Television Instructions

After 20 years TV free, we have caved in to the fact that we are watching stuff on the computer.

There is a TV, but there is no cable, dvd player or antenna. The TV is only set up to work with Google Chromecast. Chromecast allows you to watch Netflix streaming, Youtube, HBO Go and others that you can find listed here.

I tend to leave the TV on the floor next to the table that has the phone answering machine in the living room. The TV is light, so you can move it anywhere you like. I've taped the power cords together to try to make it one reasonable package. Take the extension cord along with the TV. The TV needs a good connection to the WiFi to work, so it is unlikely to work in the guest suite beyond the kitchen. Most everywhere else should work.

iPad and iPhone

You can initiate and control chromecast from one of the supported apps on your iPhone or iPad. I believe this should also work with Android devices, but have no experience.

First make sure your device is connected to the Far Point Wifi. Control of the TV is accomplished by both your device and Chromecast being attached to the wifi. Start the app like you were going to watch Netflix on your device. Somewhere on the screen you will see a symbol like this:

Click on this control and select Far Point Chromecast. The show will now appear on the TV. Once it's playing you will see a chromecast item at the bottom of your device screen with an up arrow. Click (don't swipe) the arrow and a control panel will open up on your device allowing you to pause, select subtitles, change volume, etc.

Computer

Chromecast also works from computers. But I have only played with this a little, so I can give you limited advice.

If you want to try, the key is to get the Chrome browser (or make sure your existing Chrome is up to date) and then add there is a Google Cast add-in for the browser.

Now Netflix and other apps will have a chrome cast option.

Amazon Instant Video

If you have Amazon prime, you have access to instant videos from Amazon. Unfortunately, I see no acceptable alternatives for Chromecasting Amazon at the time I write this.

From the Chrome browser if you go into your Amazon Video settings, you can change the video from Silverlight to Flash. Then Chromecasting theoretically works, but in practice I found that the movie was unacceptably choppy. If you're highly motivated, dig around on the web and see what you can learn.

Possible Solutions to Problems

• • The Chromecast device needs to be plugged into an HDMI port

  • The power adapter needs to be plugged into the Chromecast device, the device will show a light if it is powered.

  • The TV needs to be set to the appropriate input, which I am leaving as HDMI 1. If you inadvertently press the channel change button, you will have to use the input button to get back to the right source.