[oh8eleven]

Google Chromecast is a USB device or “dongle” that plugs directly into any HDTV so that you can wirelessly play video and music from the Internet on a big screen.
First of all, your TV has to have a USB connection.
Second, you have to have a WiFi source.
Third, how is this different from a smart TV or smart BlueRay player?

[BipolarBob]

Third, how is this different from a smart TV or smart BlueRay player?

No difference.

[InterceptPoint]

First of all, your TV has to have a USB connection. Second, you have to have a WiFi source. Third, how is this different from a smart TV or smart BlueRay player?

USB is useful but not required. But HDMI is. USB is only used for power.

Yes, you need a WiFi source.

Functionally it works the same as a smart TV. But the remote you use to control the video is your phone or tablet. That's a way better interface than you get with typical HDTV App. Plus it's $35. That undercuts the Apple TV etc guys.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

If you have a fairly recent flat screen TV with an HDMI you can make it a wireless TV.

Not sure what a SMART TV is?

[Ted Grant]

I think it uses an HDMI connection, not a USB connection.

[discostu]

The big thing is allowing you to move content, including streaming content, from your PC to your TV. Smart TVs are still heavily limited on their ability to stream content, mostly relying on app written for specific sources (Netflix, HBOGo, Amazon). Some have browsers but their browsers tend to stink, so if there’s some streaming content on nbc.com you want to see you probably have to see it on you computer, because your TV either can’t get to it or can’t understand it. Enter DLNA and/ or the Chrome thingy: bring up the video on your computer, share it with yourself, stream it to your TV. Also handy for non-stream stuff on your computer, though if you’ve got USB on your TV sneakernet will still probably be easier on that front.

[Drew68]

First of all, your TV has to have a USB connection.
Second, you have to have a WiFi source.
Third, how is this different from a smart TV or smart BlueRay player?

Exactly. My Sony HDTV/PS3 together can already do all of these things.

This reminds me. Why haven't I cancelled my cable yet?

[reed13k]

Sounds like RabbitTV - I picked one of those up for 10 bucks does the same thing. Movies, TV episodes, music that is posted on the internet can be viewed on any USB TV/Computer that is internet connected wifi or otherwise.

[BJ1]

First of all, your TV has to have a USB connection. Second, you have to have a WiFi source. Third, how is this different from a smart TV or smart BlueRay player?

The chromecast dongle will let you browse via your tablet, smart phone or laptop from your living room. Have you tried to do similar things with a remote control or xbox controller? It stinks! Start to play any video and hit the chromecast icon to send that video to your TV. Unlike Apple TV, it doesn't stream from whatever you used to start the video. You basically tell the dongle what to watch and it connects wireless to your home internet for the connection. It is nice to watch youtube videos on your TV.

It plugs into the TVs HDMI port. The dongle itself has a USB port to be powered. A video review I saw had that going into a wall outlet, like a phone charger. So you need a free HDMI port available. Most flatscreen TVs have several HDMI inputs. Tens of millions of Americans subscribe to netflix, HULU and amazon prime. Now I don't have any experience with Amazon Prime, but I have the other two services. Netflix of course is the most popular. Most ppl watch netflix on their computers. And of the dedicated devices I have personally seen for netflix, it's a bit of meh, because the web site of netflix gives you all the features and ways to search/browse titles. On a "device" like a blu-ray player or xbox, you can't browse titles as nicely (I'd say it's really terrible) as via the website.

I have cut the cord and no longer have cable. I just didn't watch TV often enough, let alone cable channels once I got netflix (and since HULU) to justify the expense. I set up a HTPC to cut the cord with an old PC. It has a TV turner card so I can get over the air broadcast and it records them just like any DVR will. So in that sense, I won't be a customer for this device. However, if I still had cable, and hence no HTPC, I'd be over this gizmo like white on rice. Then again, if you have heard about a company called AERO, it is conceivable that this $35 dollar device could be an all-in-one solution for even me.