Chromecast - is it worth having?

[Yazoo]

As the title says, is it worth having?

 

I have a smart TV that has apps, I have a PS3 that has apps, my Blue-ray player has apps so was wondering before I buy this, what is the attraction?

 

 

[spikey_richie]

I got a Chromecast as I don't have a smart TV, console or smart Blu-Ray.

 

So for you, not so much.

[tsupersonic]

The Chromecast is far more useful for those that don't have a way to stream Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, etc. (from either a smart TV, or game console or another device). It is far cheaper than anything with similar functionality. I'd say it's not a device for you since you have all those other devices that are media streamers. It's also really flexible if you have friends over, as they can all stream media to it.

 

I got a Chromecast even though I have a Xbox 360 and my Blu Ray player has apps. It was $35 - $24 (3 months Netflix free promo), so for $11 can't complain. 

[Fezmid Reviews]

Do you NEED it?  No.  Is it convenient?  Definitely.

 

I have a PS3 connected to one TV mainly for Netflix streaming, but I find that whenever I want to watch something, I have to wait to update the PS3... Then wait to update Netflix... And by the time that's all done, I don't have time to watch anything anymore!  You also have to make sure that you have the PS3 controller (or remote?) handy.

 

The Chromecast lets you stream Netflix using only your phone, which is incredibly useful.  It's also really simple the cast Youtube videos to the TV without having to boot up a console.  So that's why I use it.

[Yazoo]

Think I will buy one anyway as they are relatively cheap :)

[Chicane-UK Veteran]

For how little they cost, they're neat. I don't use mine very often, but I like to have the option! Plus it's only in it's infancy currently.. lots more support and applications will be coming down the pipeline soon I'm sure. 

[techbeck]

As the title says, is it worth having?

 

I have a smart TV that has apps, I have a PS3 that has apps, my Blue-ray player has apps so was wondering before I buy this, what is the attraction?

 

Steaming local content from your PC or mobile device is handy.  If you dont need to do that and if you have a Smart TV, I wouldn't worry about it.

[+BudMan MVC]

Yeah I picked one up to play with..  Its kind of slick and neat to control say netflix with ipad and then just push it to the TV..  Used it to show some youtube videos to guests over the holidays.. But if you have other devices that can stream your services not really needed.  But it is a cheap tech toy to play with ;)  Kind of hoping to at some point be able to stream the camera from ipad to it - last I looked that was not yet possible..  Be fun for the grand daughter to see herself on the big screen sort of thing ;)

[+Warwagon MVC]

Even if you have other devices that do youtube, I would still highly recommended. it's FAR easier to pull up youtube on a desktop, laptop or tablet with chrome and then tell it to Cast to the TV than it is to open up youtube on a PS3 or bluray player or smart tv and search for what you want.

[LittleNeutrino Veteran]

Just got one on Saturday and so long as you have an Android device or an iDevice they are fantastic. Being that I have a Windows Phone there is only really 1 app that is supported at this time. So I have been using a Frankenstein iPhone I made with spare parts from several broken phones I use to control it as well as Tab cast for the browser.

[Mobius Enigma]

Even if you have other devices that do youtube, I would still highly recommended. it's FAR easier to pull up youtube on a desktop, laptop or tablet with chrome and then tell it to Cast to the TV than it is to open up youtube on a PS3 or bluray player or smart tv and search for what you want.

 

Or if you have a DLNA device/TV or an Xbox, you can send YouTube (or any videos) from inside IE11 directly, and avoid Chrome.

[spikey_richie]

I noticed today that the BBC iPlayer now has casting enabled, which is superb.

[bucko]

Is it fairly easy to stream pictures? I read that only certain apps on android can do it and not the official gallery app? Any one got any better experience?

[T3X4S]

Aside from Chromecast - Serviio makes streaming from PC to TV a piece of cake.