Casting on Sony TV is subpar compared to Chromecast

by humphreybc

Man, I just picked up a Sony Android TV with 5.1.1 on it and I have to say – casting to this thing kind of sucks compared to an actual Chromecast. It's so flaky – sometimes it'll connect and then drop straight away, or it'll connect but stop playing music, or it'll just disappear off the network entirely as a casting device. What gives?

The other thing I'm annoyed about is that Android TV has no way to set your own custom backdrop images like a Chromecast does. I expected it to show up in the "Home" app (previously Google Cast) like all other cast devices so I can configure the backdrop photos. Really disappointed.

dicedaman

I had exactly the same experience with my Sony but it's been perfect since I updated the TV's cast app. Go to the Play Store on your TV, go to My Apps and update Google Cast Receiver. I have no idea why this app doesn't auto update but updating it manually makes a world of difference.

roksteady_

Same on Philips 43PUT6401/12.

It's a Cast receiver app that doesn't behave the exact same as a real Chromecast unfortunately ...

HBO doesn't work.

When trying to cast Netflix, it actually attempts to start the Netflix app instead. It's a bit annoying that it doesn't behave like the real thing. Hopefully software will improve eventually.

yogevx

Anyone knows if the cast reciever working with 4k videos? I have sony 4k tv and i dont know if i need to buy chromecast ultra or not...

NominallyMusing

Similar experience here. I'm hoping the Marshmallow update will help

qriss

It's really bad on my Sony TV as well. I restart my TV almost every day to get the Chromecast to show again in the network. Really thinking about buying another Chromecast go get 4K and to have it be more reliable. But common! This is a brand new TV with Google software!

It's especially annoying with Google Home that could cast to it if it was always available.

mitch4184

I have a mi box and original Chromecast. Thought I wouldn't have to buy a Chromecast ultra since I got the mi box. Casting has improved a lot since I first bought it, but still not nearly as good as the original Chromecast. I wonder if mibox will ever support 4k casting.

wgn_luv

The other thing I'm annoyed about is that Android TV has no way to set your own custom backdrop images like a Chromecast does.

You can download apps from the Play Store that can do this

roksteady_

Solution is to Uninstall chromecast receiver, download older apk, install manually and stop automatically updating the chrome cast receiver app.