Any Chromecast like alternatives for Windows?

[andy_d]

I've been thinking about buying a Chromecast in order to be able to load youtube and vimeo videos quickly. I don't have a TV that can connect with my phone's youtube app and I tried some Android app that didn't work that very well. Wondering if I have any options besides pulling up a browser and searching for the videos

[leroys1000]

I don't use you tube on my htpc,but I have installed both plex media center and xbmc.
Both of those media center apps have youtube plugins and much more.
I use an antec veris elite display that has software with an application launcher though.
I can set all that up to use my remote.

[gordon217]

Yes been around for 5 Years, Widi works great and with Windows 8.1 Miracast, I use this tiny Netgear box and can be powered via USB form your tv, NETGEAR Push2TV PTV3000 Wireless video/audio extender

[andy_d]

That's actually more than I want to spend. I was thinking of something more software based. For that price, I might as well get a Chromecast

[skiboarder119]

I'm also looking for this feature. I want to cast youtube videos from my android phone to my HTPC. It should definitely be able to be software based. The hardware already exists (I have a entire PC hooked up to my TV! I shouldn't have to buy a chromecast). Ideally it would be integrated into WMC too.

[leroys1000]

Plex can be accessed from media center and uses plex server on the main computer
and client software on other devices.
Might check it out.......
https://www.plex.tv/
Scroll down the page for more info.
The server and client can be installed on the main computer also,so it is accessable there.
It's free but does have some paid themes and stuff.
I am using one of the free themes which is good enough for me.

[Bryan]

I'm also looking for this feature. I want to cast youtube videos from my android phone to my HTPC. It should definitely be able to be software based. The hardware already exists (I have a entire PC hooked up to my TV! I shouldn't have to buy a chromecast). Ideally it would be integrated into WMC too.

Have you looked at Media Center Cast? http://www.thegreenbutton.tv/forums/viewforum.php?f=88

[andy_d]

That looks like exactly what I was thinking about but looks like there are complaints about the developer not really addressing issues and the last update was Sept. That's a pretty big gap considering the app was first released late August

[Bryan]

It's been fine for me, though I only wanted Youtube anyway. There's a demo so it'd be worth a shot. The author does still post here so I don't think it's a dead project or anything, probably just a side thing for him.

[andy_d]

I read about issues of closing the app - have you experienced that?

And yeah, I'll give the demo a try when I'm back from the holidays

[Bryan]

I read about issues of closing the app - have you experienced that?

And yeah, I'll give the demo a try when I'm back from the holidays

I haven't had many problems with it, though admittedly since swapping to a new HTPC a few weeks ago I haven't set it up again yet. As a means of using YouTube without having to swap to the Xbox I was happy with it.

[barnabas1969]

My wife gave me a Roku 3 for Christmas. It works great. There is no reason to look for these features in Windows besides the fact that you have to change HDMI inputs in order to use the Roku. If changing HDMI inputs is your concern, then buy a programmable remote.

Oh, and the Roku has Android and iPhone apps that emulate what you can do with the Chromecast too. It's the best of both worlds... IR/RF remote control, plus smartphone control/search.

[Adidas4275]

AirParrot works well if you have iOS devices

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2425163,00.asp

[andy_d]

Thanks for the suggestion guys.

I ended up actually purchasing a Chromecast as I was able to get it for $25 through Amazon using a Student discount. Love it. Very simple to use. I'm glad I got one.