Google’s new Chromecast is ultra-cheap but cuts out support for 4K resolution
The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is currently available for purchase
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The rumors are true:Googlelaunched a new, more affordable rendition of its Chromecast devices but it comes at the cost of a few features found in older models.
Dubbed the Chromecast with Google TV (HD),inklings of this new device cropped up recentlywith some reports speculating the company is expanding support of hardware to non-4KTVs. And sure enough, that’s what’s happening. This newHD Chromecastis essentially a toned-down version of the 2020 model which supports 4K HDR streaming and several Dolby video formats.
On the surface, the new device looks identical to the older model as all the changes are internal.
Features
For $29.99, the HD Chromecast allows you stream content in 1080p (1920x1080 pixels) resolution at 60FPS. Support for 4K resolution is gone and so isDolby Vision, aHDR(High Dynamic Range) format that allows for brighter colors and deeper blacks. The new device does support HDR10 andHDR10+which aren’t as robust as Dolby Vision but still enhance visual fidelity. Memory also saw a downgrade as the HD Chromecast has 1.5GB of RAM compared to the 2GB of RAM found on the 4K version.
What’s not gone are theDolby audio features. Dolby Digital, Digital Plus, and theAtmosaudio format are still present in the HD Chromecast. Dolby Digital and Digital Plus, for those unaware, are compression technologies that help the device produce high-quality audio without losing fidelity. Dolby Atmos, on the other hand, is a format that replicates spatial sound for a more immersive experience. Atmos is present via HDMI pass-through so you’ll need the right equipment, like asoundbar that supports the format.
The HD Chromecast package is split across the dongle itself, which you can plug directly into a TV via the HDMI cable, and a remote.
On that remote, you’ll find the same navigation circle present on the 4K model, as well as a few dedicated buttons for openingYouTube, Netflix, and accessing Google Assistant. The remote also comes with voice control for giving the Assistant a command. You can even, according to Google, check the video feed from a Nest Doorbell device via the HD Chromecast.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
TheChromecast with Google TV (HD)is available for purchase right now from the company store, but only in Snow White. Australians will have to pay a little bit more, however. In Australia, the device costs $59 AUD which is about $40 USD.
Renovating Google TV
The launch of the HD Chromecast comes at an interesting time as Google updates its Google TV service.
Back in August 22, the company admitted its service didn’t have the best possible performance and has been trying to fix that ever since. A recent update brought improved storage management and a performance boost. The company states Google TV has over 10,000 apps on it.
There are alsorumors floating around about Google TV getting an extra 50 channelsof live TV with the need for an extra subscription. Considering how the HD Chromecast started off as a rumor and the newfound interest, the 50 channels could become a reality.
How well an HD-only Chromecast does in a market where 4K TVs are rapidly becoming the standard remains to be seen. For those looking for a streaming bargain, though, it might be just the ticket.
Be sure to check out TechRadar’s review of the HD Chromecast’s older brother, the4K HDR model from 2020(We really liked it).
Cesar Cadenas has been writing about the tech industry for several years now specializing in consumer electronics, entertainment devices, Windows, and the gaming industry. But he’s also passionate about smartphones, GPUs, and cybersecurity.
The Apple TV 4K just got even more interesting for projectors in tvOS 18.2
Amazon just dropped the Fire TV Stick HD, and it comes with a nice surprise in the box
How to turn off Meta AI
