Awesome!  How do I cast a tab from my Chrome browser to my TV without the Chromecast?  I did not know that this was a standard feature on TVs for the last 5 years.

It used to be the clear cost leader, but the roku stick is only $50, it's well worth the extra $15.  Amazon Fire TV Is $80 and as usual appletv is the most expensive, still only a c note though.

Of all the ways to stream Netflix and other media (and I've tried almost all of them), here are my thoughts:

+ 3 = ROKU
+ 2 = Amazon Fire
+ 1 = Apple TV
- 1 = Chromecast
- 2 = Integrated into your smart TV
- 3 = Integrated into your DVD player

I bought one....and returned it a week later.

Unless you are casting an app that is optimized for it, it sucks.

And all the apps that are optimized for it, there are other devices that work better.

Even at only $35, I didn't think it worth it, quickly realized I would never use it so I returned it.

Videostream for Chromecast

Amazon prime streaming? No? Fail.

I agree, this is annoying.  They own Twitch now and they added Chromecast support for it.  We finally get the instant video app on the playstore and.... no chromecast support.  

$35... you can't go wrong. It does require a USB power source, so if your TV has a USB port, that helps a ton.

I use Plex on my desktop to stream movies and tv shows.

The ONLY drawback I can find is that it only supports up to 720p.  Probably a limit of its processing power than anything else.

My Roku HDMI stick supports 1080p.

YES its pretty cool.


I bought 2 $25 bucks each one

If you are a Windows 8 or Windows Phone user, MiraCast is the way to go. (Some support Android - The windows one has the Android logo on it's page and says Android 4.2.1 or higher)

Unlike some of the other solutions like ChromeCast or Apple TV, it acts the same as attaching a WIRED 2nd monitor to your laptop or tablet - No "Casting" or special apps...

You can use DUPLICATE mode and everything on your device shows up on the projector or TV

Or

You can use EXTEND mode and your projector or TV acts like a dual monitor setup (Have your browser or Excel open on your tablet or laptop while running Netflix on the projector or TV)

It does Audio and Video:

Here are links to the 3 I have in order of my preference:

Microsoft - $59.95 - Pros: Direct from Microsoft, Size, USB Powered, Best I've used!  Cons: Only available for pre order from Microsoft and Best Buy (I got mine as a giveaway at an event)

Actiontec ScreenBeam Pro - $69.99 - Pros: Many cool options in the firmware  Cons: Wal Wart required for power.

NetGear PTV3000 - $49.99 - Pros: Price and USB Powered  Cons: None

These things are not only awesome for home use (I have them on most TV's I own), but even better in conference rooms at the office - Especially the Exec conference rooms where audio and video cables on the conference room tables are "unsightly" :)

If you take the sound from the tv to the amp it will, mine is connected via the optical out port and works just fine.

I have a Chromecast and like it but it is limited.  I wanted to be able to watch redtube on my TV but it doesn't work very well for that.    I mainly use it for Netflix or Youtube.  

I have a PS3 and a Xbox 360 on that TV as well. I don't have Xbox Gold so I dont think I can use Netflix and every time I turn on the POS3 it requires a damn update and it wont ever download it.  I have to install it from a USB drive.  Since that is rather inconvenient I just use the Chromecast for Netflix.

LOL no. Only those TV's that are "smart TVs" are capable of streaming SOME internet content. Bought a brand new TV last year that doesn't stream from the internet without a separate box or stick.

For the OP, I've used Chomecast once at a family member's house. It will all depend on what you want to get out of it. If you simply want to stream Youtube, Netflix and Hulu Plus and some content from your laptop, smartphone or PC then Chromecast will work fine. The downside to Chomecast is you have to use a tablet, smartphone, PC to control it. There is no separate remote control that most are familiar with.

With certain versions of the Roku (primarily the Roku 3 and I think one other model) you can basically do the same "casting" you can with the Chomecast. The "casting" is done via the "miracast" feature (which I assume is what Chromecast also uses) many wireless devices are coming with or support these days. I have an older Roku 2 XS and love it. Has more capability in some respects than the Chromecast. Especially the ability to plug in a stand alone USB hard drive or flash drive to the Roku to play Roku supported content. The older Roku 2 XS does support some media casting (no video though) from tablets/smartphones via the Roku App, but Roku hasn't enabled the full casting feature found on the newest model on their older models and no telling if they ever will.

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