Chromecast with Google TV issues

[ArcLightt]

I've bought a Chromecast with Google TV recently but it seems that I'm missing some functions which the reviewers had.

I don't have a "For You" tab for some reason.
Very little apps actually shows up on my home screen.
When searching for a movie via the assistant, my Plex isn't an option. (this even worked on my Mi Box)

I'm thinking maybe it's a region thing?

Anyone else have these issues?

 

[AgentPooky]

Did you solve these issues? I'm looking at getting one.

 

[Rickster]

@ArcLightt

 

[ArcLightt]

Hi, I did respond to @AgentPooky via PM.

However, if someone else wants to know, there was an update very recently for the chromecast and the remote.

The "For You" tab is still missing. No idea why.

I did manage to get Plex to play large files directly, ( This was an issue for certain HDR files of 70GB). It was a passthrough setting.

Netflix and Tidal still wont show up in the "Home Tab". (Plex, Amazon, Google movies, Youtube, DSTV Now works) I dont have a Disney + Sub.

I didn't check the search function again, its not something I regularly use.

The recent remote update is useful though. You can add devices it can control via CEC or IR.

 

[ArcLightt]

Just an update:

TLR - Not good for Home Theatre (get a shield), will work fine for casual viewing, although Mi Box S is cheaper and will probably work better.

First off, Netflix and Tidal doesn't seem to show on the home screen. (Amazon, youtube, plex, crunchy roll and dtsv now does).
"For You" tab still missing. Search function won't include Plex library.

Codec issues:
Everything might not be the Chromecast's fault but I have experienced some issues.
In the Google Tv's setting you can chose under advanced audio which codecs are supported. It seems that only Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital plus are supported according to the options (AC3 & EAC3). This seems to be confirmed by my AVR which only shows these two codecs on the OSD and the others as PCM (plex does the decoding). Plex is doing a fine job at DTS decoding as far as I'm concerned.

Regarding the lossless formats like Dolby True HD and DTS MA, apparently these codecs can't passthrough. They always downmix. Apparently a Nvidia shield can play these formats.

Video playback issues:
Large 4k HDR files don't want to direct play or just won't work. This might be Plex to blame as well. Kodi with Plex add-on plays it just fine also when using Plex on my phone and casting it to the Chromecast.

I am going to get rid of my Google TV with Chromecast soon and just get a Nvidia Shield as I believe this will solve my problems.

 

[AgentPooky]

I was having an issue with mine in that when I have it set to 4K mode, no matter which app I was playing content in (1080p content), the image would judder every few seconds. In 1080p mode it doesn't. I'm using an UHD TV. :/

Other than that I'm very happy with it. I also tested out Moonlight Game Streaming and Steam Link and it worked great!

 

[ArcLightt]

I was having an issue with mine in that when I have it set to 4K mode, no matter which app I was playing content in (1080p content), the image would judder every few seconds. In 1080p mode it doesn't. I'm using an UHD TV. :/

Other than that I'm very happy with it. I also tested out Moonlight Game Streaming and Steam Link and it worked great!

Oh ye, The 4k setting...Mine resets every time I turn the google tv on. Also on 4k mode its incredibly sluggish.

 

[pacman69]

Hi @ArcLightt , @AgentPooky ,

Anyone tried connecting via VPN to see if "For You" tab starts to show.
Suppose this would confirm a region limitation issue.

Thanks

 

[AndyPants]

Just an update:

TLR - Not good for Home Theatre (get a shield), will work fine for casual viewing, although Mi Box S is cheaper and will probably work better.

First off, Netflix and Tidal doesn't seem to show on the home screen. (Amazon, youtube, plex, crunchy roll and dtsv now does).
"For You" tab still missing. Search function won't include Plex library.

Codec issues:
Everything might not be the Chromecast's fault but I have experienced some issues.
In the Google Tv's setting you can chose under advanced audio which codecs are supported. It seems that only Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital plus are supported according to the options (AC3 & EAC3). This seems to be confirmed by my AVR which only shows these two codecs on the OSD and the others as PCM (plex does the decoding). Plex is doing a fine job at DTS decoding as far as I'm concerned.

Regarding the lossless formats like Dolby True HD and DTS MA, apparently these codecs can't passthrough. They always downmix. Apparently a Nvidia shield can play these formats.

Video playback issues:
Large 4k HDR files don't want to direct play or just won't work. This might be Plex to blame as well. Kodi with Plex add-on plays it just fine also when using Plex on my phone and casting it to the Chromecast.

I am going to get rid of my Google TV with Chromecast soon and just get a Nvidia Shield as I believe this will solve my problems.

If you do want to get rid of it, let me know

 

[ArcLightt]

@pacman69 @AndyPants It seems that I still have a January aftermath coming my way. Need to keep the Google TV for now. (being responsible )

I haven't tried it with a VPN. I have a suspicion that the For You tab is a region thing. It isn't a train smash though. don't really see the use for it.

One thing I didn't mention is the remote. That is one part that does really work well. Easy to use, nice clicky buttons, easy to map to control other electronics, + google assistant "built in"