FAQ – LocalCast

Why does my video pause & play, stutter or lag?

Internet streams

Stutter can be caused by a busy server or if the video has a bitrate which is too high for the Chromecast to keep up. Especially on weekends the content providers are overloaded and can’t provide the videos fast enough. If possible try a SD stream instead of HD.
The Chromecast can’t buffer some streams at all and has a very small buffer. this might get fixed with a future Chromecast firmware update.

Bottleneck – Local network streams

Don’t try to stream Blue-ray quality movies over WiFi. E.g. the Chromecast only supports 2.4GHz which is not enough to stream those movies. It won’t work.

Bitrate: Some phones shoot videos with a really high bitrate. See above.

The Chromecast 1 or the Amazon Fire TV Stick both come with a HDMI extender cord and with a extra power supply unit.

USE BOTH!

The extra juice from the power supply (instead of plugging the usb cord into your TV) can improve the WiFi signal. It brings the dongle further away from the TV, which can improve the signal.

Kodi: How can I enable or disable this?

LocalCast features a seamless Kodi integration. From the Settings(-> Kodi) you can easily write a file which tells Kodi to use LocalCast. You can then enjoy all your media on the TV.

One caveat: If you want to watch Kodi on your device again, you either have to delete the file, which was written or reopen the video in another app. Both things can be done in the Settings (-> Kodi).

Where is my cast device, it’s not in the list?

1. Make sure that all your devices are on the same network.
2. Turn WiFi off and on again on your streaming device. Wait a couple of second and check if it appears in the list.
3. Swipe LocalCast away in the multi tasking menu – reopen it. Wait a couple of second and check if it appears in the list.
4. Reboot all your things (Router, streaming device, receiving device)

Xbox 360:
Go to Settings: Turn „Play To“ on
If it doesn’t work: Turn „Play To“ off and on

Xbox One:
Install Xbox Video and Xbox Music
Got Xbox One Settings: Turn „Play To“ on
If it doesn’t work: Turn „Play To“ off and on
Playing a game isn’t possible while casting.

Why can’t I hear the audio, but I can see the video?

This means that your device (Chromecast, Smart TV, …) doesn’t support the audio codec of your video.
All receiving devices support a couple of codecs and most video formats.
For example the Chromecast’s supported formats and codecs are listed here.

Video files are containers which hold a video and a audio file. If only one of both plays, then the other one uses a codec which is not supported by your receiving device. To convert the files on your PC I recommend www.handbrake.fr

Why can’t I see the video, but I can hear the audio?

This means that your device (Chromecast, Smart TV, …) doesn’t support the video codec of your video.
All receiving devices support a couple of codecs and most video formats.
For example the Chromecast’s supported formats and codecs are listed here.

I purchased the Pro Version, why are there advertisements?

This happens when the play store app doesn’t report that there are purchases and this can have multiple reasons(, most likely because you have multiple Google accounts on your phone or if your Google Wallet account isn’t set up properly.):

Uninstall LocalCast
In a BROWSER on your desktop: Log in to the web interface of Google Play with the account you used to purchase
Install LocalCast from the web interface to your device. If you have no desktop PC: Don’t let it open the Playstore app, but use the install button and choose your device in the browser.

If this still doesn’t help:

Uninstall LocalCast
Clear the Playstore data: Settings -> Apps -> Google Playstore -> Clear data
Open the Playstore and accept the agreement
Reinstall LocalCast

If this doesn’t help, please email me via the „Send email“-button in the app.

Why are there different prices for the Pro Version?

There are multiple price options, because I want you to decide how much the app is worth to you.
All purchases unlock the Pro Version, there is no difference, besides the price.
There are multiple one time purchases and subscriptions („/month“ or „/year“).
If you aren’t sure what the purchase is, just touch it. The official Google Playstore dialog opens, which should make things clearer.

Should I use DLNA or SMB?

DLNA is a direct connection to your cast device.
SMB has to be routed through the phone/tablet, which doubles the needed bandwidth.
Route audio doesn’t work with SMB.
If possible choose a DLNA server like Serviio.

Can I stream to my PS3?

It’s not possible. You cannot stream to the PS3. Nope. Buy a Chromecast. Go away now..

Subtitles, pan, zoom or rotation doesn’t work, why?

Only Google Cast devices support these features, e.g. the Chromecast and the Nexus Player
You can find these features on the „Now Playing“ screen

If there is a subtitle file with the same name as the video file, you will be asked if the subtitle should be added.

Some DLNA servers support subtitles, some don’t. So you might be able to add subtitles from DLNA servers, too.

LocalCast has a built-in Opensubtitle search. Just start your movie or series and add your sub in a couple of seconds from the net!

I wan’t to stream from Windows, but I can’t see the server in the DLNA section, why?

The computer’s network has to be set to a home network!
See here

Can I get a refund?

I offer no refunds. You can try the free version as long as you want. Please don’t buy the Pro Version if something doesn’t work, send me a email instead via the „Send email“-button in the app.

I’m a developer and want to open LocalCast. Give me something to copy/paste!

Check if LocalCast is installed

Pastebin source #1 incase the below refuses to load.

Launch it

Pastebin source #2 incase the below refuses to load.

Intents