Using Castnow on Linux with FFmpeg for Chromecast on Manjaro KDE (Ooredoo TV / Android TV)

In today’s short article, I’ll explain how to use Castnow on a Manjaro KDE installation to mirror MP4s and other video formats (ex: MKV with FFmpeg) to a Chromecast device such as the new Ooredoo TV.

Requirements:

• Chromecast capable device on the same network as your computer. Ooredoo Qatar’s latest Ooredoo TV is an example of this.
• A Linux installation. (I will be using Manjaro KDE for this tutorial, an arch-based system with KDE).
• A capable router / Internal connection. A gigabit link between your computer and the chromecast device is ideal. (Internet speed doesn’t matter).
• A capable computer for MKVs and things that require FFmpeg, you’ll be transcoding on the fly.
• Installed Castnow/FFmpeg. (Castnow is opensource & on GitHub).

Procedure:

Open up Pamac or Octopi (or use pacman with an AUR helper like trizen) to install castnow from the AUR (Arch User Repository). Do the same for the FFmpeg package. This is most likely already installed.

Open a terminal window where your media file is located.