What apps and streaming services are available on the Chromecast with Google TV (HD)?
The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) can turn your older TV into a modern streaming hub with a variety of apps and services, all in 1080p HD. You can stream from Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Apple TV, Peacock, Paramount+, ESPN, Spotify, and heaps more.
It's got HDR support too, which is great for better visuals if the content supports it. According to our research, folks really like how it pulls everything together into one easy-to-use platform and suggests new shows and movies based on what you watch.
A cool thing about this Chromecast is the remote that comes with it. It's got handy buttons for direct access to Netflix and YouTube, plus it can control your TV’s volume and power. That means fewer remotes lying around, which is nice if you're upgrading from a more old-school setup.
Setting it up is pretty simple: plug it into your TV's HDMI port, power it up with USB-C, and follow the steps in the Google Home app. It's compact too, so it won't be an eyesore.
According to our research, many find the setup and design quite user-friendly, though some have noticed occasional slowdowns or connectivity hiccups, especially when casting from smartphones.
Overall, despite a few minor quirks, the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) holds its own against other budget-friendly options like the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite or Roku Express.
It's especially good if you're already into the Google ecosystem. But if you think you'll upgrade to a 4K TV soon, you might want to look at the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) version instead.
Considering the Chromecast with Google TV (HD)?
Here's our "TLDR" Review
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More Answers
If you're still curious about the Chromecast with Google TV (HD), here are some other answers you might find interesting:
What common issues or complaints do users have with the Chromecast with Google TV (HD)?
So, the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) has a lot going for it, especially if you're looking for something affordable and straightforward. It streams in up to 1080p, which is perfect if you have an older TV or just don't care about 4K.
Plus, it integrates really well with Google services, making voice searches and app navigation pretty smooth. You can stream from a bunch of services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
Setting it up is easy—just plug it into your TV's HDMI port, connect it to a power source, and follow the steps on the Google Home app.
But, according to our research, there are a couple of things that users aren't thrilled about. One big gripe is the limited 8GB of storage. It fills up fast if you're downloading a lot of apps, and nobody likes being told they have to delete stuff to free up space.
There have also been reports of occasional lag and app crashes. This isn't a constant issue, but it can be pretty annoying when it happens, especially if you're in the middle of a binge-watch session.
Restarting the device usually fixes it, but it's still a bit of a hassle.
On the upside, users seem to really like the remote. It's compact and can control your TV's power and volume, which is a nice touch.
Overall, despite some storage and performance quirks, most people find it to be a good, budget-friendly option.
If you have an older 1080p TV and are considering an upgrade, the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) could be a good choice.
It's designed to add smart features to older TVs in an affordable and easy way. You'll get 1080p HD content and access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ through Google TV, all in one convenient place.
As long as your TV has an HDMI port and you have Wi-Fi, setting it up is pretty simple. The included remote also has volume and power controls, which makes navigating straightforward.
According to our research, people like the interface because it brings content from different apps together, so it's easier to find what you want to watch. The remote even has Google Assistant for voice commands, making it handy for searching and controlling smart home devices.
However, some folks wish it had more customizable buttons.
On the downside, this Chromecast doesn't support 4K or Dolby Vision. So if you have a newer 4K TV or want the best picture quality, you might want to look at other options.
Also, it can sometimes lag, especially when switching between apps, which is common for budget-friendly streaming devices. Some users have noted issues with the device dropping its Wi-Fi connection or the remote occasionally becoming unresponsive, which can be annoying.
Still, many people say it's a worthwhile investment, especially if you're cutting cable and still want access to popular streaming services. For older TVs or if you don't need 4K, it’s a great way to watch your favorite shows and movies without spending a lot.
If you’re curious, you can find more details about the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) here.
What are the limitations of the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) compared to other streaming devices?
The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is a good pick if you're trying to update an older HD TV without spending too much. But, there are a few downsides to keep in mind compared to other streaming devices out there.
First off, the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) maxes out at 1080p resolution. That’s totally fine for older HD TVs, but if you have a 4K TV or plan to get one, you won’t be able to enjoy the full 4K resolution or any HDR features. For that, you’d need the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) or another device that supports 4K.
It also doesn’t support Dolby Vision. While it does support HDR10, which is better for color and contrast on HD content, it's missing Dolby Vision, often hailed as superior for HDR quality. This will only matter if your TV supports Dolby Vision and you watch content in that format.
Some people have noticed a bit of lag or performance issues, especially when streaming high-quality videos or using Google Assistant a lot. These quirks aren’t common according to our research, but if you need super-smooth performance, it’s something to think about.
Setting up the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is simple: plug it into your TV's HDMI port and set it up with the Google Home app. It works well with Google Assistant, making voice searches easy.
It gives you access to over 700,000 movies and TV episodes and it's compatible with major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
However, it does rely on a strong Wi-Fi connection. If your internet is slow or tends to drop out, you might see playback interruptions.
So, if you want an affordable way to make your old HD TV smarter, the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is worth considering. But, if 4K streaming, Dolby Vision, or top-tier performance are deal-breakers, you might want to explore other options.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) doesn't quite fit your needs, here are some other options to consider:
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a great choice for those who want superior picture quality with its 4K video playback. Perfect for folks with 4K TVs, it delivers sharper images and better detail compared to the Chromecast with Google TV (HD).
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K not only streams in stunning 4K but also includes Alexa voice control, making content searches a breeze. For those who appreciate voice command capabilities and an integrated Amazon ecosystem, this might be a more convenient choice compared to Chromecast.
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