Chromecast - dumb question

[David A]

On chromecasts (ultra) do they have the apps installed on the chromecast itselft and the chromecast streams from the internet/media server etc i.e. the phone is like a remote?

Or

does the app on the smart phone connect to the media server/internet and push through the phone to the chromecast?

I cant think its the second one as that feels too risky for connection/bandwidth but i can't see anything specific on it.

[essayer]

The first. The phone tells Chromecast to load a URL and play it (essentially)

..which is why it’s a faff to use one when there’s restricted WiFi like a hotel room

[AC43]

David A said:

On chromecasts (ultra) do they have the apps installed on the chromecast itselft and the chromecast streams from the internet/media server etc i.e. the phone is like a remote?

You have the apps and Google Home (I think) on your phone. The latter enables casting from apps that support it.

When you cast you're sending the stream from the router straight to the Chromecast dongle.

[David A]

Thanks - what I thought. Too much marketing BS over actual functionality !

[AC43]

David A said:

Thanks - what I thought. Too much marketing BS over actual functionality !

I use the Audio version all the time for my music at home. It's a great way to get a reasonable source (Spotify Premium at max bitrate) into the back of my amp.

I've also got the video one plugged into one of the TV's but don't watch much telly so it's a bit pointless.

The architecture is neat for both audio and video. Much better that having your phone as a bottleneck. And the Audio one has optical out which is a nice touch.

IIRC Apple TV works in the same way (although restricted to Apple offerings).

[David A]

AC43 said:

I use the Audio version all the time for my music at home. It's a great way to get a reasonable source (Spotify Premium at max bitrate) into the back of my amp.

I've also got the video one plugged into one of the TV's but don't watch much telly so it's a bit pointless.

The architecture is neat for both audio and video. Much better that having your phone as a bottleneck. And the Audio one has optical out which is a nice touch.

IIRC Apple TV works in the same way (although restricted to Apple offerings).

Ok that’s interesting. Wasn’t aware of an audio only version ... will look into that.

[AC43]

David A said:

AC43 said:

I use the Audio version all the time for my music at home. It's a great way to get a reasonable source (Spotify Premium at max bitrate) into the back of my amp.

I've also got the video one plugged into one of the TV's but don't watch much telly so it's a bit pointless.

The architecture is neat for both audio and video. Much better that having your phone as a bottleneck. And the Audio one has optical out which is a nice touch.

IIRC Apple TV works in the same way (although restricted to Apple offerings).

Ok that’s interesting. Wasn’t aware of an audio only version ... will look into that.

Bollx! They've killed it! I might grab a couple now - the sound system in the bedroom is still using an old Bluetooth dongle - would much prefer a CCA. Far better.

https://www.techradar.com/uk/reviews/audio-visual/...

Edited by AC43 on Monday 29th July 11:09

[David A]

AC43 said:

Bollx! They've killed it! I might grab a couple now - the sound system in the bedroom is still using an old Bluetooth dongle - would much prefer a CCA. Far better.

https://www.techradar.com/uk/reviews/audio-visual/...

Edited by AC43 on Monday 29th July 11:09

Ordered one. Slight change of plan and was really only looking at getting one to try but as I have a need to feed zone 2 on my av amp (for outside speakers) with a "simple feed" i.e. stereo via rca (dts, multi channel etc over hdmi doesn't work for zone 2) this seems ideal. I think then I can control plex or spotifiy on the chromecast audio play to zone 2. The existing fire tv will continue to server TV duties and the other fire tv that was in use for purely audio can be re-purposed into the gym.

Thanks

ps does it come with 3.5mm to RCA ?

[xtruss]

Mine didn't, just a power cable / supply.

[AC43]

David A said:

AC43 said:

Bollx! They've killed it! I might grab a couple now - the sound system in the bedroom is still using an old Bluetooth dongle - would much prefer a CCA. Far better.

https://www.techradar.com/uk/reviews/audio-visual/...

Edited by AC43 on Monday 29th July 11:09

Ordered one. Slight change of plan and was really only looking at getting one to try but as I have a need to feed zone 2 on my av amp (for outside speakers) with a "simple feed" i.e. stereo via rca (dts, multi channel etc over hdmi doesn't work for zone 2) this seems ideal. I think then I can control plex or spotifiy on the chromecast audio play to zone 2. The existing fire tv will continue to server TV duties and the other fire tv that was in use for purely audio can be re-purposed into the gym.

Thanks

ps does it come with 3.5mm to RCA ?

Cool. Still can't believe they've actually gone and killed it. For someone like me with three amps on the go they are just brilliant things. I bought another one off eBay yesterday.

Can't remember if they come with an RCA cable. They certainly don't ship with the optical cable

[loudlashadjuster]

They only come with a short male-male 3.5mm cable, you’ll need an RCA breakout cable.

Far better to use the digital output if you can though. If you do use analogue, note that you’ll need to change the output to ‘high quality’ manually in Google Home.