Disable Google TV on Chromecast?

[AlanR1138]

Is there any way to disable Google TV on the new Chromecast?

Unfortunately, when replacing our Gen 1 and deciding between Gen 3 Chromecast & Chromecast Ultra a few years ago, we only looked at 1080p vs 4K. Our 1080p projector (that we had no plans to replace soon) seemed to make the choice pretty easy. Until we wanted direct H.265 support to avoid server-side transcoding to H.264.

So, we just replaced our 3rd Gen Chromecast with a new "Chromecast with Google TV" to get H.265 support. We don't want it connected to a specific account and we've changed it to apps only mode but we still get all the "recommendations" garbage on the screen when it's turned on. Google TV is basically everything we dislike about smart TVs, Firestick, Roku, and Apple TV and why we liked Chromecast so much and have stuck with it. It's simplicity and smartphone-as-interface is why I recommend it to all my clients interested in cord cutting.

Alternatively, is there a way to have it boot to ambient mode? That and a throw away Google account would make it usable.

Or do we just need to return it and hit up eBay for an Ultra?

[David_K · Accepted solution]

There is no way to disable the Google TV element of Chromecast with Google TV, I'm afraid. In your case, it sounds like a workaround may be to setup a separate Google account specifically for the Chromecast. However, there's no feature or setting to boot to ambient mode. It will always boot to the Google TV homescreen.

You can definitely still find Chromecast (3rd gen) and Chromecast Ultra from other sellers.

[AlanR1138]

Hi davidking,

That's what I was afraid of. I knew it was a bad sign when I saw the remote - it always means klunky interface and a bunch of unwanted suggestions. And it was heading that way anyway with the current version of the 3rd gen YouTube app. We do already have a regular 3rd gen (and even our old 1st gen in our travel bag). Looks like we'll be returning this Google TV thing and getting an Ultra.

It's unfortunate that Google decided to replace their unique product with another "me too" media box but I guess that's what most people want. It's kind of annoying that all it would really take would be to have a setting to boot to ambient. We'll figure out what to replace Chromecast with later when the next big codec comes out.

Anyway, enough of my whining! Thank you for your reply and have a good weekend!

[Kimy]

Hi folks,

Thanks for helping, @David_K.

@AlanR1138, I hope you've found the answer you're looking for. If you're still in need of assistance, please let us know, as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thanks,

Kimy

[AlanR1138]

Yes, thank you. I returned the Chromecast with Google TV and bought a used Ultra to replace our 3rd Gen.

[Kimy]

Hi AlanR1138,

Awesome! We appreciate it. I’ll keep this thread open for one more day. Feel free to open up a new thread if you need assistance.

Cheers,

Kimy