OT: Google Chromecast
- Thread starter nivram
- Start date
Biggar
New member
Well....The main reason I would connect a streaming box to a tv is to watch movies. I found these boxes are good for netflix, but I watch most movies that are downloaded. These little boxes dont have HDs and most cant read a SD card, nevermind movies in different formats.
The wireless keyboard allows you to sit on the couch and control your big scren tv without getting up.
Ive had my PC on flat screen for many years, so maybe these little boxes are doing more than they used to? Is there something these boxes do that a PC cant?
nivram
New member
Actually yes in some instances. Apple TV for instance has tons of apps. For example I was using one to watch stuff on the smithsonian channel.
I'm sure with some work you can find equivalents. I think if you were starting from scratch. Most would find other options easier, cheaper in most cases. And in some cases the TV will do all you need.
Biggar, check out plex. Roku (maybe not the best example but one you mentioned), has a Plex App, you can wirelessly stream in HD downloaded movies/tv shows, it also has channels where you can get access to some channels internet content. There are better plex clients, but since you mentioned it, I used it as an example (and I can use a remote not a keyboard) 
I get overall in general pc's are more powerful, but I don't always want a pc by the tv if I can have a pc upstairs with all the content and a cheap box to stream to I think that's the best of both worlds.
I get overall in general pc's are more powerful, but I don't always want a pc by the tv if I can have a pc upstairs with all the content and a cheap box to stream to I think that's the best of both worlds.
Biggar
New member
Ill check it out plex and chromecast. I know my big bulky desktop in my entertainment system will be obsolete. Especially when someone figures out how to ban torrent sites. ( ;
Anyone ever checked out viooz. If it wasnt for pop ups, it would great
The smart tvs now come with tons of apps too. So, all those boxes will be worthless in 10 years
Anyone ever checked out viooz. If it wasnt for pop ups, it would great
The smart tvs now come with tons of apps too. So, all those boxes will be worthless in 10 years
nivram
New member
All of them are computers. I think the key benefit for these devices is that most allow you the ability to stream from multiple sources with different operating systems. Where if you have a smart tv or say a Apple TV. You are tied to their product line for full function.
I just need them to come out with an app where I can stream server content to any TV in my house on the cheap.
This is where chromecase has 'potential' I *REALLY* hope Google doesn't screw it up, opens up the api and lets plex, vlc, etc integrate to it, and that would be awesome.
Then my phone or tablet could be the remote to stream content to the tv, we shall see though.
For now my hacked apple tv and roku do plex fine. The main advantage that could be really nice for chromecast is it's price, nothing else. As you need another device to control it, which kinda sucks they didnt build a UI into it, but for $35 it would be amazing if they open it up. As of now I barely use it, only used it to try it out initially and found its easier to just use my xbox for now.
Then my phone or tablet could be the remote to stream content to the tv, we shall see though.
For now my hacked apple tv and roku do plex fine. The main advantage that could be really nice for chromecast is it's price, nothing else. As you need another device to control it, which kinda sucks they didnt build a UI into it, but for $35 it would be amazing if they open it up. As of now I barely use it, only used it to try it out initially and found its easier to just use my xbox for now.
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