Though the Chrome cast isn't quite a year old, the device is quickly
becoming a staple in living rooms across the country. And, thanks to its
growing application support, it’s easy to see why. Capable of streaming
Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, and a host of other video and audio content, the Chrome cast is a worthwhile investment (Rs 3099) Available in Leading Online Stores for those
looking to ditch cable.
But aside from the staple video and Music streaming,
Google Chrome cast offers a bevy of useful features which can easily go
overlooked. From mirroring your full desktop on your television to turning on
your TV with a SmartPhone — or
even turning your TV into a lava lamp — there are plenty of tips and tricks you
can use to get the full Chromecast experience.
To help you master your Chromecast, we’ve put together a breakdown
of our favorite lesser-known features that allow you to get the most out of
your Google Chromecast. Also, check out why we picked the Google Chromecast is product of the year 2013 & the Chrome cast stacks up against the Roku 3 and Apple TV
Tips
and tricks for Google Chromecast
First things first: You’ll want to download the GoogleCast extension for your Google Chrome Browser via the Chrome
Web Store. This extension is what lets you to send content to your Chromecast
from your browser, and it’s crucial when executing many of the tips and tricks
listed below.
While not necessarily a tip or trick, we wanted to help you set up
your Chromecast in case you’re new to the product and just pulling it out of
the box. Here’s the essential equipment: a TV with an HDMI input, Wi-Fi
accessibility, and a computer, smart phone, or tablet with either Google’s
Chrome browser or the Chromecast app installed. Simply plug the device in to
your TV’s HDMI port, visit the Chromecast setup page to download the necessary app, and the
Chromecast will walk you through the rest.
Note: If after connecting your Chromecast to your Wi-Fi network,
you still can’t “see” the Chromecast from your Chrome browser casting extension
or compatible apps (such as Netflix), you may need to make some adjustments to
your Wi-Fi router. Visit the aforementioned Chromecast page for troubleshooting
help.
How to stream local videos
Although Chromecast
doesn’t work like an Apple TV or Roku, you can nonetheless stream videos stored
on your computer or network if Chrome supports the file type on your PC or Mac.
With a Chrome browser open, hit CTRL+O for PC or Command+O for Mac and locate
the video you wish to play. This gives you the option to choose local videos from an
installed hard drive, an external hard drive plugged in to your computer, and
some network locations.
Check out the natively supported file formats here or
move onto our next tip for playing additional file types.
Send
websites to your TV
Google Chromecast makes it easy to send web pages from the Chrome
browser to your TV via the device. While viewing a web page that you wish to
stream, click on the Cast this tab button in the Chromecast streaming menu
located on the right side of your address bar. The page you are viewing will
appear on your television. This function is also referred to as casting a tab.
Finding Chromecast supported apps Though you’re able to send almost anything to your TV via tab
casting there are Chromecast specific apps which offer improved streaming and
dedicated support. The list of compatible apps for the Chromecast continues to
grow and Google provides a list of these on its website.
How
to improve video playback by adjusting streaming quality
For those familiar
with streaming videos via YouTube or Netflix you’ve probably been stricken at
some point with buffering issues and loading screens. Chromecast works wonders
with streaming video from the Internet to your TV, but it’s not impervious to
buffering. Buffering and lag are usually a bigger problem if you have a poor
Wi-Fi connection or if the server from which you’re streaming has a high amount
of traffic. It’s possible to improve playback speeds, but it comes at the
expense of lower quality video. Just navigate to the Google Cast extension
options and set the Tab projection quality to Standard (48op) to switch to lower
resolution playback
How
to host YouTube parties
Playlists are among Chromecast’s notable features, which give you
the ability to set the order of YouTube videos that you wish to watch. Other
people on different mobile devices or computers can also contribute to the
YouTube queue, provided they’re on the same Wi-Fi network. Simply search for the
YouTube video you wish to watch, add it to the playlist, and just like that
you’ve created a YouTube party. This feature works with Android and iOS powered
devices.
How to make videos always play in full screen
How to make videos always play in full screen
This particular tip is useful when sending video from the Chrome
browser on your PC or Mac as opposed to casting video from your phone or
tablet. If you need to do something else on your computer but want to keep the
video you are streaming from the Chrome browser full screen, simply press
Alt+Tab to switch tasks. The video that was originally playing in full screen
when you switched tasks will continue to do so.
Use your smartphone to turn on your TV
Turning on your television with a remote control is a thing of the
past for Google Chromecast users. One of the device’s more unique features
allows it to turn on your TV and switch to the proper HDMI input as soon as you
start streaming videos or music from your smartphone or tablet.
The Google Chromecast uses the HDMI-CEC technology which most
newer televisions support and allows HDMI devices to power on those TVs.
Television manufacturers don’t always have this function turned on out of the
box, so you may have to do some searching around your TV’s settings to toggle
it on.
What’s more, not every television brand calls the CEC function the
same thing. For the more popular television manufacturers the names are as
follows: Samsung - Anynet+, Sony - Bravia Link or Bravia Sync,
Panasonic – Viera Link, LG
- Simplink, Toshiba - Regza Link.
To use this feature, first plug the Chromecast in using the
provided AC adapter as opposed to using a USB port to charge. This assures the
Chromecast is receiving power even with the television turned off. With the
proper CEC function turned on, start streaming music or video from your
smartphone to your Chromecast and your TV will turn on and display the correct
HDMI input for your content.
The Google Chromecast uses the HDMI-CEC technology which most
newer televisions support and allows HDMI devices to power on those TVs.
Television manufacturers don’t always have this function turned on out of the
box, so you may have to do some searching around your TV’s settings to toggle
it on.
What’s more, not every television brand calls the CEC function the
same thing. For the more popular television manufacturers the names are as
follows: Samsung - Anynet+, Sony - Bravia Link or Bravia Sync,
Panasonic – Viera Link, LG
- Simplink, Toshiba - Regza Link.
To use this feature, first plug the Chromecast in using the
provided AC adapter as opposed to using a USB port to charge. This assures the
Chromecast is receiving power even with the television turned off. With the
proper CEC function turned on, start streaming music or video from your
smartphone to your Chromecast and your TV will turn on and display the correct
HDMI input for your content.
and Finally How
to factory reset your Google Chromecast
In the event your Chromecast develops an issue you can’t seem to
get around or stops functioning entirely, there are a couple ways for you to
revert the device back to its factory settings. The first method involves
accessing the Settings menu
in the Chromecast application on your PC, Mac, or mobile device then selecting Restore Factory Settings. You
can also restore the factory settings manually on the device by holding down
the Chromecast’s physical button for 25 seconds.
Now a Days The Gadget like Google Chromecast is very helpful More better that Other Devices,
Plug and Play,
No configuration settings required ( Just Follow on screen Options ),
Easy to Use
User Friendly
Much more faster access experience than other devices,
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