> - Can you even Chromecast content that isn't from the internet? I have one and use it with Netflix all the time, but that's news to me.
You can Chromecast local content over LAN via Videostream[0] for Google Chromecast. You can even control the Videostream host via mobile app[1].
It's the next best thing to using Kodi[2] (formerly XBMC) over HDMI with a wireless controller.
> Typical living-room fare is only getting into XBMC or onto a hard drive/NAS if it's been BitTorrented.
On a weak ISP, breaking synchronicity lets you stream content around the house at higher quality. E.g., your ISP only supports ~720p streaming speeds, so you download 1080p+ content overnight / while at work, then stream around the house later.
[0] https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/videostream-for-go...
[1] https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.videostrea...
[2] http://kodi.tv/