Normal price from retailers $59. Big W also has for $47 and JB Hifi for $49 if you're in a rush to get it.
https://www.bigw.com.au/product/chromecast-with-google-tv-hd…
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/chromecast-with-google-tv…
CamelCamelCamel.
is this the good one or the stepped down one?
It's the newest 1080p version.
There is a 4K version but I suspect there'll be an updated one within 12 months but you never know with Google.
when you cast youtube from phone, will the resolution stuck at 480p like 3rd generation chromecast or it can do real 1080p when cast from phone?
Chromecast 3rd gen says 1080p
HD = 1080p. 480p would look like ass.
PS don't know why anyone wouldn't buy the 4k version for a bit more - future proofing for when you get a 4k tv.
Even with my cheap 4k tv the Chromecast interface and and remote is much better and snappier, gain Dolby Atmos (plugged directly into Samsung soundbar) and one remote for tv, soundbar and google TV via eArc makes it all a great experience).
Stupid Google making one with hardware powerful enough to run AV1 but not 4k and another that can run 4k but with old hardware thats incapable of decoding AV1.
Why cant they just do one actual proper version…
They will this year, and that will be the selling point of it.
I have to pull the USB power on mine about once a fortnight to reset it after the screen freezes and stops responding to the remote.
It's great when it works though!
That shouldn't be happening. I have 4 and have no such issue on any of them.
That happens to my 3rd gen Chromecast (no remote) about once every 2 months. Sometimes slightly more often, it's a bit random.
Sounds odd. I have 4 of the 4k versions as well. The one I use the most can run a bit slow after a few months of prolonged use without emptying the cache., so when this happens I just empty it, and that fixes it.
Maybe try that and see if it helps.
hd version has less ram and lower frequency cpu
sub $40 on ebay using 10% shopback +10% westpac stack.
Why they even make these 1080p versions i have no idea. How much do they save in components, a few cents?
yeah but people will buy first the cheaper one for their current TV, and then when they upgrade to a shiny new 4K TV….they'll buy the 4K version as well.
For people who hv 4K smart tv, what do they use this chromecast for?
smart TVs eventually slow down or lose compatibility with the latest app versions. Some people choose to use their apple tv or chromecast instead of the built-in TV smarts.
@andresampras: Eventually? My Sony Bravia was garbage straight out of the box! It's about 6 years old now, but Chromecast with Google TV (4K) and Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max are both fantastic and made it feel incredibly snappy. I wouldn't bother with stock smart TVs any more.
To give you a feeling of "upgrade" from 1080 to 4k and later on 8k… WOW ! you have upgraded to 4k… XD
Have one of these for the cheap bedroom projector and it is fine - not impressed in terms of performance/wouldn’t have one of these on the main TV.
45 on amazon 1 day delivery and they deliever weekends.
JB hifi is 49 btw not 45
any deal on the 4k version,just buying for better hardware, i heard this hd version is lag and slow due to less ram and inferior cpu speed.
now on sale for $79
https://www.amazon.com.au/Google-Chromecast-TV-GA01919-AU-Sn…
has been down to $55
https://au.camelcamelcamel.com/product/B08QHN7Y9V
$60-70 usually a good price
I’m sure this has been asked before. Please don’t hammer me. I have a smart TV with built in web browsers
do I really need this ?
Will this convert my old TVs to smart TVs with web browsers ?
I bought the Apple TV 4K when it was very cheap with the Westpac rewards offer last year. I’ve only used it once when I got it, haven’t used it since. Also, the Apple TV doesn’t have a built in web browser ( which I use for free streaming ) it’s useless with the old tvs unless I pay for subscriptions for apps kayo, Disney etc.
I’ve tried casting the web browser from my phone to the Apple TV but won’t do full screen.
If your tv has a decent OS, then no you don’t. It’s slower, jankier, buggier than my Lg web os tv. The best part is if you use android, being able to cast screen etc to the tv
ATVOS is slower than WebOS? I think not.
To KDMeir: there is usually an app for that, in this case free streamers. Ditto chromecast or firestick.
Yep it’s slower, buggier, and IMO a terrible interface. Great for old TVs that don’t have ability to get apps though.
You don't use this for web browsing. It is primarily to launch apps that stream, everything from Kayo sports, to YouTube, to Foxtel, to exercise programs.
If you already have a decent OS, likely this is redundant. If you do not, then it is cracking. I do not use one on my best TV, this is for the old one that is outdoor, the holiday house, the old monitor in the study that doubles as a TV, etc.
I'll let you know how I have this setup for people. They have smart TV's but since it's something like Tizen (Samsung os) ; it lacks the necessary apps.
They primarily watch IPTV and that app is only on the playstore. We have a box / stick running android tv and they can access their YouTube, IPTV and myriad of apps that way.
I have a NVIDIA shield myself and use it as a makeshift Nas box to access my files on the network. I have apps that I use that I can't get anywhere else (sideload) and appreciate that it turns my dumb tv into something worth a damn.
So it's main use is to a)make a dumb tv smarter and b) to allow you access apps that you want / need that is only released on select platforms.
I have one that I use it with my Samsung TV (it's a 4k OLED so I assume it has most of the features available in any samsung smart TV).
I have 3 use cases:
Chromecast - sometimes chromecast is the easiest and the highest quality option if a site doesn't have a native app. You can use the TV's browser or use a PC connected to the TV but chromecast is easier to use.
DTS pass through - most new smart TVs including LGs don't support DTS pass through if you use any of the native apps.
Sometimes the TV OS sucks. Esp compared to my old LGs. And it's good to have two OSs for a wider selection of apps.
Anyway I hardly use the chromecast but when I do, I'm glad it's there.
I use this when I travel and plug it into TVs for watching Netflix, Prime etc
I did this and then I left the remote in a hotel room… Now it's remoteless :(
If you use the Google TV app on your phone, you can turn it into your remote.
lol…sorry.
I do this too with a Xiaomi box. Unfortunately, the last Airbnb had their wifi on channel 13 and the Xiaomi refuses to pick that up.
But yes, brilliant otherwise.
Thanks for the comments.
I need a box that I can connect to my old TVs to turn it into a smart TV. I will wifi it to a phone with a boost sim ( thanks cashrewards) .Must have inbuilt web Browsers similar to my smart tv.
USB would be handy so I can watch movies off external hard drives.
eBay has plenty 30-40 bucks. but I don’t know which one to choose
any recommendations ?
For USB access, none of the stick devices like this or the Amazon Firestick have direct access to USB as it is in use for the power.
Your only option for the sub $100 price point is to figure out which one works for adding a USB hub that supports power pass through, otherwise a Fire TV Cube is an option.
With the Cube, 3rd gen is the only one that supports NTFS file system format, the older ones have to be FAT32 USB's.
These do have an inbuilt browser (webview) as you say but they won't be forward facing. Meaning, if you click on a link that opens a webpage —you won't be able to interact with the chrome (UI of the browser).
There are a couple of third party options that are actual browsers on the play store that work. So the choice is yours.
Better than firestick? Just need to turn my old TV to be able to launch YouTube, Netflix. Got a firestick on the main TV and works well.
Also comes with remote which I prefer vs controlling everything with my phone which I cbf sometimes easier with squishy buttons
Different and some apps are more compatible. For example kayo works straight away on google tv while you need to sideload on firestick. Also it does have a remote fyi
This is a good price if you need a spare remote !! Google wants $29 for spare remote (which has faulty up key just after the warranty period) .you might as well pay 15 bucks or so to get a spare unit too !
Or just use the Google tv app on your phone. It has a built in remote
Plenty on Facebook marketplace, probably company gift,
send the seller a screenshot of the $45 price and they'll most likely do it for 30-40,
Is there any difference between Google tv which is inbuilt in most of the high end TV's and Google chromecast with remote?
Thanks in advance
Answered this above..
Even with my cheap 4k tv (Eko 4k 65", $699) the Chromecast interface and the remote are much better and snappier, gain Dolby Atmos (plugged directly into Samsung soundbar) and one remote for tv, soundbar and google TV via eArc makes it all a great experience).
if you had a new top model Sony or Samsung you probably wouldn't bother with it if they have google tv built in.
My opinion as I have both this and Firestick 4K.
I prefer the Firestick 4k over this one.
I rarely stream from my phone and don't really need to mirror or cast what's on my phone to the TV. Firestick you can side load apps (I have no problems with that). I don't use Kayo as I've got Foxtel box and have access to Foxtel Now on 5 mobile devices.
Firestick is pretty quick (no lag) has decent ram and CPU.
Simple to use and set up.
Wait for Amazon to do their usual deals for Firestick 4K you won't be disappointed. Had Firestick 4k for nearly 2 years haven't had an issue on my TV's.
Agree! Firestick 4k max is much better than google. Its the brand name only that's why everyone gets it.
What's better about it, all the Amazon ads?
Does it have Dolby Atmos and eArc?
Pretty similar to be honest, depends if you run Alexa or google products.
I've never seen in-line Amazon ads at all when using my Firestick, sure there is some cross promotion when you watch or use Amazon Prime Video app (ie. Amazon Prime shows) which you can select skip and continue to your video
There are no 'ads' that show up on the main screen nor in-between other apps you download.
As for the other information Firestick 4K Max is capable you can read about it here device specifications.
https://www.whathifi.com/advice/amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-max-…
Both fairly similar may come down to ergonomics and aesthetics, personal preference. The boxy Amazon USB dongle probably wouldn't fit to plug in directly into the soundbar (but may come with a small extension cable?), Google TV - USB C is handy.
Probably depends what devices you prefer in your home (google or Alexa). Wouldn't say the firestick is much better, but no doubt people say that if they own one.
When is google gonna release a actual competitor to Apple TV?…
how much is apple tv?
$200+
I don't use apple so easy decision.
It is the equivalent, can't imagine people with an android phone buying an apple TV. Apple tv costs a fair chunk more too
Does the opening screen or banner interface on start up show all programs you are currently watching in one spot say?
Yes. Maybe look at the product page, Google it, YouTube it, go into JB hi-fi and have a look ..
https://store.google.com/au/product/chromecast_google_tv?hl=…
Target also has $45
https://www.target.com.au/p/chromecast-with-google-tv-hd/675…