The rumors are true: Google launched a new, extra inexpensive rendition of its Chromecast units but it comes at the price of just a few options present in older fashions.
Dubbed the Chromecast with Google TV (HD), inklings of this new gadget cropped up just lately with some reviews speculating the corporate is increasing support of {hardware} to non-4K TVs. And certain sufficient, that is what’s taking place. This information HD Chromecast (opens in new tab) is primarily a toned-down model of the 2020 mannequin which helps 4K HDR streaming and several other Dolby video codecs.
On the floor, the new gadget seems to be equivalent to the older mannequin as all of the adjustments are inner.
Features
For $29.99, the HD Chromecast means that you can stream content material in 1080p (1920×1080 pixels) resolution at 60FPS. Support for 4K resolution is gone and so is Dolby Vision, a HDR (High Dynamic Range) format that enables for brighter colours and deeper blacks. The new gadget does support HDR10 and HDR10+ which are not as sturdy as Dolby Vision but nonetheless improve visible constancy. Memory additionally noticed a downgrade because the HD Chromecast has 1.5GB of RAM in comparison with the 2GB of RAM discovered on the 4K model.
What’s not gone are the Dolby audio features (opens in new tab). Dolby Digital, Digital Plus, and the atmosphere (opens in new tab) audio format are nonetheless current within the HD Chromecast. Dolby Digital and Digital Plus, for these unaware, are compression applied sciences that assist the gadget produce high-quality audio with out dropping constancy. Dolby Atmos, then again, is a format that replicates spatial sound for a extra immersive expertise. Atmos is current by way of HDMI pass-through so you may want the correct gear, like a soundbar that helps the format.
The HD Chromecast package deal is cut up throughout the dongle itself, which you’ll plug straight right into a TV by way of the HDMI cable, and a distant.
On that distant, you may discover the identical navigation circle current on the 4K mannequin, in addition to just a few devoted buttons for opening YouTube, Netflix, and accessing Google Assistant. The distant additionally comes with voice management for giving the Assistant a command. You may even, in keeping with Google, test the video feed from a Nest Doorbell gadget by way of the HD Chromecast.
Tea Chromecast with Google TV (HD) (opens in new tab) is out there for buy proper now from the corporate retailer, but solely in Snow White. Australians must pay somewhat bit extra, nonetheless. In Australia, the gadget prices $59 AUD which is about $40 USD.
Renovating Google TV
The launch of the HD Chromecast comes at an attention-grabbing time as Google updates its Google TV service.
Back in August 22, the corporate admitted its service did not have the absolute best efficiency and has been attempting to repair that ever since. A latest replace introduced improved storage administration and a efficiency increase. The firm states Google TV has over 10,000 apps on it.
There are additionally rumors floating round about Google TV getting an additional 50 channels of reside TV with the necessity for an additional subscription. Considering how the HD Chromecast began off as a rumor and the newfound curiosity, the 50 channels may change into a actuality.
How effectively an HD-only Chromecast does in a market the place 4K TVs are quickly changing into the usual stays to be seen. For these wanting for a streaming discount, although, it may be simply the ticket.
Be certain to test out TechRadar’s overview of the HD Chromecast’s older brother, the 4K HDR mannequin from 2020 (We actually favored it).
