(Part 2) Top products from r/Chromecast

I would stop renting a modem from them. That's throwing money away.

You want to purchase a DOCSIS 3.0 modem to be current. Preferably, you'd want one that bonds eight downstream channels to handle the most bandwidth and also future-proof a bit. I would target a Motorola SB6141. This is probably the #2 best-selling cable modem, only behind the SB6121, which is cheaper because it only bonds four downstream channels. The more downstream channels the better, but the 6121 would be sufficient if you want to save some cash.

As far as the router (most important for in-house network traffic), something that's got access to custom firmware from Tomato or DD-WRT would be nice. The new ASUS routers are really popular. I'd go for the RT-N66U for a solid 802.11n wifi network. You get 3 antennas and it's dual band (2.4/5GHz). If you'd like to upgrade the router even further (and to really handle all the devices you'd connect to it) you may want to consider the new 802.11ac capable RT-AC68U. Stock firmware on these guys should be plenty good if you don't want to venture into flashing custom firmware.

Also, here's Google's list of compatible routers.

**

Slickdeals search queries:*

• SB6141 - $53 to $75
  
• RT-N66U - $80 to $100
  
• RT-AC68U - $149 to $160

I personally used my old Motorola Atrix HD, Flashed the latest Cyanogenmod on it, and placed it on Airplane mode to use it as my Chromecast remote. It works relatively well, is pretty smooth, the battery last me literally 3+ days, and I use it with Launcher 8 for a nice, quick, and minimalistic UI for my main "Media/Remote" apps and a quick swipe to the left for widgets, and a swipe to the right for the other apps. This is what it looks like.

But I'd personally opt against getting a shitty old Nexus 7 tablet and such for it will not only be oudated, but clunky.

If you want to have smooth sailing, and a great Remote, that's 720p, has great battery life and is buttery smooth without the need to flash it, get a Prepaid Moto G and then bypass the activation screen by doing the following:

>Bypassing the activation screen is easy, simply hit 1 next time, pull down the notification center, click on the multitasking button and swipe away the activation screen quickly.

This way you'll be paying $99 for a new Phone/Remote that will perform beautifully, and If you want to go the extra mile, you can flash a Nexus-Like ROM.

I actually wrote a blog on this recently.

Mirroring what others have said, the four I recommend are:

Nyne Bass - Best portable one

Marshall's Stanmore - Best looking (love the retro styling of this)

Grace CastDock Speaker - Best plug and play for Chromecast

Audio Engine A2 - Best Sound Quality

Honestly, check out the Moto E or Moto G for this (depending on where you live). Newest OS, Really good specs for the cost, and the Moto G is as low as $70 on Amazon.

A cheap tablet is a good idea too. But I find cheap tablets are often slow and not really worth it in the long run. And this would be a nice small controller, like a nice little remote to put next to all the others that may be littering his coffee table.

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: this one


|Country|Link|Charity Links|
|:-----------|:------------|:------------|
|USA|smile.amazon.com|EFF|
|UK|www.amazon.co.uk|Macmillan|
|France|www.amazon.fr||
|Canada|www.amazon.ca||
|Italy|www.amazon.it||
|India|www.amazon.in||




To help add charity links, please have a look at this thread.

This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

I would recommend the Asus RT-AC66u - $150 on Amazon over any Linksys (I have owned several higher end Linksys/Cisco routers as well as the Asus). I've had my Asus for about 18 months now and it handles everything I can throw at it (I have 3 chromecasts and over a dozen other devices connected to the router at any given time). It has a fairly powerful multi-core processor and plenty of RAM. There is a newer model which is probably even more powerful.

RT-AC68u (newer model)

i like this thing better. don't have to worry about what applications support casting.

I use a WeMo switch to accomplish this. I hated the WeMo app, so I built a small PHP page to control it and threw it on a Raspberry Pi. I want to work on a script to check the chromecast to see if it is casting something and then turn on the switch automatically, but haven't gotten there yet.

PM if you want help or instructions.

Hypothetical question, and forgive me for my naivety:

Would Videostream work if I would to purchase a NAS?...Llet's say this one? I recently started using plex and my laptop is my server. I was looking into network attached storage devices and found that many are incompatible with plex. What I am hoping is this would open up the door on more options for clouds that I could access remotely AND cast with Chromecast. Thoughts?

If the TV has an audio out or headphone jack, get a cheap bluetooth adapter:

http://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Transmitter-TaoTronics-Connected-Transmission/dp/B00P24XKS8/ref=pd_sim_107_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31bZcU4zE0L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=03TXN1E10QEF9VTY9ZSW

Plug that in and get you some bluetooth headphones. The device even comes with an RCA adapter to plug into tv audio output jacks. Unfortunately that's the best you'll get until there's a better option via your phone/tablet.

I used the following guide for my setup.

https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/chromecast/xo_NDh5CZA8;context-place=topicsearchin/chromecast/category$3Achrome-os

The ethernet adapter I got was the Linksys USB3GIG. It is nice that the USB3GIG supports 1000Gb and has USB3.0 to take full advantage of the bandwidth in theory.

My setup cost me $29, but it can be done for $20.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXAC1ZW

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDLUSE7

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MYT481C

Edit: I changed the amazon links since I didn't realize amazon shorten links are referral links.

Just get a travel router. I use a this one and it's great: HooToo Wireless Travel Router, USB Port, High Performance, 10400mAh External Battery Pack Travel Charger - TripMate Titan (Not a Hotspot) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RVIGY1I/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_OX.fyb1HR6EMN your phone and Chromecast connect to it's Wi-Fi and you connect it to the hotel Wi-Fi

Does this CRT TV have component inputs or composite?

Composite is the yellow jack with red and white for audio.
Component is the Red/Blue/Green Jacks with red/white for audio.

If you are lucky enough to have component to work with at least, you will need an HDMI to component converter that does down conversion. I went through this recently with my dad who has a quite nice HDTV rear projection set that pre-dates HDMI, and can only do 480p and 1080i. After about 3 tries I found this guy:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N9UEVNK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

It will output all the way down to 480I and everything in between. Most of these just output whatever is present on the HDMI port, and since the chromecast detects the adapter is 1080p capable with no way to manually set it, you get an unusable signal on older TV sets.

If you don't have component at all, and are stuck with composite, you will need something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/New-Wayzon-Composite-Converter-Adapter/dp/B00HXB73KE/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1448978563&sr=1-6&keywords=hdmi+to+composite+converter

I do not know if this will work with a chromecast, but it should.

Thanks.

1. I tried out mirror OP and it kinda works but not 100% satisfactory.
   
2. the projector control box is locked inside the podium. So I can't plug chromecast directly. The only external signal the control box accepts is via a VGA cable. Perhaps I can use this HDMI-VGA dongle to connect chromecast to the VGA cable. http://www.amazon.com/GoodBZ-Female-Adapter-Converter-screen/dp/B00FEZHSE2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415920274&sr=8-1&keywords=female+vga+hdmi+adapter+stylus

This may interest you
http://www.amazon.com/The-InstaOutlet®-Amazon-Google-Chromecast/dp/B00CQ9F2XS

I recently Purchased this:

AGPtek® HDMI to HDMI + SPDIF + RCA L / R Audio Extractor Converter (HDMI input,HDMI+ Audio output)
by AGPtEK
Link: http://amzn.com/B00ECTHIKK

It has worked well but the volume out is a bit low and the AMP I had powering my whole house audio system was at its limits already. Just "cranking it up" to compensate has caused it to overheat too often.

I just bought one of these AMPs to see if it works out better. Also the Audiosource AMP is supposed to power up when it receives signal, I will also see if this works with the Chromecast + Audio Extractor.

AudioSource Power Amplifier Link: http://amzn.com/B00026BQJ6

Really, the Chromecast app is the simplest way, otherwise a cheap bluetooth reciever like this.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Bluetooth-4-0-Audio-Receiver/dp/B00I59VBH4

buy a Bluetooth transmitter like this

Use something like an HDMI audio separator.

You'll need to get something like this.

You can set it up to connect to the guest WiFi and click the agree via your phone, and then the Chromecast can connect to it without any further issues.

Edit: Fixed URL that got munged on mobile.

Couldn't you just leave the bluetooth speakers on? Place an NFC tag nearby to easily pair and connect the speakers.

Otherwise something like this can also be a good option and let you use your own speaker setup: http://www.amazon.com/HomeSpot-NFC-enabled-Bluetooth-Receiver-System/dp/B009OBCAW2

I bought one of these to do an extra NAT and enable casting in any hotel environment. It works well.

Do you have a red, yellow and white composite video input? I've had success with one of these - not as good quality picture as VGA, but serviceable.

If I had to guess, it's something like this, just with nothing plugged into the VGA port. Basically something that splits the HDMI into analog audio and video signals, then he just outputs the audio to some speakers. Not a bad idea.

Cool project! I was simpler and just bought a remote control outlet from Amazon that controls the power source of the Chromecast and could use a more fancy WeMo Remote if I wanted to do everything from my phone.

Wanted to try out your route but didn't have the motivation.

Your video is marked as private, so I cant watch it.

If your problem is HDCP, buy this splitter. I have the splitter to connect my chromecast to a VGA projector. The splitter strips the HDCP. This allows you to freely convert the HDMI signal, or to send it as is to a non-HDCP compliant monitor/TV.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009OBCAW2/

If HDCP is the culprit, this will strip the HDCP from the signal, allowing you to use it on non-HDCP device. Chromecast would go into the input, the other end would go to your TV.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00RVIGY1I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474836413&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=hootoo&dpPl=1&dpID=31nv90h8qHL&ref=plSrch

I've been bringing an ASUS travel router along with me in my laptop bag.

I set it up the same way as OP describes, with a SSID and auth matching my home. I can either plug it into Ethernet or connect it to the hotel wireless. It acts as my own private access point without having to setup each device I own with the hotel every day.

I'm gonna give this a try to sort out the HDCP thing, and will post back the results: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004F9LVXC

no.. but you can split Audio + Video on the chromecast...

https://www.amazon.ca/CoolDigital-Extractor-Splitter-Optical-Converter/dp/B01MT295TN

I guess this will do the job. It's cheaper.

Here's a Amazon search.

keep it simple (by not buying chromecast audio and using this kind of adapter with your regular chromecast)

edit: updated link to adapter that is designed for audio output specifically

I've used this one (now $13):

Mnxo® HDMI Female to VGA Female with 3.5mm Audio Output Video Adapter Convertor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J0X4B6W/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_nIN2tb1K41GY48AN?ie=UTF8


Haven't used this one yet, ordered one yesterday:

GoodBZ HDMI Female to VGA and Audio Adapter Converter,White+Free GoodBZ touch screen stylus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FEZHSE2/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_FJN2tb08D8XX1H13?ie=UTF8

use the normal chromecast and do one of the following :

• plug the chromecast into your TV, connect the audio output of your tv to your sound system input
  
  
• plug your chromecast into your home theater receiver hdmi input and connect your TV hdmi input to the receiver HDMI output
  
  
• Use a hdmi audio-extractor. Plug your chromecast in this box and you'll have separate video and audio cables

non-mobile link -

http://www.amazon.com/The-InstaOutlet%C2%AE-Amazon-Google-Chromecast/dp/B00CQ9F2XS

Believe it is this http://www.amazon.com/Panlong-Extractor-Decoder-Converter-Digital/dp/B00DMZOUVK/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_1_2/187-6037471-4775409

Get a pair of AudioEngines https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480995913&sr=8-1&keywords=audioengine and throw a CCA on the back of it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CQ9F2XS/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?qid=1419881701&sr=8-17&pi=AC_SY200_QL40 sorry, on my ohone, but this looks like it.

You could use an HDMI splitter. Probably not worth the cost though.

Yeah I actually realized that a little after posting it and forgot to edit it, my bad. So do you think this will work? I have a L/R to 3.5mm wire as well.

>Why not add this function to Chromecast so that people don't have to buy wireless headphones for their TV?

It was stated in another place in this thread, but Chromecast redirects video links to the TV. To add this function, it must then load the content on both the TV and device. It's obviously possible, but for such a fringe case, why not get wireless headphones... or perhaps this cool (and affordable) bluetooth transmitter?

>...but suggesting someone buy another pair of headphones isn't really a solution when there are devices on the market today that provide this function near the price of the Chromecast.

I was only making an alternative suggestion. Perhaps they didn't think of it. Please don't tell me it isn't a solution though because it would solve his problem as that feature isn't currently on Chromecast. It's a valid workaround. I do that all the time. If a piece of software comes along and simplifies it, so be it, but it was my suggestion and not a command. He doesn't have to do it.

Not possible without hacking the Chromecast (which as far as I know is not possible).

Your best lazy bet would be to get this: WeMo Switch, Wi-Fi Enabled and plug the Chromecast into it.

I use a "travel router": https://www.amazon.com/HooToo-Wireless-Performance-10400mAh-External/dp/B00RVIGY1I/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1500604698&sr=1-3&keywords=hootoo

I also take a network cable if the room has a jack, or i use the travel router to connect to the hotel wifi and I use my phone to authorize the router's mac with the hotel. Worst case I have a cellular hotspot that I can connect the router too.

I am not sure what the hell happened to Linksys routers. I owned nothing but for roughly 20 years. When I got my CC I had a WRT300N running DD-WRT and my CC experience sucked: lag, low quality, buffering, etc. I also occasionally got stutter lag playing online games which I blamed on the game/servers, certainly not my beloved Linksys! So one day after some frustration I decided to try a new router, off to Bestbuy I went. I picked up a E2500, hooked it all up and my wireless network performance was even worse then before, wtf! I started doing router research and kept reading all this hype and love over expensive Asus routers. I returned the Linksys and ordered a Asus RT-N66U bitching the whole time over the price. 10 minutes after I got the Asus hooked up and running I was no longer upset about the cost. Everything improved: performance, speed, range, etc. I can cast tabs on extreme quality, play online games in all their glory with zero lag. All the things my Linksys was apparently struggling to do. By all means dont take my word for it, search reddit for "RT-N66U" and read what everyone else is saying but for me it was $150 extremely well spent, so much that when the brand new $212 RT-AC68U model gets back in stock, I am buying one. The RT-N66U performs so well I cant wait to see what the AC68U does.