The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: KatieSSS on August 13, 2013, 08:13:25 AM
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http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/#netflix
Has anyone tried Chromecast yet? I was thinking this could potentially save money for those who want to ditch cable and just do Internet, but keep accounts like Netflix or Hulu+. It is $35 and it allows you to use your TV to watch what you would watch on your laptop.
If you've used Chromecast, what is your experience with it? Easy to use? Piece of crap or awesome?
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Here's a couple links for you to chew on:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/08/you-get-the-dongle-you-pay-for-in-googles-chromecast/
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/07/trolling-with-chromecast-dongle-is-left-a-little-too-open-to-hijacking/
Personally, I think it's a clever idea that's lacking a lot of multimedia support (that may change), but I also think that you could potentially do far more with a $100 budget and an Android-based HTPC device like the G-Box Midnight (http://matricom.net/products/g-box-midnight-mx2/) (or a cheaper knock-off) loaded with XBMC (http://www.xbmc4android.com/).
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I've had my chromecast for about a week now. I really enjoy it. The ease of use is great, just select what I want to watch on netflix or google play movies on my phone and it shows up on my TV.
To start, its probably the easiest media extension for a TV. You plug it in, go to a website on your phone or wifi laptop, tell it your wifi password, and thats it.
Right now its functionality is somewhat limited. Only Netlfix, Google Play movies and music, and Chrome. But since it has chrome it allows you to stream (most) anything you are viewing a chrome browser (ie amazon instant video or prime).
There is a promising future though. Developers have shown it is able to stream movies off a network drive, off of dropbox, and directly off of your phone. While there are no other apps available Google did release a developer kit, so there will be more functionality in the future.
Here's to hoping it will get a native Amazon video app...not holding my breath though.
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If there is ever a device that ties into sports cheaper than the combined cost of the individual major leagues, then I'll consider dropping cable. Until then I am tied to it.
Of course, reading the latest MMM post regarding wasted hours makes me feel silly for watching it ;-)
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If there is ever a device that ties into sports cheaper than the combined cost of the individual major leagues, then I'll consider dropping cable. Until then I am tied to it.
Of course, reading the latest MMM post regarding wasted hours makes me feel silly for watching it ;-)
Live Major league sports will probably never move away from the Television networks, there is just to much money involved. Of course I have heard discussion and rumors for years that NFL could switch to a PPV model, which might allow for non-TV live viewing. I would imagine their viewership would drop considerably though.
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Here's a couple links for you to chew on:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/08/you-get-the-dongle-you-pay-for-in-googles-chromecast/
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/07/trolling-with-chromecast-dongle-is-left-a-little-too-open-to-hijacking/
Personally, I think it's a clever idea that's lacking a lot of multimedia support (that may change), but I also think that you could potentially do far more with a $100 budget and an Android-based HTPC device like the G-Box Midnight (http://matricom.net/products/g-box-midnight-mx2/) (or a cheaper knock-off) loaded with XBMC (http://www.xbmc4android.com/).
Based on those articles and some other things I've read about Chromecast, I think it might be best to wait and let the techies work out the kinks. I think it has great potential, and it is nice not to have to buy a chord to plug into your computer/TV.
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If there is ever a device that ties into sports cheaper than the combined cost of the individual major leagues, then I'll consider dropping cable. Until then I am tied to it.
Of course, reading the latest MMM post regarding wasted hours makes me feel silly for watching it ;-)
Live Major league sports will probably never move away from the Television networks, there is just to much money involved. Of course I have heard discussion and rumors for years that NFL could switch to a PPV model, which might allow for non-TV live viewing. I would imagine their viewership would drop considerably though.
I know. And the amount the networks pay for the rights to those is insane.
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+1 on the XMBC!
We have a dedicated laptop hooked up to our tv via HDMI cable and a wireless bluetooth keyboard/mouse (lenovo n5902) and installed XBMC (definitely recommend xbmchub.com and install the XBMC Hub Wizard.. installs all the cool add-ons and repositories automatically). Love the 1Channel add-on for streaming the tv shows we watch.
We also run IBM's BOINC agent on all 4 laptops in the house running the World Community Grid ( benefit humanity by creating the world's largest non-profit computing grid by donating surplus computing power of your computers ).. its a no-brainer if you leave your computer on 24/7/365
Still have Dish Network basic, but I never watch it with exception of live sports (which I COULD watch via XBMC, but with the 4g cell phone tether, HD it is not. We live out it the boonies, so no internet choices, but I am grandfathered into Verizon unlimited). Basically just have it to keep the significant other happy until she realizes we could stop using it.
I see Samsung advertising something lately as well that looks similar, but if you can get something to run XBMC to your TV, I would recommend going that route.
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We have a chromecast (my unMustachian roommate bought it!), and for $35 it's a pretty nifty thing. Hasn't replaced any of our existing technologies though (Playstation and WiiU are Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, HBO-ready, plus cable).
It does have the added benefit of a practical joke machine because you can control it with any Android device or chrome browser within range and switch videos on the poor, unfortunate soul using it. :)
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Just got one and we're pretty excited about it. We don't have cable and we live in an area that is poorly served by broadcast tv, so just the ability to go on pbs.org, find something to watch and have it on the tv instead of just the laptop is nice. I would certainly recommend it for anyone in that situation.
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I bought one for my brother as part of a larger setup, but from what I can tell it's mostly a wireless replacement for a stationary laptop or computer plugged in to your tv via a cord.
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I'm passing on this and continuing to use my $10 HDMI cable, which has allowed me to see what is on my laptop on my TV since maybe 2009. I don't get the hype around chromecast, but maybe I don't understand what it is supposed to do?
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I'm passing on this and continuing to use my $10 HDMI cable, which has allowed me to see what is on my laptop on my TV since maybe 2009. I don't get the hype around chromecast, but maybe I don't understand what it is supposed to do?
same thing, but without a cable.
b
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got a chance to test a chromecast last night. posted my thoughts here:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/journals/can-we-do-it-drop-directv/ (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/journals/can-we-do-it-drop-directv/)
bottom line - it's different than using a cable in that you can switch windows on your computer without changing what's streamed to your TV. fire up Netflix to the TV, then jump to XL or another website while watching the movie/show.
b
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Personally, I think it's a clever idea that's lacking a lot of multimedia support (that may change), but I also think that you could potentially do far more with a $100 budget and an Android-based HTPC device like the G-Box Midnight (http://matricom.net/products/g-box-midnight-mx2/) (or a cheaper knock-off) loaded with XBMC (http://www.xbmc4android.com/).
FWIW the OUYA is probably the best android based XBMC device out there at the moment.
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Personally, I think it's a clever idea that's lacking a lot of multimedia support (that may change), but I also think that you could potentially do far more with a $100 budget and an Android-based HTPC device like the G-Box Midnight (http://matricom.net/products/g-box-midnight-mx2/) (or a cheaper knock-off) loaded with XBMC (http://www.xbmc4android.com/).
FWIW the OUYA is probably the best android based XBMC device out there at the moment.
Have they gotten better consistency out of their builds? I really wish they would (based on the quick browse of the site I couldn't find it) post more about the Apps/Games current available.