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To stream Wowza Streaming Engine video to a Chromecast, serve the video as HLS and play it in a Cast-enabled player such as Wowza Flowplayer’s Chromecast integration. Host the player page over HTTPS, and make sure the Chromecast and the device controlling playback are on the same local network. Wowza delivers the media; the player integration supplies the casting control.
What you need before you start
- A Wowza Streaming Engine stream that is available for playback. You will need its host, application name, and stream name.
- A browser player with Google Cast support. Wowza Flowplayer documents a Chromecast plugin for this purpose.
- A player page served over HTTPS. Flowplayer says insecure websites do not show the Cast icon.
- A powered-on Cast receiver that is in range and on the same local network as the device running the player.
- Network rules that allow the playback ports your Wowza deployment uses.
Set up Wowza playback with a Cast-enabled player
1. Confirm the Wowza playback URL
Wowza playback URLs are built from the protocol, server address, port, application, and stream name. Its HLS example is http://example.com:1935/myApplication/myStream/playlist.m3u8. Replace the example host, application, and stream with the values for your deployment.
For secure playback, Wowza says to use the SSL certificate hostname and port 443. When the player page is HTTPS, use HTTPS for the playback URL as well; Wowza warns that mixed HTTP and HTTPS content can prevent the stream from loading.
2. Choose HLS and check the media format
HLS is a practical browser-player route supported by Wowza Streaming Engine. Wowza describes HLS as segmented adaptive-bitrate delivery over HTTP and lists H.264 video and AAC-family audio support for its HLS packetizer. Those format capabilities do not guarantee that every Chromecast receiver, player configuration, or custom receiver app can play every stream. Confirm that the output codecs and segment format work with the player and receiver you choose.
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3. Add Flowplayer’s Chromecast integration
Wowza Flowplayer documents a Chromecast plugin that adds casting support to video. Its integration loads the core Flowplayer player and the Chromecast plugin, then configures the chromecast namespace. The documented setup includes a receiver application identifier and HLS audio and video segment-format settings.
Use the receiver application option appropriate to your integration. Flowplayer describes stable and canary receiver applications; it also allows a Google-registered custom CAF receiver application ID. Wowza cautions that not all features may be available with a custom receiver, so verify the behavior you need before relying on it.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
4. Serve the player page over HTTPS
Deploy the page containing the player over HTTPS. Flowplayer’s documentation says insecure websites do not show the Cast icon, and its support FAQ says the site must be SSL-protected for casting.
5. Test casting on the local network
Open the player page on the device you will use to start playback. Confirm that the Chromecast is powered on, within range, and connected to the same local network. Start the video, use the player’s Cast control, and select the receiver. If the receiver is not listed, work through the checks below.
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6. Allow the playback ports in your network
Permit the ports actually used by your deployment in the Wowza host firewall, cloud security groups, and other network controls. Wowza lists TCP port 80 for HLS and TCP port 443 for HTTPS/SSL-TLS streaming in its technical specifications updated July 15, 2026. Its playback documentation identifies 1935 as the default streaming port and 443 for secure playback. Do not open ports you do not use; match the rules to your playback configuration.
Choose between Flowplayer’s receiver and a custom receiver
| Approach | What it involves | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Flowplayer Chromecast plugin | Load the Flowplayer player and Chromecast plugin, then configure the chromecast namespace, receiver application, and HLS segment formats. |
A documented integration path; the setup still depends on compatible media and player configuration. |
| Custom Google Cast receiver | Register a custom CAF receiver and set its application ID in the integration. | Offers a custom receiver application, but Wowza warns that not all features may be available with a custom app. |
Troubleshoot missing controls or failed playback
The Cast icon does not appear
- Check that the player page is served over HTTPS.
- Confirm that the Cast receiver is powered on, in range, and on the same local network as the sender.
- Confirm that the player includes and configures the Chromecast integration rather than merely embedding the Wowza URL.
The player works on the sender, but casting fails
- Check that the complete HLS playlist and its segment URLs are reachable from the receiver’s network.
- Verify that the receiver and player support the stream’s codecs and HLS segment format. Wowza documents H.264 and AAC-family support for its HLS packetizer, but compatibility depends on the receiver and player too.
- Review firewall and cloud network rules for the ports used by the playback URL.
The stream fails on an HTTPS page
Use HTTPS for playback when the player page is HTTPS. A secure page attempting to load an HTTP stream can run into mixed-content restrictions; Wowza’s support FAQ warns about mixed HTTP/HTTPS content.
Rank #4
- Watch the entertainment you love with Chromecast with Google TV, including live TV in up to 4K HDR; discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs
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- Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port; to get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming
A custom receiver behaves differently
Check the custom receiver’s own implementation and compare it with the documented Flowplayer receiver options. Wowza Flowplayer allows a registered custom application ID but cautions that some features may not be available with a custom receiver.
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