WiFi ac support would probably help a bit, but Chromecast hardware can't do that.

Requires decently powerful computer and excellent WiFi n network. Pros: Free, transcodes unsupported files, easy and simple file organization and metadata SCRAPINGĬons: Local Server Installation required. Plex Media Server and GOOGLE CAST EXTENSION FOR CHROME Avia is not as user friendly as the Plex app. Transcodes unsupported files, easy and simple file organization and metadata scrapingĬons: Local Server Installation required. Additionally, Avia can play some local content on your phone. Reports of some streaming sites (showbox, firstrow) being able to be cast via mobile device, YMMV. Pros: Avoid paying monthly subscription fee to Plex. Plex Media Server and AVIA thanks /u/rocketwidget Playback Quality: 9.0 - Video and sound are excellent, very occasional buffering after latest server update. Decently powerful PC required for transcoding videos, pote. Mobile application is not free, currently requires premium subscription to cast.

Pros: Local Playback, transcodes unsupported files, easy and simple file organization and metadata scrapingĬons: Local Server Installation required. PLEX and PLEX MEDIA SERVER thanks /u/EHendrix Playback Quality: 8.5 - video and sound come through great but occasional loading buffers, in-video time skipping is sometimes wonky Pros: Free, allows for both cloud and local playback, all file types supported via cloudĬons: Not all file types play locally (avi, looking in your direction) so you either have to convert via Handbrake or upload to cloud, need to install app on mobile device for control/navigation while also adding the player to your local machine where content is stored (simple, but an extra step nonetheless), US/Canada only as of 1/6/14. Stick to the 1080P/ 720P videos that weigh in around ~5-7 GB 120min of playback (the length of a typical movie) for the most trouble free experience. Chromecast can struggle at high test 1080P bit rates.

I would also suggest staying away from full 1080P videos. In some cases the computer doesn't even have enough horsepower to keep up with the video which will lead to the stream constantly buffering. It degrades the image quality and can be a burden on the server's CPU. Transcoding is not something that you want to be doing if you can help it. Here is a direct link with more information: LINK If you have a choice in file types make sure you encode (or download) in that format. Can we just list the various methods along with pros/cons and add this or something similar to the sidebar?Ĭhromecast plays MP4 media container files with the the H.264 codec natively which means that Plex will NOT have to transcode the video. Every new CC user needs this answered, and the question shows up in multiple threads daily.

How to play local videos on chromecast