Chromecast unreliable - other options?

[Jessica Vader]

Hi there, we are having issues with Chromecast either dropping off, or can't cast at times. With Chromecast being discontinued, what are other options moving forward? Google TV streamers are too expensive and need to log into a "home" account first to set up which isn't ideal.
Is the EZCAST Ultra 2 any good? (saw some mention of this in an earlier thread) https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/ADPEZC0006/EZCAST-Ultra-2-with-WIFI-6-Wireless-Display-Adapte?qr=alternative

[Sean]

I have been having better success with the EZcast Pocket wireless. They coame with a usb-c or HDMI transmitter. No more disconnects and easy for visitors. https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/ADPEZC0004/EZCAST-Pocket-Wireless-Display-Transmitter-USB-C-D 

[Bluey Powell]

Do these EZcast devices have a transmitter that is paired to a single receiver?  I could see this being a bit tricky to keep the transmitters safe in each room so that they are on hand for whoever is using that room.

[Sean]

Yes, they do. Label them and the transmitter is Velcroed in a convenient place

[Dave Diprose]

We have MS Wireless Display Adapters which are getting old and are also looking for a replacement solution.

WHEN the transmitter goes missing or is damaged, can you just buy a replacement transmitter or do you need to buy both?

Cheers

[Sean]

Unsure, we haven't lost one yet.

[lfr...@jameshargest.school.nz]

thank you for this suggestion! I'm assuming they are using 2.4Ghz. I'm interested to know the density you have them in. Do you see any issues with a 34classroom block?

Definitely going to try these as chromecast is getting pretty useless with all the issues and the discontinuation  of the simple chromecast devices which could be enrolled into cast moderator. 

[Sean]

I'm changing them progressively, and have a block of 4 classrooms close together with no issues. The rest at the moment are spread out. Teacher feedback is really good. I'll increase the density during this term.

[Pete Mundy]

They're 5Ghz devices, which makes sense for this application IMO - ie good bandwidth for close proximity but well attenuated by buildings.

Given they appear to have zero configuration I suspect they're factory paired and only sold in pairs.

[Dael Sutton]

Hiya.  We tried the EZCast, works as intended but not as well as the Microsoft adapters did.  

The newer Epson projectors have both Wifi Miracast (microsoft display compatible) and ethernet delivered options for wireless display available, and we went with plugging them in on ethernet and giving them addresses in the VLAN that staff laptops are on, and using the Epson iProject app on the staff laptop to connect to them.  This gives us back the ability for an on-screen one-time code to use to connect to the projector (limits connect ability to only those who can see the screen), and you need to be on the staff vlan for the iProject app to give you the list of available projectors.  Works well.  The only downside so far is that iProject emulates the second screen entirely in CPU, so it's heavy on CPU resource.  Ethernet also reduces the amount of traffic in the air, as it's only staff -> ap direct via IP instead of staff -> projector via whatever freq. the projector wants to use.

So far, good feedback from the staff using it.

D.