YouTube Pairing: Chromecast-Style Controls on Any Device
YouTube's Integrated Remote Control Functionality
YouTube provides a built-in remote control capability. This feature enables you to connect the YouTube application on your smartphone or the YouTube website accessed via a computer with YouTube running on various devices.
Compatible devices include streaming media boxes, smart televisions, and gaming consoles. This pairing facilitates convenient browsing and playback controls, functioning similarly to Chromecast.
Controlling Playback Across Devices
The remote control feature extends to controlling YouTube playback directly within your computer’s web browser. This is particularly advantageous when viewing YouTube on a computer that is connected to a television.
Alternatively, it proves useful if your laptop is being utilized as a temporary display screen. Essentially, your mobile device or computer becomes a remote for YouTube on any connected screen.
This offers a streamlined user experience, eliminating the need for separate remote control applications or complex device switching. The integrated system provides a unified control method for YouTube content.
Initiating the YouTube TV Interface on Your Television or Computer
Related: The Benefits of Connecting Your PC to Your TV (It’s Simpler Than You Think!)
Begin by launching the YouTube application on your preferred device, such as a game console, smart TV, or streaming media player. This encompasses a wide range of options, from Roku devices to the integrated YouTube app on smart televisions.
The YouTube app is also available on various gaming consoles, including PlayStation, Xbox, and Wii. To access YouTube TV on a laptop, desktop, or any web-enabled device, navigate to https://www.youtube.com/tv#/ within your web browser.
This action effectively transforms your computer into a set-top box with YouTube functionality. The interface presented mirrors that of contemporary YouTube devices, but with the advantage of browser compatibility across numerous platforms. Utilize the F11 key to activate full-screen mode within your browser.
Within the YouTube interface, locate and select the "Settings" option by scrolling down the menu on the left-hand side. (For computer users, employ the arrow keys and the Enter key for navigation.) This Settings screen allows for the management of connected devices.
You can view the number of currently paired devices to the right of the "Pair Device" icon, should any be connected.
Choosing the "Pair Device" option initiates the pairing process with a modern smartphone running the YouTube app, or the YouTube website on a computer. A unique pairing code will be generated for this purpose.
This code is necessary to successfully link another device to the YouTube TV interface.
Initiating YouTube on a Smartphone or Computer
A variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, can be utilized for this process. To begin on a smartphone or tablet, open the YouTube application designed for Android, iPhone, or iPad.
Navigate to the sidebar, select the Settings icon, and then choose "Connected TVs."
The pairing code displayed on your YouTube TV application should be entered at this point.
Input the code presented on your television screen, and the YouTube website will establish a connection with it.
Managing Video Playback and Scheduling
Users can now govern TV playback remotely, regardless of whether they are utilizing the YouTube mobile application or the complete YouTube website on a desktop computer. Videos can be searched for and selected via a tap or click.
Upon selection, videos can be immediately initiated on the television or added to a playback queue. These queued selections will then be reproduced automatically following the completion of any currently playing content.
Remote Control Functionality
During video viewing, the YouTube application or website effectively operates as a remote control. This enables functionalities such as pausing, resuming, rewinding, and fast-forwarding videos.
This experience closely mirrors the functionality of Chromecasting, but extends compatibility to the YouTube application across a wider range of devices. This includes smart TV interfaces and computers connected to televisions.
Utilizing the DIAL Protocol
YouTube also supports the DIAL protocol, which facilitates "casting" videos to Roku devices, smart TVs, and other DIAL-compatible devices.
This functionality allows users to leverage their Roku or contemporary smart TV in a manner similar to a Chromecast, specifically for YouTube content.
- DIAL Protocol: Enables casting to compatible devices.
- Expanded Compatibility: Works with smart TVs and Roku devices.
While this feature may not be essential for those already employing a Chromecast, it provides a viable solution in any environment where a YouTube TV application is available or access to the YouTube website is present.
