Help connect chromecast to TV using HDMI spliiter?

sunflowersuffolk

Any advice please. I have Netflix on my laptop, and want to watch it on my LG TV (not a smart TV). If it matters, our broadband out in the sticks here is really bad.

I read that one option is Chromecast. There is only one HDMI socket on this TV already being used for Sky. I understand I could get a HDMI Splitter switch. Is this OK and can anyone recommend a specific switch please, as I'm unsure what to get on Amazon.

Is Chromecast the best option, or would you suggest am Amazon fire stick, or something else?

Likewise, any idea of what model would be great. Thanks very much.

Neil_Jones

Yes, you can use Chromecast with a non-smart TV as long as the TV has an HDMI input port.

But, NO, you can't use a Chromecast all alone. You need another device (phone, tablet, or computer) to tell it what you want it to do.

The easiest solution would be any one of the various set top boxes like a Firestick, a Now TV or Roku box (which is all Now TV is in different packaging) or similar. These would give you the Netflix app that you just sign into on the device.

Or you could just connect the laptop to the TV via a HDMI cable; you can get HDMI input switchers cheap enough if the TV only has one HDMI input, but I get the impression you want to do it wirelessly. Without a Smart TV this won't be an option but in any event you'd need a switcher anyway for the second HDMI device.

This'll do what you want:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Duronic-Switch-PIANO-output-Switcher-Black/dp/B0020426AG
you'll have a single output you connect to the TV and then you can just connect all your other devices to the various inputs and press the button to cycle between them. These do come with remotes.

Note that if you have Sky Q, you can access Netflix through the SkyQ main box already.

sunflowersuffolk

Thanks very much. Yes I would prefer a wireless connection if possible. As well as my laptop, I have a Fire tablet. Would that be OK as the device to instruct Chromecast?

I don't want to pay monthly for anything. I get Netflix thanks to my son kindly adding me to his. We don't have SkyQ. We have Multiroom, and absolute rubbish broadband, no fibre.

I would get a set top box if best. Is there one you recommend? Thanks again.

Neil_Jones

The Chromecast itself is available at Argos, catalogue number 867/9756

Chromecast setup details are here, you'd need a smart phone to get it going:
https://www.howtogeek.com/237403/how-to-setup-your-new-chromecast/

However if this looks complicated (or you don't have a smart phone), easiest alternative solution is either a Firestick:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-Fire-TV-Stick-Streaming-Media-Player-Alexa/dp/B0791RGQW3

Or a Roku:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Roku-Express-Streaming-Media-Player/dp/B076F7D71R
you just plug either or in to the TV, connect it to your wireless and sign into the Netflix app and it just works, no more faffing about needed.

sunflowersuffolk

Thanks for your help and the links. I have a Vodafone Ultra 6 android phone, but I need something simple to set up, being a total dunce at technology.

Sounds like the firestick or Roku will be best. I'd like to watch Youtube on tv if poss. I am reading some reviews, but thinking may go with the firestick. Cheers.

RumRat

You could get rid of sky and use NowTV on the Roku or get a NowTV box.
Best of both worlds and you'll probably save a couple of quid, dependent on how you use Sky.