We received a Chromecast as a gift; graciously accepted but honestly not of much interest to us. Nonetheless, we've taken it "on the road" for the first time. In the second straight timeshare facility in a row, we have discovered the following:
1. The Chromecast "dongle" has a HDMI male "plug", so it obviously requires a HDMI port on the TV. No HDMI port? Game over. Pack the Chromecast away, as we've now done for the second time in 2 weeks.
2. If there is a HDMI port and a USB port (USB port provides access to power for the "dongle"), you're in business and good to go. Not so for us, so far.
3. If there is a HDMI port but no available USB port for powering the "dongle", then the "dongle" needs alternative access to a.c. power via the provided cable and adapter. This alternative obviously requires access to an a.c. outlet. In our case, not only has there been no HDMI port on the TV's, but the nearby a.c. outlets were already quite fully occupied anyhow with cable box, TV, DVD player, lamp plug, etc. We're not at all interested in getting involved with extension cords, nor in having any such cords anywhere underfoot.
The suggestion part of this techno-idiot's observation is to add a 3-outlet (or more) adapter to your gizmo travel kit; you might just need it. Certainly a low cost item, but not one you'll likely otherwise have conveniently right on hand --- or be able to obtain at your resort desk. Who needs a trip to a store for a crummy three dollar item?
As an admitted techno idiot, I am more intrigued by the Chromecast technology than by any need to be affixed to a TV screen while on vacation, so the above is just casual observation, not complaint. Maybe at the next facility, or somewhere / sometime thereafter, I will be impressed and amazed by the Chromecast --- but that opportunity has yet to even be possible at all. C'est la vie.
1. The Chromecast "dongle" has a HDMI male "plug", so it obviously requires a HDMI port on the TV. No HDMI port? Game over. Pack the Chromecast away, as we've now done for the second time in 2 weeks.
2. If there is a HDMI port and a USB port (USB port provides access to power for the "dongle"), you're in business and good to go. Not so for us, so far.
3. If there is a HDMI port but no available USB port for powering the "dongle", then the "dongle" needs alternative access to a.c. power via the provided cable and adapter. This alternative obviously requires access to an a.c. outlet. In our case, not only has there been no HDMI port on the TV's, but the nearby a.c. outlets were already quite fully occupied anyhow with cable box, TV, DVD player, lamp plug, etc. We're not at all interested in getting involved with extension cords, nor in having any such cords anywhere underfoot.
The suggestion part of this techno-idiot's observation is to add a 3-outlet (or more) adapter to your gizmo travel kit; you might just need it. Certainly a low cost item, but not one you'll likely otherwise have conveniently right on hand --- or be able to obtain at your resort desk. Who needs a trip to a store for a crummy three dollar item?
As an admitted techno idiot, I am more intrigued by the Chromecast technology than by any need to be affixed to a TV screen while on vacation, so the above is just casual observation, not complaint. Maybe at the next facility, or somewhere / sometime thereafter, I will be impressed and amazed by the Chromecast --- but that opportunity has yet to even be possible at all. C'est la vie.
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