Google GA01919-GB Chromecast 4K HDR with Google TV & Voice Remote - Snow A

The media could not be loaded. I actually bought the Chromecast from this seller due to the good reviewsI am not really sure to be honest why I needed one, except my husband kept going on and on how fabulous they were.So I took the plunge when it was Amazon prime week, and got the promotion. The cost at the time was £33.32, however had a £10 voucher, so added it. So the final costing £29.98. The price has gone back to the original and current cost of £58.78.So basically the Chromecast is a dongle that fits either at the side of your TV or the back, depending on the model.Arrived the next day with Prime, and to be honest wasn’t in a good place to get excited because all these type things come to me to sort with passwords etc as I am the one that knows them all.I left it a day, and felt much better the next day. I need not have worried, apart from putting the dongle in the Hisense TV, I just followed the instructions. One thing that always happens to me, same with “Alexa” takes an age for the wifi to connect. The initial set up was easy, remember to download the app on your phone so you can cast to the TV. Everything was fine and eventually worked well after twenty minutes for a decent signal from my wifi to connect, tried re-booting the signal, plug in and out etc. Eventually worked. I do get this issue with everything that needs to be synced. I had the same issue when on Virgin BB, now the same with the new provider. Maybe walls etc to close to the hub, I am not sure, but anyway, the main thing I got it up and running.We have just had our Pagan wedding review and had a stack of photos and my husband thought you could just cast from my phone and magically will appear on screen, well if it does, I have yet to suss that one out. According to Google, I have to download Google photo app to show on screen. So I downloaded the app, but in truth not looked on the TV as yet.Unlike Netflix which I can watch in any room, the Chromecast only works on one TV at a time, so although everything comes through my TV in my downstairs bedroom, I would need to remove the dongle into the living room.One thing I wasn’t happy about, the dongle overlaps two ports on the back back of my TV. My TV size in the bedroom is 43-46”. The dongle is big, and because of this and the overlapping of the port, I had to remove my NOW TV stick. So not happy about that. Why such a big dongle, some ports from different makes of TV maybe fine.Another beef I have on the white control panel. So a scenic for you as I did it. I was watching for the umpteenth time Vikings, I got it ready and got in bed to watch with my husband. I clicked play, and it went back to the beginning of season one. Same with anything I watch, if I pause a film and press the button it goes off and I have to redo the lot again, this is a pain, as a program with a lot of seasons is a nightmare as it just will not pause and start in the same place. If I say paused to go for a toilet break, then hit play, it comes on fine, but leaving more than five minutes, the screensaver comes on and all lost, so basically I do not bother setting anything up if I am going to be a while.I feel although the white control feels nice in the hand, there just isn’t enough to work with.Now for the actual streaming, majority of what we have watched is pretty good, maybe because I have ultra 4K not sure, but going from Netflix to say you tube is very fast, better than using Netflix from the TV.The volume on the side of the control doesn’t work unless you set it up correctly, go up to at least 80. Not that you will need it that loud, but I find it useful when watching old films that are not good quality.Chromecast hasn’t got many apps at all, and certain ones to use need a subscription. I would have thought Now TV would be on there, but it isn’t, so that makes a mockery of having all the apps in one place.Google do need to change the Chromecast, it is a bit behind some of the leaders. Firstly it is quite costly if other people want to watch their own device, the Chromecast isn’t multifunctional with all family members, only one.Not all channels from your TV will show on Chromecast. For example channel 4 etc. So you may have to source it from free view or freesat etc.There are a lot of you tube videos that actually are pretty good if you wanted to get the best out of it.It is nice to have just the one controlSo I have gone through some basics, some maybe irrelevant, some maybe useful, I am still learning.I do like the colour of the control and the Google assist works wellI am getting used to just one control instead of three, so that’s a bonus.It is a useful device, and I do use the Chromecast everyday,I have given 4* because there are more apps that should and could be included, and that being said, free apps..If you have a standard definition TV, maybe more advantageous having ultra HD or similar.Amazon works well and Netflix.I would only buy the Chromecast when on offer, I got a good price, so quite happy.

The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) has completely transformed the way I stream. Setup was incredibly quick—plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, log in to your streaming accounts, and you’re ready to go in minutes.Performance-wise, it’s fast, smooth, and reliable. The 4K HDR picture quality is stunning, especially on newer TVs, and everything from Netflix to Disney+ loads quickly and plays without a hitch. The interface is clean and intuitive, with personalized recommendations that actually make sense.The remote is compact and comfortable, with dedicated buttons for Netflix and YouTube, and voice search via Google Assistant is surprisingly accurate—even when I mumble through movie names.Bonus points: it supports a wide range of apps (NOWTV, Prime Video, Apple TV, and more), and the integration with Google Home is seamless.Whether you’re upgrading your old Chromecast or just want a smart, affordable streaming device, this one’s a no-brainer. Five stars, easily.

We used the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) for about a year before upgrading to a smart TV. While we no longer use it, it was an excellent device during its time and made streaming on our older television a breeze.The interface is very user-friendly, and setting it up was quick and easy. It organises content well across multiple apps, giving personalised recommendations that make it easy to find something to watch. It supports all the major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube, so you’re never short of entertainment.The addition of a remote control is a big improvement over older Chromecast models, and the Google Assistant voice feature worked smoothly for commands like “play The Crown on Netflix” or “what’s the weather.” The 4K picture quality, with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, is excellent if you have compatible content and a good TV. Dolby Atmos support also enhances the sound experience.That said, the device has a few limitations. The storage space is small, which can be an issue if you install many apps. Occasionally, it would lag after prolonged use, though this wasn’t common. It also relies heavily on a strong and stable internet connection, especially for 4K content.The main reason we stopped using it is that a smart TV replaced most of its functions. For those with newer TVs, the Chromecast may feel redundant as modern TVs offer similar features.Overall, this is a great product for anyone with an older TV who wants to access streaming services and enjoy modern features. For smart TV owners, however, it may not add much value.Highly recommended for households with older TVs but less necessary for those who already have smart technology.

My tv is good quality but a few years old so provision of streaming apps isn’t great. The google Chromecast needs an hdmi port and a mains supply. Setting up went smoothly after it initially high jacked the tv remote and rendered it useless. The usual turn everything off at the mains and put the tv on first brought it back to life. The remote has dedicated buttons for Netflix and YouTube, everything else is by navigation with a four way controller and central button. The built in apps are catch up channels. Other streaming has to be from a phone or tablet via the Chromecast unit. Sound quality is very good. Pictures are lower contrast than direct broadcast, but acceptable. Although my unit is the 4k version, YouTube 4k is only a little better than HD and nowhere near a 4k Blu-ray Disc. For the price though, a good deal. My broadband is fibre optic and very fast. I don’t know how this unit would be on a slower broadband.