Send video from the MacBook? Apple TV vs Chromecast

[ribbon]

Currently what I do to watch TV shows/movies is plugging my MacBook Pro to my TV via HDMI. I would like to stream the video from my Mac to the TV via wifi instead, so I'm considering getting the Cromecast or the ATV.

Considering I would only use it to do that (display videos -mainly mkv 1080p-), what do you guys think is the best alternative? I'm afraid of getting the ATV and Apple renewing it in 3 months. Also, how would I do it? I've read of people using Chromecast+Plex, or ATV+AirParrot. I've also read that AirPlay does have a little bit of lag.

I could really use a little bit of help here. Thank you in advanced!

 

[waw74]

another option is roku, it has pretty similar options to the chromecast

airplay mirroring (where the entire screen of your computer is duplicated on the TV) is definatly not the way to go, it doesn't lag, but in order to get the images on the screens (computer and TV) to stay together it sacrifices quality.

you can use plex with the aTV, either using the iOS client on your iphone or ipad and airplaying to the aTV. Or using PlexConnect, it's pretty easy to setup and replaces the trailers app on the aTV with your plex content.

with the aTV you get access to the iTunes store/rentals, and HBOnow, but loose access to others like amazon unless you stream from your phone

plex is good if you plan to build a library, and don't mind keeping your library in order. it's not that difficult, but might be a bit much if you're an "aquire, watch, then immediately trash" kinda person.

and with airparrot (or airserver) you're better off streaming the file directly, instead of mirroring the entire screen or an application.

 

[nebo1ss]

Currently what I do to watch TV shows/movies is plugging my MacBook Pro to my TV via HDMI. I would like to stream the video from my Mac to the TV via wifi instead, so I'm considering getting the Cromecast or the ATV.

Considering I would only use it to do that (display videos -mainly mkv 1080p-), what do you guys think is the best alternative? I'm afraid of getting the ATV and Apple renewing it in 3 months. Also, how would I do it? I've read of people using Chromecast+Plex, or ATV+AirParrot. I've also read that AirPlay does have a little bit of lag.

I could really use a little bit of help here. Thank you in advanced!

Since you said you want to stream MKV files you are better off with the Chromecast.

 

[ribbon]

Since you said you want to stream MKV files you are better off with the Chromecast.

Thank you both for your answers. Just curious: why is Chromecast better to stream MKV files? I would presume that the ATV would be better at this.

 

[nebo1ss]

Thank you both for your answers. Just curious: why is Chromecast better to stream MKV files? I would presume that the ATV would be better at this.

Apple does not support MKV.

 

[matrix07]

Since you said you want to stream MKV files you are better off with the Chromecast.

I'm using Beamer to AirPlay to Apple TV almost everyday.

 

[jdag]

You are trying to "push" the video from your Mac to the TV. Did you consider the opposite and "pull" the content instead?

If you simply set up an iTunes library on the Mac and sign both the Mac and AppleTV into Home Sharing, the library will be available on the AppleTV itself (as long as the Mac is powered on and iTunes is running).

To get your MKVs into iTunes, just use a tool like iVI or iFlicks. Both work great and are quick.

That, to me, is a more friendly experience.