Cons

It may be big and a bit chunky, but Google's TV Streamer (4K) comes close to doing it all for businesses and schools looking to turn a projector into a collaboration center. It can not only show the screens from a variety of systems in 4K resolution and allows wireless or wired connections, but it also has a slew of entertainment options, as well. On top of a dedicated remote control, it's the rare system today that comes with an AC adapter.

Be warned, the initial set up of the Google TV Streamer (4K)'s can be tedious; you need to supply your own HDMI cable and sending screens requires Chromecast apps or a Chrome browser. While it lists for $100, it's easy to find the TV Streamer for $80, making it an economical way to connect a room full of participants and their computers.

Features

Looking like a rounded river stone, the Google TV Streamer (4K) is a powerful way to connect business associates and students with a projector. Built around a powerful receiver, the TV Streamer works with the Chrome web browser or apps like YouTube and CNN, as well as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, making it a versatile connection machine in classrooms and conference rooms.

A little hard to hide, the 6.4 x 1 x 3-inch (WHD) wedge-shaped Google TV Streamer weighs 5.7 ounces and is available in Hazel (gray) or Porcelain (white). It's easy to attach it to the projector with Velcro tape and the device's bulk pays dividends with the ability to use gigabit per second wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

The receiver plugs into a projector's HDMI port, but you will need to use your own cable. There aren't any analog legacy video ports, but the TV Streamer comes with an AC adapter that you will likely need. More on that later. The streamer's single LED on its back blinks white when it starts up then turns solid when it is operational.

The Google TV Streamer (4K) is economical at $80 while offering amenities like UHD resolution imaging at a maximum of 60 frames per second. It worked well with my two HD and one UHD projectors with unexpected luxuries like links to popular streaming apps as well as the ability to decode high dynamic range (HDR) video. TV Streamer audio includes Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos audio enhancements as well as built-in Bluetooth 5.1 so that it can wirelessly send audio to external speakers. It does not, however, include a physical audio jack.

The color-matched remote control adds another dimension to the TV Streamer with a four-way navigation pad and keys for Home, volume, and turning the device on or off. Because all work and no play makes everyone dull and bored, the TV Streamer has direct links for Netflix and YouTube.

Voice commands are enabled by a press of the microphone button on the remote. If you lose the remote, press the button on the receiver's back to ping it with annoying beeping. Can't find it? Replacements cost $20.

The Google TV Streamer's one-year warranty is augmented by lots of online support. The pages have a thorough introduction to the device, help setting it up and troubleshooting. An AI chat box can help with detailed problems.

Performance

At 10 minutes, the Google TV Streamer (4K) has one of the longest installation procedures for a casting kit, but it only needs to be done once. Unfortunately, the projectors I used could not provide the TV Streamer's 2.5 watts of electricity it needed via HDMI connection, so I used the included AC adapter instead.

After I paired the remote to the receiver and opened the Google Home app on my Samsung Galaxy S25 phone, I connected the TV Streamer to my office's Wi-Fi network; it can use wired Ethernet as well. Just when I thought it was ready, the device did a tedious 360MB firmware update and required a restart. After that, it worked every time.

Overall, the TV Streamer connected with the Chrome browser on my Samsung Galaxy Book, Tab S8 tablet, Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook, iPad, and MacBook Air. There are also a bunch of Chromecast aware apps, including YouTube, CNN, and several educational apps.

On top of educational material and video conferences, I projected spreadsheets, presentations, as well as photos and paintings. It never let me down with razor-sharp video and no detectable lag. The system had a range of 80 feet and topped out at 91 degrees Fahrenheit. For me, it came into its own while connected to Bluetooth speakers that pumped out enough volume for a large classroom or conference setting.

Conclusion

The Google TV Streamer (4K) may not be the smallest or least expensive way to cast screens to a projector but for all it does, it is a bargain at $80. Its included remote control and AC adapter are nice touches as are its Bluetooth connection, HDR video, and its ability to project 4K screens using either Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet data.

To cast, you don't need any extra hardware but are limited to Chrome browser and Chromecast apps. Still, the TV Streamer can connect anyone in the room with a phone, tablet, or notebook to show off their screens, making it nothing short of a technological miracle that can put a variety of participants on the same page.

It may not be perfect, but Google's TV Streamer (4K) is my choice for the best projector accessory for casting screens to a projector. With it, digital school lessons and business presentations will never be the same.

IOGear Mini Wireless 4K Screen Sharing (GWAVR4K)

Price: $60

Star Rating

Pros

Cons

With some of the smallest casting hardware around, the IOGear Mini Wireless 4K Stream Sharing kit lives up to its name. It works with Miracast and AirPlay, yet doesn't need any hardware on the sender's system, meaning that just about any recent computer can connect. Capable of 4K transmissions, the IOGear module costs $60, making it a good choice for retrofitting a building full of projectors.

Unfortunately, the unit's set up process is a bit involved, and the device can get hot. That being said, IOGear's Mini Wireless 4K Screen Sharing kit a great way to boost collaboration on a tight budget.

Features

Small and light, IOGear's Mini Wireless 4K Screen Sharing kit is one of the least expensive ways to update unconnected projectors to support screen sharing. No bigger than a USB flash drive, the IOGear Mini Wireless 4K Screen Sharing device is tiny next to the competition at half an ounce and 1 x 2.5 x 0.4 inches (WHD). In fact, the Mini Wireless 4K Screen Sharing can be permanently installed on a projector or carried in a pocket and used as needed.

The IOGear hardware doesn't include an AC adapter, although the USB ports on the three test projectors supplied enough power. Its 51-inch connection cable has an HDMI connector at one end, a micro-USB for power at the other, and a small external radio module. Wiring can get sloppy but adding a Velcro strap can tidy things up.

Based on Miracast and AirPlay technology, the beauty of the IOGear design is that it doesn't require any device on the sender's system, yet works with Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Chromebook systems. The device lacks a moderator function so a tag team presentation requires the first presenter to disengage before the next one can connect.

It may be among the cheapest casting kits at $60, but the Mini Wireless 4K Screen Sharing kit takes a big step up beyond HD imaging to support projecting full 4K screens at up to 2160 resolution. On the other hand, its peak frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps) could disappoint; others top out at 60fps.

As is the case with most other add-on streamers, IOGear backs the Mini Wireless 4K Screen Sharing system with a one-year warranty. There's no user guide with details, but its Quick Start Guide is a good beginning, and its page of connection shortcuts is a nice touch.

Performance

The IOGear Mini Wireless 4K Screen Sharing kit's setup process is a little more involved than other casting streamers that starts with plugging it into the projector's HDMI port and using the included cable to connect to the projector's USB power. When plugged in, the unit's blue LED ring lights up, although it doesn't change color when it's online. There's a recessed reset button on top.

At this point, it projected a QR code with connection instructions that require connecting the sender's system to the receiver's Wi-Fi network. After going to the device's settings page at 192.168.203.1, I changed the device's Wi-Fi configuration to connect with my office's network. I was casting a moment after that. It took seven minutes to complete and only needed to be done once.

Based on Miracast and AirPlay, the Mini Wireless 4K Screen Sharing kit worked with everything from my Samsung Galaxy Book, Tab S8 tablet, and Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook to an iPad and MacBook Air. During a two-week evaluation period, I projected a slew of material, including online videos, educational content, spreadsheets, and an assortment of artistic photos and paintings.

Overall, its video was sharp and smooth, and it runs a screensaver slideshow when there's no connection. On the other hand, the stream started breaking up at 60 feet, making its range shorter than other casters. Still, it should be plenty for the typical conference or classroom.

On the downside, while being used, the device topped out at a hot 121.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

Conclusion

The IOGear Mini Wireless 4K Screen Sharing gear may be inexpensive at $60, but it's a powerful way to get everyone in a room on the same page digitally. Able to add excellent casting potential to a projector while working with a wide range of notebooks, phones, and tablets, it doesn't require any extra hardware on the sending side.

It is small and light enough to carry around and use when needed, although the IOGear Mini Wireless 4K Screen Sharing kit will likely be plugged in to a projector permanently. Able to handle 4K casting, the screen sharing kit's set up is a bit involved but is the least expensive way to provide the infrastructure to give everyone in a room a chance at projecting their screen.

Unitek Wireless HDMI Transmitter and Receiver Kit (V1183)

Price: $100

Star Rating

Pros

Cons

By offering HDMI and old-school VGA ports, Unitek's Wireless HDMI Transmitter & Receiver Kit opens screen casting to projectors old and new. It requires a transmitter plugged into the sender's system to make the connection, however, and lacks 4K imaging. Happily, Unitek sells its transmitters separately so that you can buy a room full of sending modules without having to get more receivers than you need.

The $100 Wireless HDMI Transmitter & Receiver Kit may be pricey, but it can put anyone's screen front and center.

Features

While its design might be a bit chunky, Unitek's Wireless HDMI Transmitter & Receiver Kit can connect any computer in the room. As its name implies, it's a two-piece kit with a sender and receiver.

At 5.7 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches (WHD), the receiver has 4.8-inch aimable antennas, making it potentially hard to hide. However, it's easy to use adhesive Velcro to attach it to a projector.

The receiver plugs into the projector's HDMI or VGA port giving it the ability to be used with older projectors. While it lacks a VGA cable, the kit included a short HDMI cable. Its USB-C port is for power, but the set didn't include an AC adapter. The casting kit's power cord worked well with my test projectors.

At the other end of the casting equation is the Unitek's HDMI transmitter. It plugs into a notebook's HDMI video port, weighs 1.3 ounces, and is a 2.3-inch diameter disc that is a half-inch thick. Its 3.5-inch flat cable hangs off the side of the computer. There's a USB-C power port at the other end, but it wasn't necessary.

At $100, the Unitek hardware is on the pricey side, but it can be an economical purchase for a room full of transmitters because Unitek sells extra transmitters for $45 each. The bad news is that the company's similar V1184 USB-C based transmitters are not compatible with the V1183 HDMI-based system that we looked at.

While the transmitter has a single connection button, the receiver has an On/Off switch and a recessed reset key for wiping its settings and starting over. Both have LEDs that light up blue when online. The receiver's 3.5 millimeter audio-out jack allows the Unitek system to drive an external sound system; the Google TV Streamer does it one better with Bluetooth audio.

The wireless kit can handle HD video and uses both the 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands. Able to use HDCP, the Unitek hardware can be used to project a variety of online streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney, and HBO Max at school (for lunchtime movies) or work (for lunchtime movies).

Its two-year warranty doubles the single year of coverage that the others provide. The company's support site lacks anything directly related to the device at hand but there's 800-number and email help available.

Performance

Plugged in and ready to go, the Unitek device's startup screen shows its Wi-Fi network and password. After pressing the Pair button, the sender's screen was displayed. It was immediately projecting from a Samsung Galaxy Book notebook, Macbook Air, or Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook.

Phones and tablets have it easier. After connecting to the receiver's LAN, turn on an iPhone and iPad's screen mirroring or an Android's screen sharing. A moment later the screen is being projected.

Offering the luxury of choosing between HDMI and VGA outputs, the Unitek casting kit can connect with up to eight users but lacks a moderator function. The current caster needs to disengage before the next in line connects by pressing the transmitter's button.

Over two weeks of use, I used the Wireless HDMI Transmitter & Receiver Kit to show everything from videos and business presentations to classroom lessons, artistic photos, and paintings without a problem. The action was sharp, clear, and artifact-free, with minimal lag and no dropped frames.

The kit had a range of 75 feet and hit a peak of 91 degrees Fahrenheit. I appreciated the ability to send the sound to external speakers, which could help in a large conference room or lecture hall.

Its settings page is available via a browser at the 192.168.203.1 IP address. It allows the choosing between 480p, 720p, and 1080p video, as well as naming the device and updating its firmware.

Conclusion

It may be a bit big, bulky, and expensive at $100, but Unitek's Wireless HDMI Transmitter & Receiver Kit can turn a room full of disconnected participants into a collaborative group. By quickly and easily casting screens from a variety of platforms to the projector, everyone in the room can contribute, regardless of whether it's at school or work.

The Wireless HDMI Transmitter & Receiver Kit's VGA and HDMI video connections are matched by the ability to buy separate sending units so that every room has the right amount of gear to connect everyone.

ViewSonic Wireless Screen Casting Kit (PJ-WPD-700)

Price: $110

Star Rating

Pros

Cons

If you are looking for the easiest way to transmit screens from a participant to the room's projector, then look no further than ViewSonic's Wireless Casting Kit. It doesn't need any app to be loaded and can connect a room full of collaborators with a projector. It may be sold by ViewSonic, but the Wireless Screen Casting Kit works with any recent projector and a variety of systems.

Unfortunately, its transmissions are limited to 5GHz, and it only works with devices that deliver video via their USB-C port, potentially limiting its usefulness with older computers. Still, it could be the quickest and easiest way to cast to a projector.

Features

The ViewSonic Wireless Casting Kit may come from one of the largest makers of projectors, but it works with just about any projector with an HDMI input. The kit has two parts, starting with the receiver's 27-inch cable that plugs into the projector's HDMI port for video at one end and a USB Type A plug for power at the other end. It lacks a legacy analog port.

At the transmitting end of the casting equation, participants need to plug a 1.3 ounce device into their notebook, phone, or tablet's USB-C port. Sadly, there's no HDMI version. The 2.7 x 1.6 x 0.7-inch (WHD) sending device is self-powered, but it awkwardly hangs from a 4-inch cable. The transmitter has pairing and reset buttons as well as an LED that's solid white when the device is online.

The $110 set is all there is. ViewSonic doesn't sell transmitters separately. That leaves an organization with the unenviable task of buying sets and putting the extra receivers away in a drawer.

Capable of moving HD video, the ViewSonic wireless caster doesn't require an app or changing Wi-Fi settings. It creates a peer-to-peer video connection using 5GHz Wi-Fi transmissions but ignores the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band.

While it's not something that is a make-or-break feature for most, the kit can project DRM-protected material with HDCP. This allows the kit to transmit Netflix, HBOMax, Disney, and other protected programming, so it can be used for a rainy day indoor recess showing of Hilda or watching a ball game during lunch.

Its one-year warranty is standard for this type of gear. There's a lot of self-help items, like the device's manual, available on ViewSonic's support pages as well as help pairing the device and a video.

Performance

After plugging both ends of the cable in, the projector displayed its connection screen, and a moment after pressing the transmitter's pairing key, I was online with HD video. It all took less than five seconds and mirrored the screens of a variety of systems, including my Samsung Galaxy Book notebook, Tab S8 tablet, Macbook Air, and Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook. It only works with newer USB-C based iPads, though.

The technology can accommodate up to eight users, but it lacks any provision for a moderator to pick the system that's projecting its screen. In other words, switching requires the current caster to stop the feed before starting another. The ViewSonic transmitters are small and light enough to pass around as needed.

At the other end, the receiver's built-in settings page is available at an IP address of 192.168.203.1 to show the current resolution and frame rate. It offers adjustments and the ability to reset or restart devices.

Over the course of a couple weeks of use, I showed everything from online videos and business presentations to classroom lessons, artistic photos, and paintings. The action was sharp with minimal lag and no dropped frames. Its 75-foot range should be good enough for most business and educational settings.

On the other hand, even with vents along its edge, the wireless transmitter hit a peak of 121.6 degrees Fahrenheit, which was hot to the touch.

Conclusion

If you think of ViewSonic's Wireless Screen Casting Kit as a wireless replacement for an HDMI video cable connecting a projector, you get an idea of its potential to transmit any computer's display onto the big screen. Easy to set up and use, the system doesn't need any app but requires using hardware at both ends and only works with video sent through a USB-C port leaving older computers unconnected.

The $110 Wireless Screen Casting Kit is only available as a transmitter-receiver set, meaning that you will probably end up in the unenviable position of not having enough transmitters or being stuck with a bunch of extra receivers.

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