Do you want to convert your dumb old Tv to a smart TV? Then obtain a media streaming tool to extend its capability. I purchased a Chromecast 3 from an online social networking site at a discounted price. Thanks to competition among online retailers. We are getting gadgets at a reasonable price!
Google Chromecast is a media streaming device that can make our old TV smarter. With Chromecast we can stream entertainment directly from our phone and other devices to the TV. We can stream movies, games, shows, and videos using compatible apps like Youtube, Netflix, Hotstar, etc. We can connect Chromebook to the TV’s HDMI port and works with our phone, tablet, desktop, and laptop.
When unboxing the Chromecast package, I noticed that Chromecast device, power cable, and a power adaptor is neatly packed inside the box. The device just weighs 40g, it supports Full HD 1080p resolution. It supports all types of wireless networks with Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz). The device supports Android, ios, Mac and Windows. All you need is a TV with an HDMI port (HDMI to plug directly into the TV), a good Wi-Fi network and a Wi-Fi supported device like your smartphone.
Install Chromecast device
In your TV’s backside, you can see some ports and connectors.
Step 1: Plug Chromecast into your TV,’s HDMI port.
Step 2: Connect one end of the USB power cable to your Chromecast. Then connect the other end of the USB power cable into the free USB port on your TV. Most HDTV now has a USB port. If your TV doesn’t have a USB port then use the included power adapter to connect the Chromecast device into a power outlet near to your TV.
Step 3: Switch on your Wi-Fi network. Switch on your TV. You should ensure that the Chromecast and mobile phone, tablet, or laptop you are using to set up Chromecast are both on the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 4: Switch your TV’s input or source to the HDMI port that your Chromecast is plugged into (use your TV’s remote to set up the source).
Setup Chromecast device
Now installation is complete, you need to set up your device to work with your Wi-Fi connection. When you switch on your TV, you can see a message displaying Get the app. You need to download, install and open the Google Home app on your phone to begin setup. In your mobile phone or tablet download the Google Home app from Google play store. Download and install the Google Home app.
Open the app and it tries to connect the available devices. You can select your TV and give its location (in the living room or in the bedroom). Sometimes the Chromecast software updates automatically when the installation startup. Wait for the updates to be finished and the device restarted. You can see the instructions on the TV, follow the instructions. It may ask for an account to link with your Chromecast device. A passcode is also displayed, verified with the passcode shown on your mobile or tablet. The passcode is useful if you are having multiple devices. Proceed with the installation process until it completed. The installation instructions are pretty simple and easy to follow. After the installation in your Google Home app, a sample video will be displayed to cast it on your TV. Hit the cast button, choose your TV as the device and hit play to play the video. Don’t worry, you can change the settings later from the Account section in the Google Home app.
To cast something on your TV. In the browser button in the Google Home app, under your services, select any compatible service like Youtube. In the Youtube app, you can see a cast button right after the Youtube logo, tap the cast button to view it on your TV. You can use your mobile phone as a remote. You can add or remove videos into the queue.
To change the wallpaper displayed on your TV (showing Ambient) or to Personalise Ambient, in Google home app, click on your device and tap Personalise Ambient. You can choose what you want to see on your screen when it’s not in use. You can hide or show weather, time, device information, personal photo data, portrait orientation photos from Google photos and can adjust slideshow speed. You can adjust the volume using your mobile phone’s volume buttons. You can easily navigate through your phone while casting. You can pick up phone call, you can pause or stop the cast by swiping down on your mobile phone’s screen. On swiping down, you can see the pause and close buttons.
You can also share your computer screen on your TV. In your desktop or laptop, open the Google Chrome browser, in the top-right drop-down menu you can see cast… Click cast… to cast the current tab or windows on to your TV. There are some other apps that support casting. You can learn anything on TV using Udemy mobile app, as it supports casting. Amazon is also selling its Fire TV media streaming stick with Alexa voice remote. With Fire TV stick you can view live camera feeds, check the weather, dim the lights and stream the music. You can buy a Google Chromecast device from Google Store or Flipkart.
