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Chromecast with Google TV (2020) $93.94 + Delivery (Free C&C) @ JB Hi-Fi Solutions (Membership Required)

780

The cheapest I can find in Australia, the new Chromecast with Google TV.

I'll be cashing in my Vodafone TV for this one. I'll mainly be using it for Plex and Kodi.

Delivery is $10 which kills the deal, but you can pick up from your local store.

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JB Hi-Fi Business
JB Hi-Fi Business

closed Comments

  • +3

    how does one get access to buy from JB HIFI Solutions ?

    • +2

      Business based portal. I believe you need an ABN and to create an account with them.

    • +4

      unions and some other loyalty programmes

  • How is it better than a VTV? I get that there should be no reason to sideload any apps, but are there any other features that put it ahead? It's not only $20 bucks more, but if you have a VTV already it's $94 more, which kind doesn't sound like a bargain to me

    • +13

      A few reasons:
      * it's a dongle, not a clunky box
      * it's native Google, so it will get all updates
      * it's not discontinued
      * no Vodafone branding
      * compatible with Prime

      Haven't tried it yet, but Vodafone should accept a warranty claim for the VTV for almost any reason. A lot of people upset about the latest software update causing havoc with hard drives.

      As far as I can tell, the major drawbacks of the GTV are:
      * no hard drive support (AFAIK)
      * no ethernet support
      * no aerial/terrestrial support

      • +3

        Fairly certain with a USB-C hub you can hook up all kind of peripherals including external storage. You can also buy an ethernet adapter but its 10/100 so cant even handle 4K

        • an ethernet adapter but its 10/100 so cant even handle 4K

          Huh? 10/100 can definitely handle 4K

          • +1

            @mick01: Can handle some 4K, though some of my remuxes use up to 120Mbps. Though in my case 5Ghz Wi-Fi is perfectly fine. Sits at 585Mbps at the distance my TV is at.

            • @BeerCrisp: What do you use to measure that speed?

              • +2

                @fredblogs: Use analiti. It'll tell you what speeds you're getting. Though this is through my Sony X9500H, I've read that the Chromecast is capped at 300ish Mbps, which is still plenty.

        • +1

          What are you talking about? blu-ray rips?

          Netflix 4K is 15-25 Mbps, and ethernet has low overhead.

          • +3

            @bargaino: Yeah I got 2 numbers mixed up because im an idiot, you guys are right, it would be fine with most 4K including via Netflix :)

            • +3

              @Gracey: You definitely did have a point though, for some people 10/100 still isn't enough bandwidth.

              • @BeerCrisp: I think if you’re someone who wants to play your own 4K Blu-ray rips stored on your home server or NAS, then you’d probably buy a more premium device like the NVIDIA Shield anyway.

      • +2

        Good work, from my research these seemed to be the differences I found too!

        Extra point is the VTV has a USB port, not just for HDD, but I use a Xbox360/PC USB dongle in it for a wireless gaming controller.

        Although I ended up going with a NVIDIA Shield Pro instead 🤣

        • +1

          thanks for letting me know that the USB port works with the Xbox360 dongle!

          • @Knight2000: If you have an xbox one controller you can just bluetooth to it

      • +1

        Those drawbacks of the GTV can be pretty significant. But it depends on your setup and how you consume content.

      • +4

        Also Vodfaone TV is insanely glitchy. Crashes a lot, picture randomly changes saturation levels, apps need to be manually reset all the time. In my experience I can't write to USB from VTV either.

      • +2

        I moved from Vodafone TV to GTV recently and regret it. Vodafone TV worked great without any issues while with the GTV I have some issues:

        (1) GTV loses volume control of my soundbar through ARC when GTV is turned off from the remote and turned back on. There is a solution that worked for some of the users i.e. unpairing and repairing the remote but that didn't work in my case.

        (2) The remote control is a little odd shaped. Due to its round back you can't press buttons while the remote sits on the table, you have to hold it in your hand to push buttons.

        (3) The home screen could be a bit overwhelming with content from various different sources. (Pretty sure that can be customised but haven't tried).

        • +1

          Can you not set up the remote to control volume through IR to soundbar? That's how mine is set up at least.

          • @BeerCrisp: Yes I can but it's a bit of hassle and not sure if that would turn on and off automatically with the TV…..will give it a try.

            The whole setup worked fine on Vodafone TV though.

            • +1

              @batrarobin: Should do. Can set controls for power, volume and input separately. So I'd set power as CEC, volume as soundbar volume and input on however you've got your system set up.

        • Agree about the home screen, and it doesn't look that easy to customise. There's https://www.howtogeek.com/695447/how-to-disable-recommendati… but then you lose Google Assistant.

      • Vodafone should accept a warranty claim for the VTV for almost any reason.

        Thinking of sending mine back and getting a Google TV.

        Has anyone been able to claim/what did you say? Do they just give you a full refund?

      • I think for an all round box, and considering you can get prime support if you are sideloading (at least I heard that's the case, I don't have prime), then yes it's still a consideration. Horses for courses, I guess if you use none of those 3 major things you mentioned then the new chromecast for more money might be your cup of tea.

    • You're assuming all potential buyers are like OP and already own an existing Android TV system.

      • +2

        nah, I mentioned that the difference was either 20 or 94, so I didin't assume anything

        • but if you have a VTV already it's $94 more, which kind doesn't sound like a bargain to me

          You did.

          • +2

            @magic8ballgag:

            It's not only $20 bucks more, but if you have a VTV already it's $94 more

            I didn't, I gave both options, not sure how you missed that

            • -5

              @Jackson: The only option that you provided is that it's not a bargain if you already own a VTV like the OP.

              What's the other option?

    • +2

      I just returned my vtv due to it resetting itself all the time. My brother in laws one gets stuttering kodi after 2 hours playback. They are just a buggy device. If I had a functioning one well it would be comparable.

      • What do you do with yours? I've only really used mine for Netflix and it's got no issues after many hours of streaming.

      • +1

        I have never had an issue with mine, mainly use for youtube, iview and kodi. Maybe try returning it?

    • Doesn't the VTV have an ethernet port or is capable of using an ethernet USB adapter?

      If that's the case it should be hands down better than the chromecast TV device..

      Anything used for streaming that's WIFI only will have some issues whether it be interference from a microwave, slower speeds as opposed to an ethernet connection or the need to run it on 5ghz and as a result lose google assistant compatibility..

      • +1

        It has an ethernet port

        • Cool well it would appear the Chromecast version doesn't and why I won't be making a purchase unless someone can vouch for compatibility with an ethernet adapter.

          Unfortunately there's a huge difference between WIFI and ethernet speeds at my place

    • The best, affordable streaming box, bar none, available today is the Nvidia Shield. All the other devices are just taking up space.

  • is there a comparison review between Google TV and Vodafone TV?

    • -5

      Google TV is a streaming service. Vodafone TV is hardware.

      This Chromecast and the VTV both run Android TV software. All very confusing.
      Chromecast is newer and better, but lacks RF input for an antenna.

      • Looks like I'll be keeping my VTV for DTV then! Thanks for the comparison

        • +1

          GoogleTV in the context of this device is just the name for the newer Android TV interface which is on VTV, having the official Chromecast version means it will have the latest updates from each apps.

          I tried to use antenna on my VTV, but Androids television app is terrible, also the Netflix app has no channel. Topo many streaming apps are on one Android TV but not others, my Prime Video is still a Sideload.

          I have been mostly happy with my Vodafone TV over the last couple years, but I think Vodafone ceasing sales of the VTV the day the Chromecast TV is announced is telling.

          I don't expect further updates and I plan on upgrading to the Chromecast TV when it's on sale.

  • +1

    Been using this and been facing issues with bluetooth connectivity . Avoid if u are planning to connect it with bluetooth device.

    • What sort of problems? I haven't played with Bluetooth any more than pairing with wireless headphones, but that worked without any issues.

      • -1

        I am using it with Soundbar and volume just drops intermittently in between

    • Rubbish. Plenty of us use it without Bluetooth issues and guess what… even with our soundbars.

      • Yep. I tend to 'avoid' unsolicited anecdotes, like his.

        • +1

          Am I out of touch? It's the poster who is wrong

    • May need more details eg what are you connect. I use my harmony remote which connects via Bluetooth and it's fine. The Chromecast is plugged into the HDMI port of my soundbar, CEC also works fine but I disable it to avoid accidentally wakeup/shutdown since I'm relying on harmony activities.

    • I too have a number of bluetooth issues. All mine relate to the remote though - ghost button pressing, lag when scrolling, etc

  • +1

    Am interested in one of these. For Foxtel Go, is the only way to use Matt Huismans Kodi add-on?

    • I just checked and Kodi is available in the play store for install so you should be able to set it up with any addons

    • Kodi is available. Currently watching Pluto tv from the sly guys repo in my chromecast with google tv

      • Do you need a vpn for that?

        • +1

          No, just download the Kodi app from the AppStore and follow the instructions to add the repo etc https://www.matthuisman.nz/2020/10/pluto-tv-kodi-add-on.html…

          • @mot: Great, thanks, I'm already using Kodi on it. Wondering the best way to add aussie live tv also.

            • @fredblogs: In the same repo add IPTV aus which gives you all the Australian FTA channels

              • @mot: Pretty cool, installed both and the EPG. Now to see if the native Android alternatives are better than Kodi add-ons.

    • Just tested, this add-on still works great on the version of Kodi in the built-in Play Store.

    • Probably, no Foxtel go in the store from GTV. There was binge though.

  • +1

    can you just chromecast to this as normal from phone/tablet whatever, without using the remote?

    • Yes you can cast to it the old style way with a phone etc

    • Yes you can, but you'd be better off with a standard Chromecast if all you want to do is cast content to it from a separate smart device.

      • +1

        Standard Chromecast doesn't have remote though for Pausing, FF/RW etc.

        • I know this, but they specified using it without the remote control.

          • +1

            @magic8ballgag: Yeap, and was just noting the bonus side of having a remote.
            I think the original question was more just asking if one can indeed still cast using the standard method rather than saying that remote wasn't required? It depends how one reads the question I suppose…..doesn't really matter :-).
            For me its what I do i.e. still cast to the device the old way i.e. using Tablet (which I might be browsing on) and once playing then use the remote where required.

            • @Borg: Ah I see, good point.

              I would personally just spend the extra for the new one in this deal.

    • Yes

  • +1

    Anyone have experience with This vs. Firestick? Biggest drama 4k?

    • Also wondering this, the 2018 Firestick 4k is on sale in UK for $60. 2020 HD firestick is $50.
      CCGTV is bit faster with more RAM, maybe 14% on benchmarks.

      But the firestick has auto frame rate switching for Kodi with a crappy interface though.

      Tough one! For smoothness until google release software update to frame rate switch, FS looks better value.

  • I have one of these and a VTV. The interface of the Google one isn't as nice but the remote is way better.

    My biggest gripe is that it has a wifi issue where it acts as a booster and takes my home network down regularly. If anyone knows about a fix please let me know. No Ethernet is pretty annoying

    • Why don't you like the Interface, it's where Android TV is heading anyway, rebranding.

      • +1

        I'm mainly using it for kodi and plex and find all the suggested content banners really annoying. For example, disney+ has been uninstalled and I'm running in apps only mode yet it still flashes up content from disney. Thanks @nodii I'll try the new launcher!

        • Go to bottom of main page, you can turn off Disney+ suggestions. It will remove the suggestions from your main page, can't recall.if it removes from the movies and shows page since I don't go into them.

    • +3

      I much prefer this interface over the Vodafone one. Besides if you don't like it try downloading wolf launcher. You'll probably like it a lot.

  • In case anyone else is looking, the device still isn’t on Good Guys Commercial.

  • Awesome device. Been using mine for about 2 weeks now. Sold my Vodafone Box/TV immediately after setting up the Google Chromecast with Google TV. It just works better. Love the remote, love the system. No hassles and I highly recommend.

  • +1

    Nvidia shield is better, for best quality in 4k, Dolby Atmos / VIsion / Upscaling / speed!

    • It also cost a lot more and some people don't want the bulk. I was tempted by one recently and then came along with CCwGT.

  • +1

    I have the best time using it with voice command with my other Google home devices.
    'Hey google, play blood of Zeus on Netflix' will turn on the TV and play where I left off.

  • +2

    Still waiting for my order from the google store :(

    • How long ago did you order? I ordered on a Sunday and it arrived on a Tuesday.

      • +1

        October 9, expected delivery is 17/18 Nov.

        • +1

          Same here, no idea why it's taking so long. Hasn't even been shipped yet

          • @Mister Plod: You guys are lucky mine is due 26th/27th. Still comes with 6 months free Netflix. I believe they were releases batches with different delivery dates and as each batch sold out they stuck a new one on the end with the next delivery time.

  • How does this compare to the original mibox?

    • Shits all over it.

  • +5

    Good price but the netflix bundle via google is better for anyone needing Netflix. $140 for the bundle, including $90+ netflix credit.

    • +1

      yeah def much better. But there is at least a month wait time

      • For the white colour? I couldn't see that on the site…

        • once you checkout, on the delivery page, you will see the ETA

          • @fantoo: oh it's a 1 month wait on the in-stock colours? Because I don't have an option to checkout with the plain, white colour. What a bummer, it's a good deal.

  • Only a deal if you don't use Netflix. Via Google the Netflix bundle for $140 has the chromcast working out to about $45 after Netflix credit

    • No white/plain colour in stock.. only pink and blue.

  • +2

    For those that don't have membership get yourself a jbhi-fi gift card at 5% off and you'll be paying $94.05.

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