Chromecast box
Easy Chromecast Set Up
I set it up using the recommended power adapter to power the Chromecast device. I used the HDMI input to connect directly to my television (therefore not relying on USB power). The included power adapter is slim which is good (doesn't hog too much outlet space).Installation was quick and easy, you are directed to visit the set up page (www.google.com/chromecast/setup) on your desktop (what I did) or phone. The rest is straightforward. (Note: For me the URL did not quite work on my Android tablet; it sent me to a Google Play app download page, and since I am in Canada the app is not available for download).
Chromecasting a Movie
Using it to stream is just as easy, I just dragged some movie files into my Chrome browser, then hit the Cast this tab button and it just works. I watched over an hour of video content and it worked fine. There was maybe a second or two of hiccups but nothing more than that. Music files worked just as easily, playing songs through your television set up was instant as you would expect.Some sites like Youtube are already optimized for Chromecast (do not need to use the Cast this tab button) and your Chromecast setup is automatically detected for you. Youtube content was noticeably sharper looking than playing the movie file off my laptop.
Conclusion: I Like It
So yes I give it the thumbs up. It works quite well so far, and comes in a tiny and inexpensive package. Nice job Google.Note: The Chromecast app is not available for download in the Google Play Store in Canada, but there are ways around it such as downloading it right here.
Chromecast Photos
And to end it all, here are some more pictures of the Chromecast:
