Category Archives: Setup

Setup Chromecast on your Windows 10 or Mac

Setting up your Chromecast on Windows 10 has changed recently and we will go step by step on how to download and setup your Chromecast. When Chromecast initially rolled out, most of us still had Windows 8 or even Windows XP. At that time, you were to download a setup file to install a Chromecast application onto your Windows machine. However, when Google re-branded Chromecast to just Cast, things have changed. You know no longer need to download a Chromecast app to use Chromecast or to setup. As a matter of fact, if you go to

https://www.google.com/chromecast/setup/

you are only given option to download the Google Cast app for Android Play store and Apple App Store.

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To use Chromecast on your Windows 10 machine, all you need is the Google Chrome browser which you can download here.



Once you have installed your Chrome browser, go to this link -> chromecast.com/setup
If the link doesn’t work, copy and paste (chrome://cast/#devices) into your url.

From here, it will search for Chromecast in your WiFi. If it doesn’t detect your Chromecast, make sure your TV is on and the input it set to the HDMI port, the USB power is plugged in, and your Windows PC is connected on the same WiFi as your Chromecast.

Walk through the setup Wizard per below. chromecast-windows-setup-1

chromecast-windows-setup-2chromecast-windows-setup-3chromecast-windows-setup-5chromecast-windows-setup-4 Once you see the below screen, you are ready to cast! You can click on the upper right icon for more settings.

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Under settings, you may change the name of your Chromecast, forget or reset your WiFi network, change the timezone and see what firmware version you are on. You may also perform remote reboot or even factory reset.

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To start casting your Chrome tab, click on the Google cast icon which will be next to your Chrome extension add ons on the upper right of your screen. In the middle of your screen, you should find the name of the Chromecast you assigned at setup.

cast-iconI named mine, Digital 1.

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And here I am Watching Amazon Prime using my Chromecast. chromecast-amazon-primechromecast-windows-setup-8

 

Chromecast not disconnecting

A few users have reported on the Google Forums that their Chromecast is not disconnecting after you are done using it or want to switch to another source. I have experience this when I am using Netflix and when I am done, I want to switch to another source and no longer want the Chromecast connected to Netflix. However, nothing I do to disconnect works! I try clicking the Cast icon to unlink it but that didn’t work.

Here are some suggestions on how to force your Chromecast to disconnect after casting from an app or screen.

  1. Force stop the app – After you are done casting to your Chromecast from the app you are using and if Chromecast doesn’t disconnect, force stop the app. For Android, you can do this by going to the home screen, navigate to the app icon you were using the Chromecast, then hold on to the app to go to ‘info’. From there, you can click ‘stop application’. For Apple iOS, you can double click your home button and swipe the app to force quit it.
  2. Disconnect the device from your Google Cast app – Another way to force close your Chromecast is to disconnect the device using your Google Cast app.
  3. Force reboot the device from your Google Cast app – If it still doesn’t disconnect, you can force a reboot remotely from your Google Cast app.
  4. Power cycle your Chromecast – If there is no response when you try to remotely reboot your Chromecast, go and physically remove the usb power source from your Chromecast. When you do this, make sure you leave the power cable off for at least 30 seconds to make sure there is no residual memory stored in the RAM.

If this issue still persists, I would recommend you do two things. First, is to perform a factory reset. After you reboot your Chromecast, do not connect to any apps or cast any content. Simply, go to your Google Cast app and connect to your device. Next, go to settings and perform a factory reset to default settings. Once you do this, just perform setup again.

The 2nd thing to do is to report your issue to the Google Cast Help Forum. You can report your issue and someone from Google will ask you some questions. It is monitored pretty regularly and the response from other users are quite helpful.

 

Try new features with Chromecast Preview Program

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Google’s latest update to its Cast app allows users to opt into experimental features that are not ready for public roll out. If you are are the type who want to experience the latest features and don’t mind some bugs here and then, this may be for you. To participate, it is very simple.

Simply follow the below instructions:

First, go into your Google Cast app and select the devices tab.
Click on the 3 vertical buttons to display the menu. click “Device Settings”

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Under device settings, you will see ‘Preview Program” which is set to Off. Click it.

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You will be prompted to join the Chromecast Preview Program with 3 scientists worshiping a lightbulb at the top. Click ‘Join Program’

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Under the preview program in device settings, you will see that it is now changed to “On (Waiting for next preview firmware update).
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And that’s it. We will report when the first preview firmware update is released.

Google Chrome browser now comes default with ability to Cast

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cast extensionGoogle announced today that the latest Chrome update includes the Cast option by default. Previously, you had to go to the Chrome Webstore from your Chrome browser, search for Google Cast extension, download then install. As of now, the Google Cast version Version: 15.1120.0.4 updated March 2016 is still available on the webstore. If you have Chrome browser Version 52.0.2743.116 m for Windows, it will have Cast icon at the upper right of your screen.
Google bragged that in the month of July, users have cast content from their Chrome browser over 38 million times while watching and listening to more then 50 million hours of content.

This improved integration will encourage more people to Cast their screen or content. You can also now seamlessly Cast Hangouts, play games, Google Education tools, and content that supports Chromecast.

Note, this is for PC devices only and not for Chrome mobile browser. There is no word yet if or when we can Cast from Chrome mobile browser.

Chromecast the Rio Olympics using the NBC Sports App

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You can watch the Rio Olympics using the NBC Sports app which supports Chromecast. I’ve always been a big olympics fan. The earliest memory I have is from the 1988 Seoul Olympics. If you are like me and are busy during the day, you are limited to watching replays which is usually USA swimming or gymnastics as they attract the highest ratings. There is nothing wrong with catching some Michael Phelps but I want to watch other sports such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, judo, as well as other countries. The NBS Sports app allows you to watch almost all of the events live if you have a paid TV subscription. Unfortunately, there are option to simply watch what is on over the air national channel.

For some reason, the iOS app has much lower ratings and number of reviews against the Android app. I’ve not personally tried to iOS app but am pretty happy with the Android app. I’ve been able to cast several events as well as watching a number of replays when my time didnt fit. There are ads when you start up – a Citi ad each time you load the app and various video ads during breaks. They do cut back to the game so the ad doesn’t feel too long or intrusive.

To cast, turn on WiFi on your device then click onto the Cast icon while browsing the list of events or click on the event then the Cast icon to start casting.

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LED Status Indicators for Chromecast

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What do the LED colors mean on the Chromecast? If you have thought of this before, you are not along. A lot of times people may create devices but not have the explanation as to what the meaning behind LED colors or the difference between solid, blink, occasional blink! The manual doesn’t have the full explanation about each color or blink but Google has a help page where it explains the LED status indicators. You can find it here:

https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/6291385

For first generation Chromecast:

LED status LED indicator meaning
Solid white Chromecast is connected to the network and is ready to begin casting content, or is already casting content.
Pulsing white Your Chromecast is disconnected and needs to be set up.
Pulsing red (during update process) Your Chromecast is receiving an update and is not available for casting. It will be available for use shortly. Do not disconnect your device from power.
Pulsing red (during regular use) A pulsing red LED light outside of an update is intended to show an error that causes you to see a black screen on your TV. However, the Cast team is aware of a current issue where the LED light blinks red when your device is working properly. We’ve identified the source of the issue in the current firmware 1.20.66189 and are working on a fix that will roll out in the next firmware version update.
Pulsing red + black TV screen If you see a pulsing red LED light on your Chromecast device and a black TV screen, try the first step below and see if it resolves the issue. If it doesn’t, move on to the next step:

  1. Perform a reboot on your device by unplugging it from the power source, waiting about 1 minute, and then plugging it back in
  2. Power off your TV
  3. Use the HDMI extender provided with your Chromecast device if you have one
  4. Try plugging your Chromecast into another TV
  5. Perform a Factory Data Reset (FDR).

For 2nd generation Chromecast:

LED status LED indicator meaning
Solid white Chromecast is connected to the network and ready to begin casting content, or is already casting content.
Pulsing white Your Chromecast is disconnected and needs to be set up.
Pulsing orange (during update process) Your Chromecast is receiving an update and is not available for casting. It will be available for use shortly. Please do not disconnect your device from power.
Pulsing orange (during regular use) A pulsing orange LED light outside of an update is intended to show an error that causes you to see a black screen on your TV. However, the Cast team is aware of a current issue where the LED light blinks orange when your device is working properly. We’ve identified the source of the issue in the current firmware 1.20.66189 and are working on a fix that will roll out in the next firmware version update.
Pulsing orange + black TV screen If you see a pulsing orange LED light on your Chromecast device and a black TV screen, try the first step below and see if it resolves the issue. If it doesn’t, move on to the next step:

  • Perform a reboot on your device by unplugging it from the power source, waiting about 1 minute, and then plugging it back in
  • Power off your TV
  • Use the HDMI extender provided with your Chromecast device if you have one
  • Try plugging your Chromecast into another TV
  • Perform a Factory Data Reset (FDR)
Solid orange There may be an error with your device. Perform a reboot on your device by unplugging it from the power source, waiting about 1 minute, and then plugging it back in. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, perform a Factory Data Reset (FDR).

Euro Cup 2016 Live Streaming

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How to stream Eurocup online. I just encountered an outage on my cable TV and had to result to live streaming to watch the quarter finals of the EuroCup. I wasn’t about to sit behind my 19″ computer screen or my 5″ phone to watch the epic battle between Italy vs. Germany. Once I gave up on watching this on my cable provider, I used my Chromecast. Follow these instructions to watch the EuroCup using the ESPN app.

There are two ways of casting the live stream to your TV.

To cast from an app through your phone or tablet:

  1. Open WatchESPN app
  2. Sign into your cable or satellite TV provider
  3. Change your TV input to your Chromecast
  4. Once your app detects the Chromecast powered on, you will see the cast icon.
  5. Click play and cast to your Chromecast device

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To cast from your Chrome browser:

  1. Navigate fro your Chrome browser to http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index
  2. Sign into your cable or satellite TV provider
  3. Click the Eurocup game you are interested. France and Iceland are playing on Sun. July 3rd.
  4. You will likely see a video player launch in a different window. This pop up will not have your Chromecast extension icon at the upper right of your screen.
  5. Copy the url of the video player and paste it to where you clicked the game you are interested in.
  6. The video player should now load in the window where you have your cast icon.

watchespn eurocup

How to set up Chromecast on your Windows 8 PC

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Here is a short clip I put together that will walk you through setting up Chromecast on your pc. Here are my specs:

PC: Windows 8 – 64 Bit with Chrome browser. Built in WiFi capabilities
Router: ATT DSL Router
TV: Samsung 40″ HDTV (don’t remember model.. bought in 2007). Consists of 3 HDMI ports and 1 USB
Chromecast installer file: download here or download directly from google.

Stream any movie file from your computer to Chromecast

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How to stream any (well almost) any movie file from your computer to Chromecast. If you are like me, sometimes you want to stream a movie clip from your phone, a slideshow you put together or some old movie file from a wedding. You can do this easily but this simple trick.

First, enable Chromecast extension onto your Chrome browser. Make sure your PC is on the same WiFi as your Chromecast.

Next, cast the current tab on your Chrome browser to your Chromecast. If you don’t see your Chromecast, you may need to troubleshoot by turning on your TV first. Wait for it to load and get connected to your WiFi network.

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Once you see your tab on your TV, locate the file of the media you want to cast. I tried this with a .mp4 file. Click on it then drag it onto your Chromebrowser, let go and the file will play automatically. Your url bar should point to the file location on your PC.

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If you want to stream videos from your phone, first transfer the video from your phone to your PC then you can stream it using the same method. If you want to stream directly from your phone, there is an app which will allow you to do it. I will blog about it next time!

If you have any question, feel free to leave a comment or post on the Facebook wall and I will be glad to assist.

How to add Chromecast Extension on your Chrome Browser

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How to add Chromecast extension onto your Chrome browser. By adding the Chromecast extension, you can stream from many websites such as ESPN, FOX, CBS, Netflix, Pandora, and even movie files straight from your PC. This is great for people who does not want to install individual apps onto your tablet or smartphone in order to stream content. In my personal experience, I found that casting from Google Chrome website seems to be more stable and reliable. Besides, I’m usually on my PC when I am working on a project so it is convenient to be able to stream right from where I am working!

  1. First, make sure your PC has WiFi enabled and is connected to the same network as your Chromecast.
  2. Launch Google Chrome browser. If you do not have Google Chrome browser, you can install it from here.
  3. Once you launch Chrome browser, click the three horizontal bars just right of the url bar at the top.

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4. Next, click ‘Settings’ and you will see the below options.
5. Select ‘Extensions’ from the menu on the left. chromecast extension 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. From the Chrome Web Store, search ‘chromecast’. Select ‘Google Cast’ offered by google.com. Do not install any other Chrome or casting extension or app other than from Google unless you trust the source.

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7. Click ‘add to chrome’. The below pop up will appear. Go ahead and select ‘add extension’.

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8. You will see a banner pop up saying Google Cast – Chromecast extension has been installed. Click onto the cast icon on your chrome browser and you will see a request to ‘Help Improve Cast’. It is enabled by default, uncheck it to disable this feature unless you are want to be a willing contributor.

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9. If you click on the cast icon, you will be able to select your Chromecast that is on the same WiFi network.

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10. Once you cast, you have options to mute volume, change quality of video, or to stop casting. Changing the video quality is useful if your Internet connection is not so great and you want to downgrade the streaming quality to prevent streaming issues.

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