Chromecast as basic home theater solution

[opa]

After weighing the pro's and con's of various solutions to watch video files on my TV I settled on trying out a Chromecast. It has various built-in apps for streaming services (netflix, youtube, etc) but what I was most interested in was the ability to stream my own files.

All I have to do is load up my phone with what I want to watch, go to the VLC app, click play and then hit the cast button. A few seconds later I'm watching the video on the TV. What's nice is that the Chromecast came with a remote that has volume buttons. I don't even have to mess with my TV's original remote to get things going or adjust the volume.

I like it so far but my only issue that I've noticed is that the VLC app doesn't have the ability to send subtitles to the screen. So I'm going to have to go with something else for foreign films that don't have the subtitles hard-coded into the image. I've read Plex may work but I haven't had much time to mess with it.

That's pretty much all I have to share at this point. I know there are other streaming sticks like the Roku or Fire Stick but the Google option seems more open and you don't have to do any mods or trickery to use VLC.

[marurun]

Google supposedly has better privacy, despite being a massive ad company, than Amazon or especially Roku. The Nvidia Shield is also an option, but I don't know whether it has continued active support. Apple TV probably has the best privacy options, but it's not the cheapest option, for sure.

[opa]

Yeah, the Shield and Apple TV weren't even a consideration for me due to price. I wanted the cheapest, no-frills option for my own files. Chromecast seems to fit the bill just fine at the moment.

However, I will say that if you order it from the Google Store like I did - be prepared to wait. The shipping is free but you definitely get what you pay for. I had to wait about five days past the expected date for it to show up. Not that I desperately needed it but just so others are aware I figured I would mention that. At the time that I ordered, the cheaper 1080p Chromecast was only available through their store. Most places seem to be out of the $30 model while the $50 4K one is in stock.

[opa]

This isn't a ground-breaking update but I have since acquired a small tv for the kitchen counter. I looked online and in various stores for a small counter-top size tv but the smallest I could find was around 25/27 inches. Way too large for my modest counter space.

I told my mom about my frustration in finding a tv and, as luck would have it, they still had a small one they weren't using. In one guest bedroom they still had a tiny, 18" lcd on one of the dressers. Apparently they never really use it since cutting the cable cord and they gave it to me. Free tv!

While it is the perfect size for my kitchen, it isn't a smart tv. I saw that walmart carries their own chromecast in their "onn" brand. For $12 I was willing to chance it and it works fine; just like my google chromecast. It is a little slower and less snappy but, heck, it works. And I can still stream to it with vlc from my other devices.

[marurun]

That sounds pretty cool. I think a kitchen TV would be great to have. We don't really have available wall space, unfortunately, but it would still be pretty cool.

[opa]

When I was searching for a standalone unit I did find some "under-the-cabinet" mounted models. However, they're all a no-name brand. Also, I like being able to move the unit, if needed. That could be an option? However, you'd have to really dive deep in reviews to assess quality. Also, I'm not sure how convenient that style would be.

[o.pwuaioc]

Google supposedly has better privacy, despite being a massive ad company, than Amazon or especially Roku. The Nvidia Shield is also an option, but I don't know whether it has continued active support. Apple TV probably has the best privacy options, but it's not the cheapest option, for sure.

What's wrong with Roku? Should I toss it for Chromecast? We chiefly just use Tubi or apps for paid services instead of the Roku app.

[o.pwuaioc]

This isn't a ground-breaking update but I have since acquired a small tv for the kitchen counter. I looked online and in various stores for a small counter-top size tv but the smallest I could find was around 25/27 inches. Way too large for my modest counter space.

I told my mom about my frustration in finding a tv and, as luck would have it, they still had a small one they weren't using. In one guest bedroom they still had a tiny, 18" lcd on one of the dressers. Apparently they never really use it since cutting the cable cord and they gave it to me. Free tv!

While it is the perfect size for my kitchen, it isn't a smart tv. I saw that walmart carries their own chromecast in their "onn" brand. For $12 I was willing to chance it and it works fine; just like my google chromecast. It is a little slower and less snappy but, heck, it works. And I can still stream to it with vlc from my other devices.

I got very lucky. Someone in my building was tossing their Toshiba, and I snatched that right up. Cleaned it up and it has been working like new ever since. Nothing wrong with it, and I'm just thankful it's still in the "dumb TV" era.

[marurun]

What's wrong with Roku? Should I toss it for Chromecast? We chiefly just use Tubi or apps for paid services instead of the Roku app.

I'll try and dig up some links to attach to this reply, but I recall reading that Roku was one of the most if not the most aggressive companies about collecting your viewing data and selling that data.

https://www.mozillafoundation.org/en/pr ... g-players/
https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertai ... cking-you/