Computer Learning CenterAt Ewing

C CL

Connecting your TV to the Internet

Mary Kay Podlecki and David Shinkfield

Computer Learning Center at Ewing

January 2014

Options for connecting TV to the Internet

• Roku

• Boxee

• WD TV Live

• Google TV

• Chromecast

• Apple TV

RokuPrice: $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

BoxeePrice: $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

WD TV Live

Price: $100 - $150

Services: Netflix, HuluPlus, Vudu movies, MLB, and a few others.

Comments:

• Extremely easy to use

• Streaming channel selection is just okay

• Plays local files

Google TVPrice: $99 - $1,400

Services: Amazon, Netflix, Pandora, Crackle, RedboxInstant

Comments:

• Lots of choice in hardware devices

• Apps like Plex and Chomemake Google TV highly configurable

• Not the most user-friendly

Our discussion for today

• Chromecast

• Apple TV

ChromecastWith 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.

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.

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.

What’s in the Box?

How small is it?

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

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.

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.

The TV Screen

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.)

Checking if Chrome is “up to date”

Checking if Chrome is “up to date”

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)

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.

Using Chromecast-laptop

Using Chromecast-laptop

Using Chromecast-laptop

The TV Screen

Using Chromecast – Tablet

Using Chromecast – Tablet

The Good Apps

The “Supporting” Apps

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.

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.

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.

Now to Apple TV