This is probably a ridiculous question, but I usually stream from my laptop to my LG tv or my phone to any other tv, and I find that using my VPN keeps the casting output option from working. Like in Popcorntime, the Watch Now doesn’t show my tv, only the laptop app or VLC. On my daughter’s fire stick I can’t even cast to it unless I turn my VPN off.
I don’t have any problem streaming Plex or Emby from my laptop to the tv. Is there a way to cast without compromising my privacy?
The VPN catches all network traffic and puts it far away - you can’t be on vpn and see local network resources (casting targets) at the same time.
If your vpn has an app, check your settings for something like “local network access”.
Otherwise, start reading about split-tunnels and/or default gateways
This is correct! Also wanted to recommend Jellyfin instead of Plex Or Emby
Vpns and casting create a complicated network situation sometimes. Without being able to see exactly what was going on, it can be difficult to tell what’s happening.
Sometimes casting involves sending the data from the controller, your laptop, to the renderer, your TV. That means you laptop pulls the data down and then forwards it.
Sometimes it involves telling the renderer how to get the data so that it can pull it down and play it.
When you use a VPN, you’re sending your traffic through a tunnel so that it’s “outside” your local network. There will be some exceptions for certain local behavior that needs to be local, unless you configured it not to but you probably didn’t.
It’s honestly curious that it ever works, since the VPN should make it so you’re basically “not there”, and so casting shouldn’t be possible.
My recommendation would be to use Plex if it works.
Download on the VPN and then drop off to cast it is an alternative.
There’s enough moving parts that you’re not going to have any fun figuring it out, and the answer will probably be something you can’t fix.
I can’t offer help on the issue, but as far as I understand there are no legitimate and safe versions of popcorn time anymore. The main version got taken down a few years ago iirc. There’s still plenty of unsafe versions though. Might want to double check you got it from a safe source.
https://github.com/popcorn-official
The source code is right there for you to look at.
It might be easier for you to torrent normally while connected to VPN, then disconnecting to stream to your device.
I thought I did when I got it. I saw the landscape and was very suspicious. This is a completely unpublicized version. I think I got the link from a careless user. I’ll check my provence and see if I’m ok
Someone who puts out publicly that which should be behind walls. But it turns out its not so private after all…
The lowtech option is to connect your device physically. I do this in hotels and at home. USB C to HDMI output. Connection cables are relatively cheap, and easily long enough for most use cases.
Are you using the VPN on your laptop or phone only? If so, maybe try to run your VPN at the router level and see if you can cast then? It might work…
