Chromecast: Everything you need to know
Table of Contents
An excellent electronic device should be elementary and convenient, have a low cost, high quality of work, and a concise design. All these characteristics have a compact device from Google “Chromecast.”
Below is a guide on how to install and configure it. Although the manufacturer claims that the device adjusts itself, this is not entirely true, because the user will still need to perform a few simple actions.
However, we must pay tribute to the developers of this miracle gadget for the maximum simplification of the procedure for setting up and commissioning it.
What is this device, and what’s its purpose?
This is a media player that connects to the TV’s HDMI. As a result, even simple TV gets some Smart-TV features.
Connecting to an HDMI TV, the device connects to Wi-Fi broadcast in the router’s apartment and can show audio and video content from home gadgets with a Wi-Fi module and a particular application installed. This can be a desktop PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.
To date, there are already three models of the device. They differ in appearance and functionality, but all have compact dimensions and simple configuration.
First, this media player appeared in mid-2013 and immediately captured the attention of users. The device supports devices on all popular operating systems: Windows, Mac OS X, Android, Chromebook OS, and iOS.
Unfortunately, owners of Wi-Fi routers operating at a frequency of 5 GHz could not take advantage of their expensive routers, since “Chromecast” was able to see only 2.4 GHz networks. Because of its size, it was no longer possible to connect other wires and devices to nearby ports (users needed to use special adapters).
Connecting without adapters in the second modification of the model, Google eliminated important disadvantages of the pioneer. The device began to connect to channels on both 2.4 and 5 GHz automatically. Also, it was provided for a more convenient connection to the connector without the use of adapters. The price of the device has not changed.
The third model was released with the prefix in the name “Ultra” and with a new processor.
The power adapter has a socket for connecting to the cable Internet. The previous two modifications functioned only “by air.” The third model guarantees that you can watch TV shows over the cable Internet without lagging or slowing down.
The socket for accessing the Internet allowed you to watch movies on the network in high quality without failures.
Box and its contents
The review will not be complete if you do not touch what the user will get after purchasing it.
For a small device, Google has provided an equally compact box.
The box contains all the elements for quick commissioning of the device and visual instructions for connecting.
Adapter the list of accessories, except for Chromecast, includes:
- HDMI adapter;
- A unit with a USB cord for powering the gadget.
The size of the device allows you to carry it with you in your pocket. This is exceptionally well spoken of by people who often need to organize reports and presentations when traveling to other companies.
After all, you no longer need to carry large-sized equipment, but turn any existing TV quickly into a Smart TV, on the large screen of which you can conduct a presentation from a tablet or even a phone.
Compactness
Activation procedure
As noted above, the Chromecast h2g2-42 is inserted into the TV’s HDMI. Next, it should be supplied with power. To do this, install a complete USB cable in its miniUSB socket.
This cord can be inserted into the TV’s USB connector or use the power supply that is also included.
The setup procedure
After inserting the Chromecast into the port and turning on the TV, the user will immediately see the menu through which the settings are made.
The micro USB socket has a “Reset” key. If you hold it down for a few seconds, the parameters will roll back to the factory state.
The list of applications with the Chromecast function is available in the “Chromecast built-in” tab.
If the configuration is performed using a gadget on the Android platform, the procedure is as simple as possible. The system will continuously guide the user and tell them what to do.
The primary Android device and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi.
You will need to complete the following steps:
- Agree to the program’s request and go to the page: “google.com/chromecast/setup»;
- Install and run the SOFTWARE;
- Wait for the Wi-Fi network scan to complete.
- The Chromecast will appear, which remains only to be configured.
- Click “Setup”;
- Wait for the connection to be completed.
- The code will be displayed.
- Compare what you see on TV with the display of a mobile gadget;
- Create and assign The original Chromecast name.
- Enter data to log in to the Wi-Fi network;
- This manual parameter entry is performed only once. At the next connection, everything will already be performed automatically;
- Automatic mode now you can check the device’s operation, for example, by starting a broadcast from Youtube. When the gadget connects to Chromecast, you just need to click “Ok”;
- Start playback;
- Playback adjust the sound via a mobile device;
- Enjoy the content on the big screen.
View translation can be set up from any device with the Chrome browser and installed SOFTWARE. It can be a Windows device, for example, a PC or even a Lumia smartphone.
To do this, install the Google Cast extension, which has a wide range of features. In addition to the player window, the entire screen can be displayed on the TV display.
Expanding the laptop has a powerful video card; its owner will already be able to enjoy movies with high-resolution images.
Image quality, as seen, the setup process is simple. On TV, no actions are required. Everything is done via the browser on any device: PC, netbook, iPad (iPhone), Android, and Windows Phone gadgets.
You need to go to the address “chromecast.com/setup” and then fulfill the master’s requirements.
It should be noted that the phone broadcasts content in Chromecast with streaming video in the background.
This means that the user can use smartphone functions, such as making calls and talking on the phone while watching a movie.
