A presentation on ChromeCast

1. Computer Learning Center
At Ewing
C CL

2. Connecting your TV to the
Internet
Mary Kay Podlecki and
David Shinkfield
Computer Learning
Center at Ewing
January 2014

3. Options for connecting TV to
the Internet
• Roku
• Boxee
• WD TV Live
• Google TV
• Chromecast
• Apple TV

4. Roku
Price: $99
Services: Netflix, Hulu,
Amazon, Vudu, Crackle,
HBO Go, MLB.tv, NHL,
NBA, Epix, and a lot
more.
Comments:
• An incredible selection
of streaming channels
• Easy to use for geeks
and non-geeks
• Interface is a little slow

5. Boxee
Price: $159
Services: selection of
streaming apps is huge,
but the quantity is more
impressive than the
quality.
Comments:
• Beautiful interface for all
your local content, and
some integrated
streaming content
• Navigation is non-
traditional and a tad
confusing,
No Longer
Available

6. WD TV Live
Price: $100 - $150
Services: Netflix, Hulu
Plus, Vudu movies,
MLB, and a few others.
Comments:
• Extremely easy to use
• Streaming channel
selection is just okay
• Plays local files

7. Google TV
Price: $99 - $1,400
Services: Amazon, Netflix,
Pandora, Crackle, Redbox
Instant
Comments:
• Lots of choice in hardware
devices
• Apps like Plex and Chome
make Google TV highly
configurable
• Not the most user-friendly

8. Our discussion for today
• Chromecast
• Apple TV

9. Chromecast
With Chromecast, you can enjoy
your favorite online entertainment
on your HDTV—movies, TV shows,
music, and more from Netflix,
YouTube, Hulu Plus, Google Play
Movies and Music, and Chrome.
Chromecast automatically updates
to work with a growing number of
apps.

10. Chromecast
• Manufactured by Google.
• Available at many stores and on-line
• Priced at $35 – almost an impulse buy
• Chromecast works with devices you already own,
including Android tablets and smartphones,
iPhones®, iPads®, Chrome for Mac® and Chrome
for Windows®.
• Browse for what to watch, control playback, and
adjust volume using your device.

11. What is “Casting”
Casting to your TV is a simple way to use your
phone or tablet as a remote for your TV.
To cast to your TV from your smartphone, tablet or
laptop, simply open up a Cast supported app, press
the Cast button and the Cast button will turn blue,
letting you know you're connected.
Once you are connected, you can cast videos,
movies and TV shows directly to your TV.

12. What’s in the Box?

13. How small is it?

14. Connecting the Chromecast
• Connect Chromecast to
an HDMI port
• Use the short cable to
connect Chromecast to
the USB port on your
TV.
Alternatively, connect to
a power point

15. Setting up Chromecast
• Before you begin
the setup process,
make sure you are
connected to a Wi-
Fi network.
• Once your
Chromecast is
plugged in, you
should see the
Chromecast home
screen.

16. Set up your Tablet – Android or iPad
• Download and install the Chromecast App
• Launch the Chomecast App
• Select the Chromecast device you want to
set up from the list and follow the prompts
on the screen to complete the setup of your
Chromecast
• You will then see the Chromecast Home
Screen with your Wi-Fi network name
referenced on the bottom left-hand side.

17. The TV Screen

18. Set up your Laptop
• Install the Chrome Browser on your laptop
(Ensure you're using the latest version of Chrome
by navigating to Settings > About Google
Chrome and update your Chrome browser to the
latest version if necessary.)

19. Checking if Chrome is “up to date”

20. Checking if Chrome is “up to date”

21. Set up your Laptop
• Install the Chrome Browser on your laptop
(Ensure you're using the latest version of Chrome
by navigating to Settings > About Google
Chrome and update your Chrome browser to the
latest version if necessary.)
• Download the Google Cast Extension. (Enter
“Chromecast Extension” into Google)

23. Set up your Laptop
• Install the Chrome Browser on your laptop
(Ensure you're using the latest version of Chrome
by navigating to Settings > About Google
Chrome and update your Chrome browser to the
latest version if necessary.)
• Download the Google Cast Extension. (Enter
Chromecast Extension into Google)
• Once installed, you should see the Cast button
in the upper right hand side of your Chrome
browser.

24. Using Chromecast-laptop

25. Using Chromecast-laptop

26. Using Chromecast-laptop

27. The TV Screen

28. Using Chromecast – Tablet

29. Using Chromecast – Tablet

30. The Good Apps

31. The “Supporting” Apps

32. Chromecast – the Good
• The Google Chromecast is a very cheap
wireless video dongle that streams Netflix,
YouTube, Pandora, Google Music, and HBO
• Go to your TV using Android or iOS tablets
as remotes, with Android users also getting
access to Google Movies & TV.
• Its small size hides neatly behind your TV
and makes it easy to take with you when
traveling.

33. Chromecast – the Bad
• The lack of a dedicated remote also means you
always need a smartphone or tablet nearby.
• And for $15 more, you can get a Roku box with
many more channels and an onscreen interface
for a more traditional TV experience.

34. Chromecast – the Bottom Line
• Google's $35 Chromecast stick is a cheap
and easy way to add streaming video and
music to your TV.
• Google is adding new features and apps
continuously, and is now incorporating
Chromecast into newer TVs – Samsung and
LG
• It still isn't as fully featured as similarly
priced Roku boxes.

35. Now to Apple TV