How does Chromecast work?

Streaming content on your TV isn’t a new concept. It has been around for a while with familiar names like Hulu, Roku, Apple TV, and even gaming consoles. Chromecast makes streaming media on your TV a breeze!

What is Chromecast?

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

It is a small dongle that enables you to cast media, web pages and even allows you to mirror the screen of your mobile, tablet, or PC. It is slightly different from other Smart Streaming Devices.

Chromecast works as a communication channel between your TV and your smart device. The device itself alone cannot stream any media but will require your smart device at the other end. It may sound limiting, but in essence, it utilizes this seamless connection to give your TV access to literally endless content!

So How Does Chromecast Work?

Chromecast utilizes what is known as DIAL (Discovery and Launch) to bring content from your smart device to your TV. Without overcomplicating it, the device is connected to your TV through an HDMI port. The device receives WiFi Signals and is required to be connected to the same network your smart device is linked to.

Once both the Casting Device (Smartphone, Tablet, PC, etc.) and Receiving Device (Chromecast) are connected through Wifi, a link can be of creation to allow media content to be displayed on TV via the HDMI cable. It is a tad bit more complicated than it sounds, but you don’t need to know that to make it work! Using a Chromecast device is as easy as it gets!

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How Can You Use It?

You can use the Chromecast Device in one of two ways!

The first and primary method is to stream media through “Chromecast Enabled Apps.” Apps like YouTube, Netflix, and many more have a built-in option to cast media to your connected Chrome cast Device.

Once a device is connected and you play any media that can be cast. Then, a TV Icon with WiFi signals usually appears on the corner of your device. Just click the icon and stream away! It a quite Simple, Right? Chrome cast also supports web pages from your PC to be cast on your TV if you have the Cast extension enabled.

The other method you can use is Mirroring Your Device. This method allows the display of your smart device to be cast to your TV, as it is! You can do this using the Google Home App or by inbuilt cast button on numerous Smart Devices such as Samsung Phones, Tablets, and even some PCs.

This is quite useful for applications, games, and media which does not have inbuilt support. You can play your favorite Mobile or Tablet game on your big screen or view your favorite webpage in HD on the big screen.

Works in Two Different Ways

The main difference between the two methods is that the first one allows you to start casting to work in a different tab. You can turn off your smart device’s display. Then, make a phone call on it, and allow other to multitask without having the original stream disturbed.

The second method will only mirror your display. This means you will see on your TV whatever you do on your smart device! That is why it is of recommendation to use the first method unless you want to see your phone’s display on the big screen.

Having understood how does Chromecast work, there are only a few simple steps to connect your device through Chromecast and start streaming service for video content:

1. Connect your device to your TV through the HDMI Port.
2. Plugin the power supply USB of your Chromecast device and turn it on. Make sure you connect the other end of the USB cable to the supplied adapter only.
3. Install Google Cast Home App on your Phone, Tablet, or PC.
4. Follow the simple steps to discover your Chromecast device.
5. If you are using your mobile device, open the media you want to play in the supported app, and click on the Cast icon (TV with Wifi Signals).
6. If you are using your PC, open Google Chrome, click on the three dots on the top right corner, and select Cast. Then select your Chromecast device.
7. To mirror your screen, if you have an inbuilt option in your phone or tablet dropdown menu, click on it. If not, then open the Google Home app, select your Chromecast device and click on Mirror my screen.

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Chromecast Devices

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

There are many different Chromecast devices available to choose from! The first two generations of the machine gave a decent HD (1080 p) display. Whereas the Chromecast Ultra supports 4K UHD with HDR.

With the booming market for casting devices, Google also released Chromecast with Google TV or an Amazon Fire TV, which takes your casting to a whole new level. It comes with an added remote control. Then, the instruction on how Chromecast works and features an Android OS that makes streaming more interactive.

While Chromecast allows endless media to be streaming and cast enables your TV to be on, it is essential to understand that the streaming content needs to be available on your smart device beforehand. Unlike some other intelligent streaming devices, Chromecast will require the user to own Netflix, Hulu, or other accounts to access their media.

Chromecast devices are cheaper than other media streaming hardware and simpler to use, breathing new life into your old TV. Almost all Smart TVs featuring Android OS support and have built-in Chromecast. This allows you to have an easier casting connection with your smart device without the need for a Chromecast dongle.

Final Thoughts

How Does Chromecast Work? Chromecast Devices allow your Smart Device (app on your Mobile Phone or Computer) to cast their media on your TV. All you need is a working WiFi connection to connect your Smart device. Chromecast device using the Google Home App.

Once the connection is made, you can directly stream from a compatible App. Apps can include YouTube, Netflix and continue multitasking on your smart device or Mirror the Smart Device’s Screen directly on your TV.