Going casting with Wi-Fi

Ever tried ‘casting’? No, it’s not the thing you do with a fishing rod, nor is it a molten metal being poured into a mould. It’s casting as in ‘broadcasting’.

In July 2013, Google launched its first Chromecast player, a device or dongle that plugs into an HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) port on your Smart TV. You can then ‘cast’ media from a digital device to the TV screen.

The Chromecast is available from R740, according to pricecheck.co.za. Once purchased, there are no more fees or monthly payments. All you need to do is download the Google Home app from Google Play, and you can start casting.

With the Google Home app, your mobile device becomes an extension of your TV. It becomes, in effect, a remote control, enabling you to change channels and adjust the volume.

The app comes with step-bystep instructions that are very easy to follow. It will perform a scan and pick up which devices are compatible for casting. Each device can then be named; for example, ‘Living room TV’ or ‘Entertainment room TV’.

Speakers compatible with Google Chromecast are also available. You can install these wherever you choose in your home and control the music using an app.

TWO METHODS OF STREAMING WEB CONTENT

Chromecast offers two ways of streaming content. The first employs the web and mobile apps that support ‘Google Cast’; the second allows mirroring of content from the web browser using Google Chrome. A mirroring app that works well is Web Video Cast, which can be downloaded from Google Play.

The app creates a mirror image of your mobile phone or computer and ‘casts’ it to your TV.

If you use DStv or Netflix, you can choose a program on your phone app and press the ‘Cast’ button; the content will then appear on your TV.

COMPLETE FLEXIBILITY FOR EVERY OCCASION

If you have guests or a function, you can select music online and it will be streamed to your speakers. Your guests can also select songs they like and add them to a playlist.

• Greg Miles is a livestock farmer and Internet marketer. Email him at farmersweekly@caxton.co.za. Subject line: Online Farmer.