Chromecast Guides

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If you want to stream 4K contents, among Chromecast family (Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, and Chromecast Ultra), only Chromecast Ultra (update: and the Chromecast 2020, aka Chromecast with Google TV) has this capability.

But a lot of Chromecast Ultra owners found they cannot stream 4K contents with Chromecast Ultra.

What are the possible causes? What are the solutions?

This Chromecast guide first explains the requirements of using Chromecast to stream 4K contents, then show you the solutions for some problems related to streaming 4K contents with Chromecast Ultra.

The 6 requirements of using Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents

Chromecast Ultra is a very powerful streaming gadget.

You can use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K Ultra HD contents with HDR.  While normal Chromecast (Chromecast and Chromecast 2nd Generation)  can only stream full HD contents (1080p) without HDR.

Although Chromecast does not require a 4K TV, there are a few requirements to meet if you want to use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents, including:

1. a 4K TV;
2. fast internet connection (at least 10-20Mbps);
3. HDCP 2.2  support;
4. the original power adapter;
5. a high-speed HDMI cable;
6. 4K contents.

Among these 6 requirements, 2 are related to the … Continue to read the post....

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When do you need to reset Chromecast (factory data reset)?

Most of the time, it is not necessary to factory reset Chromecast  (factory data reset). The device update itself when connected to internet.  It seldom gives problem.

But in the following two scenarios, you probably have to reset  Chromecast:

• You change your wireless router. Chromecast can only remember one network. If you changed your router, you can either re-do the setup (you may follow this Chromecast setup guide) if the old network is not in range, or simply reset Chromecast.
• Chromecast hangs or freezes.  You can try to plug out the USB power cable, then check whether Chromecast works after plugging the cable back. But if this doe not work or Chromecast hangs frequently, it is good idea to reset Chromecast (factory data reset) before calling Google support or returning the unit.

How to reset Chromecast (factory data reset)?

It is quite simple to factory reset Chromecast. There are two ways to factory reset Chromecast.

Method 1: Use the button on Chromecast to reset Chromecast

Hold down the button (next to the micro USB port) on your Chromecast for at least 25 seconds or until the solid light begins … Continue to read the post....

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When considering to buy a streaming device for the TV, a lot of people may have a hard time to decide between Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Both gadgets share a similar form factor, share a similar price (less than $40). Both are from reputable tech companies.

It is usually not helpful to read reviews for these two products. It is all about your needs: what do you want to do with the HDMI Stick?

This guide will try to help you decide which one is suitable for YOU: Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick?

I have no intention (possible?) to make a judgment on which one is better because the better one is not always suitable for you. What you need is Mr. or Ms. Right.

Chromecast VS Amazon Fire TV Stick: 2 similar but fundamentally different products

Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick have a similar size and weight.  They both need external power through a Micro USB port. They both must be inserted into an HDMI port on the TV.

They both can turn your TV into a connected entertainment device.

But Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV stick are fundamentally different:

• Amazon Fire TV Stick

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This is the online version of Chromecast manual. You can get the Kindle eBook version of this book on Amazon Kindle Book store.

The Chromecast manual here is to help you set up and enjoy the $35 HDMI dongle.  I try to make it as simple as possible.  Of course, the PDF version of the Chromecast manual will be more comprehensive.

If you want to include more contents or topics in this online Chromecast manual, please let us know in the comment box below. We will update this Chromecast manual regularly.

Update 2: Google discontinued the support of setting up Chromecast through the Chrome browser on the PC/Mac. So, you have to set up a new Chromecast on an Android or iOS device through the Google Home app.

But this does NOT affect the casting functions of Chrome browser on a PC or Mac. You can still cast a tab, or the desktop, or a file from the browser directly as explained in this guide. In fact, you do not need to install any extensions on the PC/Mac.

Update 1: Chromecast app is renamed as Google Home app, which manages both Chromecast and Google Home devices.… Continue to read the post....

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Update (August 2019): an updated guide on install Google Play store and apps from Play Store on Amazon Fire tablet

If you are using an Amazon Fire tablet from 5th gen to the current model (8th gen), it is now easier to install Google Play Store on the Fire tablet.

Please check this updated guide on how to install Google Play Store on Fire tablet.

Update (July 2019): Amazon Prime Video app now supports Chromecast

As explained in this guide, Amazon Prime Video app on Android and IOS now supports Chromecast.

However, the Prime Video app on Fire tablets still does NOT support Chromecast.

Update (2016/02): Android screen mirroring works on Fire tablet 5th generation

For Fire tablet 5th generation ONLY (you can check yours in Settings– Device options–Device model), you can also use screencast for Chromecast (Android screen mirroring).  You can run the Play Store and update Play services.  Please follow this guide to run one ADB command.

For all previous generations of Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD, and Kindle Fire HDX tablets, you cannot run Google Play store app. Screencast does not work either. If Chromecast does not work after install the 4 APKs, you can try … Continue to read the post....

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When Chromecast Audio was announced, a lot of people want to know the advantages and disadvantages of Chromecast Audio vs Bluetooth.

This is a natural question because Bluetooth speaker is readily available in all countries and regions. Most families have a few Bluetooth speakers, which may be given free when purchasing some expensive home appliances.

Chromecast Audio is new, although Chromecast is about 2 years old.  Even, some Chromecast owners may have some misunderstandings on Chromecast Audio.

If you are not sure about the difference between Chromecast and Chromecast Audio, or you are not sure about how Chromecast Audio streams music, you may check our Chromecast Audio guides page.

This post focuses on comparing Chromecast Audio vs Bluetooth to help you understand the advantages and limitations of Chromecast Audio. And therefore, you can make a better decision on whether you should get a Chromecast Audio, or whether you can live with Bluetooth, or whether and how you can use both of them within your budget.

Chromecast Audio vs Bluetooth: audio quality

Bluetooth usually has terrible audio quality because Bluetooth is designed as low power, short-range personal area networks (PANs). The speed is far lower than that of … Continue to read the post....

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Chromecast Audio was introduced on September 29, 2015, together with the new Chromecast (Chromecast 2015, 2nd generation of Chromecast).

Although Chromecast Audio shares almost identical hardware specs with the new Chromecast, the designed usage of Chromecast Audio is substantially different from Chromecast.

This may confuse many users.

Chromecast Audio guides will include a series of guides to help you better understand Chromecast Audio (e.g., differences between Chromecast Audio and Chromecast, Bluetooth vs Chromecast Audio…) and use Chromecast Audio.

For Chromecast, including 1st generation of Chromecast and new Chromecast (Chromecast 2015), please check this Chromecast how-to guide page.

This is a live page: more guides will be added regularly after we test them one by one.

If you have any questions on Chromecast Audio,  please feel free to leave them in the comment box below, we will try to find the solution for you.

Here are the Chromecast Audio guides.

1. What’s the difference between Chromecast and Chromecast Audio?

   Chromecast or Chromecast Audio? If you have any questions on the difference between these two Chromecast devices, you can find the answer in this guide. This Chromecast Audio guide explains to you the output format, targeted usages,  audio quality, under-hood differences

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What is Chromecast Audio companion device?

Chromecast Audio is not a standalone device: it requires a Chromecast Audio companion device to initiate the streaming.

The companion  device usually pass the streaming location and streaming info to Chromecast Audio. Chromecast Audio will then take over the streaming. You may check this guide on how to use Chromecast Audio to stream music and how to control Chromecast Audio from your Chromecast Audio companion device.

If the streaming source requires a membership/subscription, the Chromecast Audio companion device needs to authenticate itself first, then pass the streaming source to Chromecast Audio.

This requirement of a Chromecast Audio companion device is by design.

Chromecast Audio does not have its own dedicated input interface in Chromecast Audio.

Chromecast App and Apps with Chromecast support are required to use Chromecast.

The apps (Chromecast App and individual apps with Chromecast support) must run on a device, which acts as a Chromecast Audio companion device.

Chromecast Audio companion device is not exclusive. There is no “master” device: all devices are equal.

Any devices that can run these apps can control Chromecast Audio. No Chromecast Audio companion device can hog on Chromecast  Audio.

What are supported systems for Chromecast Audio

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