Move Over Chromecast

[schneid]

New Gizmo called Miracast by Belkin. $79.99 on Amazon but not available for two to four weeks.

Writeup here:

Androd Authority

The 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.

Belkin

Amazon

Oh heck. I do have a $100 gift card from Amazon left over for Christmas. Might as well take the plunge.

[schneid]

Used the Tronsmart T1000 for a week now and it is everything Chromecast is and more. Most importantly, it will stream the phone's screen to the TV so I can use a BT keyboard and mouse with it making a kind of big screen PC.

Just read Dell is introducing a $130 gizmo. Not sure it can do anything more than the $30 Tronsmart.

[schneid]

Found a copy of the manual online.

Tronsmart

Also a Spec Sheet:

http://www.tronsmart.com/Item/70

It does require Android 4.2 and may need some OEM software/hardware on board.

[schneid]

Not wanting to wait for the Belkin entry I bought a Tronsmart T1000:

Amazon

Uses an Android app called EZCast. Setup was hard because everything was unfamiliar. Things like password being limited to eight characters, 1080 being limited to 24fps, and not sure what I need to connect to and when. I connected my VZW S3 without problem. They see each other right away. It has a native app that lets you see files, play music, videos, look at pictures and their own built in web browser.

You can select DLNA that will let you stream content from your device and EZ Mirror which uses my S3's built-in Screen Mirroring.

Most importantly it will mirror my screen. My S3 Direct Connects to the TronSmart's built-in WiFi. I was able to do anything on the TV I can do on my phone. I was able to connect and then watch Netflix. It had to be getting it 4G as my WiFi was connected to the TronSmart. Not at the rolling outhouse where my BT KB and mouse are to see if I can create a big screen Anroid PC using my phone. I never caught the screen timing out. EZCast my lock it on. That means it will probably need external power for heavy streaming.

Best part is that it is Cheaper than Chromecast at $29.99. I think it beats Chromecast hands down.

The manual is hereEZCast:

Forgot to mention it has a dedicated pigtail antenna that surly helps with reception.

[GordonThree]

Here are some PROs and CONs I've learned; I own both devices...

Chromecast PRO: works mostly independent of your device - once you start your movie, music, etc, you can go onto other things or even turn off your phone or tablet. CON: works over WIFI only, and requires the controlling device to also be running as WIFI client (so you can't use hotspot mode WIFI on your phone to control a chromecast directly). If you have a phone, a tablet (or laptop, etc) and a chromecast, you can use hotspot mode as the WIFI and the tablet to control the chromecast (ugh)

Miracast PRO: It will display anything you can see on your phone/tablet onto your TV, no special app needed on the phone/tablet (as long as your hardware is new enough). PRO: Allows you to use your unlimited data plan to stream content, without needing a 3rd device, also allows hotspot mode. CON: Your phone or tablet is dedicated to the task at hand, Miracast replaces the HDMI cable, your phone needs to be on and running the app you're watching on TV. CON: Depending on your phone's hardware, you'll need to prop-up your phone "sideways" so the video orientation is correct on the TV.

SlimPort HDMI: This is the cable option, replacing dedicated hdmi ports found on older phones/tablets. It plugs into the USB charging port on your phone, and then you plug an hdmi cable into it. There is also another USB port available for the charger to plug into. It offers the same features and pros/cons as Miracast.

[wa8yxm]

CC is half that price and from what I've seen can do more.

[schneid]

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.

[strollin]

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.

[nettech207]

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

[8_1_Van]

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

[RoyB]

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

[schneid]

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.

[sch911]

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.

[ChooChooMan74]

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.

[lap527]

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