What is Chromecast?
Chromecast is digital media player device that was created by Google. This device will works almost independently on your projector streaming video and sound content from applications like Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, HBOGo, as well as directly from the a computer’s browser with limited mirroring capability. Chromecast is primarily controlled using an application downloaded to a tablet or smart device. This allows the user to control the Chromecast while allowing the controlling device to be used without disrupting its streaming capabilities.
For example, after selecting the content through a connected device like a smartphone, the user will still be able to answer phone calls or use other applications simultaneously. Also, users have the option to control and mirror content using Google Chrome, Google’s own web browser, from a desktop or laptop computer known as “tab casting”. However, not all content can be mirrored with tab casting. Browser plug-ins, like Silverlight and Quicktime, allow certain video files to be played from a web browser but are not supported by the Chromecast.
Chromecast Hardware and System
Chromecast contains the Marvell DE3005-A1 (AMD 1500) system on chip. This allows the decoding of the codecs used in video compression formats. These video formats are VP8 and H.264. The device is preloaded with the applications used to stream content. The device contains 512 MB of DDR3L Ram as well as 2 GB of flash storage built into it. To communicate with outside devices it uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n.
Android and Apple iOS Application Support
Android and Apple mobile operation system is supported. Both applications can be downloaded from their mobile app stores, respectively. The Android or iOS mobile application will detect the Chromecast dongle when connected to the same local network. The application will then establish a channel to securely exchange communication between the two devices.