Updated September 2026: in 2022, with my first-generation Chromecast lagging, I found the newer Chromecast expensive and awkward to use with a DTH set-top box, because of switching inputs. I have rewritten it into a comparison of streaming options for homes that also use DTH.
My first-generation Chromecast had served well for years, casting from phones and laptops. By 2022 it struggled with HD and live video. The newer model seemed expensive for what it added, and switching between the DTH box and the Chromecast input on the TV was a daily annoyance.
What replaced the Chromecast?
Google ended the Chromecast line in 2024 and replaced it with the Google TV Streamer, a small box with a remote and the Google TV interface. Older Chromecast with Google TV models continue to work. Plain casting from phones is also built into many smart TVs and Android TV boxes.
What is the problem with DTH and a streaming stick together?
Two inputs and two remotes. Every switch between live TV and streaming means changing the TV's input, and older relatives in particular find it confusing. HDMI-CEC can help by switching inputs automatically when a device turns on, but it does not always work reliably between brands.
Is a DTH Android box a better answer?
For many homes, yes. Several Indian DTH operators offer hybrid set-top boxes that run Android TV, combining live channels and streaming apps on one box and one remote. They remove the input switching entirely. The trade-offs are that app selection and performance can be more limited than a dedicated streaming device, and you are tied to that operator.
Which should you choose?
- Heavy live TV users with some streaming: a hybrid DTH Android box.
- Mostly streaming, occasional live TV: a Google TV Streamer or similar, with live channels through apps where available.
- Mostly casting from phones: the casting built into a smart TV may be all you need.
What should you check before buying?
Whether the apps you use are available on the device, whether your TV supports HDMI-CEC well, and the total monthly cost of DTH plus streaming. Many households find that trimming the DTH package after adding streaming saves more than the device costs.