Want to try casting without a chromecast? In some cases you can

[gabbott]

So I have an LG smart TV as a main TV and a newer model cheapo Sony Bluray play in the bedroom. Both of them have streaming apps built-in such as youtube and netflix.

On both of these devices I've been able to cast with the Youtube app for a few months. The Youtube app has had the "casting" button for quite some time.

So yesterday my chromecast came and I got it all setup using my tablet. I then installed the netflix app, hit the casting button and it not only saw my chromecast but saw the LG smart TV as well and I could cast directly to my TV. Went to the bedroom and turned on my Sony Bluray player and sure enough, I could cast directly to that using the mobile Netflix app.

Anyway, thought I'd mention that for folks still waiting to get their hands on a chromecast. You might already have devices that you can cast to with the youtbue and netflix apps if you at least want to play around with the functionality.

 

[tnt118]

Can you tell if your TV is doing then doing the stream itself (like Chromecast), or if it is passing through your phone/tablet?

Also curious, if you install the Chromecast extension on a PC, can you cast an open tab to the TV?

 

[JRDroid]

I also have an LG smart tv and have been using this for a while (it also works with Xbox 360s). Th tv or other device do the stream themselves, just like Chromecast.

 

[gabbott]

Can you tell if your TV is doing then doing the stream itself (like Chromecast), or if it is passing through your phone/tablet?

Also curious, if you install the Chromecast extension on a PC, can you cast an open tab to the TV?

Yes, using youtube and netflix it is actually casting like chromecast and not passing through the tablet.

For the second question, no, the chromecast extension doesnt see those devices. So far I've only found it works only with the youtube and netflix apps (presumably because those particular devices also have those type of apps installed)