New Gizmo called Miracast by Belkin. $79.99 on Amazon but not available for two to four weeks.Writeup here:Androd AuthorityThe big deal is that it claims it will mirror your tablet or phone Screen on your TV via the TV's HDMI port.You can now watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, your apps on your TV. No waiting for compliant apps and no need to stream across a WiFi network.Now if it just works. Now if I just want to place my bet and take my chances. I thought Chromecast was kind of a bust. In fact I never really used mine for anything other than to see if it worked. Miracast sounds too good to be true.BelkinAmazonOh heck. I do have a $100 gift card from Amazon left over for Christmas. Might as well take the plunge.

Bummer. Amazon now collects tax.

We use chromecast quite abit and found it quite useful. Different strokes for different folks. Please post after getting your new toy.

I like the Chromecast also. I am able to stream to it from my Plex server running on my FreeNAS server. Of course, now I want to build a new Server because the one I am using now is my old recycled XPS400 and not powerful enough to transcode 1080P on the fly.

I'll stick with Chromecast. The ability to connect and cast Android screens has been around for a while, and it really doesn't work well. Long delays. Chromecast will soon have an open SDK and will support screen mirroring with Apps like AllCast from Cyanogen. AllCast can already mirror your Android screen on many other devices like ATV, DNLA, and Roku.

sch911 wrote:I'll stick with Chromecast. The ability to connect and cast Android screens has been around for a while, and it really doesn't work well. Long delays. Chromecast will soon have an open SDK and will support screen mirroring with Apps like AllCast from Cyanogen. AllCast can already mirror your Android screen on many other devices like ATV, DNLA, and Roku.True but I want something that is plug 'n play. I've seen the other Android dongles but they all seem unreliable or have HDCP issues. Hope the Belkin is not like the rest. Fortunately Amazon will take it back.Kind of a shame Google locked Chromecast down. That really limited its utility. I bought it to stream Netflix to my HDTV on the road using my unlimited data on my phone. Won't work. I had to Hotspot the phone, connect my Tablet to the phone, connect CC to the phone, and then stream the tablet content to the CC to the TV over the phone WiFi network.If Miracast works, I can do it directly from the phone to the TV. Just like I can with an HDMI cable. Right now it is easier to just connect my Roku to the phone's Hotspot.

Move Over Chromecast | Good Sam Community

schneid
Explorer
Jan 18, 2014
Bummer. Amazon now collects tax.
lap527
Explorer
Jan 18, 2014
We use chromecast quite abit and found it quite useful. Different strokes for different folks. Please post after getting your new toy.
ChooChooMan74
Explorer
Jan 18, 2014
I like the Chromecast also. I am able to stream to it from my Plex server running on my FreeNAS server. Of course, now I want to build a new Server because the one I am using now is my old recycled XPS400 and not powerful enough to transcode 1080P on the fly.
sch911
Explorer
Jan 18, 2014
I'll stick with Chromecast. The ability to connect and cast Android screens has been around for a while, and it really doesn't work well. Long delays. Chromecast will soon have an open SDK and will support screen mirroring with Apps like AllCast from Cyanogen. AllCast can already mirror your Android screen on many other devices like ATV, DNLA, and Roku.
schneid
Explorer
Jan 18, 2014
sch911 wrote:
I'll stick with Chromecast. The ability to connect and cast Android screens has been around for a while, and it really doesn't work well. Long delays. Chromecast will soon have an open SDK and will support screen mirroring with Apps like AllCast from Cyanogen. AllCast can already mirror your Android screen on many other devices like ATV, DNLA, and Roku.

True but I want something that is plug 'n play. I've seen the other Android dongles but they all seem unreliable or have HDCP issues. Hope the Belkin is not like the rest. Fortunately Amazon will take it back.

Kind of a shame Google locked Chromecast down. That really limited its utility. I bought it to stream Netflix to my HDTV on the road using my unlimited data on my phone. Won't work. I had to Hotspot the phone, connect my Tablet to the phone, connect CC to the phone, and then stream the tablet content to the CC to the TV over the phone WiFi network.

If Miracast works, I can do it directly from the phone to the TV. Just like I can with an HDMI cable. Right now it is easier to just connect my Roku to the phone's Hotspot.
RoyB
Explorer II
Jan 18, 2014
I too just want to show what I am seeing on my computer screen up on my bigger TV screen using a wireless connection. I have run out of HDMI ports using my dual monitors and docking station.

Almost got the CHROMECAST but got talked out it after discussing with folks on here on what works and what doesnt.

I have several places on-line I can downstream TV SHows and videos to my computer screen. I would just like to throw them up on a bigger screen being my 26-inch HDTV.

Let us know how it works...

Roy Ken
8_1_Van
Explorer
Jan 18, 2014
The Belkin Miracast Video Adapter works, and works pretty darn well. It even works across a slew of different devices with different software and hardware manufacturers. But it still isn't worth $79 for practically anyone. Sure, the Chromecast works with fewer content types and apps (at least for now), but it works with just about any Android phone, iPhone or computer and costs just $35. Not to mention the benefits of being able to use your device for other things while it is working as a remote control for the Chromecast. The Miracast Video Adapter technically has more capability right now, but it really does just mirror your phone's screen to a TV. And that's it.

If it cost under $50 or, say $35, we may be able to recommend picking up a Miracast Video Adapter to sit on another HDMI input beside your Chromecast. But as the pricing and capabilities stand right now, there's little reason to consider buying the Miracast Video Adapter over a Chromecast if you're looking to push content from your mobile devices to your television.

Belkin Miracast Video Adapter review
nettech207
Explorer
Jan 19, 2014
Mirrorcast has been around for a while but it also depends on if your phone or tablet supports mirrorcast not all phones and tablet support it
strollin
Explorer
Jan 19, 2014
Miracast is not a new gizmo, it's been around longer than Chromecast has. I've tried several different Miracast adapters and haven't been impressed with them at all, Chromecast works great though.

BTW, not all devices support Miracast. If your laptop is running Win 8 or 8.1 then it supports Miracast but you still need to buy an adapter to plug into your TV. Your laptop will then use it's wifi adapter to stream video to the Miracast adapter. Video/audio tend to lag and getting the Miracast to work with the screen resolution of your laptop can be a problem.

Chromecast is far easier to use and works far more reliably.
schneid
Explorer
Jan 19, 2014
After reading more, I learned that. Not sure the Belkin gadget is any different from the other cheaper ones. Belkin just had the bucks to push it in the Android rags. Amazon has a 2 - 4 week wait for it other sellers seem to be shipping it direct from China which explains the delay.

Miracast does appear to be cross-platform standard that is not bound to the Google world. Supposedly does Win (8.1), IOS and Android (4.1+). If you are all Samsung, they seem to have their version built in but you need a little box at the set.

Anyone know if a Win 7 laptop can support Miracast or is it hardware dependent? I waiting for the upcoming dual Windows/Android boxes before I buy a new one. I am strung out across both now and wish they were better integrated. Not holding my breath for that.

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