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You probably just need newer hardware capable of handling 4k streams perhaps? You're probably trying to send it an incompatible media type it doesn't support. No software updates will fix that, but you could maybe stream from something that will transcode it before sending it to the Chromecast.
Otherwise, probably going to need something that handles higher resolution media, or just make sure you're sending it 1080p media streams.
Thanks mate what is transcode? Please explain like you're explaining to your grandma
Transcoding is taking a file, and converting it on the fly to a different format that the client requests. For example: your Chromecast can only handle 1080p, but you have a 4k video you want to play on it, so you'll have to load up something like VLC, open that file, and tell VLC to transcode it to 1080p before casting it to your Chromecast.
It's like shaving down a square peg to fit in a circular hole, essentially.
Thanks that's easy to understand! I think I'm just gonna get a new casting device any ideas what the best one is?
I think the Nvidia Shield TV is probably the top of the line in this arena, but it's expensive. I'm not sure there's still a non-ad-laden alternative anymore. The newer Google TV things are $80, Apple TV is $200, but I think the cheapest Shield is $150, so it's right in the middle, and much more open as an ecosystem than either of those. The Roku just has ads all over the place from what I remember.
It's not "expensive" if you use it regularly. I use mine several hours per day, on movies and tv shows between my, kids, fiance. It was worth the $180. Works very well to stream games to it, can pair headsets and controllers.
Only thing I hate is the Netflix button. Fuck Netflix.
OK will scratch roku off the list, thanks cos i looked at that earlier. I literally just need it to stream tv from my phone, what's the best for me? I won't use it for anything else
Well any of the other options just have you install apps on them and stream from there. It's essentially a little media center. So you connect it, and load up whatever your streaming apps are, and you run them directly from the device itself. No more need to cast to it. They all even have web browsers so you can load those "other" sites that way as well.
Does that answer your question?
Thankyou and in very simple terms! Really appreciate it thanks 😊
If it's a Google Chromecast you can try downloading the Google home app from your devices app store and then connecting it to the same wifi as the Chromecast uses. If there is an update you should be able to select the Chromecast and then select the gear icon at the top left of the screen. An update will show up on the page it takes you to.
Please note that Google stopped supporting the original Chromecast. Because there is no support some things just may not work at all and there may be no updates for that device as a result.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/time-to-upgrade-google-ends-support-for-first-gen-chromecast
Thanks I'm definitely not getting an update showing, and I think it's an original chromecast. Should I buy another chromecast or is there another type of casting device that's better?
If all you need is basic Chromecast functionality for streaming there's the Onn box from Walmart that will do the trick and comes with a remote. They're about $20 in the US. I have seen people speak very highly of them (even though I don't personally use one ATM). If you're looking to do a lot more than just casting shows, I would recommend an Nvidia shield pro (not the tube). It will allow you to do all the Chromecast things, gets pretty sufficient security and QoL updates and even though these devices are older and a lot more expensive, mine hasn't had a hiccough yet.
The shield pro will allow you to do Chromecast and use services like GeForce now to do game streaming, and it can be used for media management of local files. So I suppose it all depends on what you want to use the new device for. There are options between these two at various price points, that offer different features including Google's newer chromecasts.
But yes I would recommend upgrading because IoT devices that are constantly connected to the internet are a weak link in the security chain of your home network and the original Chromecast is more so because it has not been receiving security updates.
Crikey I didn't realise security was a thing with casting! I'm in the UK so the Walmart ones not an option, what key words should I look for when trying to find an equivalent?
https://www.aftvnews.com/onn-4k-pro-with-google-tv-will-be-sold-in-europe-under-a-different-brand-and-name/ It looks like the Onn box is sold in the UK under a different name but I'd check it out and see what reviews it has to make sure.
I believe this is also available on the UK Amazon site so you may be able to find it there.
I just searched for "Onn Android TV alternative" and "Chromecast alternative" to see what was out there and started clicking on reviews.
Mate this is so helpful! Really appreciate you taking the time to write this out
No problem. I'm mostly trying to steer people away from using overpriced units when cheaper alternatives with the same features are available. That's most of the reason I didn't suggest a newer chromecast from Google. I'd also stay away from Roku (because recently they have been injecting ads and forced arbitration clauses that probably aren't legal or enforceable in the EU and UK).
Hey mate thanks for your help I just set my Thompson up! If it wasn't for your advice I'd probably spent twice as much on a Google one
That's awesome! I'm glad I could help!
Spend a little and get an Nvidia shield. Really good performance, you'll see the upgrade instantly.
Go fishing, plenty of options for casting devices with that hobby.
For audio, a WiiM is an alternative.
For video, a new tv with built in cast support is an alternative.