Watch DirecTV Now on TV via USB-C to HDMI adapter? - Essential Phone Questions & Answers

I've been unable to get DirecTV Now app to continue to run after connecting my PH-1 to a tv with any of several USB-C to HDMI adapters. After maybe 10 seconds the phone shuts the cell connection off and the app reports no network connection. Works fine with YouTube, though. Anybody had success connecting their phone & TV long enough to watch a show on DirecTV? If so, which adapter did you use?

It could be the app detecting a video output and cutting you off as a means of stopping piracy or some type of DRM.

Yeah, HDMI's locked down. Mirrorcast, too (video blacked ou). Still, people with Samsung Galaxy 8s report screen mirroring DirecTV Now. But Samsung hates us developers & I hate their bloatware. Love the fit & finish of this PH-1, and the specs, & the backstory. Got a couple of days before I have to decide whether to keep it or take it back. Ordered Samsung's USB-C to HDMI adapter, maybe it will work better than the others. Watching TV in a hotel or in your RV isn't piracy, 2nd screen should be fair use, right?

I agree 100%. Another one might work as you suggested. HDMI passes DRM information and that costs the manufacturer to license. It's entirely possible some cheaper adapters never licensed the DRM, which would block DRM content from being passed through.

roebling said:
I've been unable to get DirecTV Now app to continue to run after connecting my PH-1 to a tv with any of several USB-C to HDMI adapters. After maybe 10 seconds the phone shuts the cell connection off and the app reports no network connection. Works fine with YouTube, though. Anybody had success connecting their phone & TV long enough to watch a show on DirecTV? If so, which adapter did you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, so which HDMI dongles have you used with your phone? I'm still trying to figure out which one to buy.

logic.dsign said:
Hey, so which HDMI dongles have you used with your phone? I'm still trying to figure out which one to buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. With an LG V20 & an Essential PH-1, I couldn't get the "SlimPort USB-C to HDMI Adapter" to work. Nor did the "Cable Matters USB-C to HDMI 4K 60Hz Adapter" work.
I returned them and the LG V20. Not ready to give up on the Essential PH-1, I got a "Samsung USB-C to HDMI Adapter" and it works perfectly!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRJDHSR

Related

How do i get hdmi to work?

I tried connecting the tab to my 720p TV and all I get is the android mascot saying 720p? The sound however plays if I play some video. Does anyone else have this problem?
gIVE MORE INFO IT SHOULD JUST WORK
first ..
is your tablet Stock . some custom roms have issues with hdmi..
have you tested the cable with another device.. the micro hdmi cable seems to have a very high defective rate.
With the above known issues ..
if you are stock and you have your tv on the correct input device setting.
try connecting the cable set the tv correctly.. as in hdmi 3 in the tvs menue and the cable connected to port 3..
turn off both ..
turn on tv set it hdmi 3.
turn off your tablet. plug in the cable to iconia.. turn on tablet.. see if this works..
others have said this helps.. my hdmi port would not work correctly when i got my tablet had to hold the hdmi cable just right. this was only temporary for some reason.. g
GOOD LUCK..
Is the picture your seeing with the android figure on your Iconia or your tv?? Or both??? You should see a mirror image of your iconia on the tv. If your getting the message on the tv and the iconia is displaying its normal desktop image than your tv may not support 720p input or your iconia couldn't negotiate the resolution with your tv. Try a different hdmi port or a different tv and see what happens.
its stock with the latest os. The message only shows up on the TV. TV definitely supports 720p as that's what I am outputting my TV stb and my streaming box to. Hopefully this is just a case of a defective microusb cable. I could try it another TV, but it wouldn't tell me if the ddevice is defective or the cable. I guess I will have to buy another microusb cable aand hope it works.
If your seeing an image on your tv than I don't think its the cable. The Iconia just may not be able to talk to your tv properly. I would try it on another tv if able just to confirm. Also, turn your tv off, fully power down your tablet, plug together, first turn on tv, after tv is up and running then turn on your iconia. It seems to me that something is going on with the hdmi handshake and this should get your devices to talk to each other in the correct order.
cruise350 said:
If your seeing an image on your tv than I don't think its the cable. The Iconia just may not be able to talk to your tv properly. I would try it on another tv if able just to confirm. Also, turn your tv off, fully power down your tablet, plug together, first turn on tv, after tv is up and running then turn on your iconia. It seems to me that something is going on with the hdmi handshake and this should get your devices to talk to each other in the correct order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Iconia works fine, but I had this same issue on an older Toshiba laptop, and these procedures worked every time.
So I tried the above instructions turning both devices on, connecting, turning tv on first and then the iconia but still the same result. The green android mascot with the 720p? speech bubble. I guess I will have to try another tv somewhere.
Same issue for me, I bought this cable today for 19,99 €.
I read in an another thread (not in xda), that the problem is solved with a high quality cable (hdmi 1.3 or more, 39,99 €).
Or directly in the acer store : here.
Jut07 said:
Same issue for me, I bought this cable today for 19,99 €.
I read in an another thread (not in xda), that the problem is solved with a high quality cable (hdmi 1.3 or more, 39,99 €).
Or directly in the acer store : here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you on a stock rom near stock.. Some of the Well cooked roms could have a issue with this function.. If you are on a custom rom.. Go to the rom developers thread and ask this Question . If you are on stock 3.2.1 the most current . I would try if you can to test your cable. If the cable is not bad Call ACER (GOOD LUCK WITH THAT). I know mine I put the cable in back of tv on HDMI 4 . SET THE TV Input to hdmi 4 and plug it in..
anyway good luck also people have said they needed to wiggly around there cable use caution doing so..
im using a 6€ cable from some cheap market and everything works fine with thors kernel 3.9r4..
i had many troubles with hdmi and other kernels.. tv and tablet have to be on and then plug in the cable.. thats the only way to get it working for me

My S2 as a Smart TV hub idea

Hi all,
I had my S2 for a while now and I'm thinking of just connecting it to my TV to be use as a smart hub (media centre) as I don't have a smart TV. I'm sure I'm not alone with an aging S2 and moving onto a newer smart phone.
My Idea are:
- connect the S2 via HDMI to the TV
- use a small Bluetooth keyboard with track pad or maybe some other remote.
- try out probably XBMC
- Disable any phone feature from it (ie phone, sms, etc..)
My goal are:
- use it as a online player - Netflix, youtube, etc...
- Skype
- video player
- stream video from network
- audio player
This will be my first attempt and will be spending some money for the accessories.
Has anyone done a similar set up.
It will be great for some opinions or advice. Or issues it might not work.
Interesting idea.
You might want to think about how you're going to use it with the limited battery life first, because you won't be able to charge the phone when connected through HDMI.
I already do this occasionally albiet minus the keyboard atm,... I use it on short breaks away I took my Mhl cable and a short 1m hdmi cable to plug into the tv in the hotel room using Catchup TV app for more channels than they offered and TV Portal for streaming (free hotel Wi-Fi ftw! )... also use it for some other stuff such as watching avis I have already put on my 32gig card and finally playing my music collection through the tv speakers
re: power supply Mhl cable needs power/charger cable to work anyway also it charges at the same time
I always carry a spare charger
crobat said:
Interesting idea.
You might want to think about how you're going to use it with the limited battery life first, because you won't be able to charge the phone when connected through HDMI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
of course the phone charges when connected to hdmi. it does not even work if not plugged into the power outlet first.
Flog your S2 and buy a Pendroid.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B007FR9OIK
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Raspberry pi with xbmc
Sent from my GT-I9100P using Tapatalk 2
Thanks guys.
I got a mhl cable and it's awesome. just plug it in and it works straight away. Got the cheap version though but I guess it won't make that much difference. All I need to do is get a mod to permanently set it up as landscape mode and probably increase screen size. Will look for a new rom probably that can cater the mod.
Just need to figure this all out before spending more on a keyboard.
I had pretty much the same idea. Works well. Here is my thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2569613
I am going to try running xbmc and see how that goes.
Just to let you know, I installed xbmc...details on my thread (see the above post!)

[Q] Widi/Miracast working with Note 3?

I was just wondering if anyone used Widi/miracast with Note 3. I have LG TV with built in Widi, and its very neat, works really well with my laptop. I remember reading few months ago that we use that with Galaxy S4. So I assume it should be working with Note 3 but none of the reviews mention that.
Has anyone tried using it with Note 3? Does it work? If yes, how do we set this up?
note3or2 said:
I was just wondering if anyone used Widi/miracast with Note 3. I have LG TV with built in Widi, and its very neat, works really well with my laptop. I remember reading few months ago that we use that with Galaxy S4. So I assume it should be working with Note 3 but none of the reviews mention that.
Has anyone tried using it with Note 3? Does it work? If yes, how do we set this up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If no one else lets you know n the meantime I will have a chance to test this tomorrow.
The builtin screen mirroring in the system setting doesn't work? It needs allshare cast?
In using allShare cast dongle from Sammy and Is Working fine With the screen mirroring
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk 4
sohebq said:
The builtin screen mirroring in the system setting doesn't work? It needs allshare cast?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last Android phone I used was Galaxy S3 and that was on 4.1 (widi/miracast was included after 4.2 in android) so I personally have not tried it but I saw a video on youtube where he used S4 with netgear dongle and it worked. By that logic it should work with any widi enabled devise, but can't be sure untill someone tries it.
note3or2 said:
Last Android phone I used was Galaxy S3 and that was on 4.1 (widi/miracast was included after 4.2 in android) so I personally have not tried it but I saw a video on youtube where he used S4 with netgear dongle and it worked. By that logic it should work with any widi enabled devise, but can't be sure untill someone tries it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used my Netgear one with my S4, expect it works here, but will confirm when I have a chance.
NZtechfreak said:
If no one else lets you know n the meantime I will have a chance to test this tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks buddy, Waiting for your test result. Hopefully it will work and I wont have to buy Dongle from Samsung.
screencast works perfectly with my note3 and my belkin screencast hdmi-adapter!
the important trick is:
you have to long-click on the screencast device in in the screencast settings, then the option "connect with PIN" appears! with the PIN displayed on the TV you are now able to connect!
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
n3 sd800 Works with my p2tv 3000
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
TML1504 said:
screencast works perfectly with my note3 and my belkin screencast hdmi-adapter!
the important trick is:
you have to long-click on the screencast device in in the screencast settings, then the option "connect with PIN" appears! with the PIN displayed on the TV you are now able to connect!
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is amazing, this is one killer feature for me. Thank you guys for confirming.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
Not working for me.
TML1504 said:
screencast works perfectly with my note3 and my belkin screencast hdmi-adapter!
the important trick is:
you have to long-click on the screencast device in in the screencast settings, then the option "connect with PIN" appears! with the PIN displayed on the TV you are now able to connect!
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you list versions for me? I can't seem to get mine working.
I have Note 3 on US Cellular, Belkin Screencast A100 with firmware 3.5.28.0, and I've tried both the updated AllShare Cast Dongle S/W Update v1.2.2829 and the previous version (not sure what number though).
The adapter receives the pin request and displays a pin, and the phone asks for the pin and attempts to connect, but fails every time. I don't want to have to buy a new adapter as I use my Belkin for both my laptops and kinda doubt the Samsung model would be as compatible (although shouldn't they all be if they are all using the same standard? But whatever....). Any thoughts?
I have several miracast devices and receivers and note 3 and S4 and nexus 7 2013 work fine with net gear ptv 3000, lg bdp 3000 bluray player, Panasonic miracast streamer with usb port that supports 1tb hard disk etc. See proof in my YouTube uploads where I have several miracast uploads for note 3, s4, nexus 7, s3, Sony xperia zl, Intel widi laptop etc in my YouTube uploads. See my tag line below for more links than posted here or see some links here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0MikjCGq_I
Miracast works fine with screen mirroring toggle no need for allshare. Works fine in 1080p dolby sound. Works great on the s4 too for everything. See video proof in my YouTube upload called miracast better than chromecast on s4 where I show streaming gaming music etc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxSJ57Q3zak
Widi laptop should work with same dongles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZaDe-P_74s
psp1024 said:
The adapter receives the pin request and displays a pin, and the phone asks for the pin and attempts to connect, but fails every time. I don't want to have to buy a new adapter as I use my Belkin for both my laptops and kinda doubt the Samsung model would be as compatible (although shouldn't they all be if they are all using the same standard? But whatever....). Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a Belkin Screencast about a year ago when I got my Sony Laptop which had Widi. I could make a connection, but it would disconnect every few minutes. It was useless. I ended up buying a long HDMI cable to connect my laptop to my TV. I never knew if the problem was with the Belkin or my Sony.
Forward one year.....
I found my new Nexus 7 has Miracast. Earlier today, I took my Belkin Screencast out of the closet and tried to connect it to my Nexus without any success. I then connected it to my computer and updated it's firmware from 2.9 to 3.5. After the update, my laptop wouldn't connect. It took lots of tries and may reboots until it finally connected. Then I tried my Nexus. Like you, I got to the security screen and entered the code, but it wouldn't go any further. Once again, after many reboots of both the Nexus and the Belkin, I finally connected! Mirroring worked great. I didn't have time to test thoroughly to see if it would disconnect, but it worked flawlessly for 5-10 minutes.
Don't know why making the initial connection was so difficult. I need to do further tests. Not sure if it's just the Belkin that's the problem. Sorry for butting in on this Note3 thread, but just wanted to share my Belkin Screencast experience with you since you have a similar problem.
howardv said:
I bought a Belkin Screencast about a year ago when I got my Sony Laptop which had Widi. I could make a connection, but it would disconnect every few minutes. It was useless. I ended up buying a long HDMI cable to connect my laptop to my TV. I never knew if the problem was with the Belkin or my Sony.
Forward one year.....
I found my new Nexus 7 has Miracast. Earlier today, I took my Belkin Screencast out of the closet and tried to connect it to my Nexus without any success. I then connected it to my computer and updated it's firmware from 2.9 to 3.5. After the update, my laptop wouldn't connect. It took lots of tries and may reboots until it finally connected. Then I tried my Nexus. Like you, I got to the security screen and entered the code, but it wouldn't go any further. Once again, after many reboots of both the Nexus and the Belkin, I finally connected! Mirroring worked great. I didn't have time to test thoroughly to see if it would disconnect, but it worked flawlessly for 5-10 minutes.
Don't know why making the initial connection was so difficult. I need to do further tests. Not sure if it's just the Belkin that's the problem. Sorry for butting in on this Note3 thread, but just wanted to share my Belkin Screencast experience with you since you have a similar problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By all means, just happy to hear more info about the Screencast being used with Miracast. Thanks for the post.
psp1024 said:
By all means, just happy to hear more info about the Screencast being used with Miracast. Thanks for the post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done some further testing. The Belkin Screencast is going back in the closet as it's very unstable and unusable. Making the initial connection every time takes several attempts and reboots. Once connected, it loses connection every few minutes. It's just not worth it. The firmware upgrade hasn't made it any better. It performed the same with my Nexus 7 (2013) using Miracast and my Sony laptop using Widi.
Over the weekend I went to Best Buy and purchased the Rocketfish Miracast and the Netgear PTV3000. The Rocketfish looks like a Chromecast dongle. Both the Rocketfish and the Netgear performed very well as they would connect at the first attempt and did not lose the signal. Personally, I think the Netgear performed a little better than the Rocketfish and is a few dollars cheaper.
However, both the Rocketfish and the Netgear would stutter for a second or two every few minutes while watching streaming video and listening to audio. I watched a movie on Netflix using the Netgear and just stopped after 30 minutes as the stuttering gets bothersome. Also, after 30 minutes, a lip-synch error had occurred and seemed like it got worse with time. These tests were done with my 2013 Nexus 7. To test further, I used my Sony laptop (widi) to make the connection. The connection was smooth and there was no more stuttering every few minutes. So the stuttering issues may be a Nexus problem and this may perform very well with your Note3.
In my opinion, both the Rocketfish and the Netgear are great for mirroring. It's perfect for showing pictures, presentations, browsing the web, etc. But not the best for streaming audio/video. Of course, nothing is as dependable and reliable as the good old cable (slimport, MHL, or micro HDMI - whichever your device uses), but that means you have to run a cable across the room.
For streaming Netflix, Youtube, Google Music, Pandora, and Hulu, Chromecast leads the way. No stuttering or lip-synch issues at all. It also allows multi-tasking - such as watching a Netflix movie and checking your e-mail on your tablet/phone without interrupting the movie. It also saves the battery life since you can put your phone/tablet in sleep mode and continue to watch the movie. Another plus is how the Chromecast dongle gets the movie directly from your router than your phone/tablet (hence why you can multi-task, save battery life, etc.). In my book, these are a huge plus for Chromecast, even making it better than a direct cable connection. But of course the big downside is that you need specific apps and mirroring is not an option.
It's sad that you really need two devices to become whole! I would keep both the Chromecast and the Netgear to have all bases covered.
howardv said:
I've done some further testing. The Belkin Screencast is going back in the closet as it's very unstable and unusable. Making the initial connection every time takes several attempts and reboots. Once connected, it loses connection every few minutes. It's just not worth it. The firmware upgrade hasn't made it any better. It performed the same with my Nexus 7 (2013) using Miracast and my Sony laptop using Widi.
Over the weekend I went to Best Buy and purchased the Rocketfish Miracast and the Netgear PTV3000. The Rocketfish looks like a Chromecast dongle. Both the Rocketfish and the Netgear performed very well as they would connect at the first attempt and did not lose the signal. Personally, I think the Netgear performed a little better than the Rocketfish and is a few dollars cheaper.
However, both the Rocketfish and the Netgear would stutter for a second or two every few minutes while watching streaming video and listening to audio. I watched a movie on Netflix using the Netgear and just stopped after 30 minutes as the stuttering gets bothersome. Also, after 30 minutes, a lip-synch error had occurred and seemed like it got worse with time. These tests were done with my 2013 Nexus 7. To test further, I used my Sony laptop (widi) to make the connection. The connection was smooth and there was no more stuttering every few minutes. So the stuttering issues may be a Nexus problem and this may perform very well with your Note3.
In my opinion, both the Rocketfish and the Netgear are great for mirroring. It's perfect for showing pictures, presentations, browsing the web, etc. But not the best for streaming audio/video. Of course, nothing is as dependable and reliable as the good old cable (slimport, MHL, or micro HDMI - whichever your device uses), but that means you have to run a cable across the room.
For streaming Netflix, Youtube, Google Music, Pandora, and Hulu, Chromecast leads the way. No stuttering or lip-synch issues at all. It also allows multi-tasking - such as watching a Netflix movie and checking your e-mail on your tablet/phone without interrupting the movie. It also saves the battery life since you can put your phone/tablet in sleep mode and continue to watch the movie. Another plus is how the Chromecast dongle gets the movie directly from your router than your phone/tablet (hence why you can multi-task, save battery life, etc.). In my book, these are a huge plus for Chromecast, even making it better than a direct cable connection. But of course the big downside is that you need specific apps and mirroring is not an option.
It's sad that you really need two devices to become whole! I would keep both the Chromecast and the Netgear to have all bases covered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't aware Chromecast supported Netflix... interesting, I just may have to get that $35 dongle then.
My Belkin Screencast has worked flawlessly with my two Lenovo's, x230t and w530. I can watch full screen youtube/netflix on my computer while running a VM, movie or even some full screen games on my laptop's screen (Doesn't play well with DirectX full screen, or so it seems... I forget the specific name for that....)
psp1024 said:
My Belkin Screencast has worked flawlessly with my two Lenovo's, x230t and w530. I can watch full screen youtube/netflix on my computer while running a VM, movie or even some full screen games on my laptop's screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could be my Belkin is just a bad unit. But since it's been over a year since my purchase, I'm out of luck.
i have two dongles, Samsung allsharecast dongle and a dongle from Taiwan.
my old S4 i9500 on 4.2.2 connected on both and performance was very smooth on the Taiwanese dongle but there was lag on the Samsung dongle and sometimes audio and video are not in sync (if didn't use the default video player)
after updating to 4.3 performance degraded on both dongles and the phone automatically switches off the power saving mode (which didn't happen on 4.2.2)
i noticed that when you move further away from the dongle or cover the phone with your hand the playback gets choppy and sometimes disconnects (didn't happen on 4.2.2)
with note 3 n9005 i can't connect to the Taiwanese dongle (tried to connect daily for two weeks and only got it to connect 2 or 3 times) . only Samsung's dongle is working and it has the same issues of the s4 running 4.3
friend's s3 i9300 connected to both dongles but didn't have a chance to test performance
"device status has to be official, if you are rooted you can use wanam xposed to fake system status to official"
update:
note 3 connecting after update to 4.4.2, maybe my 4.3 had a bug
samsung allshare cast dongle is laggy
other miracast adaptors are fine
i ordered a measy A2W dongle and it is on the way
Hi all,
I have a Smart TV Panasonic DT60 series, but I'm no able to connect using my Note3.
Any one have successful connected the Panasonic SmartTV with the Note3 and miracast?
Thanks
Samsung All-Share Cast Hub
Just wanted to update everyone that I also tried the OFFICIAL miracast device by Samsung, the All-Share Cast Hub, and it didn't even work well. It did connect I'll give it that, but whenever I tried playing video (via youtube or video player app) it would play the audio but both screens would just be black, and there was an incredibly noticable delay in sound compared to the video stream. Netflix showed the video just fine, but it was out of sync by several seconds.
Needless to say, the hub was returned.

Nexus Player vs Chromecast 2015

Hello
Does the nexus player have all Chromecast features? I mean can i stream my files from my phone to the nexus player? The new Chromecast had improvements in streaming speed, so which device is faster?
Sorry for my english
I've used both. On WiFi they are the same speed, however both work faster when plugged into Ethernet.
For the price, nexus player has many many more features, well worth the additional $15
Markolc said:
I've used both. On WiFi they are the same speed, however both work faster when plugged into Ethernet.
For the price, nexus player has many many more features, well worth the additional $15
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recommend an ethernet adapter that works well with the NP? TIA!
This will work fine
Can't get much simpler and reviews are good enough.
Get A 5 Port Ethernet Adapter Always
qualitymove13 said:
Can you recommend an ethernet adapter that works well with the NP? TIA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go
guy, the beast, always get a 5 port Ethernet adapter, also you will need a OTG cable http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D8K3GGO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 !
qualitymove13 said:
Can you recommend an ethernet adapter that works well with the NP? TIA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the one I bought. Works fine for me!
http://www.amazon.com/Inateck-Gigabit-Ethernet-Converter-Network/dp/B00IJU0K2Q
I like my NP, but I think it's unfair to simply assert that NP wins because "it does everything that Chromecast does." The NP has great features that the Chromecast doesn't (onscreen UI, remote, gaming, etc.) have; if you want those features, the NP is great (but probably not as good as other products on the market with bigger app ecosystems, like Fire TV or Roku). If casting video content is your top priority, it's worth noting that the NP does not perform as well as Chromecast as a Google Cast device. The two main issues are:
1. My NP (on my main TC) doesn't always show up as a castable device, even when my Chromecast (bedroom TV) appears without issue.
2. It turns out that some Chromecast-compatible apps do NOT support Google Cast on the NP, as was the case with the HBO Now app that was released a couple of months ago. This is pretty rare, and basically every other cast-enabled app I've used seems to support both Chromecast and the NP, but the HBO Now debacle (when combined with #1) clearly suggests that the Google Cast implementation on the NP differs from what we see on Chromecast.
In addition to Cast issues, I've experienced a lot of bugs/crashes/etc. with my NP. Things on my NP seem to be stabilizing, but it's clear to me that Chromecast is a more mature and stable product at the moment. Given that so many more people own Chromecasts than NPs, updating Chromecast will probably remain Google's higher priority.
Overall, I'm still happy with my NP, but it's still a work in progress. I'm not sure that I'd recommend it over Roku or Fire TV (or even Apple TV) for people looking to add smart features/apps to their TV... and if you're looking for a cheap way to watch Netflix on your TV, you can't really beat Chromecast.
whmaurer said:
I like my NP, but I think it's unfair to simply assert that NP wins because "it does everything that Chromecast does." The NP has great features that the Chromecast doesn't (onscreen UI, remote, gaming, etc.) have; if you want those features, the NP is great (but probably not as good as other products on the market with bigger app ecosystems, like Fire TV or Roku). If casting video content is your top priority, it's worth noting that the NP does not perform as well as Chromecast as a Google Cast device. The two main issues are:
1. My NP (on my main TC) doesn't always show up as a castable device, even when my Chromecast (bedroom TV) appears without issue.
2. It turns out that some Chromecast-compatible apps do NOT support Google Cast on the NP, as was the case with the HBO Now app that was released a couple of months ago. This is pretty rare, and basically every other cast-enabled app I've used seems to support both Chromecast and the NP, but the HBO Now debacle (when combined with #1) clearly suggests that the Google Cast implementation on the NP differs from what we see on Chromecast.
In addition to Cast issues, I've experienced a lot of bugs/crashes/etc. with my NP. Things on my NP seem to be stabilizing, but it's clear to me that Chromecast is a more mature and stable product at the moment. Given that so many more people own Chromecasts than NPs, updating Chromecast will probably remain Google's higher priority.
Overall, I'm still happy with my NP, but it's still a work in progress. I'm not sure that I'd recommend it over Roku or Fire TV (or even Apple TV) for people looking to add smart features/apps to their TV... and if you're looking for a cheap way to watch Netflix on your TV, you can't really beat Chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing about it is, a new Chromecast is $35, though I've seen it for $30 on sale recently. I've seen the nexus player on sale for $40 at a few places. For the extra $10, the nexus player does much more than the Chromecast, and can function essentially the same as a Chromecast, save for the HBO now app.
Also I perceive casting to the NP is much quicker than my Chromecast on wifi. It's a stronger machine.
For those of you suggesting the RJ45 + USB3.0 hubs, isnt the microUSB port on the back of the NP just a usb2.0 connection? Does adding a USB3.0 hub for expanded memory actually do anything since it should be throttled down to 2.0 speeds at the back of the NP? Or should we just look at getting a 2.0 hub and save a few extra $$$?
Im asking because Im currently looking into my options to expand my memory now that Android6.0 has hit our devices.
Correct, its only 2.0 speed. Save some money. No reason the adapter should cost more than the NP.
whmaurer said:
I like my NP, but I think it's unfair to simply assert that NP wins because "it does everything that Chromecast does." The NP has great features that the Chromecast doesn't (onscreen UI, remote, gaming, etc.) have; if you want those features, the NP is great (but probably not as good as other products on the market with bigger app ecosystems, like Fire TV or Roku). If casting video content is your top priority, it's worth noting that the NP does not perform as well as Chromecast as a Google Cast device. The two main issues are:
1. My NP (on my main TC) doesn't always show up as a castable device, even when my Chromecast (bedroom TV) appears without issue.
2. It turns out that some Chromecast-compatible apps do NOT support Google Cast on the NP, as was the case with the HBO Now app that was released a couple of months ago. This is pretty rare, and basically every other cast-enabled app I've used seems to support both Chromecast and the NP, but the HBO Now debacle (when combined with #1) clearly suggests that the Google Cast implementation on the NP differs from what we see on Chromecast.
In addition to Cast issues, I've experienced a lot of bugs/crashes/etc. with my NP. Things on my NP seem to be stabilizing, but it's clear to me that Chromecast is a more mature and stable product at the moment. Given that so many more people own Chromecasts than NPs, updating Chromecast will probably remain Google's higher priority.
Overall, I'm still happy with my NP, but it's still a work in progress. I'm not sure that I'd recommend it over Roku or Fire TV (or even Apple TV) for people looking to add smart features/apps to their TV... and if you're looking for a cheap way to watch Netflix on your TV, you can't really beat Chromecast.
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I would've said the same, prior to the Marshmallow upgrade; whether the Cast icon would appear in Cast enabled apps was a matter of pure luck, as well as the "cast screen to" feature on Android devices. I got a lot of Cast connection losses as well, while the content was then still playing on the TV, without any possibility to control it (other than stopping it via the Nexus Player remote).
But all of those issues are fixed now with the Marshmallow upgrade (and I guess the various Google Cast Receiver app updates, that have been released since then).
The one thing that I find absolutely unacceptable is the following fact which you have mentioned as well: That the Nexus Player seems to be a 2nd class Google Cast device, which is e.g. not supported by Spotify, while working perfectly fine on Chromecasts. Google is allowing fragmentation of their Cast ecosystem because of this and this might be the beginning of the end of its acceptance, especially when it comes to Smart TVs that are shipped with Android TV and for which all companies involved are especially advertising the Cast functionality.
To the user who mentioned that both, the Nexus Player and the Chromecast are loading/streaming faster over Ethernet than over Wi-Fi: I strongly doubt that this is the case, especially since, as mentioned above, the available Ethernet adapters are only USB 2.0 capable. If you're talking about an Nvidia Shield TV I'd believe you, since that one supports Gigabit Ethernet natively, but regarding Chromecasts and Nexus Players... maybe if your wi-fi is horrible or you're using 2.4GHz wi-fi only... otherwise...no, not at all.
Anyway, since the original question was something like "Chromecast vs. Nexus Player": I have both, and I fully replaced my Chromecast with my Nexus Player since I have found that it makes the Chromecast redundant.
Some advantages of the Chromecast that should be considered:
-It's perfectly suited for taking it with you when traveling, while the Nexus Player is more of a fixed device that you set up once, connect it to your TV and leave it there.
- The Chromecast might reboot a couple of seconds faster than the Nexus Player, in case you shut off your devices often.
- The Chromecast allows you to adjust the backdrop e.g. with weather data and specific background images; the similar looking stock-backdrop of the Nexus Player cannot be modified at all.
- The Nexus Player wants you to sign into a specific Google account, whereas the Chromecast only requires you to set up a wi-fi.
- Chromecast doesn't need a wall socket and can be powered by your TV's USB port (even though using a real power adapter is recommended due to stability reasons).
- As mentioned, Chromecast isn't treated as a 2nd class Cast device by e.g. HBO (lol) and Spotify.
- You won't have to deal with yet another remote control in addition to your TV's, your audio system's and what-not remote controls, if using a Chromecast
- Google so far hasn't dared to release a firmware upgrade for the Chromecast which increases the brightness to a bazillion % and causes all blacks to look washed-out as hell.
I'm not gonna mention any advantages of the Nexus Player here as I've already said that I, personally, prefer the Nexus Player; I think it comes down to personal preferences regarding the above-points. Some things might be more important to some people, while others aren't, the same goes for what compromises are acceptable to the specific user.
Markolc said:
Correct, its only 2.0 speed. Save some money. No reason the adapter should cost more than the NP.
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Only problem is there are no USB 2.0 ethernet adapters that also have USB passthrough.
priddyma said:
Only problem is there are no USB 2.0 ethernet adapters that also have USB passthrough.
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I don't quite know what you mean? I have a 2.0 USB hub\ethernet hybrid plugged into my nexus players. It gives me 3 full size USB ports and Ethernet.
Anywhere I have searched didn't have a plethora of USB 2.0 hubs with ethernet that were that much cheaper than the 3.0 models.
I don't see the point of an ethernet adapter for the Nexus Player any way, the theoretical speed limit of USB 2.0 is 480mbps which equal 60MBps meaning that you are throttling yourself compared to your WiFi speed.
priddyma said:
Anywhere I have searched didn't have a plethora of USB 2.0 hubs with ethernet that were that much cheaper than the 3.0 models.
I don't see the point of an ethernet adapter for the Nexus Player any way, the theoretical speed limit of USB 2.0 is 480mbps which equal 60MBps meaning that you are throttling yourself compared to your WiFi speed.
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And realistically you would be lucky to get even half that 60 MBps speeds on the 2.0 port. Chances are your only seeing about 25-30, and a Ethernet port adapter has to share the data with all the other devices you may have plugged into the hub as well. The WiFi AC is every bit 5-10 faster than the USB port on this device. The Ethernet adapter idea is only reasonable if that is all you have for a connection. Otherwise your 5ghz N or AC will blow away the USB port, depending on your network and internet speeds of course.
SkOrPn said:
And realistically you would be lucky to get even half that 60 MBps speeds on the 2.0 port. Chances are your only seeing about 25-30, and a Ethernet port adapter has to share the data with all the other devices you may have plugged into the hub as well. The WiFi AC is every bit 5-10 faster than the USB port on this device. The Ethernet adapter idea is only reasonable if that is all you have for a connection. Otherwise your 5ghz N or AC will blow away the USB port, depending on your network and internet speeds of course.
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All I can tell you is this. On my 5ghz WiFi, nighthawk ac1900 router, I will get occasional drops and hiccups streaming my uncompressed bluray rips, and on occasion streaming from my HDHomerun Prime. When over WiFi, I get none of those issues ever. It's just a more reliable connection. Downloading from the Play store, the WiFi wins, however streaming a 2 hour movie (30gigs), the hard wire connection will give me a flawless performance. It just takes a few seconds of WiFi interference to interrupt a movie or good football game on TV.
Markolc said:
All I can tell you is this. On my 5ghz WiFi, nighthawk ac1900 router, I will get occasional drops and hiccups streaming my uncompressed bluray rips, and on occasion streaming from my HDHomerun Prime. When over WiFi, I get none of those issues ever. It's just a more reliable connection. Downloading from the Play store, the WiFi wins, however streaming a 2 hour movie (30gigs), the hard wire connection will give me a flawless performance. It just takes a few seconds of WiFi interference to interrupt a movie or good football game on TV.
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Your WiFi should have big enough buffer to handle a few seconds of WiFi interference... Never had a single problem on a Chromecast wireless in a highly congested 2.4GHz area....
The Chromecast app from Google in the Google PlayStore doesn't even detect my Google Nexus Player (on the same wifi network).
The "Video & TV Cast | Nexus Player" app does. The developer for that app has a separate version for Nexus Player, Chromecast device, Samsung TV, etc.
Nate2 said:
The Chromecast app from Google in the Google PlayStore doesn't even detect my Google Nexus Player (on the same wifi network).
The "Video & TV Cast | Nexus Player" app does. The developer for that app has a separate version for Nexus Player, Chromecast device, Samsung TV, etc.
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I'm not sure why the Chromecast app would ever need to detect your NP. It's not like you could use that app to configure it.
Maybe it was just my assumption that the Google Nexus Player (which supports casting) would use the Chromecast protocol(?) from Google.
Apparently, there is also a Googlecast protocol that is different from Chromecast?
My Samsung phone has it's own casting protocol that works great with my Samsung HDTV.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

mirror\cast\stream to TV [non-smart]

Does anyone have experience with a device that will mirror this phones display to a TV without a WiFi network? I'm pretty sure Roku and Chromecast require network connectivity.
A Chromecast will work internally with the phones hotspot feature
Zachisimo said:
A Chromecast will work internally with the phones hotspot feature
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Does this require actual hotspot data?
Yes the Chromecast itself is what downloads the show you are watching. The phone is merely a remote telling the Chromecast what to do
Zachisimo said:
Yes the Chromecast itself is what downloads the show you are watching. The phone is merely a remote telling the Chromecast what to do
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Oh yeah... No I'm wanting the phone to be the physical streaming medium but I want the TV to basically mirror what would be on my display .. Say I was playing PUBG and wanted that to show up on the larger screen... Or if I was using the Netflix app on my phone and wanted the movie to show on the TV... Is there something that can do this?
Sorry title is misleading
Causical said:
Oh yeah... No I'm wanting the phone to be the physical streaming medium but I want the TV to basically mirror what would be on my display .. Say I was playing PUBG and wanted that to show up on the larger screen... Or if I was using the Netflix app on my phone and wanted the movie to show on the TV... Is there something that can do this?
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Not to my knowledge as everything is pretty much over the internet now. Maybe streaming pubg, but definitely not Netflix.
Is there a USB type-c cable with an HDMI connector on the other end that would work or will the phone not output to an HDMI like that?
I hate the Chromecast because you MUST have the "middle man" aka Chromecast connected to the Internet for it to work. It's so stupid. You can't just use a router, nope they make it where you must have internet access even to mirror to the thing. It's so stupid.
Rant over...but you can get mirrorcast HDMI dongles on wish cheap, and probably cheaply made. They also sell CC clones that don't have to be connected to the network to mirror
---------- Post added at 09:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:35 AM ----------
Causical said:
Is there a USB type-c cable with an HDMI connector on the other end that would work or will the phone not output to an HDMI like that?
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These are also on wish. I'm sure you can find much better quality ones on eBay or Amazon though
I wondered if this will do the job?? I just don't know if the phone outputs video data through its USB-c port
Alright I think I figured it out... If a TV has MHL built into it's HDMI port then it is good to connect a phone to with just a USB-c to HDMI adapter... However MHL needs a power source apparently and MHL seems to be a requirement to convert mobile signal to HDMI apparently. So if MHL is not built into the TV you actually have to have an MHL compatible adapter which connects to a power source to enable the USB-c to HDMI connection.

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