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Comment by mailslut | Hacker News Reader

Can anyone tell whether with this the Chromecast still needs to have an internet connection to work? In applications like digital signage would just want the Chromecast on a LAN - not with internet access.

I've had to roll my own stuff because of that limitation, which runs on a Raspberry PI plugged into the display. Would much rather have preferred to have a single Raspberry PI serving the content, and multiple chromecasts plugged into displays.

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It does require internet access. The media can be streamed over the local network. But the apps that run on the Chromecast are downloaded from the internet.

It should be possible for the receiver app to come from local URL. Or the Chromecast to cache the app. But neither of those are currently supported.

it should work without internet connection

Yes, I agree. But does it?

It has not, in my experience, worked this way with other applications. Does it with this one?

edit: Oops, you are the creator... haha. I will now insert my foot in my mouth.

I think you are talking about the posted project.

The CC itself will refuse to boot without an internet connection ..

Once it booted, it provides a limited offline functionality; if it requires to load `appID` from the internet, and it's not connected: it will block

Also since last February update, you need an internet connection to stream local content ..

I'm sorry Dave, you cant do that

> Also since last February update, you need an internet connection to stream local content ..

I assume it phones home to Google?

Yep.

In order to develop for the platform, you need to register your application[0], and your device[1]. Also you cannot even run your own application without getting google's approval[2], which costs $5..

Then, at runtime, the device will first validate that the app you are trying to run was validated, sending the `AppID` to google.

0: https://developers.google.com/cast/docs/registration#Registe...

1: https://developers.google.com/cast/docs/registration#Registe...

2: https://cast.google.com/publish/

Wow, that's draconian. Are there any devices a bit more open that are in the same price range and support the same feature set?

so far I am very happy with the raspberry pi as a homebrew platform ..

PROS:

- ports: 1x wired net, 4x usb 2.0

- runs linux, super easy to extend/modify (access via ssh from other devices)

- super reliable, with uptimes of months

CONS:

- bigger in size, and not beautiful without a case (except if you like electronic pr0n)

- requires an HDMI cable

- requires an external power source

Can the raspberry pi run off a TV's USB port similar to the Chromecast?

YMMV, It looks it can. https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=91&t=9322

I have had issues running a wifi dongle when connecting using the tv's usb port - admittedly this is with the old version and not the new one with the updated power circuitry.

However, I have had no issues using usb power from the tv with a LAN connection - this is using Kodi which I suspect will increase the power pull. YMMV

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