Question 1

is there a monthly thing, do I have to sign up to anything?

Accepted Answer

No, there's no fees except for any paid service (Netflix, etc.) that you might use.  I will say that there's not a ton of support for this on non-Android devices.  It's nearly useless with Apple, but what isn't?  Microsoft has much better support.  Android of course has the best.  I will say that I'm hardly an expert on this so the additional information I've given beyond your original question is just from my own trial and error.

Question 2

How does it work?  what is necessary to use this HDMIstreamer?

Accepted Answer

It plugs into an HDMI port on a television and also connects into an available wifi connection.  It pull in content from the wifi connection and sends the output to the TV.  What is necessary is an HDMI port on the TV, a wifi connection, and either a chromecast plugin for your browser, or an "app" for your tablet or phone.  Of course the Google Chrome browser has an available plugin.  Some apps specializing in content streaming, such as Youtube or NetFlix work with this device.  The chromecast website and available help from the Chromecast device provide a lot of info to get you going.

Question 3

Can I use it for a laptop or desktop with HDMI port without plugging in TV?

Accepted Answer

If I understand your question correctly you want to plug the Chromecast into your laptops HDMI port. If so that defeats the purpose. The point of the Chromecast is to "cast" content to your TV. In order to view content on your Chromecast  your laptop already needs to be able to stream it.

Question 4

where do you plug this in at?

Accepted Answer

Any HDMI port on your TV. It receives power from either the USB service port on your TV or an included USB power adapter and cable as well.

You control it or stream content to it over Wi-Fi with the plugin. Note that you cannot yet stream local content, although I have hear rumor of that coming down the pipe eventually. Right now it is just services like Hulu, Netflix, Youtube, and such.

Question 5

Do I need any other attachments?

Accepted Answer

I would say "no, no other attachments" but then qualify it as follows:

1. It needs its power connection, but the adaptor is included with the Chromecast.

2. It needs you to have a WiFi network in your home (or wherever you're using it).

3. It needs you to control it with something: a computer (running the Google Chrome web browser) or a tablet such as an iPad (running one of a dozen or so Chromecast-capable apps).

Question 6

Does it use a male mini or micro usb to USB?

Accepted Answer

I'm not sure what the name for the normal USB size would be for like but its just the regular size USB port not the micro. it also comes with an adapter that allows you to a wall outlet instead of the USB port for power

Question 7

How far away can the computer be from the TV that is being cast to?

Accepted Answer

The Chromecast is not dependent on the computer, rather it is dependent on the wireless router. As long as you can get a wireless connection next to the TV you will be good to go.

Question 8

Can I stream to multiple tvs with chromecast dongles connected to each one simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

You can stream from your phone or laptop to only one chromecast at a time. Based on your question, I assume that you have two chromecasts for two tvs. More like how you answer your phone connected via bluetooth to the car, where you choose either phone speaker or phone or car audio, you once again get a list of streaming options when you choose to stream your content to TV, so you can only choose one chromcast at one time. Hope this helps.

Question 9

how does it control tv?

Accepted Answer

I am not sure what you mean by control. The unit itself does not control the TV.  It enables you to send images or videos from certain internet sites from your phone or tablet to your TV. You then control the image on the screen via you phone or iPad much like you would control a DVD player with a remote.

Question 10

will it work if my tv does not have a usb port?

Accepted Answer

Yes it comes with a wall plug for power       WELL worth the money.   I also recommend an ap called show box (don't think it's on the play store) along with the local cast app.

Questions & Answers