How to play downloaded Disney SVOD content from mobile device to TV?

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jonathan18

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#302306 14-Nov-2022 09:12

So our ONT (or the ONT’s power supply) shat itself on Saturday, leaving us without internet. While I’m trying to convince my son not being able to play games, watch TikTok and Snapchat with his mates for a few days is a good example of first world problems, we’d at least like to be able to watch some content on the TVs that’s not FTA.

We’ve used relations’ wifi to download SVOD content onto a range of devices; Amazon Prime’s been fine as it allows downloads on the Windows app, however Disney Plus doesn’t. I’ve tried via a Chromebook and Android phone and can’t get the video to play on the TV - it may play for a few seconds before stuttering, then gives up with a generic error message.

I’m currently using a cheap USB-C to HDMI adapter - other content like 4K YT videos play fine via this, but none of the Disney content will play so I’m wondering if the problem is HDCP - is that the likely cause, and is there any way I can confirm this is the issue before forking out some additional funds for a compliant adapter or cable?

(I had the same non-playing issue with a Prime video I downloaded onto my phone, and given Prime worked on the computer using the same HDMI cable I imagine the cable’s not the issue?)

The other question I have is why can’t we cast from phone to a ChromeCast? WiFi is still up and running, and other internal devices like the security cameras are still functioning and accessible.

Thanks for any advice…

freitasm

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#2995747 14-Nov-2022 09:54

You say there's no Internet but then you say "WiFi is still up and running".

Chromecast needs an Internet connection - it's not sent from your phone to the Chromecast but instead a token is provided and then Chromecast uses that to stream from the Internet. So even if your internet network is still running (LAN is independent from Internet), the Chromecast has no way to fetch the stream.

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richms

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#2995771 14-Nov-2022 10:49

If you want cloning then get a miracast device as that will send the compressed stream from the phone to the other usb stick, chromecast sends a command to load a basic web app with player to the chromecast which then pulls the content in from the service along with the webpage that its using.

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jonathan18

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#2995786 14-Nov-2022 11:10

freitasm:
You say there's no Internet but then you say "WiFi is still up and running".

Chromecast needs an Internet connection - it's not sent from your phone to the Chromecast but instead a token is provided and then Chromecast uses that to stream from the Internet. So even if your internet network is still running (LAN is independent from Internet), the Chromecast has no way to fetch the stream.

Yep, I totally get that the Chromecast isn’t able to fetch video data from the internet; but I’m asking what stops being able to cast downloaded content from the phone or other device to the TV, given the router and APs are still functioning (so internal IP addresses are being assigned etc, and other LAN-based stuff like AP cameras are still functioning fine). The GH app can’t ‘see’ a single device with the internet down.

jonathan18

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#2995831 14-Nov-2022 11:12

My primary aim is to sort out streaming via cable from a mobile device, as this would also be useful in other circumstances (eg on holiday) - is it likely the cheap USB-C - HDMI cable lacks HDCP and that’s the problem with playing Disney Plus content to the TV? (The content plays perfectly on the phone or Chromebook.)

richms

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#2995832 14-Nov-2022 11:15

jonathan18:

Yep, I totally get that the Chromecast isn’t able to fetch video data from the internet; but I’m asking what stops being able to cast downloaded content from the phone or other device to the TV, given the router and APs are still functioning (so internal IP addresses are being assigned etc, and other LAN-based stuff like AP cameras are still functioning fine). The GH app can’t ‘see’ a single device with the internet down.

It would require them to do a complete redesign on how the process of casting works to allow this to happen. The phone would have to have a server on it to send the content to the chromecast, it would need to have the video in a format that the chromecast could decode or else reencode it to that in software, and it would have to have some way to swap over the keys for playing the protected content. This would be a lot of development and testing for a use case that the chromecast was never sold as being able to do, and with the push towards the chromecast with google tv will probably never get used in the future.

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freitasm

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#2995834 14-Nov-2022 11:18

jonathan18:
freitasm:

You say there's no Internet but then you say "WiFi is still up and running".

Chromecast needs an Internet connection - it's not sent from your phone to the Chromecast but instead a token is provided and then Chromecast uses that to stream from the Internet. So even if your internet network is still running (LAN is independent from Internet), the Chromecast has no way to fetch the stream.

Yep, I totally get that the Chromecast isn’t able to fetch video data from the internet; but I’m asking what stops being able to cast downloaded content from the phone or other device to the TV, given the router and APs are still functioning (so internal IP addresses are being assigned etc, and other LAN-based stuff like AP cameras are still functioning fine). The GH app can’t ‘see’ a single device with the internet down.

As per my explanation and richms's - Chromecast requires access to the Internet. It will not play content sent from an app on your phone. You should look at a Miracast device to mirror the phone screen.

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#2995835 14-Nov-2022 11:18

freitasm:

Chromecast needs an Internet connection - it's not sent from your phone to the Chromecast but instead a token is provided and then Chromecast uses that to stream from the Internet. So even if your internet network is still running (LAN is independent from Internet), the Chromecast has no way to fetch the stream.

This would explain why I was able to continue watching content being cast to my monitor while isolating with COVID - even if the original streaming device was switched off or rebooted.

So the original casting device is simply a remote control and the Chromecast is doing all the work.

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jonathan18

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#2995837 14-Nov-2022 11:21

Great - thanks for clarifying the CC thing, that makes sense now.

I’m really quite happy to use a cable, anyway, so if I’m able to confirm why downloaded Disney Plus content won’t play via USB C>HDMI and how to resolve that I’ll be a very happy camper!

richms

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#2995957 14-Nov-2022 12:34

Not all services allow for video output. It is something they can detect and not allow even if you have a HDCP display. I do recall that when I tried to use it on an older phone I would get a big red cross on the HDMI output from the MHL port if I tried some services. I have not tried since getting a USB C phone to do it because I now have streaming devices so playing from the phone isn't something I need so never got the cable, and all my USB to HDMI boxes are displayport alt mode ones so wont work on a phone.

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#2995965 14-Nov-2022 12:52

jonathan18: Great - thanks for clarifying the CC thing, that makes sense now.

I’m really quite happy to use a cable, anyway, so if I’m able to confirm why downloaded Disney Plus content won’t play via USB C>HDMI and how to resolve that I’ll be a very happy camper!

Yeah I have tried using Ipad via USB-C and HDMI on my monitor when streaming - weirdly some allow it and some don't, but all allow casting in some form factor or other. Cables just seem to be treated differently. It's odd.

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djtOtago

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#2995986 14-Nov-2022 13:29

You used to be able to screen share your android device to a Chromecast device. This use to just work over local network and not require internet access. I used to use this method to get locally stored videos played by the devices built-in media play on to the TV. Wasn't great but it worked.

I don't have access to a Chromecast to test but I would have thought it should still an available function.

Cast your Android screen from the Google Home app - Chromecast Help

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#2995996 14-Nov-2022 14:19

This would work if the content is not protect - the likes of Disney+, Netflix, etc are protected so won't be share.

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jonathan18

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#2996054 14-Nov-2022 15:08

So, just to return to the initial question re USB C>HDMI cables and adapters:

Disney Plus’s advice when I contacted them is that it’s possible to stream downloaded content via this method, but I have to ensure every part of the chain does support HDCP; given the error messages I’ve seen haven’t even mentioned it (and I’ve seen examples of where they do), I’m not sure if this is the problem or, even if it is, whether it’ll be fixed by a compliant cable.

Most listings for both adapters and cables make no mention of HDCP; while I wouldn’t be surprised if the $17 adapter I bought from KMart isn’t HDCP compliant, I wouldn’t have a clue re the much wider range available from stores like PB Tech.

If a listing doesn’t say the product is HDCP 2.2 compliant, can I be pretty sure it’s not, or is it something that most are but just don’t say? Am I safer to stick with one that does clearly state it is compliant, or is there a good chance this won’t make a difference?

There are a few that do clearly state it, eg:

Cable:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/CABUNI1051/Unitek-V1125A-18m-USB-C-to-HDMI-cable-Premium-Audi

https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B09BQX296X/

Adapter:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/ADPUNI6316/Unitek-Y-6316-USB30-Type-C-to-HDMI-4K-Converter-HD

https://www.amazon.com.au/UGREEN-Adapter-Aluminum-Thunderbolt-Converter/dp/B07X25ZR56/

Thanks for any further advice.

jonathan18

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#2996425 15-Nov-2022 08:57

Just a bump to see if anyone is able to confirm whether it is important I buy a cable that specifically references supporting HDCP 2.2, or whether most/all cables will do so (but just not say it). Ta!

fe31nz

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#2996955 15-Nov-2022 23:48

jonathan18: Just a bump to see if anyone is able to confirm whether it is important I buy a cable that specifically references supporting HDCP 2.2, or whether most/all cables will do so (but just not say it). Ta!

Good explanation here:

https://pointerclicker.com/do-hdmi-cables-need-to-be-hdcp-compliant/

Summary: HDCP is a protocol that is sent between devices, including over HDMI cables. As such, any HDMI cable supports HDCP as the bidirectional signalling used is part of the HDMI standard. However, HDCP 2.2 is defined only for 4K video, and hence needs a cable capable of transmitting 4K video. So I think that means it has to be an HDMI 2.1 cable.

If I was buying a new HDMI cable today, I would be buying an HDMI 2.1 one if at all possible. They are a bit more expensive and there are more bogus ones around (where they do not work properly and hence should not be advertised as HDMI 2.1 as that is false advertising and a breach of the Fair Trading Act). So, if you buy an HDMI 2.1 cable and it does not work properly (4K video does not work or HDCP 2.2 does not work), then you can take it back for a replacement or refund under the CGA as it is not a working HDMI 2.1 cable - the CGA requires that things actually work as described.