For those of you who enjoy downloading or streaming movies from the Internet, Google's Chromecast is a neat little gadget that will allow you to watch them on any TV with HDMI plug. No smart TV needed. The movies, on your hard drive or on the Internet can be sent to the TV wirelessly using your WiFi. All it requires is the use of Google Chrome browser with free extensions available at the Google Store. Link: Chromecast - Google Chromecast is available in the US for about US$35 and in the Philippines for around P2,900. By the way, for TV and movie addicts, Netflix is now available in the Philippines. Regards, Yolly
You can also watch any movies you have on your computer by transferring them to a USB drive and connecting that USB drive to the TV. Been doing that for years and don' need chrome cast to do it albeit it's not done via WiFi you actually have to transfer the movie or whatever from your computer onto USB drive and connect that USB device to your TV usually on back or the side of the TV on every flat screen TV I've ever seen here in PI.
I've found that my TV doesn't support certain file formats when I directly plug in a USB device and the TV will freeze up forcing me to unplug the TV to be able to use it again. There are several other options that I prefer over using my TV's slow and clunky user interface. (HDMI straight from my computer/media server using Xbox, PlayStation or Android TV box.)
True it does depend on what brand of TV you get. I use HDMI also but sometimes for the kiddie movies I just put them on USB and she can watch when she wants. I also use "Any Video Converter" (click for link) to ensure the movies are compatible with the TV interface. (check TV manual if unsure) DaveD
