Screen casting from Android tablet to Google TV streamer

[Scubajohnsonben]

Hello all, I have a problem I hope someone can help with.  I am trying to develop a consistent, reliable method of mirroring my screen on an Android tablet to a TV.  We do a variety of industry trade shows and the casting function typically works well but mileage can vary from TV to TV.  My IT guys suggested, and I thought it was a good idea, that we could get a more consistent experience if we purchased a couple Google TV streamer devices and just cast to those.  That way as long as the physical TV/monitor has an HDMI connection we shouldn't care about the brand, model etc.  Sounded great on paper.  So I've purchased two Google TV 4k streaming devices.  I've set the first one up, went through the configuration and updates etc.  When I attempt to cast my Android tablet (Android version 10) I can find the Google TV streamer and connect to it.  Then the TV screen goes black and after about 10 seconds the tablet gives a message that streaming has stopped and the TV screen goes back to the Google TV interface.  If I stream from the tablet straight to my TV (It's a Samsung) it works great.  So I know the tablet, TV and Google TV are on the same network.  The Casting software "sees" both the Samsung TV and the Google TV streaming device.  When I stream to Samsung the Samsung gives me a message and ability to accept the cast or decline it, and then works fine.  When I stream to Google TV I get no messages, the screen goes black for a few seconds then I see the message on my tablet that streaming has stopped and the TV screen returns to the Google TV UI.  

Any ideas?  So far these Google TV's are bricks to me - going to return them if I can't get this working. 

Thanks

Ben

[Byteguy]

Even if you get those to work, you are going to have real trouble at the trade show.  Keep in mind that Chromecast devices are designed for home use so they make some serious assumptions about network and security.

Chromecast devices require a network that allows ALL devices on that network to talk to it so you can control it.  If the network is setup for security, they will use isolation to block that side-ways chatter (so people can't try and hack other devices) but that will also keep you from talking to and controlling your Chromecast.

If they have NOT blocked that, you will be able to control your Chromecast device but it also means that ANYBODY that is on that same network will see your Chromecast devices and can cast whatever they want to it at any time without restriction.   You are going to keep getting interrupted and that could be very embarrassing.

The problem that you are seeing now is probably due to the fact that screen mirroring does not work with all apps and all content.  Some systems block it for security or privacy reasons (or to avoid piracy).  That could explain what is happening to you.

All in all, Chromecast devices are probably not the best solution to your current problem.

[Scubajohnsonben]

Yes, I'm coming to the conclusion these won't work - thinking I'll send them back.  The network wouldn't be an issue since I always establish my own network within the show (we have a network drop to our own router/access point then control our own network) but the tablet just won't connect to the streamer.  Connects to both of my Samsung TV's just fine.  I'm not very impressed with these streaming boxes.  Anyway, thanks for looking into it.  

[DeboraJ]

Hi @Scubajohnsonben 

Thank you for reaching out to the community! I understand that you're having trouble casting from your Android tablet to your Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K). To help me troubleshoot this issue effectively, could you please answer the following questions:

• Do you have a VPN (Virtual Private Network) configured on your Android tablet?
• Is your router located within 15 to 20 feet (4 to 6 meters) of the Chromecast device?
• What specific apps are you trying to cast?
• Is the router located in a hotel, school, dorm, or business environment?
• If the app you're using supports casting, the Cast button should appear within the app itself.

I'm ready to assist you further once I have this information.

Best regards, 

Debora