Hi all,
I had my S2 for a while now and I'm thinking of just connecting it to my TV to be use as a smart hub (media centre) as I don't have a smart TV. I'm sure I'm not alone with an aging S2 and moving onto a newer smart phone.
My Idea are:
- connect the S2 via HDMI to the TV
- use a small Bluetooth keyboard with track pad or maybe some other remote.
- try out probably XBMC
- Disable any phone feature from it (ie phone, sms, etc..)
My goal are:
- use it as a online player - Netflix, youtube, etc...
- Skype
- video player
- stream video from network
- audio player
This will be my first attempt and will be spending some money for the accessories.
Has anyone done a similar set up.
It will be great for some opinions or advice. Or issues it might not work.
Interesting idea.
You might want to think about how you're going to use it with the limited battery life first, because you won't be able to charge the phone when connected through HDMI.
I already do this occasionally albiet minus the keyboard atm,... I use it on short breaks away I took my Mhl cable and a short 1m hdmi cable to plug into the tv in the hotel room using Catchup TV app for more channels than they offered and TV Portal for streaming (free hotel Wi-Fi ftw! )... also use it for some other stuff such as watching avis I have already put on my 32gig card and finally playing my music collection through the tv speakers
re: power supply Mhl cable needs power/charger cable to work anyway also it charges at the same time
I always carry a spare charger
crobat said:
Interesting idea.
You might want to think about how you're going to use it with the limited battery life first, because you won't be able to charge the phone when connected through HDMI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
of course the phone charges when connected to hdmi. it does not even work if not plugged into the power outlet first.
Flog your S2 and buy a Pendroid.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B007FR9OIK
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Raspberry pi with xbmc
Sent from my GT-I9100P using Tapatalk 2
Thanks guys.
I got a mhl cable and it's awesome. just plug it in and it works straight away. Got the cheap version though but I guess it won't make that much difference. All I need to do is get a mod to permanently set it up as landscape mode and probably increase screen size. Will look for a new rom probably that can cater the mod.
Just need to figure this all out before spending more on a keyboard.
I had pretty much the same idea. Works well. Here is my thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2569613
I am going to try running xbmc and see how that goes.
Just to let you know, I installed xbmc...details on my thread (see the above post!)
Just wondering if it's possible to use nexus 10 as essentially a portable hdmi monitor. I would like to Sometimes play console in lounge without taking up the TV and just wondered if it's possible to connect console to nexus basically... I already have a HDMI to mini HDMI lead... Wireless would be even better although not essential... Briefly investigated screen cast but seems like this is only designed to wirelessly stream to a TV (which already has hdmi input)
Many Thanks,
Sam.
Ps my N10 is currently not rooted although I would consider rooting if it would enable such a possibility
samyoue said:
Just wondering if it's possible to use nexus 10 as essentially a portable hdmi monitor. I would like to Sometimes play console in lounge without taking up the TV and just wondered if it's possible to connect console to nexus basically... I already have a HDMI to mini HDMI lead... Wireless would be even better although not essential... Briefly investigated screen cast but seems like this is only designed to wirelessly stream to a TV (which already has hdmi input)
Many Thanks,
Sam.
Ps my N10 is currently not rooted although I would consider rooting if it would enable such a possibility
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
N10 is designed for OUTPUT only.
That said, it's resolution is high enough that it would be a cool feature, but it's OUTPUT only.
Thanks for the reply I figured that might be the case, any ideas if its possible in a virtual sense? Ie plug a transmitter into console or other hdmi output and have it transmit the signal which can be picked up in an app like YouTube (but source is generated from transmitter rather than the Web)
Thanks again
samyoue said:
Thanks for the reply I figured that might be the case, any ideas if its possible in a virtual sense? Ie plug a transmitter into console or other hdmi output and have it transmit the signal which can be picked up in an app like YouTube (but source is generated from transmitter rather than the Web)
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only solution I know of right now is Onlive, but then you have to pay for the game AND a subscription.
samyoue said:
Thanks for the reply I figured that might be the case, any ideas if its possible in a virtual sense? Ie plug a transmitter into console or other hdmi output and have it transmit the signal which can be picked up in an app like YouTube (but source is generated from transmitter rather than the Web)
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This might be possible, depending on what you want to play.
If it's a DVD/blu ray, you can stream that on a local wifi network with VLC on a computer, and play it on MX player on your tab, just point MX to the address of the stream.
Swiped from my Nexus 10 using xda-developers app
I'm after doing it without a intermediary computer, that said I'm currently looking into hdmi to composite adapter into a raspberry pi and using that to stream to network and picking it up via this mx player you mentioned...
samyoue said:
I'm after doing it without a intermediary computer, that said I'm currently looking into hdmi to composite adapter into a raspberry pi and using that to stream to network and picking it up via this mx player you mentioned...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That could be possible, but yikes! HDMI to composite is like going back light years of technology!
But yeah I've wanted to do the same in the past, to run my GameCube without a TV.
I ended up with a LCD hdtv with hdmi, component, composite and vga, so I just use that (mostly for my PS3 now).
I actually just ordered a pi last week!
I'm going to use it as a file server with a 1.5TB usb drive, and also a Wi-Fi repeater, on top of that, a torrent box (qBittorrent with http remote interface).
Gl though with the video thing!
Sent from my Infected Rezound using xda app-developers app
Running into an odd issue where my Nexus Player (latest stable 5.1.1 release IIRC) will instantly lose the HDMI connection when I try playing a movie through Google Play Movies & TV. The weird thing is, the moment I press the back button to go back to the app's menu, it reconnects.
I'm using this HDMI switch (name printed here since I can't link to outside links): Kinivo 501BN Premium 5 port High speed HDMI switch with IR wireless remote and AC Power adapter - supports 3D, 1080p
Not sure if because I'm using this HDMI switch that it's causing the issue. I can watch YouTube and other stuff fine, and my Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV both play movies without an issue.
Having the Same Problem
I am having the same problem. Have you tried to bypass the switch?
It sounds to me like it's some sort of DRM which takes effect when the movie playback begins and is triggered because of the HDMI switch in between your Nexus Player and TV. A direct HDMI cable test is the only way to know for sure.
When I first got my switch and connected to my dvr I could not fast forward without the screen going black.
I plugged my nexus player straight into an hdmi port and the movies worked.
GabbyWC said:
It sounds to me like it's some sort of DRM which takes effect when the movie playback begins and is triggered because of the HDMI switch in between your Nexus Player and TV. A direct HDMI cable test is the only way to know for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that was my thought.
Sadly, though, I don't really have the space to give one of my three spots just to the Nexus when my other streaming devices work as intended, so I'll just have to ignore using that app until there's a fix down the road, if there's one.
Hello
Does the nexus player have all Chromecast features? I mean can i stream my files from my phone to the nexus player? The new Chromecast had improvements in streaming speed, so which device is faster?
Sorry for my english
I've used both. On WiFi they are the same speed, however both work faster when plugged into Ethernet.
For the price, nexus player has many many more features, well worth the additional $15
Markolc said:
I've used both. On WiFi they are the same speed, however both work faster when plugged into Ethernet.
For the price, nexus player has many many more features, well worth the additional $15
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recommend an ethernet adapter that works well with the NP? TIA!
This will work fine
Can't get much simpler and reviews are good enough.
Get A 5 Port Ethernet Adapter Always
qualitymove13 said:
Can you recommend an ethernet adapter that works well with the NP? TIA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go
guy, the beast, always get a 5 port Ethernet adapter, also you will need a OTG cable http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D8K3GGO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 !
qualitymove13 said:
Can you recommend an ethernet adapter that works well with the NP? TIA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the one I bought. Works fine for me!
http://www.amazon.com/Inateck-Gigabit-Ethernet-Converter-Network/dp/B00IJU0K2Q
I like my NP, but I think it's unfair to simply assert that NP wins because "it does everything that Chromecast does." The NP has great features that the Chromecast doesn't (onscreen UI, remote, gaming, etc.) have; if you want those features, the NP is great (but probably not as good as other products on the market with bigger app ecosystems, like Fire TV or Roku). If casting video content is your top priority, it's worth noting that the NP does not perform as well as Chromecast as a Google Cast device. The two main issues are:
1. My NP (on my main TC) doesn't always show up as a castable device, even when my Chromecast (bedroom TV) appears without issue.
2. It turns out that some Chromecast-compatible apps do NOT support Google Cast on the NP, as was the case with the HBO Now app that was released a couple of months ago. This is pretty rare, and basically every other cast-enabled app I've used seems to support both Chromecast and the NP, but the HBO Now debacle (when combined with #1) clearly suggests that the Google Cast implementation on the NP differs from what we see on Chromecast.
In addition to Cast issues, I've experienced a lot of bugs/crashes/etc. with my NP. Things on my NP seem to be stabilizing, but it's clear to me that Chromecast is a more mature and stable product at the moment. Given that so many more people own Chromecasts than NPs, updating Chromecast will probably remain Google's higher priority.
Overall, I'm still happy with my NP, but it's still a work in progress. I'm not sure that I'd recommend it over Roku or Fire TV (or even Apple TV) for people looking to add smart features/apps to their TV... and if you're looking for a cheap way to watch Netflix on your TV, you can't really beat Chromecast.
whmaurer said:
I like my NP, but I think it's unfair to simply assert that NP wins because "it does everything that Chromecast does." The NP has great features that the Chromecast doesn't (onscreen UI, remote, gaming, etc.) have; if you want those features, the NP is great (but probably not as good as other products on the market with bigger app ecosystems, like Fire TV or Roku). If casting video content is your top priority, it's worth noting that the NP does not perform as well as Chromecast as a Google Cast device. The two main issues are:
1. My NP (on my main TC) doesn't always show up as a castable device, even when my Chromecast (bedroom TV) appears without issue.
2. It turns out that some Chromecast-compatible apps do NOT support Google Cast on the NP, as was the case with the HBO Now app that was released a couple of months ago. This is pretty rare, and basically every other cast-enabled app I've used seems to support both Chromecast and the NP, but the HBO Now debacle (when combined with #1) clearly suggests that the Google Cast implementation on the NP differs from what we see on Chromecast.
In addition to Cast issues, I've experienced a lot of bugs/crashes/etc. with my NP. Things on my NP seem to be stabilizing, but it's clear to me that Chromecast is a more mature and stable product at the moment. Given that so many more people own Chromecasts than NPs, updating Chromecast will probably remain Google's higher priority.
Overall, I'm still happy with my NP, but it's still a work in progress. I'm not sure that I'd recommend it over Roku or Fire TV (or even Apple TV) for people looking to add smart features/apps to their TV... and if you're looking for a cheap way to watch Netflix on your TV, you can't really beat Chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing about it is, a new Chromecast is $35, though I've seen it for $30 on sale recently. I've seen the nexus player on sale for $40 at a few places. For the extra $10, the nexus player does much more than the Chromecast, and can function essentially the same as a Chromecast, save for the HBO now app.
Also I perceive casting to the NP is much quicker than my Chromecast on wifi. It's a stronger machine.
For those of you suggesting the RJ45 + USB3.0 hubs, isnt the microUSB port on the back of the NP just a usb2.0 connection? Does adding a USB3.0 hub for expanded memory actually do anything since it should be throttled down to 2.0 speeds at the back of the NP? Or should we just look at getting a 2.0 hub and save a few extra $$$?
Im asking because Im currently looking into my options to expand my memory now that Android6.0 has hit our devices.
Correct, its only 2.0 speed. Save some money. No reason the adapter should cost more than the NP.
whmaurer said:
I like my NP, but I think it's unfair to simply assert that NP wins because "it does everything that Chromecast does." The NP has great features that the Chromecast doesn't (onscreen UI, remote, gaming, etc.) have; if you want those features, the NP is great (but probably not as good as other products on the market with bigger app ecosystems, like Fire TV or Roku). If casting video content is your top priority, it's worth noting that the NP does not perform as well as Chromecast as a Google Cast device. The two main issues are:
1. My NP (on my main TC) doesn't always show up as a castable device, even when my Chromecast (bedroom TV) appears without issue.
2. It turns out that some Chromecast-compatible apps do NOT support Google Cast on the NP, as was the case with the HBO Now app that was released a couple of months ago. This is pretty rare, and basically every other cast-enabled app I've used seems to support both Chromecast and the NP, but the HBO Now debacle (when combined with #1) clearly suggests that the Google Cast implementation on the NP differs from what we see on Chromecast.
In addition to Cast issues, I've experienced a lot of bugs/crashes/etc. with my NP. Things on my NP seem to be stabilizing, but it's clear to me that Chromecast is a more mature and stable product at the moment. Given that so many more people own Chromecasts than NPs, updating Chromecast will probably remain Google's higher priority.
Overall, I'm still happy with my NP, but it's still a work in progress. I'm not sure that I'd recommend it over Roku or Fire TV (or even Apple TV) for people looking to add smart features/apps to their TV... and if you're looking for a cheap way to watch Netflix on your TV, you can't really beat Chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would've said the same, prior to the Marshmallow upgrade; whether the Cast icon would appear in Cast enabled apps was a matter of pure luck, as well as the "cast screen to" feature on Android devices. I got a lot of Cast connection losses as well, while the content was then still playing on the TV, without any possibility to control it (other than stopping it via the Nexus Player remote).
But all of those issues are fixed now with the Marshmallow upgrade (and I guess the various Google Cast Receiver app updates, that have been released since then).
The one thing that I find absolutely unacceptable is the following fact which you have mentioned as well: That the Nexus Player seems to be a 2nd class Google Cast device, which is e.g. not supported by Spotify, while working perfectly fine on Chromecasts. Google is allowing fragmentation of their Cast ecosystem because of this and this might be the beginning of the end of its acceptance, especially when it comes to Smart TVs that are shipped with Android TV and for which all companies involved are especially advertising the Cast functionality.
To the user who mentioned that both, the Nexus Player and the Chromecast are loading/streaming faster over Ethernet than over Wi-Fi: I strongly doubt that this is the case, especially since, as mentioned above, the available Ethernet adapters are only USB 2.0 capable. If you're talking about an Nvidia Shield TV I'd believe you, since that one supports Gigabit Ethernet natively, but regarding Chromecasts and Nexus Players... maybe if your wi-fi is horrible or you're using 2.4GHz wi-fi only... otherwise...no, not at all.
Anyway, since the original question was something like "Chromecast vs. Nexus Player": I have both, and I fully replaced my Chromecast with my Nexus Player since I have found that it makes the Chromecast redundant.
Some advantages of the Chromecast that should be considered:
-It's perfectly suited for taking it with you when traveling, while the Nexus Player is more of a fixed device that you set up once, connect it to your TV and leave it there.
- The Chromecast might reboot a couple of seconds faster than the Nexus Player, in case you shut off your devices often.
- The Chromecast allows you to adjust the backdrop e.g. with weather data and specific background images; the similar looking stock-backdrop of the Nexus Player cannot be modified at all.
- The Nexus Player wants you to sign into a specific Google account, whereas the Chromecast only requires you to set up a wi-fi.
- Chromecast doesn't need a wall socket and can be powered by your TV's USB port (even though using a real power adapter is recommended due to stability reasons).
- As mentioned, Chromecast isn't treated as a 2nd class Cast device by e.g. HBO (lol) and Spotify.
- You won't have to deal with yet another remote control in addition to your TV's, your audio system's and what-not remote controls, if using a Chromecast
- Google so far hasn't dared to release a firmware upgrade for the Chromecast which increases the brightness to a bazillion % and causes all blacks to look washed-out as hell.
I'm not gonna mention any advantages of the Nexus Player here as I've already said that I, personally, prefer the Nexus Player; I think it comes down to personal preferences regarding the above-points. Some things might be more important to some people, while others aren't, the same goes for what compromises are acceptable to the specific user.
Markolc said:
Correct, its only 2.0 speed. Save some money. No reason the adapter should cost more than the NP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only problem is there are no USB 2.0 ethernet adapters that also have USB passthrough.
priddyma said:
Only problem is there are no USB 2.0 ethernet adapters that also have USB passthrough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't quite know what you mean? I have a 2.0 USB hub\ethernet hybrid plugged into my nexus players. It gives me 3 full size USB ports and Ethernet.
Anywhere I have searched didn't have a plethora of USB 2.0 hubs with ethernet that were that much cheaper than the 3.0 models.
I don't see the point of an ethernet adapter for the Nexus Player any way, the theoretical speed limit of USB 2.0 is 480mbps which equal 60MBps meaning that you are throttling yourself compared to your WiFi speed.
priddyma said:
Anywhere I have searched didn't have a plethora of USB 2.0 hubs with ethernet that were that much cheaper than the 3.0 models.
I don't see the point of an ethernet adapter for the Nexus Player any way, the theoretical speed limit of USB 2.0 is 480mbps which equal 60MBps meaning that you are throttling yourself compared to your WiFi speed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And realistically you would be lucky to get even half that 60 MBps speeds on the 2.0 port. Chances are your only seeing about 25-30, and a Ethernet port adapter has to share the data with all the other devices you may have plugged into the hub as well. The WiFi AC is every bit 5-10 faster than the USB port on this device. The Ethernet adapter idea is only reasonable if that is all you have for a connection. Otherwise your 5ghz N or AC will blow away the USB port, depending on your network and internet speeds of course.
SkOrPn said:
And realistically you would be lucky to get even half that 60 MBps speeds on the 2.0 port. Chances are your only seeing about 25-30, and a Ethernet port adapter has to share the data with all the other devices you may have plugged into the hub as well. The WiFi AC is every bit 5-10 faster than the USB port on this device. The Ethernet adapter idea is only reasonable if that is all you have for a connection. Otherwise your 5ghz N or AC will blow away the USB port, depending on your network and internet speeds of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I can tell you is this. On my 5ghz WiFi, nighthawk ac1900 router, I will get occasional drops and hiccups streaming my uncompressed bluray rips, and on occasion streaming from my HDHomerun Prime. When over WiFi, I get none of those issues ever. It's just a more reliable connection. Downloading from the Play store, the WiFi wins, however streaming a 2 hour movie (30gigs), the hard wire connection will give me a flawless performance. It just takes a few seconds of WiFi interference to interrupt a movie or good football game on TV.
Markolc said:
All I can tell you is this. On my 5ghz WiFi, nighthawk ac1900 router, I will get occasional drops and hiccups streaming my uncompressed bluray rips, and on occasion streaming from my HDHomerun Prime. When over WiFi, I get none of those issues ever. It's just a more reliable connection. Downloading from the Play store, the WiFi wins, however streaming a 2 hour movie (30gigs), the hard wire connection will give me a flawless performance. It just takes a few seconds of WiFi interference to interrupt a movie or good football game on TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your WiFi should have big enough buffer to handle a few seconds of WiFi interference... Never had a single problem on a Chromecast wireless in a highly congested 2.4GHz area....
The Chromecast app from Google in the Google PlayStore doesn't even detect my Google Nexus Player (on the same wifi network).
The "Video & TV Cast | Nexus Player" app does. The developer for that app has a separate version for Nexus Player, Chromecast device, Samsung TV, etc.
Nate2 said:
The Chromecast app from Google in the Google PlayStore doesn't even detect my Google Nexus Player (on the same wifi network).
The "Video & TV Cast | Nexus Player" app does. The developer for that app has a separate version for Nexus Player, Chromecast device, Samsung TV, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure why the Chromecast app would ever need to detect your NP. It's not like you could use that app to configure it.
Maybe it was just my assumption that the Google Nexus Player (which supports casting) would use the Chromecast protocol(?) from Google.
Apparently, there is also a Googlecast protocol that is different from Chromecast?
My Samsung phone has it's own casting protocol that works great with my Samsung HDTV.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
How can i connect my nexus 6p to tv?
As i read, my phone does not support the mhl, but if I use an adapter micro usb to type c , then can I use the mhl to hdmi to connect the phone to tv?
Thank you!
Omika said:
How can i connect my nexus 6p to tv?
As i read, my phone does not support the mhl, but if I use an adapter micro usb to type c , then can I use the mhl to hdmi to connect the phone to tv?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I don't think itll work--mhl not supported. Your only option is probably to get a chromecast, or I have a nexus player that performs the same function--mirror display, cast.
Both can be had for pretty cheap, especially if you go with a used one on ebay. More money than an adapter, but not unreasonably more. Plus you can stay seated instead of walking to the TV.
So my only choice is the chromecast, isn't it? I have some questions about it. Can I watch on tv everything which i am watching on my phone? For example if one webpage have a video (non in youtube) and i open it via bsplayer or video gallery or something else, can i watch it on full screen on tv?
Thank you for helping.
Omika said:
So my only choice is the chromecast, isn't it? I have some questions about it. Can I watch on tv everything which i am watching on my phone? For example if one webpage have a video (non in youtube) and i open it via bsplayer or video gallery or something else, can i watch it on full screen on tv?
Thank you for helping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont own a chromecast, and I use fire tvs as my main streaming devices (lousy casting functionality except youtube & netflix). But I have played around with casting on nexus player. Id check to make sure it does what you want before buying but rule of thumb--if you see a cast icon in an android app/within the video box itll cast that video to the chromecast device. OR if you go into settings>display>cast --you can choose your chromecast device and itll mirror your phone screen to TV. Good luck
Omika said:
So my only choice is the chromecast, isn't it? I have some questions about it. Can I watch on tv everything which i am watching on my phone? For example if one webpage have a video (non in youtube) and i open it via bsplayer or video gallery or something else, can i watch it on full screen on tv?
Thank you for helping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can I can confirm this. I have Chromecast, I just mirror my phone to the screen and everything I do on my phone it shows on the Chromecast connected to the TV
I just got my 6p,i have my oneplus 2 and nexus 7 which has no problem with casting on my tv.Unfortunately google has disabled to "enable wireless display" option. I heard you can enable it if you root you're phone but for now i dont want to root my phone yet.