It seems like its more of an issue with the computer settings then with chromecast. Do you have a cell phone or tablet you can use instead of your laptop. I know when it gets finicky on us that sometimes using the phone works best.
I agree it's likely a computer setting issue, but I can't find much on tips to check the settings. I tried taking down the firewall, but that didn't help.
Nope, can't use phone or tablet, because they aren't compatible with chromecast as they're apple. My iphone is really old with it's own issues (iPhone 4, 3.5 years), and DH has a flip phone. We have a newer ipad 2 (1+ year), but neither it nor the iPhone can cast webpages, only Google Cast Ready apps/sites, due to being Apple (Apple/Google rivalry).
Crimcster, mca1021, it's not actually a streaming issue I think, as it's not actually choppy. It literally just freezes and never goes on to another frame. We can try the Mohu Leaf and that's our backup plan, but it's much less than ideal as the signal breaks up often (we live on a pond, so we're not too elevated for one, for two - this week/next we have bad weather in New England). DH is a Pats fan so having it breakup at times will make him pretty unhappy if it's at the wrong time. He's hosted for years and year a superbowl party and this year because of not having cable we were going to go lowkey with just a few close friends who were asking after it.