Chromecast和Android TV 都是谷歌品牌的(Google-branded)设备——事实证明，在购买流媒体设备时会让人感到困惑。两种服务都提供类似的功能，但它们在主要方面也有所不同。
本指南将分解Chromecast和Android TV 之间的区别，以帮助您了解它们之间的区别，并确定两者中的哪一个是满足您的流媒体需求的正确选择。
什么是 Chromecast？
最初，Chromecast是一个 USB 供电的加密狗，可插入电视的HDMI端口以启用流媒体(enabled streaming)。然而，现在，这个名字更多地指的是品牌。虽然仍有Chromecast加密狗可供购买，但该服务已内置于更现代的电视中——无需加密狗。
Chromecast与其他流媒体服务的不同之处在于它没有界面。没有用于选择所需内容的主屏幕或菜单。Chromecast充当接收器，因此您可以将内容从手机或其他设备直接投射到它。
转换协议称为Google Cast。它使您能够从手机投射到加密狗，而且不仅限于视频。您可以投射YouTube、照片等。使用合适的Google应用程序，您甚至可以直播自己的面孔——如果您想表现得像Zordon ，这是吓坏客人的绝佳派对技巧。
什么是安卓电视？
Android TV 是一个操作系统。更具体地说，它是专为媒体设备设计的Android操作系统版本。它经常出现在Nvidia Shield等机顶设备中，但它也被用作许多智能电视品牌的默认操作系统。(many smart television brands.)
与Chromecast不同，Android TV 有一个主屏幕。它的功能与任何智能电视非常相似，具有一系列不同的菜单和选项。您可以使用Android TV 启动多种流媒体服务，甚至玩游戏。
需要注意的一点是，Android TV 还使用Google Cast协议，这意味着您可以将内容投射到您的 Android TV(cast content to your Android TV)上，就像它是Chromecast一样。内容显示方式可能存在细微差别，但功能是相同的。
这意味着您可以像使用Chromecast一样使用(Chromecast)Android TV 。考虑到这一点，您可能会问：Chromecast的意义何在？
Chromecast 与 Android 电视功能
正如我们之前提到的，Chromecast和Android TV 之间的功能集有很多重叠之处。
Chromecast可以接收来自其他服务的内容，并允许您在非智能电视上播放Netflix、Hulu和其他服务。(Hulu)Android TV 可以做到所有这些，甚至更多。
您可以将内容流式传输到您的Android TV，但它也有内置服务。您可以直接通过操作系统登录您的Netflix、Hulu和其他帐户并通过电视本身播放。如果Android TV 安装在机顶盒上，同样的概念仍然适用——您只需打开设备即可使其工作。
Android TV 还可以与Red Bull TV 和TED等鲜为人知的流媒体服务(lesser-known streaming services)以及Starz和HBO Max等大公司合作。您还可以流式传输直播(Live)电视、体育、新闻、Twitch等。根据Android TV，用户可以访问超过 700,000 部不同的电影和节目。
如果您正在寻找不同的娱乐方式，您可以通过Google Play商店访问游戏，然后在您的(Google Play)Android TV上下载和玩游戏。将其与控制器配对以获得更好的游戏体验。
Chromecast与Android TV ：哪个(Which)更好(Better)？
两种设备之间最大的区别是价格。单个Chromecast加密狗比Android TV 便宜得多。
Android TV价格最低的选项之一是Nvidia Shield，大约 150 美元左右。相比之下，第三代Chromecast只需 30 美元。也就是说，很难确定两者中的哪一个是更好的选择，尤其是考虑到特征重叠的情况。
从纯粹的成本角度来看，Chromecast以预算价格提供流媒体功能（前提是您有智能手机），2020 年的Chromecast型号也提供 4K 流媒体。它适用于大多数电视，并且可以是一种设置流媒体的简单方法，而不会破坏银行。
另一方面，Android TV 有更多的功能，可以做Chromecast可以做的所有事情——但它的成本要高得多。如果您想避免使用机顶设备，有一些预算选项。一些海信(HiSense)的 32 英寸电视在Android TV 操作系统上运行。
Android TV 的功能列表也使其成为更好的整体投资。如果预算有限，请选择Chromecast，但(Chromecast–but)如果您负担得起，请购买Android TV。它可以做Chromecast可以做的所有事情，甚至更多，并且会给您带来更好的投资回报。
Chromecast Vs Android TV: Which is Better?
Chromecast and Android TV are both Google-brandеd devices–a fact thаt proves confusing when shopping for a streaming device. Both services provide similаr fеatures, but they also dіffer from one another in major ways.
This guide will break down the difference between Chromecast and Android TV to help you understand how they differ and decide which of the two is the right choice for your streaming needs.
What is Chromecast?
Originally, Chromecast was a USB-powered dongle that plugged into your TV’s HDMI port that enabled streaming. Now, however, the name refers more to the branding. While there are still Chromecast dongles available for purchase, the service is built-in to more modern televisions–no dongle required.
Chromecast differs from other streaming services in that it doesn’t have an interface. There is no home screen or menu to select the content you want. Chromecast acts as a receiver, so you can cast content directly to it from your phone or other device.
The casting protocol is referred to as Google Cast. It’s what enables you to cast from your phone to the dongle, and it isn’t limited to just videos. You can cast YouTube, photos, and much more. With the right Google app, you can even livestream your own face–a great party trick for freaking out guests if you want to act like Zordon.
What is Android TV?
Android TV is an operating system. More specifically, it’s a version of the Android operating system that is designed for media devices. It’s often found in set-top devices like the Nvidia Shield, but it is also used as the default OS for many smart television brands.
Unlike Chromecast, Android TV has a home screen. It functions much like any smart TV does, with a series of different menus and options. You can use Android TV to launch multiple streaming services and even play games.
One thing to note is that Android TV also uses the Google Cast protocol, which means you can cast content to your Android TV exactly as if it were a Chromecast. There may be minute differences in the way content displays, but the functionality is the same.
This means that you can use an Android TV exactly as you would a Chromecast. With that in mind, you might be asking: what’s the point of Chromecast?
Chromecast Vs Android TV Features
As we mentioned earlier, there is a lot of overlap in feature sets between the Chromecast and Android TV.
Chromecast can receive content from other services and allow you to play Netflix, Hulu, and other services on a non-smart TV. Android TV can do all of this and more.
You can stream content to your Android TV, but it also has built-in services. You can login to your Netflix, Hulu, and other accounts directly through the OS and play through the TV itself. If Android TV is installed on a set-top box, the same concept still applies–you just need to turn on the device to make it work.
Android TV also works with lesser-known streaming services like Red Bull TV and TED, as well as bigger companies like Starz and HBO Max. You can also stream Live TV, sports, news, Twitch, and more. According to Android TV, users have access to more than 700,000 different movies and shows.
If you’re looking for different entertainment, you can access games through the Google Play store and download and play them on your Android TV. Pair it with a controller for a better gaming experience.
Chromecast vs Android TV: Which is Better?
The largest difference between the two devices is price. A single Chromecast dongle is significantly more affordable than an Android TV.
One of the lowest priced options for an Android TV is the Nvidia Shield at roughly $150 or so. Comparatively, a third-generation Chromecast will run you just $30. That said, determining which of the two is the better option is difficult, especially given the feature overlap.
From a pure cost standpoint, the Chromecast offers streaming capabilities (provided you have a smartphone) for a budget price, with 2020 Chromecast models offering 4K streaming too. It works with most TVs, and can be an easy way to set up streaming without breaking the bank.
On the other hand, Android TV has far more features and can do everything the Chromecast can do–but it costs significantly more. There are a few budget options if you want to avoid a set-top device. A few 32-inch televisions from HiSense run on the Android TV operating system.
Android TV’s feature list also makes it a better overall investment, too. If you’re on a budget, go for Chromecast–but if you can afford it, invest in the Android TV. It does everything Chromecast can do and more and will give you a much better return on your investment.
