Google launches a Chromecast Ethernet and PSU adapter

[HEXUS]

$15 accessory could vastly improve the Chromecast's streaming performance.

Read more.

[Tunnah]

Tempted to get a chromecast instead of running a HDMI cable from media PC to one of the big TVs. Recently got new carpets and don't wanna pull em up.

Do they decode or just stream ? Do they do OK with windows as the source of media ?

[kellyharding]

I need to find where the hell I put mine. The only real issue I have with it is it uses its own internal dns servers, so spoofing geolocation doesn't work. In this regard the Amazon tv stick is more versatile as it can also side-load android apps.

[sykobee]

This would be useful for the TV in my loft - it has spare HDMI ports, but no USB ports (the usual way to charge a Chromecast), and the WiFi signal up there is crap, but I have spare powerline ethernet adaptors. And I have a Chromecast spare.

[mikerr]

Recently I had an internet outage, and found chromecast won't stream even LOCAL files if it's not connected to the internet.

Yes, they want to keep tabs on what you're watching, that's taking big brother/ data mining to the extreme....

[LSG501]

Recently I had an internet outage, and found chromecast won't stream even LOCAL files if it's not connected to the internet.

Yes, they want to keep tabs on what you're watching, that's taking big brother/ data mining to the extreme....

This is why I'm media pc and I'm looking into the idea of a roku as a smaller option. Luckily tv has dlna support too so an internet outage doesn't bother me 'too much' (yeah right. I'm like everyone else turning the air blue lol)

Not sure if plex would have been any use to you, I'm sure it's on chromecast....although that might have a fee.

[mikerr]

..and there is a DIY way of getting an ethernet connection to chromecast, with a USB-ethernet and OTG Y cable:
https://productforums.google.com/for...et$20usb$20otg

Not as neat, (or cheap?) as the combined PSU google method though.

[gordon861]

... to LSG501

I've tried using a a whole bunch of different media streamers and they've all lacked something.

Then early this year I decided to give up and look for a PC instead, I ended up with an ASUS VivoPC VM40B from Amazon(US). Win8.1, Celeron 1007U, 2GB RAM, 500GB HD, HDMI Out, all for $292 (including import taxes) which is £190 UK. Just added a wireless keyboard/trackpad and installed XBMC/KODI and I now have a media player that will play just about anything up to 1080P. If I want to run a different player I just need to install it.

So now I have a small silver box sitting under my TV that looks nothing like a PC that most people miss that does everything I need and is upgradeable.

https://www.asus.com/Mini-PCs/VivoPC_VM40B/

ASUS also do a version with a better CPU if you need enough power for 4K, but I was most surprised that I could get the unit so much cheaper, even with the tax, from the US.