yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Chromecast] Asphyx:
Yep there are still a few bugs they need to hash out with Plex but the Devs have been pretty active and even getting test content from users who have issues in an attempt to work out the transcoding problems.

The issue your seeing is also being reported, Apparently there is some issue in the Control protocol that only seems to happen when the Plex App device is the one who initiated the cast but then loses connection to the WiFi (Device not CCast).

Right now they seem to be focused on Transcoding and once that is working I suspect they will move onto the Control issues.
[Google Chromecast] denisamir:
Is it possible to get surround 5.1 sound if I connect the CHROMECAST not to receiver (because I haven't receiver with HDMI inputs), but to audio extractor? Give me test video examples, please with 100% compatible with chromecast 5.1 sound format and way how to play it (list of applications compatible for example with external DLNA and 5.1 sound support ). Or give me another way how to test 5.1 sound.
[Google Chromecast] Asphyx:
It really depends on the extractor you are using...Most only offer Stereo output.

If your receiver doesn't have HDMI inputs you can in many cases REVERSE the chain by plugging the CCast directly into the TV and using an Optical cable to connect the TV audio to the Receiver to get full surround (provided the TV supports the surround codecs.)

Older AVR receivers usually have an Optical input for TV audio so you can use the TV tuner and still get the sound through the AVR (Reciever).

That would be a far better method to get surround sound than any Audio Extractor.
[Google Chromecast] Asphyx:
If I'm not mistaken you only need plexpass for the FREE Plex for PlexPass app....

But there is also another Paid Plex for Android App that does not require Plexpass to work.

Both are updating on my unit as I type this...

The only advantage to PlexPass is the ability to stream media outside your home network. Which in most situations you wouldn't be casting to a chromecast anyway unless you were traveling and staying in a hotel.

I have been a long time Twonky User but recently moved to Plex. And I couldn't be happier about it! So I signed up for the Lifetime PlexPass.

So this is great news for me!
[Google Chromecast] HbbS:
Oh boy...

I am running Chromecast with stock firmware 14651 outside the usa (using only Unotelly and iptables) and so far none of the apps launched today worked here.

Not even Revison3!

It gives an error telling that if failed to connect.

This is a pain on the ass.
[Google Chromecast] Shinyhead:
so far all avia, plex and real require extra $$$ to cast to chromecast... :S
[Google Chromecast] abuttino:
Anyone see a beyondpod or Vevo ChromeCast icon?

---------- Post added at 01:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:04 PM ----------

If you have problems with Plexpass, use this link..

https://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/60585-plex-for-android-kepler/page-2#entry517848

It's the updated app that fixes the FC problem.
[Google Chromecast] cmstlist:
Let's hope this is just the beginning. A bit underwhelmed by this second batch but it's a very good sign.
[Google Chromecast] abuttino:
Underwhelmed?

8 apps in one day? That's pretty awesome.
[Google Chromecast] smrsxn:
I have never used plex before, so ignore is I ask a naieve question. It's very complicated from what i can make out... different options for desktop versus android, i guess...

So to stream local media on chromecast, here are the 2 options at the moment

1) PLEX

Plex for android costs $4.99, and it includes the plex pass? so i can stream from my android devices without more cost. pls. confirm.

Irrespective, i need to install plex media server on my PC, for even mobile plex to work.

This option means that I can not stream content from my PC. To do so will need premium plexpass, that can be bought per month, per year, lifetime. And seems very expensive for occasional users.

2) AVIA

Will cost $2.99 as in-app upgrade to stream to chromecast.

PC content can be casted via setting up your media with DLNA server

Does my mobile need to be ON for the entire duration of casting?

Did i get that right?

Can someone confirm. I am leaning towards AVIA now.
[Google Chromecast] wptski:
AVIA free doesn't even do the DLNA server. BubbleUPnP is a free DLNA server. If your streaming from your phone, it seems like it would have to remain ON.
[Google Chromecast] IamPro:
Avia is pretty good, even plays my MKVs and MP4s (you need to cast w/ Avia, use a folder manager open with Avia then hit play/pause/play to start). I wish they would have subtitles support :(
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
aVia FAQ says it does?
[Google Chromecast] IamPro:
Says you need the SRB file but other players like MX Player and even Plex can pull the subtitles from the video file itself :mad:
[Google Chromecast] coachclass:
I'm also looking for more clarification on this. So you got a bunch of MKV's sitting in a NAS on the LAN. As far as casting local content is concerned, Chromecast won't do samba (windows shares), so it needs something to feed it (Plex server in this case). So whatever your NAS appliance is (windows or linux PC, some sort of commercial NAS), it needs to be able to install the latest Plex server? Or...does it have to be the latest Plex server at all? Some Linux distributions are slow to update, so we need clarification on whether this requires the newest release of Plex server or just a reasonably recent version of Plex. Is this functionality possible because of a Chromecast update, or is there some handshaking between Plex and Chromecast that would require a Plex server update?

As far as the Plex Android app is concerned, what is the Android app doing? Typically, users use the Android Plex app to watch videos served up by the Plex server, similiar to how the Android Netflix app is used to watch videos on Netflix. So, using the same philosophy, is the Android Plex app just used to "cast" the currently showing movies to the Chromecast, similar to how Netflix works? Can you use the web interface running on the Plex Server to fling videos to the Chromecast?

Lots of details here that can't be answered without someone actually having PlexPass and trying it out. Maybe some veteran Plex users could help out.
[Google Chromecast] abuttino:
I'll know a lot more once it's whitelisted. I have PlexPass (Premium)
[Google Chromecast] cmstlist:
Tried VEVO, Viki, both working. However Songza is not showing the Chromecast button. Is it working for anyone else?

---------- Post added at 11:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:53 AM ----------

Underwhelmed because of lack of interest. VEVO videos are already handled by YouTube. I don't care about Red Bull or annoying Revision3 tech videos. The new apps for casting your own videos all require premium memberships for now. I love Songza but so far casting doesn't even work.
[Google Chromecast] abuttino:
How did you get vevo to work? Can you post your all here?

Edit: apk not all

Songza does work, try again.
[Google Chromecast] tomerstern:
In all of these apps is there an app that can cast streamed media to the chromecast?

By streamed media I mean like when you watch a movie on MX player on your phone which is not in your device.
[Google Chromecast] jsgraphicart:
Just came in to join in on this exciting conversation. So I will be attempting aVia when I get home from work. After some research, I have come to conclude that its the best choice for streaming local content. I have never used Plex and I see its a real popular choice with people but I see it requires a subscription (at least for now). aVia is only a one time 3 dollar payment to unlock the features and seems to have all the awesome features I would want. And the developers of the app seem to be working hard to bring more updates.

Anyways, now that I got that out of the way, who all went the aVia route? Has anyone set up a media server that works with Chromecast? And what file types are supported. I think most of my files are avi files.
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Chromecast only supports certain media types

https://developers.google.com/cast/supported_media_types

I went the aVia route myself.

The major difference between the two is Plex has a server side and a client side. The server side is tasked with transcoding content for playback on clients. This means you can store your library in whatever format, and the Plex Media Server will use your CPU to make a Plex client-friendly version. Depending on the CPU horsepower of your server, this can result in varying quality, but you don't have to worry about whether your media is in a client-friendly format.

aVia, on the other hand, seems to be much like using AllCast from the Gallery. If and only if your content is in a format that the client can play will it play. AVIs are not currently Chromecast-friendly, so if you want to play them on Chromecast you will need to transcode them to another format (WebM or MP4).
[Google Chromecast] jsgraphicart:
I'm still a little new to media servers. I have only used some with my PS3. So none of the transcoding is done based on the media server program you use? I'm a little confused on how it streams the content. Since you are accessing the files from your computer on your device, are you just sending a signal to chromecast to access the file through the media server? And if so, does the media server program not do any transcoding?
[Google Chromecast] bkmaracas:
This all seems positive, avia although not a slick interface covers local and cloud media pretty well for small fee.

Want to try songza, but am non usa ( use prev versions fine here)

Any chance of a link the new songza app 4.2.0? Appreciated

Sent from my Nexus 7
[Google Chromecast] Leraeniesh:
Here is 4.2.1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/hoo4jc0cbeie944/com.ad60.songza-1.apk
[Google Chromecast] IamPro:
I believe the transcoding is done on the machine, one of the reasons why weaker NAS can't play everything at least thats my understanding
[Google Chromecast] generationgav:
Can Avia play from my DLNA NAS to my Chromecast? Does it need to go via the phone/tab then or does it stream directly?
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Correct. Chromecast gets "Play this file (location)" and goes and grabs it. It's like opening a file on a share in Windows Media Player. WMP goes, gets the file, tries to play it and either it can or it can't.

Whether there's transcoding depends on the server application, if there is one.

That's right. The server side is responsible for any transcoding, and that's why Plex Media Server for Appliances is limited compared to full Plex Media Server on a desktop. In most cases NAS devices lack the required CPU and memory to be efficient transcoders, let alone do transcoding in real-time.
[Google Chromecast] jsgraphicart:
Well like I said, I have only used a media server with my PS3. I have always used PS3 Media Server, which after looking into it, it does seem to have quite a bit of transcoding settings. Wether it works with aVia or not, I'll have to wait and see when I get home. I will play around with this when I get home and post my findings. I'm looking forward to tinkering. lol
[Google Chromecast] DJames1:
Just to clarify how Plex works:

Plex Media Server runs on a PC, Mac or Linux platform. It manages your local media library and streams content to Plex client apps. It can do transcoding with pretty good performance and pretty broad format support.

There are Plex client apps for Android, iOS, and some media players (Roku, Samsung) as well as PC/Mac/Linux. The Plex client apps access the media server over your local network, or even over the internet, and they handle selection and playback of content from the server.

Plex client apps already had the ability to "cast" a stream to another client on the network. For example I could select a title from browsing my Plex media library on my Android tablet, and say "Play on Roku" to show it on my TV. There's even remote playback control of the client you cast to.

Plex Media Server also supports plug-in channels to access internet streaming sources. There are actually a large number of such channels, offering access to far more content than Google allows on the Chromecast. But Channels are the one thing that Plex has

not

mentioned in their Chromecast support announcement, so I suspect that we will never see support for Plex channels in the Chromecast client due to restrictions imposed by Google.

Also not mentioned: My Plex and Plex-It, which currently allows you to bookmark any video stream you are watching in a web browser and then play it back later in your Plex client even though there's no specific support for that source. It works with many, but not all web video sources. I suppose that's another feature that Google has asked Plex to remove from the Chromecast client to keep it locked down.

I did check quickly to see if Plex can already see my Chromecast as a remote client after the Chromecast firmware update, but no. I guess I'll have to wait for a new version of the various Plex components to be generally released. :)
[Google Chromecast] sfetaz:
I use beyondpod everyday. It has a feature to create a feed with a local media folder. Tonight I am going to test if you can use this to play local media on the Chromecast via beyondpod.
[Google Chromecast] banccalif:
I've been using plex for quite some time now, but have the free version on my mac book pro. I've been reading the posts but haven't understood it fully I guess.

Will buying the plex for Android app be enough or will we need to purchase the plex pass from the site to stream local content to chromecast?
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Using Chromecast with Plex currently is limited to Plex Pass members only. Whether this opens up later is up to them.
[Google Chromecast] banccalif:
Ok, I was under the impression that the app will somehow get you plex pass membership but that's for the clarification
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Their subscription page says the other way - Plex Pass membership gets you the app. :)
[Google Chromecast] PelegK:
Plex really disappointed me with this extra fee for casting local media ..
[Google Chromecast] Mr-Glass:
Yeah - I did not have to pay extra to use my Roku - I understand they want to make money, but I thought they did that when I purchased the app..
[Google Chromecast] Asphyx:
Lets get something clear about Plex...Plex Pass is not needed for local playback under normal conditions. It is only meant to play files when your outside your local network system. But in the case of Chromecast this may be required because of how Chromecast works which might use outside your local network for transfer to the Chromcast device. This may be why you need a PlexPass for the Chromecast functionality. Also why the Whitelist works! I have PlexPass so I can't really see what happens to users of any app without it. I do know the Plex for Android app will work locally without a Plexpass! It worked before I Signed up for the PlexPass. The Plex for PlexPass will NOT under any circumstances work anywhere without a Plex Pass Account!

PlexPass from my experience is just like MyTwonky and the many HOME CLOUD type services. It knows where the server is because the server is registered with the PlexPass Account, By logging into your PlexPass account using the App it makes the cnnection between the Server and the client. But thats all PlexPass really does and Plex Server will work with any DLNA player without it or a PlexPass account.

This should answer both Questions...

1 - You do not need to have Plex Running on your NAS (It's nice if your NAS has this but not essential) You can run Plex on any device (operating system supported granted) or computer that can see and map the NAS drives. This will serve as your Plex Server.

2 - Avia is merely a DLNA Player if I'm not mistaken. It should work with any DLNA server this includes Plex, Twonky, Even XBMC has limited DLNA support (but does not do transcoding which may be needed in the case of chromecast). With Avia and a plex server no Plex Pass should be required to play from a plex server on your local network.

Whitelist is all good now, But a reboot of your Chromecast may be required so it will update the whitelist!

I have played around with the Plex software and it works flawlessly!

I will try Avia later today and report what I find.
[Google Chromecast] airmaxx23:
Just so others know, with Avia unlocked the Chromecast button does not appear until you are connected to the Chromecast for the first time. After that it will appear whenever you are connected to the corresponding Wi-Fi network.
[Google Chromecast] Asphyx:
Both are available in the Play Store...One to play local only is a paid app, PlexPass is free but requires PlexPass account.

You can use any DLNA player to play files from Plex Server locally.

You don't need to use the Plex Player App for that!

Any DLNA player will work with Plex! The problem is that not ANY DLNA player (other than Avia) currently has Chromecast support.

I suspect that will soon change.
[Google Chromecast] PelegK:
DLAN player ?

I dont have a DLNA support TV or phone .. i dont think i can use that .. or am i ?
[Google Chromecast] abuttino:
Plex still doesn't show my ChromeCast... I'll wait for this update for a while
[Google Chromecast] Namrak:
Can I cast videos stored on my phone using plex? Can it be done without installing plex on my computer/NAS, etc? I just want to cast the videos on my phone using plex. Is that possible at all?
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
It could simply be that Plex rolls out new features to Plex Pass members first to...

Make them feel special, because they get stuff first!

Reduce the influx of support requests in the event there's something wacky

Yes, #2 could be interpreted as "They use Plex Pass members for beta testing" but hey, you still get stuff first and the make the impatient people happy!!
[Google Chromecast] abuttino:
What is the URL to go to check your whitelist?

Something like the address for your ChromeCast port 8008 and then apps and a name after that?
[Google Chromecast] Asphyx:
NO!

Avia might work but not Plex.

---------- Post added at 11:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:45 PM ----------

Did you reboot the Chromecast?
[Google Chromecast] Namrak:
Is that feature for Plex monthly subscription only at this point?
[Google Chromecast] Asphyx:
No there is also a Lifetime sub for $80
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
The Android/iOS/WinPhone versions are Plex clients, not a Plex Media Server.
[Google Chromecast] Asphyx:
Correct! They are merely apps that play the content from a DLNA server. If you don't have a DLNA server then there is no point in having the app at all!

aVia however will play local content stored on your phone or tab and stream it to your Chromecast!

So anyone who doesn't have a DLNA server or doesn't even know what they are should be looking into aVia not Plex!
[Google Chromecast] Namrak:
Thanks, I had Plex before, but it wasn't to my liking. I just prefer the Plex interface to aVia's and was hoping that there say some way to do this. Thanks!
[Google Chromecast] DJames1:
Actually that's not true either. Anyone can access their Plex media server remotely over the internet, and the free MyPlex service can assist you with that if you don't know how to do it using a dynamic dns service and port forwarding.

The actual benefits offered by the Plex Pass are here: https://my.plexapp.com/subscription/about

Mostly it's about paying extra to get first crack at new features, like Chromecast support.

But don't mind me, I'll just be over here enjoying Plex with my Roku while waiting a few more months for my Chromecast to become useful...
[Google Chromecast] abuttino:
A couple times
[Google Chromecast] Leraeniesh:
Avia works pretty well.

Let's you cast from your phone, drop box, piscasa, Facebook or DLNA server.

Only problem I noticed was no built in subtitles and no audio on mkv files. Overall its a pretty great start.

Sent from my Nexus 7
[Google Chromecast] Asphyx:
Yes James but we have folks here who don't even know how DLNA server client system works...Getting them to do port forwarding seemed like a hill too big to climb! LOL

---------- Post added at 12:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:55 AM ----------

Hmm Can't say why it's not seeing it then.

I know when I first installed the Plex App it required restarting the Chromecast before it could be seen.

You don't have a rooted/Hack CC do you?
[Google Chromecast] abuttino:
Yup, and I figured that is why
[Google Chromecast] bkmaracas:
Cheers lareinish for songza app ( spelling<). Songza works good (UK) ,feared it might do a ' where are you ' check when chromecast kicks in, but doesnt. ;) schweet.

Sent from my Nexus 7

---------- Post added at 02:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:01 AM ----------

Shame it doesn't have screen burn preventing tactics though.. Our Plasma hates it!

Sent from my Nexus 7

---------- Post added at 02:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:03 AM ----------

Edit2 ah - seems it swaps the track info and album art over from one side to the other after a while... Took a while however. Enough posts/edits now..

Sent from my Nexus 7
[Google Chromecast] Mr-Glass:
Kind of interesting - My Nexus 7 and my Chromecast show up when it hit the Chromecast button in Plex on my phone., I am able to launch a video on the N7 from the phone.. weird..
[Google Chromecast] V DidDy 210:
just throwing my hat in, not an active CC modder by any means (currently working on old ATT winMo 6.5 devices for fun if anyone wants to join haha) but Avia is casting all of my files (avi, mkv, mp4) without hiccup.

earlier this day it wasn't doing some files (no sound) and then i think it was updated because I tried an hour ago and the same video that wasn't playing with sound now was

cheers
[Google Chromecast] aamir123:
just a quick question, whats the difference between Avia and koushcast or its variations? seems like avia plays videos stored on your phone/tablet just like allcast does.
[Google Chromecast] sweetbaboo:
Looks like I'm having some problems with Avia. It lags big time when trying to cast videos shot with my S3. Additionally, while it can see my DLNA server, it can't see any photos or videos for some reason.
[Google Chromecast] MarkOden:
Having casting capabilites on Beyondpod has opened up the whole world of my content consumption. It's so awesome!
[Google Chromecast] shelby04861:
Ditto on Plex being able to play content local and remote. All you do is install the Plex server and do a quick port forward which it tells you what to do. Anyone who messes around with stuff at this level should be able to Google it. I also agree that although it is a Plex pass feature now( a subscription beyond the initial app purchase for those that got confused), it sounds like they will release it to everyone else who paid for just the app. Let's just hope it is sooner than later.
[Google Chromecast] smalis:
With a non-rooted Chromecast, installed Avia on my Tablet, paid $3 for the Chromecast "extra," and am able to cast local MP4's from my Tablet to my TV. Then, I installed Plex Server on my computer and (with no port forwarding) was able to use Avia on my Tablet to play and cast MP4's from my computer to my TV through the Plex server (Computer (Plex Server) --> Tablet (Avia) --> Chromecast --> TV). Very nice.

Now, what to do with the rootable Chromecast I have coming from Ebay? I was going to root it to enable Aircast, but now that I have the equivalent, I am not sure I have any need for a rooted Chromecast.
[Google Chromecast] Flowah:
Does that mean Plexus will transcode other files so you can play anything on the CC? Or will it still only play approves files?
[Google Chromecast] smalis:
No, I tried to cast an mpg from my PC and Avia would not play it. Don't know if Plex Android would play it. So far only H.264 MP4's work fine, but I have not tested anything other than that and mpg. At any rate, it is easy enough to convert anything to MP4 (and add hard-coded subtitles, if desired) with programs such as Xilisoft.