Google Chromecast is only 35 dollars. That's about 2 and a half drinks at a decent bar in Los Angeles. So, my roommates and I looked to make the investment. The small box arrived in the mail and the setup couldn't be easier. Simply, plug the Chromecast into the HDMI port on your TV and pair the two devices. Done and Done.
Having the ability to stream anything on our computers or cellphones right to the TV was the main reason for getting Chromecast. Now, for streaming through the Chrome browser, you will want this extension.
But the streaming function has its setbacks. If you use apps like HBO GO and YouTube (on your phone), the streaming is pretty good. But if you are streaming via a tab in Chrome, the lagging can be pretty drastic.
And since our wireless router and "broadband" speeds are both laughable, this problem is amplified by about 30. One quick way to fix this issue is to pull back the quality.
Click on the Chromecast icon in your Chrome app bar and select Options.
There are three projection qualities available. Select the lowest (480p) and resume watching your video. Of course the video quality will decrease, but the likelihood of you watching with way less stuttering increases significantly.
This is very much a first-world problem, but for those of us struggling with bad internet speeds and/or slow wireless routers, this option is super helpful. And for 35 bucks, it's more than worth it.
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