The Perfect NetFlix Companion
May 2nd, 2015
Unless you have been tucked away in your home without a WiFi connection or access to the TV, you will no doubt have heard about the arrival of NetFlix to Australia.
NetFlix was born way back in 1997, and for many years was restricted to American viewers only. This lead to thousands of users seeking software that could trick NetFlix into thinking they were in America. The lengths some people would go to is a topic worth it’s own blog post.
But all that matters now is NetFlix has arrived Down Under, and as they say, it is here to stay.
Huge selection and the death of Foxtel
With NetFlix comes a few things. Access to a huge selection of movies & TV shows is one thing, the other, I believe, will be the death of Foxtel.
The best thing about NetFlix is its recommendation service. Unlike Foxtel, NetFlix takes the time to get to know you and your interests, and will make recommendations for movies and shows that you like.
Even if you watch little TV, NetFlix will cost you less then a round of beers at your local every month, and provide the perfect night in whenever you may need it.
Where the Chromecast fits in
Given I don’t have a Smart TV with a NetFlix app built in, I was forced to connect my laptop to my TV via a HDMI cable when streaming. Sure, it’s a first world problem, however it felt a little outdated and I always thought this should be able to be done wirelessly. Thanks to the little Google Chromecast, this is now possible.
I am sure some readers may well have a Chromecast at home, however if you’re one of the many people who do not, you need to read on – this little gadget will really improve the experience of NetFlix and your general TV watching.
The setup of your Chromecast is a piece of cake, you simply need to plug in into a spare HDMI port on your TV, connect it to your local WiFi and then download the Chromecast app to your device (smart phone, laptop, tablet) and your away.
With the push of a button you can instantly display content from your device on your TV.
One of the best things about a Chromecast, is you can switch apps, open a new browser tab, or let your device go to sleep without interruption of your show.
As if this isn’t good enough, there are even more reasons why a Chromecast is the perfect home entertainment companion:
- When not watching shows, your Chromecast will display a selection of Google’s beautiful range of art, landscape photography and satellite images on your TV screen. You also have the ability to choose from your own photos.
- With Google’s music service Google Play, you can stream music from your TV by simply downloading Google Play from the app store. You can also stream from Spotify using the Spoticast app on Android, and while not available on iPhone, there is a neat trick using an app called Projectify.
- Using the LocalCast app you can listen to TV audio directly from your phone. So now you can pop on your noise cancelling headphones and enjoy stunning sound without disturbing the neighbours.
- If your Chromecast is plugged into the wall with an AC adapter, and you can enable HDMI-CEC on your TV, then you’re in luck! This set-up will enable you to turn your phone into a TV remote. Use your device to pause and rewind, browse entertainment, adjust the volume, and even make playlists.
What are you waiting for?
If you’re like me and don’t have a brand new 2015 TV or similar smart TV with NetFlix built in, go and buy yourself a Chromecast – it will be the best investment you have ever made.
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