Comment by UnfalseDesign | Hacker News Reader

Comment by UnfalseDesign | Hacker News Reader

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> It wasn't a problem with our Wifi, since Netflix/Youtube and other services worked just fine, it was a problem with Google Play streaming to the Chromecast.

Movies you buy/rent in Google Play Movies are actually available in YouTube as well. There's a section in YouTube called "Purchases." I've used this to stream Google Play Movies purchases on my Fire TV. I would imagine the same would work for an Apple TV since it has the YouTube app.

I know it is a cumbersome workaround, and that a company as big as Google really should have a product that just works, but since you mentioned that YouTube works fine, it is a possible workaround that might save you 35 minutes next time.

That is the best and straightforward workaround. Thanks for letting us know that we can rent on Play and watch it on YouTube. I just didn't know that's possible.

If you want to rent the movie or show on Amazon Video but are avoiding using that option just because it doesn't work on chromecast then here is what you can do : 1. Install Amazon video app on phone. Here's link for Android : https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/splash/sd/t/appstore

2. Cast your Android screen (mirror) to chromecast via OS's cast option.

3. Go to Amazon Video app and play show. Do a full screen view.

Don't you have to leave your phone's screen on the entire time to use screen casting?

Yes. It's essentially mirroring the phone screen so you've got to focus on watching movie or a show and not worry about playing with the phone notifications. That's a trade-off.

My concerns were more along the lines of power drain.

In addition to this, most smart TVs ( I have an LG from 2013 ) have an Amazon app, so no need to screen cast. I use this to watch directly on TV content from Amazon. Never had any issue with playback, even on slower lines ( now I have fiber, is always HD ).

I have to admit, nice trick with Google Play and Youtube, will check too.

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