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I've had my Nexus 7 since Christmas. While I really like it, I still am VERY disappointed in it (in)ability to handle video output. Has there been ANY developments since Christmas in fixing this huge flaw? Any new hardware that will make viewing a movie from the Nexus to a TV acceptable? Any software that will improve the situation? I really am disappointed that I still have to watch videos through my Kindle (which I WAS planning to give to my daughter). I did buy a converter cord that was suggested here, but it's somewhat mediocre; odd "static" flashes, odd over-bright colors.
rebecker said:
I've had my Nexus 7 since Christmas. While I really like it, I still am VERY disappointed in it (in)ability to handle video output. Has there been ANY developments since Christmas in fixing this huge flaw? Any new hardware that will make viewing a movie from the Nexus to a TV acceptable? Any software that will improve the situation? I really am disappointed that I still have to watch videos through my Kindle (which I WAS planning to give to my daughter). I did buy a converter cord that was suggested here, but it's somewhat mediocre; odd "static" flashes, odd over-bright colors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chromecast with, BubbleUPnP UPnP/DLNA or AllCast or LocalCast Media 2 Chromecast.
mdamaged said:
Chromecast with, BubbleUPnP UPnP/DLNA or AllCast or LocalCast Media 2 Chromecast.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, I spend a great deal of my time in an area with extremely erratic internet. I simply can't use the internet to stream, so a hard wire is required. I bought a Patuoxun Slimport MyDP, which "works", but the quality is pretty mediocre. Static, hesitancy. I was hoping that there was some sort of new hardware that kept things smooth and consistent. My old Kindle Fire HD had a much better output quality (although not perfect). Hoping to at least match it on my Nexus.
rebecker said:
Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, I spend a great deal of my time in an area with extremely erratic internet. I simply can't use the internet to stream, so a hard wire is required. I bought a Patuoxun Slimport MyDP, which "works", but the quality is pretty mediocre. Static, hesitancy. I was hoping that there was some sort of new hardware that kept things smooth and consistent. My old Kindle Fire HD had a much better output quality (although not perfect). Hoping to at least match it on my Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, it uses your wireless LAN bandwidth, not internet.
Yeah, those chinese dongles knock-offs are not the best deal, I have heard the best from people using the real thing: http://www.amazon.com/SlimPort®-SP1002-Connect-connector-Supports/dp/B009UZBLSG
mdamaged said:
Actually, it uses your wireless LAN bandwidth, not internet.
Yeah, those chinese dongles knock-offs are not the best deal, I have heard the best from people using the real thing: http://www.amazon.com/SlimPort®-SP1002-Connect-connector-Supports/dp/B009UZBLSG
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again. A fairly outrageous price for a connector, don't you think. Looks like my Nexus experience will be short. I'll probably go back to my Kindle. Live and learn.
rebecker said:
Thanks again. A fairly outrageous price for a connector, don't you think. Looks like my Nexus experience will be short. I'll probably go back to my Kindle. Live and learn.
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Click to collapse
Well, you get what you pay for.
Did you see the part about those apps not using internet? They use the local lan, they don't even need internet (other than for installing them initially/license checks).
mdamaged said:
Actually, it uses your wireless LAN bandwidth, not internet.
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Click to collapse
Can you explain this to me? Are you saying that the connection is "local"? So, if I have a movie on my Nexus and want to "broadcast" it to my TV through Chromecast, is the signal NOT uploading and then downloading via the internet? Because I cannot use the internet where I live part time to stream; the connection is way too slow. Can you explain how "wireless LAN" is setup and how it works? And is this possible using a Roku instead of a Chromecast (I own a Roku unit).
Thanks.
rebecker said:
Can you explain this to me? Are you saying that the connection is "local"? So, if I have a movie on my Nexus and want to "broadcast" it to my TV through Chromecast, is the signal NOT uploading and then downloading via the internet? Because I cannot use the internet where I live part time to stream; the connection is way too slow. Can you explain how "wireless LAN" is setup and how it works?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, it's local, it gets the video from your device over your wireless router, to the chromecast, internet does not come into play at all.
Do you have a wireless router (aka wifi)? If so then all you do is set up the chromecast to attach to it, then have your N7 connect to the same wifi network, then your N7 can send to the chromecast directly, with the help of one of those apps.
If you do not have wifi access point or router, then you will of course have to buy one, initially you will need internet to get the apps and stuff, but once it's setup you can play movies/ pics/ music that is on your N7 directly to your chromecast on your TV.
rebecker said:
Can you explain this to me? Are you saying that the connection is "local"? So, if I have a movie on my Nexus and want to "broadcast" it to my TV through Chromecast, is the signal NOT uploading and then downloading via the internet? Because I cannot use the internet where I live part time to stream; the connection is way too slow. Can you explain how "wireless LAN" is setup and how it works? And is this possible using a Roku instead of a Chromecast (I own a Roku unit).
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you don't have a chromecast but happen to have a PS3 or Xbox 360 you can use Skifta/Bubble UPNP to stream files from your tablet to your console to watch on tv, I use Skifta and it works flawlessly on my ps3 as mdamaged said above, no need to internet to come into play, just your local network so internet issues won't affect it :good:
as for your Roku player, they have an app to do exactly that, stream straight to it but for some reason apparently doesn't support N7 2013, but supports the 2012 version
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roku.remote
DrRuckingFetard said:
if you don't have a chromecast but happen to have a PS3 or Xbox 360 you can use Skifta/Bubble UPNP to stream files from your tablet to your console to watch on tv, I use Skifta and it works flawlessly on my ps3 as mdamaged said above, no need to internet to come into play, just your local network so internet issues won't affect it :good:
as for your Roku player, they have an app to do exactly that, stream straight to it but for some reason apparently doesn't support N7 2013, but supports the 2012 version
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roku.remote
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded the app you listed above. It now lists N7 2013 as compatible. I could get the pictures and music functions to work, but not videos. I have access to a massive legal catalog of MKV and MP4 movies. However, when I tried to play either type via the software I get a message that the movies are incompatible with the Roku. I guess my next move will be to borrow someones Chromecast and try it. Life shouldn't be this hard.
rebecker said:
I downloaded the app you listed above. It now lists N7 2013 as compatible. I could get the pictures and music functions to work, but not videos. I have access to a massive legal catalog of MKV and MP4 movies. However, when I tried to play either type via the software I get a message that the movies are incompatible with the Roku. I guess my next move will be to borrow someones Chromecast and try it. Life shouldn't be this hard.
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Click to collapse
Well this Massive LEGAL collection of MKVs and mp4s are stored on what? A computer or hopefully not a hdd plugged into a router?
BrianDigital said:
Well this Massive LEGAL collection of MKVs and mp4s are stored on what? A computer or hopefully not a hdd plugged into a router?
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Click to collapse
Not sure I understand your question. When I want to watch a movie, I simply copy it to my Nexus and watch it on my TV. The issue is quality from the nexus to the TV.
rebecker said:
Not sure I understand your question. When I want to watch a movie, I simply copy it to my Nexus and watch it on my TV. The issue is quality from the nexus to the TV.
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Click to collapse
i am asking due to you seem to have a ps3 or roku on your network. If the movies files are stored on your computer, you can share the movie folder on your network so the ps3 or roku can see them..
Then you can simply from your tv find the movie you want to watch and leave the nexus 7 out of this
BrianDigital said:
i am asking due to you seem to have a ps3 or roku on your network. If the movies files are stored on your computer, you can share the movie folder on your network so the ps3 or roku can see them..
Then you can simply from your tv find the movie you want to watch and leave the nexus 7 out this senrio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. I do have a Roku. Any chance you can point me to info on setting this up? My major goal is to avoid any internet streaming; need a direct network connection.
rebecker said:
Thanks for your reply. I do have a Roku. Any chance you can point me to info on setting this up? My major goal is to avoid any internet streaming; need a direct network connection.
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Click to collapse
Just a heads up here. You can buy a slim port for less than 30$ here:
http://www.amazon.com/SlimPort-HDMI-Adapter-Connect-enabled/dp/B00DWGB6CU/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393867107&sr=1-2&keywords=slimport
I think the difference between this one and the other one linked earlier is the model difference (SP1002 vs SP1003 here) which could be a newer version of the same product.
Also if you search for something that can stream to your roku, you can try allcast here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.cast&hl=en
There's a limitation on the free version but if it works great on your device, you can buy the full version for 5 bucks I think.
Hope it helps.
zaclimon said:
Just a heads up here. You can buy a slim port for less than 30$ here:
http://www.amazon.com/SlimPort-HDMI-Adapter-Connect-enabled/dp/B00DWGB6CU/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393867107&sr=1-2&keywords=slimport
I think the difference between this one and the other one linked earlier is the model difference (SP1002 vs SP1003 here) which could be a newer version of the same product.
Also if you search for something that can stream to your roku, you can try allcast here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.cast&hl=en
There's a limitation on the free version but if it works great on your device, you can buy the full version for 5 bucks I think.
Hope it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response. Yes, I saw the Slimport. Tempting.
I tried AllCast. Doesn't handle several formats well. Couldn't use it.
I think the ideal solution would be some sort of Roku app that would allow DIRECT interface with my laptop or Nexus via my router. Since my internet speed is too slow for streaming, I can't use an app like Plex, for instance, to view movies on my laptop/Nexus. I just looked at Plex; very nice concept, but can't figure out a way to avoid using the internet.
I borrowed a ChromeCast stick today. Will try that with AllCast and other apps on my nexus and see what happens.
I appreciate ALL input!
rebecker said:
Thanks for your response. Yes, I saw the Slimport. Tempting.
I tried AllCast. Doesn't handle several formats well. Couldn't use it.
I think the ideal solution would be some sort of Roku app that would allow DIRECT interface with my laptop or Nexus via my router. Since my internet speed is too slow for streaming, I can't use an app like Plex, for instance, to view movies on my laptop/Nexus. I just looked at Plex; very nice concept, but can't figure out a way to avoid using the internet.
I borrowed a ChromeCast stick today. Will try that with AllCast and other apps on my nexus and see what happens.
I appreciate ALL input!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use plex server and its app on my roku, it streams over the LAN. You'd setup the server on your laptop or PC (dual core or better recommended and 2 gigs or more of ram), and set it up, install the roku app, and it'll find the plex server on the network and you can play through that. BubbleUPNP works similarly in that it has a server (paid) that transcodes (like plex server) to allow more formats than the chromecast can accept directly.
rebecker said:
Thanks for your response. Yes, I saw the Slimport. Tempting.
I tried AllCast. Doesn't handle several formats well. Couldn't use it.
I think the ideal solution would be some sort of Roku app that would allow DIRECT interface with my laptop or Nexus via my router. Since my internet speed is too slow for streaming, I can't use an app like Plex, for instance, to view movies on my laptop/Nexus. I just looked at Plex; very nice concept, but can't figure out a way to avoid using the internet.
I borrowed a ChromeCast stick today. Will try that with AllCast and other apps on my nexus and see what happens.
I appreciate ALL input!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For gods sakes to use Plex you do not need INTERNET to stream your movies around your house.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
rebecker said:
Thanks for your response. Yes, I saw the Slimport. Tempting.
I tried AllCast. Doesn't handle several formats well. Couldn't use it.
I think the ideal solution would be some sort of Roku app that would allow DIRECT interface with my laptop or Nexus via my router. Since my internet speed is too slow for streaming, I can't use an app like Plex, for instance, to view movies on my laptop/Nexus. I just looked at Plex; very nice concept, but can't figure out a way to avoid using the internet.
I borrowed a ChromeCast stick today. Will try that with AllCast and other apps on my nexus and see what happens.
I appreciate ALL input!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
none of the options both I and everyone else has suggested USE THE INTERNET. If you pull out your DSL connection from your modem/router, you still have a local network connection between devices via your router, and all the apps we have suggested will work perfectly. Your ISP speed has absolutely nothing to do with what you want to do.
BrianDigital said:
For gods sakes to use Plex you do not need INTERNET to stream your movies around your house.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Yes, I now know this after some experimentation. Thanks for the response.
Ive seen so many mixed report regarding Miracast. I really like the idea but am cautious. From what i understand Netgears Push 2 TV PTV3000 is considered one of the better dongles. Anyone got any recommendations or are currently using Miracast on thier Tab S? Not entirely sure if it is even compatible. Would appreciate any feedback on your experiences and any recommendations.
I've got it. I use it. It works.
I got it when I had my Surface 2, I've continued using it with this Tab. Connects perfectly. Only thing I've noticed is that after watching a few HD YouTube videos, the sound goes out of sync with the video. I've yet to fully investigate this phenomenon, whether it be the YouTube app, the Tab, background apps etc. but can't see it been anything to do with the Netgear. I'm off on holiday now so won't be able to look into that for another week.
P.S. not sure if you could use Chromecast in the same way, but if so it would be a cheaper option.
SteveYorks said:
I've got it. I use it. It works.
I got it when I had my Surface 2, I've continued using it with this Tab. Connects perfectly. Only thing I've noticed is that after watching a few HD YouTube videos, the sound goes out of sync with the video. I've yet to fully investigate this phenomenon, whether it be the YouTube app, the Tab, background apps etc. but can't see it been anything to do with the Netgear. I'm off on holiday now so won't be able to look into that for another week.
P.S. not sure if you could use Chromecast in the same way, but if so it would be a cheaper option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for your reply, did you root your Tab S?
No. And it's the 10.5
My DLink Miracast adapter works perfect with the Tab S 8.4. Remember to update the firmware after you get the adapter home. Else it'll lag like hell. After the update it works like a charm.
And Tab isn't rooted.
geoux said:
My DLink Miracast adapter works perfect with the Tab S 8.4. Remember to update the firmware after you get the adapter home. Else it'll lag like hell. After the update it works like a charm.
And Tab isn't rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update:
After the recent Tab S firmware update, it simply stopped working. Samsung, what did you do?
Update:
After a firmware update of the Miracast dongle, it started working again. Darn.
Ah, glad it's not just me then. I tried casting to the tv the other day (I'd just rooted the day before that) and I got an incompatible hardware issue or something, thought I'd broken something. I might have had an update in the background and it's ****ed it.
I'm using the Netgear PTV3000.
possible solution
geoux said:
Update:
After the recent Tab S firmware update, it simply stopped working. Samsung, what did you do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please see below...i know u say that you're not rooted but if u are using custom kernel or recovery then this pertains to u too
SteveYorks said:
Ah, glad it's not just me then. I tried casting to the tv the other day (I'd just rooted the day before that) and I got an incompatible hardware issue or something, thought I'd broken something. I might have had an update in the background and it's ****ed it.
I'm using the Netgear PTV3000.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if u are using cw/twrp/philz recovery and/or the sky high kernel then the custom images have broken your wifi...u can either install my SuperSamung V2 rom with the fix already included or edit your build prop by adding the line wlan.wfd.hdcp=disable then save & reboot
Sorry to revive an old thread, but i'm considering getting a Miracast dongle to feed powerpoint presentations to an office projector from my Tab S. Couple questions though:
1. Will it work?
2. Am I better off going the wired micro-usb-to-hdmi route?
I'd really rather go wireless so I can walk around and not worry about yanking the cable off in the middle of a meeting with top execs.
Why miracast instead chromecast? Chromecast works perfectly from the tablet or pc and has better support.
I just see miracast as a poor mans version of chromecast.
I'm also wondering about this.
For screen monitoring of e.g. games, photo viewing with Gallery of QuickPix, or tv streaming using an app provided by my cable company
I understood Chromecast is supposed to be especially good at showing content in the cloud. I forgot the exact list of supported services... Things like YouTube, picasa, Spotify, radio streams, Netflix? In this case, your tablet "refers" to the content, and chromecast does the actual downloading/streaming. Screen mirroring was added as an afterthought, and last I checked (hmm, 6 months ago) subject to a lot of disclaimers, supported only on some devices.
I understood Miracast is true screen mirroring, but the few receiver devices I looked at, mention technical limits, like (example) 15fps, which makes me doubt their use for video mirroring.
Thus I haven't bought anything yet :-\
More testimonies of miracast & Chromecast users could be interesting!
screen mirroring works fine with chromecast as long as you are not doing something effected by input/screen lag. Watching video from an app that is not natively supporting chromecasting (showbox...) is relatively simple. If you are on this forum you shoild have the ability to do it, just maybe not someone who can only facebook on their tab might have small issues. Casting pictures, slides, presentations or websites is fine too since there is no need to worry about the lag.
Gaming is annother story if you the person playing os wanting to use the tv screen then you have to pick a game with care. Any game that requires good to impossible timing (flappy anything or one finger death punch) is a great way for a masochist to have fun with out a sadist being in the room. Games that do not need fast timing like turn based strategy games or certain types of puzzle games are fine and work great. Even quite a few emulators work well like this but with the same game choice restrictions.
The screen lag you get is not anything like low fps it is input lag from the time difference it would take to simply send the information to your tablet vs the time it takes to send the information to your router and the router to send the information to the chromecast. I would assume miracast would suffer frome the same issues, though I haven't tried it yet.
acdbrn2000 said:
screen mirroring works fine with chromecast as long as you are not doing something effected by input/screen lag. Watching video from an app that is not natively supporting chromecasting (showbox...) is relatively simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting.
Is both screen + audio sent to the Chromecast then? Or are there audio/video sync issues... If video happens on tv but lags behind the video+audio of the tablet...
The audio went out of the tv when I did a cast using cast screen. Most of the casting I do from my device uses uPnPlay a wonderful free app that is as good as most if not all the paid upnp apps (bubble upnp/ allcast). I have never had any issues with audio desync using that app.
when I did a sceen cast with show box I did have a streaming hicup (a slight stutter) once or twice but that may have been due to my old router (wrt54g) and not so much the chromecast.
fred_be9300 said:
Interesting.
Is both screen + audio sent to the Chromecast then? Or are there audio/video sync issues... If video happens on tv but lags behind the video+audio of the tablet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never had any sync issues casting with chromecast.
In most situations you would never have to screen cast as chromecast can pretty much cast anything web or local natively.
Presentations is really the only use I can see for screen casting.
ashyx said:
In most situations you would never have to screen cast as chromecast can pretty much cast anything web or local natively. Presentations is really the only use I can see for screen casting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as I mentioned earlier, my TV cable provider, has an app that streams live TV. We have a 2nd TV in the bedroom for which we don't have a decoder box, but I hope I could screenmirror the TV stream that I can get through the App (audio&video).
fred_be9300 said:
as I mentioned earlier, my TV cable provider, has an app that streams live TV. We have a 2nd TV in the bedroom for which we don't have a decoder box, but I hope I could screenmirror the TV stream that I can get through the App (audio&video).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work fine for that then. You may get the occasional hiccup depending on many things but for the most part I do not see any reason why it would not work for you.
fred_be9300 said:
Interesting.
Is both screen + audio sent to the Chromecast then? Or are there audio/video sync issues... If video happens on tv but lags behind the video+audio of the tablet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I caved and bought an Chromecast (CC)
Findings:
- screencast works fine most of the time. Transfers audio and video, and keeps good sync. But some applications cause a crash and reboot of the tablet (e.g. mirroring of MX Player playing a video)
- casting youtube works fine.
- the app I was most interested in (a TV streaming app of my local TV cable company) in fact does both Chromecasting, and works in screen casting mode. Hurray)
- good wifi reception is needed on both the tablet and the CC
and a general point
- according to reading around, it's not possible to use the CC without active internet connection, not even for local screencasting. Technically, it seems unnecessary to have an active internet connection on the WLAN that connects both the CC and the tablet (or pc), for local casting or screencasting. Read more at e.g. https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/chromecast/XRktmNTk0QY
Sorry to take the thread off-topic from Miracast - but I think it's interesting to hear testimonies of both Chromecast and Miracast, to compare
regards
Prime movies and TV shows do not load after manually upgrading to fw 51.1.1.0_user_511070220. I have root and nothing is being blocked on my router. Streaming with prime worked fine on fw 51.1.0.2_user_510058520. Oddly enough, the trailers will play fine but not the actual movie.
Anyone have similar problems?
Edit: I performed a factory reset and reinstalled everything to no avail.
Check to be sure your system has a correct timestamp? I had some really weird stuff happen earlier today when I wasn't able to get NTP at boot up.
Bizarre fix
So I replaced the hdmi cable and all is well again. Apparently the cable was bad only when trying to play prime movie and tv streams. It worked fine with all xbmc stuff and everything else like games and apps. Maybe the hdmi cable is old 1.2 and not 1.4. At any rate, I'm glad it wasn't defective hardware.
quattroatl said:
So I replaced the hdmi cable and all is well again. Apparently the cable was bad only when trying to play prime movie and tv streams. It worked fine with all xbmc stuff and everything else like games and apps. Maybe the hdmi cable is old 1.2 and not 1.4. At any rate, I'm glad it wasn't defective hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. Thanks for posting the resolution.
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Just get both lol. That's what I did
Fire stick is closer to a tablet than anything
depakjan said:
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way I see it, AFSTV is a tablet used for streaming. Chromecast needs more apps and a native browser; maybe chromecast II will be able to compete in the same league (if it ever shows up).
depakjan said:
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4. Most US FTV's from Amazon, Staples, BestBuy, Radio Shack can still be rooted.
depakjan said:
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 2 of each, but hands down the Fire Stick is a better device with may more uses.
FS has MUCH MUCH(get the idea) better wifi.
The one thing I've found that the CC is better at is taking on a trip since you don't need the remote to get it connected on a new wifi. FS you MUST have remote so far as I can figure out.
gottahavit said:
I have 2 of each, but hands down the Fire Stick is a better device with may more uses.
FS has MUCH MUCH(get the idea) better wifi.
The one thing I've found that the CC is better at is taking on a trip since you don't need the remote to get it connected on a new wifi. FS you MUST have remote so far as I can figure out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as taking it on a trip, if you stay in a hotel that requires you to accept the terms of service through a browser good luck connecting the chromecast.
I have both, and I never use my Chromecast. The only reason I could think of why I would use it is for my 2 movies in Google Play... The Fire Stick is just better in every way.
adfurgerson said:
As far as taking it on a trip, if you stay in a hotel that requires you to accept the terms of service through a browser good luck connecting the chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes neither works perfectly traveling, but having to bring remote just to get it to connect to phone sucks. The only thing chromecast did right was the private wifi setup with devices.
Both are good I'm leaning more to aftv just has more features.. But I also have chromecast connected as well it's good to have back up to send media to the tv with my phone
adfurgerson said:
As far as taking it on a trip, if you stay in a hotel that requires you to accept the terms of service through a browser good luck connecting the chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Although having just experienced this, you'll need to sideload a browser and some mouse mode (controller, mouse, phone mouse,etc) to actually navigate and accept terms.
What I do is tether to my phone and cast predownloaded movies using All cast.
Chromecast is great for basic stuff and used with a tablet. When using my phone, everything gets paused and occasionally locks up when getting calls and messages on my phone.
Fire TV stick is also a pretty good emulator player for retro gaming on the go.
Unless you need to stick with the small form factor or the budget doesn't allow, the correct answer if you can't decide between the two is to get a Nexus Player. If you are not in a hurry, wait until spring when I'm sure the market will be flooded with cheap Chinese Android TV boxes (Android TV version of Android, not just Android on a stick). Essentially the same as FireTV, but with Chromecast functionality built in.
If I had to choose between a Chomecast or AFTV stick I'd take AFTV stick every time.
Comes Down to Apps
You should research the App you know you want to use. I really just want a Chrome cast with a physical remote. I was excited when I grabbed a FireTV stick for $25. I was not excited that the Showtime Anytime app doesn't support on Dish on FireStickTV but does on Chrome cast?
I would tell you make a list of the apps you really want and see what platform has them.
thats what i did too
No brainer.. AFTV.
Maybe its just me, but i really dont have the urge to "cast" everything from various devices. A nice standalone box that can connect to networked drives on its own while having native streaming capability nicely beats a simple "casting" box...
If you have a miracast compatible computer, you can use that with the firetv.
Youtube on chromecast is good in "social" settings. Friends can queue up videos (eg. songs) to be played.
ziddey said:
If you have a miracast compatible computer, you can use that with the firetv.
Youtube on chromecast is good in "social" settings. Friends can queue up videos (eg. songs) to be played.
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I haven't seen 1 person post that Miracast works from a PC to the Fire TV.
See this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/miracast-t2954237/
After using both for a few weeks apiece, the fire stick with xbmc and a remote >>>>>>>>>>>> the chromecast.
It gets tiresome having to keep turning my phone etc and having some files need transcoding with the chromecast. The stick, since they updated the firmware and fixed the video quality problems, is almost perfect and I love that remote
The only thing chromecast has over the fire tv is the ease of use with the phone with the little cast button but I can live without that
As soon as the fire sticks go on sale again, I'm picking up another 3!
The AFS seems to be a more flexible platform. It's essentially a Android Stick computer. Will be even better when someone figures out how to root it. For the most part you can sideload the same working apps that work on other Android devices. That's pretty useful.
The Chromecast seems to be more of a one trick pony. The casting feature is interesting but why would you not want to just run apps directly to control it?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
I have both.
I bought the Chromecast last year. The biggest use I got out of it was binge watching to catch up on Game of Thrones via HBO Go app. Video was definitely grainy, lower quality than the On-Demand HD from Comcast. Since then, I've rarely used it. Having to start everything via the phone or pad, then "casting" feels clunky. Casting videos/movies from my PC browser was choppy at best.
The Fire TV Stick is pretty smooth. I like having the physical remote and looking at the TV when I do things (i.e. not having to use/look at the phone). YouTube works (although I'm not able to play Purchases). Plex works well, as does SPMC (XBMC fork). NBC Live Extra app seems to work ok, but I'll get a better feel for that tonight watching football. HBO Go isn't officially available for the FireTV STICK yet. On my Fire TV (box) I am disappointed that HBO Go and Showtime Go (I would be there are some other apps too) do not have the ability to sign in for Comcast/Xfinity customers like the apps on iOs and Android do. I do realize that is a COMCAST limit, but it still stinks.
As @alton987 said earlier, it important to know the apps you want to use, and what is available on a particular device.
I bought a Fire TV Stick the day before Thanksgiving at Best Buy for $24.99. I bought it primarily for Amazon Prime.
So far, it's been working perfectly. Along with Prime movies and tv, I'm also using Prime music, Netflix, Crackle and AllCast. All work perfectly except for Netflix. On Netflix, video freezes about 10-15 minutes before the end of the movie, audio continues. I have to back out and then resume. Only takes a few seconds but it's annoying. It's the only app that's giving me a problem.
I also sideloaded BS Player and ES File Explorer. I wanted to use them for playing movies stored on my PC. Both are working just fine. I have mine connected to my A/V receiver (Yamaha). Picture quality is excellent, as is audio through my system.
I'm VERY pleased with the stick, and will buy another one for a second tv.
I have no experience with the Chromecast so I can't comment on it.
But the Fire tv stick is, for me, a no brainer if you subscribe to Amazon Prime. Terrific add-on to my system.
I really hope I am not the only one with this issue. I recently purchased the official Samsung MHL 2.0 cable and noticed that when streaming YouTube or any other video through the regular web browser the audio cuts out and back in every few minutes. Although it is something I can live with it is rather annoying. Is this a known issue with this tablet?
Doesn't happen with my generic eBay cable, so no.
Get yourself a chromecast and do away with silly wires.
Thanks for the quick reply!
My Wifi kinda sucks so unfortunately Chromecast won't do me much good. I'm going to try a factory reset and if that doesn't work I'll have to return the tablet.
Maybe try a different browser or use semper vidlinks or vget to stream online videos through a media player, highly recommend mxplayer for this. As for you tube I would use the app not the browser.
Yea I think the YouTube app works, but I don't want to deal with ads (also don't want to root while under warranty)
I tried both Dolphin (adblock plugin) and NoChromo which blocks ads by default, audio still cuts out for about a second every so often.
Give vget and mxplayer a go. You can also use web video caster to do the same thing. Between the 2 almost any online video is playable via mxplayer.
So couldn't get vget to open up any videos in mxplayer or vlc, it keeps saying video unsupported, any advice?
spartasr said:
So couldn't get vget to open up any videos in mxplayer or vlc, it keeps saying video unsupported, any advice?
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You need to make sure that you are on the page where the playable video that you want is. Semper vidlinks is good for extracting links from web pages.
Try the page below it contains several different types that should all play with vget or web video caster.
http://www.quirksmode.org/html5/tests/video.html
Open the page then select share from the menu options in your browser, select vget, you should see the orange download arrow for each video link. Click any then select mxplayer.
For web video caster, do the same but when clicking the video link, select options then open with.
I managed to route the video through VLC but the issue still persists. I ended up returning the Tab only to find that I am having the exact same issue on my second one! At this point I am going to say it may be a compatibility issue between the tablet and my crappy comcast modem/router. Are you by any chance able to recommend a good router to go with this Tablet?
BTW I really appreciate all the help you have provided thus far!
spartasr said:
I managed to route the video through VLC but the issue still persists. I ended up returning the Tab only to find that I am having the exact same issue on my second one! At this point I am going to say it may be a compatibility issue between the tablet and my crappy comcast modem/router. Are you by any chance able to recommend a good router to go with this Tablet?
BTW I really appreciate all the help you have provided thus far!
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Your router? Does that mean you are streaming media to your device and then to your TV via mhl? Have you tried playing a media file direct from your device to the TV?
No just streaming media on the tablet and hooking it up to the TV using the MHL cable. I don't know what else to do, I tested my Galaxy S5 and it plays fine, so I know it's not the cables.
EDIT: Yes videos stored locally on the tablet play fine on the TV, the problem only occurs when streaming anything.
How is the tablet connecting to your router, 2.4ghz or 5ghz?
Doesn't your TV support dlna? Most modern tv's do.
I am not sure about the tablet connection, is that something I should look into?
Our TV is almost 5 years old, we got it right before smart TV's really became a thing
spartasr said:
I am not sure about the tablet connection, is that something I should look into?
Our TV is almost 5 years old, we got it right before smart TV's really became a thing
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Sometimes it helps to switch bands and/or Wi-Fi channels as interference can affect the connection.
Look at your tablet Wi-Fi settings it will tell you which band it is connected to.
Yea I changed channels a while ago and I also changed both DNS' to google's
How are you streaming to your tablet, which app are you using? Does the streamed media play OK on your tablet?
All streamed media be it via the browser, XBMC or VLC has the audio cutting out for about a second roughly every 5 minutes or so.
spartasr said:
All streamed media be it via the browser, XBMC or VLC has the audio cutting out for about a second roughly every 5 minutes or so.
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So it's the same playing on your tablet even without mhl?
Sorry had to do a quick test, videos play fine when not connected to the TV. Could it be an incompatibility issue between the TV and/or Soundbar? I know the cables are good because I tested my phone.
So the issue is tab to TV? Have you tried any lower definition movies?
Also does music play OK on its own or still stutter?