How To Play A Downloaded Video From Chrome

Google Chromecast is designed to provide internet streaming content. It's not necessarily meant to stream local files, but you tin with the Chrome browser.

The latest rage for dwelling entertainment systems is Google's $thirty Chromecast. The company hopes information technology will exist the new living room entertainment device of the time to come. Unfortunately, ane thing it'south not designed to do is stream local media. But with an extension and a little know-how, yous can stream your local files to it.

Out of the box, the Chromecast allows you to ship YouTube, Netflix, and music, TV, and movies from Google Play. Unfortunately, compared to the Roku, Apple tree TV, or Xbox 360, it currently doesn't have much to offer. But hither are some ways to become more content to your HDTV via the Chromecast.

Afterward you set up Chromecast on your Android device, y'all'll have the pick to download apps that let yous to ship content to Chromecast.

Stream Local Media from Your PC to Chromecast

Install the Google Cast extension in your Chrome browser. Then outset playing the video or music file you want to stream in the browser.

Yes! You tin can play media file types directly in Chrome. There'due south a couple of ways to do it, actually. Either drag and drop the file into the address bar. Or open a new tab in Chrome and hitting Ctrl + O (or Command + O on a Mac) and scan to the media file you desire to play.

In my tests, I've been able to play MPEG, MPG, MP4, M4V, OGG, MP3, and AVI files. I tested several MKV files, and the video would stream but without sound. No love for FLAC files either.

If the media plays in the Chrome browser, click the Google Cast button and send it to your HDTV.

Here'south an example of streaming an MP3 file.

You lot tin even stream compatible media files from Google Drive.

The quality of the stream will depend on the state of your WiFi router and the corporeality of traffic on the network. If you're having streaming problems, change the options to a lower quality setting. Or, if things are streaming well, you tin can increment the quality – upwards to 720p merely.

You'll also want to make the video brandish in full-screen mode, then it shows larger on your HDTV. Otherwise, information technology displays at a smaller aspect ratio which isn't that ideal for viewing.

And then hit Esc to exit full screen. In this example, I'm streaming a video from my dwelling server, which is absurd to stream from network locations.

Decision

A few more than things to annotation about the Chromecast: while all the images of it give the impression you plug the stick into an HDMI port on your TV, y'all also have to connect it to a power source. It comes with a power cord that connects to it. This is kind of annoying, in my stance, but it doesn't necessarily brand it a bargain-breaker.

I was considering giving the device a mediocre review until I discovered this workaround for streaming local media. In fact, a lot of the media I tested for this article I streamed directly from my Windows Home Server. It's as well worth noting that there's an app for your iPhone or iPad, and it seems to piece of work as advertised.

Nevertheless, there is a lot of room for improvement with this new device. If y'all already have a Roku or Apple Idiot box that y'all apply every bit your set-meridian box, in that location's not much of a reason to get the Chromecast unless you're like me, a cord cutter, and want another toy to sentinel videos and heed to music.

Are you using a Chromecast? Exit a comment below and allow us know what you think nearly information technology.