Seeking Help Setting Up a Hallway Display with Chromecast with Google TV 4K using Chrome Browser

[BKpart]

Hi All

At work, we currently run a hallway display that serves a webpage that auto-updates every 5 minutes w/ new data using a laptop serving a Chrome browser with the laptop stowed away.  We are moving to a new building where the stowed laptop will not be an option, and while the TV is 4K and displays nicely from the laptop, its onboard “browser” is slow and does not seem to render in the TV’s full 4K like the Chrome browser from the PC does.

Would the Chromecast with Google TV 4K dongle hanging off the HDMI port in the back of the TV be a viable option?  (We’d likely be using the Ethernet adapter sold separately for faster updating of the main display.). 

Specific questions:

1. does the Chromecast with Google TV support a Chrome browser that, as with the PC version, supports full-screen mode w/o a menu bar?
2. can such a configuration run “infinitely” and without needing a supporting PC or laptop (i.e., set and forget and let the web page auto update from the HTML instructions)?
3. is there a lot of drama in getting the Chrome browser on the Chromecast Google TV dongle? 
4. and finally, does the browser project onto the TV in sharp 4K resolution (we have some tiny type on some of the data images that render nicely on the big TV screen with the PC version)?

Much obliged for any ideas here. 
Bill 

[David_K]

I'll start by saying Chromecast with Google TV is not designed to be used for this purpose.

There's a few web browsers available for the Chromecast with Google TV, although Chrome is not one of them. One I'm aware of is 'Odin Browser' which seems fine for limited browsing using the remote control.

If you want to connect a mouse and keyboard wired or wireless then you will also need a USB-C Hub and a better power adapter that can power the Chromecast with Google TV and accessories.

Because it's not intended to be used in this manner, I can't really comment on the stability of what you're intending to do but my advice would be to find a solution that is designed for this purpose. 4K content playback for example is designed and tested from apps that support 4K media content, not casting browser content etc.

[BKpart]

Thanks, this is backing up with what we just experimented with in tests from a "loaner" chromecast 4k. Our challenge is we have a HTML page with gifs that are being sent 4K UHD hall monitor via a laptop with that supports a 4K.  There it looks fabulous right down to tiny high-text details (and text).  At this point, I am tabling Chromecast/Firestick options re-casting the images to a "smaller" total size to match the proper width across a 4K screen. In reviewing what I am being handed the HTML is scaling the images back 80 or so percent or larger and I suspect that is the problem happening here.  But it was worth a shot!

Cheers & Bill

[LovelyM]

Hello everyone, 

@David_K, thanks for providing this helpful information. 

@BKpart, thanks for posting. I'm checking in to see if you still need help. Please tell me if you have other questions or concerns. I want to make sure you're all good now.

Best,

Lovely

[LovelyM]

Hi Bill,

I know it has been a while, but I want to ensure that everything is covered on your end. Please inform me if you still need a helping hand.

Sincerely,
Lovely

[LovelyM]

Hey Bill, 

It's me again. I'll be locking this thread in the next 24 hours. If you have new issues, updates or discussion topics, feel free to start a new thread here in the Community.

Thanks, 
Lovely