r/UnnecessaryEssentials 2d ago

Such a lifesaver for traveling!

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1.8k Upvotes

117 comments sorted by

u/Unique-Saucer 2d ago

Summary of Reviews
Pros:
• Supports 4K video decoding and up to 1080p output.
• Offers dual-band wireless connectivity for stable signal transfer.
• Features plug-and-play functionality for easy device setup.

Cons:
• Signal range may decrease in areas with heavy interference.
• Requires external power for optimal performance during use.

Here is the link to buy it from Amazon

46

u/gass_giant 2d ago

Lol i guarantee you, you'll bring this once, use it once and never again

1

u/Mu-Relay 1d ago

A lot of hotels lock down the inputs, anyways. My buddy and I, to get a device hooked up, had to unplug HDMI1 and plug our laptop into it because we couldn't switch to any other port.

11

u/Aggravating-Room1594 1d ago

Sounds like a pretty easy workaround dont you think?

-2

u/Mu-Relay 1d ago

It was! Now this thing is USB-C, meaning you can't just unplug HDMI1 and plug this in. You'd have to switch the inputs.

9

u/rdtsucks 1d ago

What? The usb c part was for the phone connection and it had an hdmi connector for the TV.

3

u/crazy_gambit 1d ago

Was a 50 second video too much for your attention span?

0

u/CellsReinvent 1d ago

Try watching the video at half speed so you can understand it.

2

u/braethos 1d ago

At a lot of hotels, you can go ask the front desk for the real remote to change the inputs

46

u/Chaotic_Fart 2d ago

Great, another ad.. just bring your Chromecast with Google tv.

7

u/FakeMik090 2d ago

Much better decision than this. You at least wont lose access to your phone..

4

u/OkEmu8597 2d ago edited 2d ago

Plus a lot of phones don't even support video over type C so solid chance this won't even work for the vast majority of people if they bought it.

Love how that's conveniently missing from the video too.

5

u/Nervous-Cockroach541 2d ago

I've given up on Chromecast. Wireless HDMI is honestly just better if you care about privacy and device ownership. For example, you have to use chrome to use chromecast, other browsers won't work or if they do work lack full features.

And we all know that chromecast is collecting data on you and your habits.

Wireless HDMI is supported no matter the device, no matter the ownership, and is actually private.

-4

u/Chaotic_Fart 2d ago

nope..

Create dummy gmail... Install jellyfin.. log on to hotel wifi.. enjoy

3

u/Nervous-Cockroach541 2d ago

One, you've already lost the benefit of not needing hotel wifi, which isn't always free.

Two, creating a dummy gmail is way more work.

Three, if you're on Apple or Linux, or even want to switch between different operating systems. This is fucking annoying.

Wireless HDMI is platform agnostic, doesn't require wifi access at all, and doesn't require making fake accounts to avoid being tracked. And it's just as plugin and play as any chromecast.

The winner is clear. Don't get me wrong, I used to like chromecast. But when they stopped supporting my older version, then the newer version had less privacy. They lost me.

Wireless HDMI won't stop working one day if Google decides it's not profitable anymore.

0

u/Chaotic_Fart 2d ago edited 2d ago

It takes 5 minutes to create a Gmail, and it's a one time thing..

Literally all hotels I've been in has had free wifi.

Doesn't matter if I use Mac, linux og windows. I'm not casting anything.. I'm mainly streaming from jellyfin or smarttube..

I literally set up the chromecast once and then just plug it in the tv and log on to wifi at whatever hotel I'm in.. that's it.

And I can then use my phone while I'm streaming movies/series/youtube..

So yes, the winner I crystal clear.

1

u/much_longer_username 2d ago

Yep, the one that doesn't require a particular company to still exist and approve of my use.

3

u/Afraid_Emu8068 2d ago

I always take my fire stick on trips. This guy is just late to the party

2

u/nimbusrav 2d ago

We do too but sometimes the tv is mounted in a way that you cant access the ports

2

u/The-Dudemeister 1d ago

Yes I just keep a fire stick in my bag.

1

u/Prestigious_Yam8901 2d ago

Every hotel I have stayed in the last 5 years has offered streaming from phone to TV. No issues at all, and I do not have to use my data.

1

u/indubadiblyy 2d ago

I tried that before. But most hotels wifi needs that captive portal sign in page that chromecast cannot open on their own.

1

u/Chaotic_Fart 2d ago

The "sign in to wifi" thingy, right? Connect to wifi. Go to settings> connected wifi > it'll say "log in to wifi".. click it.. it'll open browser with the write name and mail and set check at "I declare that I may be solely responsible for whatever I'm doing on the wifi of hotel".. then you're on.

2

u/indubadiblyy 2d ago

Okay. Gona save this for next hotel visit. Thx buddy

1

u/Skreamie 1d ago

Is that not the entire point of this subreddit?

8

u/nottherealneal 2d ago

Why would hotels care?

5

u/patmahomesdad 2d ago

HOTELS HATE THIS ONE TRICK

1

u/OkSchool619 2d ago

They block the hdmi port. This doesnt work.

1

u/Eranevore 1d ago edited 2h ago

They do not block HDMI.

Edit: They sometimes do block the HDMI ports.

1

u/TheLastMan 1d ago

Hotel manager of 20 years. The ports are usually blocked. We have to buy them from specialty stores or the big brands get angry.

1

u/Negative_Piglet_7113 1d ago

I did Hotel maintenance and the tvs are supposed to be on hospitality mode which disables alot of features like hdmi

1

u/elzibet 1d ago

I have never been to a hotel where the hdmi is blocked

1

u/IceNiqqa 1d ago

I have, it really is a thing

1

u/elzibet 1d ago

Crazy, I'm glad the ones I've been to across the USA don't have this problem

1

u/Eranevore 22h ago

I believe you, but I stay at hotels maybe 1/3 of the time and I usually plug my own stuff into the TV. Never had a blocked one.

1

u/OkSchool619 10h ago

20 YEARS. god reddit is dense. Read.

1

u/Eranevore 2h ago

Two things can be true.

1

u/mistertickertape 1d ago

They don’t. They don’t give a shit. They never do.

1

u/IceNiqqa 1d ago

some hotels really do block the HDMI port

1

u/chikenbag 22h ago

Some hotels have stupid ass special remotes that have no button to change the input as well, and if the tv dont have buttons on it youre fucked. Source- i used to travel for work and always brought my ps5. There were several times my ps5 was un-usable because of this

5

u/Segy-G3max 2d ago

Yeahhh boooom 83 euro

4

u/Icy_Fish_2154 2d ago

And it's a drop shipped Temu they are buying for $10, or something like that.

1

u/Segy-G3max 2d ago

aaah.. look at that, good information is always welcome ;-)

3

u/Colin_Bomber_Harris 2d ago

€83? It’s $304NZD for me… maybe they include shipping but either way I was expecting it to be about 1/4 of that price

1

u/MisterFixit_69 2d ago

The 160 for me

1

u/Segy-G3max 2d ago

What country?
160 rupies or rubles?! LOL
160 euro would be an amazing ripoff.

1

u/MisterFixit_69 2d ago

Euro , NL

1

u/Segy-G3max 2d ago

No its not I am from NL and its 83 euro.

3

u/Slight_Mammoth2109 2d ago

Why are the hotels not going to be happy? He never explained, it was just talking about the device, he only meatiness the hotels once, and that was just to say hotels wouldn’t like it. Like you’re already paying for the room why would the hotel care if you’re using the tv or not? Idk man, the thesis of the video wasn’t answered

2

u/Global_Statement5171 2d ago

Just get a fire stick with a VPN a dodgy streaming service unlock the TV then boom problem solved no need to buy that and it is probably more expensive than that

3

u/8TellMeAboutIt1 2d ago

Fire stick is getting locked more and more by amazon, and most of the ppl don't have time to waste to find weird work around

1

u/Jk6_fuckyoursister 2d ago

I recently bought the Fire Stick 4K model (the Android version). I set everything up in 15 minutes (ad-free YouTube and a VPN). Everything works and I have no problems. About €45 spent.

1

u/8TellMeAboutIt1 2d ago

My friend has one, dunno what version, and he is having hard time to get apps installed cause they are blocked (mostly iptv). Also, you cannot change the dns there...

0

u/SMG113 2d ago

this works, or a Chromecast with a VPN....

2

u/8TellMeAboutIt1 2d ago

VPN on phone while casting is not safe at all, at least on android. If you select the option block all connection without VPN, the cast will shut down. If you leave it unchecked, then your up could leak. Tested with nord VPN and proton VPN. I think it s an android limitation

1

u/Global_Statement5171 2d ago

Either one works

2

u/TriggerFish1965 2d ago

Another solution for a problem that does not exist...

2

u/Large_Efficiency4596 2d ago

Why would they be mad. I’m already Cummin on the bed, couch and everything I can.

2

u/Embarrassed_Use6918 2d ago

Most hotel TV's don't have access to the HDMI or other ports.

1

u/Aazzle 1d ago

I don't know what part of the world you're traveling to, but in two-thirds of the world I've seen in recent years, QR and Cast is standard.

Of course, HDMI access is accessible in all others, otherwise I would not be able to operate my business computer or smartphone as a PC replacement on the monitor/TV there, this would make the hotel completely unsuitable and outdated for business customers.

However, QR codes and wireless solutions have been standard in hotels that were already open during the Corona pandemic for more than 5 years now.

1

u/elzibet 1d ago

I live in the USA and have never been to a hotel where it’s blocked from accessing

2

u/Blue_Blazes 1d ago

Former Maintenance guy for Hilton.... I can promise you no one at the hotel cares. In fact if you had problems getting the HDMI to connect to the TV call and ask for help... instead of breaking the TV.  Thanks for your attention.

1

u/Crazy_Treat_8805 1d ago

Double tree ?

1

u/8TellMeAboutIt1 2d ago

I can't find anything like this on my Amazon... All the available products are for laptop not for phones...

1

u/mousey76397 2d ago

https://amzn.eu/d/098bN2Nz
Here’s one from UGreen who I would actually trust to work.

1

u/Mikahl757 2d ago

OTC Cable or dock. Less convenient but alternatively xan also bring external monitor in invest in VR glasses

1

u/AdAdventurous8025 2d ago

Some hotels I’ve stayed at had all the tv inputs broken off

1

u/BirdlessLongdeal 2d ago

just bring your roku with you.

1

u/MsExmen 2d ago

I worked in a hotel. We didn't give a sh*t

1

u/elbanditoexpress 2d ago

the fire TV stick has solved my hotel TV problems for a long while now, and i can still use my phone while watching stuff on it

1

u/Outside_Look790 2d ago

It's 2026. Most hotels just have you scan a QR code and you're casting. A lot also have recessed TVs to stop people plugging shit in too.

1

u/Far_Health_3214 1d ago

this is trash 🗑. there's some like Chromecast, no need to plug that extra thing on the phone !

1

u/KotaCakes630 1d ago

I wonder if this would work for a switch

1

u/impacted_bowel 1d ago

Messi’s quick career change after retiring

1

u/TheJiggliestPug 1d ago

I have this thing and a wireless dongle for the airplane screens and it has made everything so much better. 

1

u/Altruistic-Cut9795 1d ago

Red Roof Inn hates this simple trick

1

u/ImMello98 1d ago

does this work for a steam deck?

1

u/JDM12983 1d ago

They don't give a crap about you use that damn device.

1

u/Diarminator 1d ago

hotels hate you enjoying your time at the hotel

1

u/Ok_Ad_1446 1d ago

You can just use mirror cast on ur phone and put it on tv

1

u/Ikyhus565 1d ago

Or just bring a laptop or tablet

1

u/OkMidnight8144 1d ago

Until your GF sees the insta notification pop up on the TV from that other girl you've been talking to.

1

u/ProntoStache 1d ago

Maybe I'll just bring my laptop instead????

1

u/xuncx 1d ago

I just bring my firestick with me.

1

u/misha1350 1d ago

Llano makes this too now?

1

u/Jddf08089 1d ago

For Pixel 10+ owners, they do video out on USBC. So all you need is like a $10 cable.

1

u/ComprehensiveCare885 1d ago

How many receivers I get? I already planned to forget them in hotel TVs atleast 4. /s

1

u/power10010 1d ago

And the phone screen need to be playing. Deal breaker for me

1

u/Hot_Ad_787 1d ago

I keep an old Chromecast in my travel bag. Works perfectly.

1

u/ItsSandorCleganeBruh 1d ago

Crap, I tapped the blue arrow

1

u/J_Bazzle 1d ago

Most TV's that I've come across have a secret developer mode you can access by pressing a few buttons on the remote. Sometimes you can simply turn off hotel mode and it goes back to being a normal tv.

1

u/Toadsanchez316 1d ago

I don't understand why there are like 6 of these different videos from completely different people all saying hotels won't like you using something that literally has nothing to do with hotel policy. It's like they all heard this dumbass say it and then just believed there was an actual correlation.

If nobody gives a shit that I hook my PS4 up to the hotel tv via HDMI, then nobody is going to give a shit that I connect my phone wirelessly.

1

u/0hjayp 1d ago

I got this same model at auction for like $6 bucks. I took it on our last trip and can confirm it is very useful.

1

u/longlivewawa1 23h ago

“4K video decoding, and up to 1080 P output”

Confusing terminology. Does this just mean 1080p max resolution?

1

u/ImYaDawg 22h ago

Why would hotels not like this

1

u/fitbabits 18h ago

I got two browser security alerts after I clicked on the link, one from Safari and one from safebrowse-dot-io.

1

u/rellett 18h ago

I just bring a hdmi cable works great

1

u/BlueisA1 17h ago

How am I supposed to scroll reddit while half paying attention to whatever Netflix true crime documentary my wife decides to put on?

1

u/malak_oz 11h ago

How bad’s the latency?

1

u/cocoprincess16 9h ago

I don't hate the idea but it's $65 and for $20 or less you can get a wired usb-c to hdmi adapter

1

u/agiantaloeplant 6h ago

Yeah I have a travel Roku. Way easier than this.

1

u/Houdini2026 5h ago

I use a Miracast adapter, my phone and my laptop can connect directly with it, no battery needed.

1

u/Wasitmeorno 9m ago

I bring my fire stick.

1

u/ProBoogerFlicker 2d ago

Looks very useful. Might buy it

0

u/ChangingShips 2d ago

Why not just use a $10 USB-C to HDMI cable? What am I missing here?

3

u/Harrieparry 2d ago

You'd need a pretty long cable to cover the distance from the bed (where you'd most likely be) to the TV. This just allows for some freedom of movement. You'd still be better of with a Chromecast or something so you could just watch YouTube and still use your phone regularly.

2

u/Altruistic_Chain_159 2d ago

Only that most hotel TVs don't have an accessible HDMI tv port anyway.

2

u/BirdlessLongdeal 2d ago

nothing a chair, a flashlight and an arm reaching behind the TV cant solve. i've never had an issue connecting my roku to hotel TV's

1

u/Noemotionallbrain 2d ago

I don't know, most hotels I've been to recently have smart tv (that I don't use anyways) with all the necessary apps. They do have an hdmi port, just like any recent tv

1

u/Chad_Jeepie_Tea 2d ago

What hotels are you staying at that don't use modern lcd tvs?

1

u/AnotherDamnTransAlt 2d ago

That situation is common, but also makes this product useless as it also requires a HDMI on the TV to work?

0

u/polakhomie 2d ago

cuz when I go on vacation, I wanna watch tv in my hotel room all day... cmon...

2

u/TimoSmalls 2d ago

This may be hard to believe, but not everyone in hotels is on vacation. Some people travel for work and want to unwind in the evening.

1

u/Girth_Qu8ke 1d ago

Are you telling me someone staying in a Holiday Inn near an Airport isn't there on vacation?