What is Chromecast?
Chromecast is an IPTV device from Google. It's a 3" dongle that plugs directly into an HDMI port on your TV or AV receiver, and contains the Marvell 88DE3005 system-on-a-chip.
How much does it cost?
£30GBP
$35USD
Is it available in the UK?
Official UK release was 19th March 2014. Prior to that it was only available as "grey import" from the US.
The grey import is cheaper, are there any downsides?
There's no warranty. The power lead will be US spec, i.e. 2 pin, and possibly 110V (though "international" 110-250v transformers are the norm these days, and there are reports they can be powered from the USB port on some smart TVs). If you're importing yourself, you'll likely have to pay import VAT and customs duty. Normally this will depend on what you pay, and the exchange rate on the day it's checked through customs. However, if they open it, you'll have to pay import VAT and customs duty on the UK retail price - as the device now available in the UK.
What apps are there?
Netflix, YouTube, GooglePlay, and Chrome.
Certain other services, e.g. Hulu Plus, can be streamed from mobile devices.
Content viewed via the desktop version of the Chrome browser can be 'cast' to your Chromecast.
Can I stream content stored on my media server/NAS?
Although the SDK has been available for a few weeks, it is unknown if direct access to NAS boxes and other networked media storage devices is an option.
However, it is possible to play offline content by casting from the Chrome browser "tab cast" method or from a mobile device.
Chromecast is an IPTV device from Google. It's a 3" dongle that plugs directly into an HDMI port on your TV or AV receiver, and contains the Marvell 88DE3005 system-on-a-chip.
How much does it cost?
£30GBP
$35USD
Is it available in the UK?
Official UK release was 19th March 2014. Prior to that it was only available as "grey import" from the US.
The grey import is cheaper, are there any downsides?
There's no warranty. The power lead will be US spec, i.e. 2 pin, and possibly 110V (though "international" 110-250v transformers are the norm these days, and there are reports they can be powered from the USB port on some smart TVs). If you're importing yourself, you'll likely have to pay import VAT and customs duty. Normally this will depend on what you pay, and the exchange rate on the day it's checked through customs. However, if they open it, you'll have to pay import VAT and customs duty on the UK retail price - as the device now available in the UK.
What apps are there?
Netflix, YouTube, GooglePlay, and Chrome.
Certain other services, e.g. Hulu Plus, can be streamed from mobile devices.
Content viewed via the desktop version of the Chrome browser can be 'cast' to your Chromecast.
Can I stream content stored on my media server/NAS?
Although the SDK has been available for a few weeks, it is unknown if direct access to NAS boxes and other networked media storage devices is an option.
However, it is possible to play offline content by casting from the Chrome browser "tab cast" method or from a mobile device.
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