chromecast. Apple TV supports more streaming services compared to Cromecast. In particular, we are talking about Amazon Prime, HBO Go, Hulu Plus and some others. However, the latter, although more specialized, shows a better quality of work.

Possible problems and solutions

Sometimes, when setting up, the mobile gadget cannot find the device. This is because the signal is not strong enough. In this case, you need to come closer with your smartphone to the TV receiver. It is important to make sure that the wireless network you are using has sufficient signal strength. If this is not the case, then you need to make an appropriate adjustment. For example, change the parameters of the router or change its location. Sometimes simple ways can help:

1. Switch the TV off and on.
2. Quit the application and then start it again.

Poor playback of streaming services may be due to slow Internet connections. For example, if a video from Youtube does not load well, then the quality can be switched to a lower one. To avoid this, you can wait while the video is buffered or manually switch it to a higher quality. If the TV screen remains black, you need to check the connection of the set-top box. You need to open the settings and make sure that the correct port is used as the source of the video stream.