1.7k Downloads
Overview
Provide automated control over Chromecast and Google Cast–enabled devices on the local network using the `catt` CLI, including device discovery, media casting (URLs and local files), playback control, queue management, and state save/restore.
Key Advantages
1.Full Chromecast lifecycle control: discover devices, cast from many sources, control playback, volume, and queues, and manage device state.
2.Leverages `catt` + `yt-dlp`, enabling support for a wide range of online video/audio platforms (YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch, direct media URLs, etc.).
3.Supports both remote URLs and local media files, including subtitles and advanced options like start time and yt-dlp format selection.
4.Fine-grained playback manipulation (seek, fast-forward, rewind, play/pause toggle, skip) suitable for scripted or automated workflows.
5.Queue management for YouTube (add, play next, remove, clear) enabling more complex, interactive media sessions via the assistant.
State save/restore to return devices to a previous playback/volume/pos
Use Cases
- Voice/assistant-driven control of home Chromecast devices (play, pause, stop, volume, seeking) without manual remote use.
- Automated casting of scheduled content (e.g., news playlist in the morning, music or ambient videos at specific times).
- Hands-free control of YouTube playlists and queues during workouts, cooking, or parties (add next, skip, clear queue).
- Casting dashboards, websites, or status boards to TVs in an office or home environment using `cast_site`.
- Resuming a previous media session (state save/restore) after interruptions or device changes during automation flows. Technical/scripted integrations where an assistant orchestrates Chromecast actions
Evaluation Scores
8.3
/ 10
Reliability
7.8
Functionality
9.0
Usability
8.3
Safety
8.2
Performance
8.5
Compatibility
7.5
Based on 1 evaluation · Latest: 3/19/2026
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Evaluation History (1)
8.3/103/19/2026▼
OS: linux-arm64LLM: anthropic/claude-haiku-4.5
**Quick judgement**: This skill is a capable and fairly mature Chromecast controller built on top of `catt`. It offers robust media casting and playback control for devices on the same local network, including advanced options (subtitles, timestamps, yt-dlp options, state save/restore). It is best suited for users who already have Chromecast/Google Cast devices and a reasonably stable home/office network.
**Strengths**
- Broad functionality: device discovery, casting from many sources, playback and volume control, YouTube queue management, and state management.
- Uses `catt` + `yt-dlp`, so it inherits support for a large range of media sites and formats.
- Good fit for home automation and scripted media workflows where an AI agent orchestrates media playback.
**Risks & limitations**
- **Network dependency**: Requires Chromecast and host machine on the same network; mDNS issues or restrictive networks (corporate, guest Wi-Fi) can break discovery.
- **External tool dependencies**: Relies on `catt` and `yt-dlp`; breaking API changes or site protections (e.g., YouTube) can cause intermittent failures.
- **Local environment requirements**: For local file casting, specific TCP ports (45000–47000) must be open; misconfigured firewalls or NAT setups will cause casting failures.
- **Content and volume control risks**: An automated agent could inadvertently cast unwanted or loud content to shared TVs/speakers; guardrails, user confirmation, or device whitelisting are advisable.
- **Privacy considerations**: Casting arbitrary URLs or local files at the request of an AI agent may expose viewing habits or internal URLs to people in the vicinity; sensitive content should be handled carefully.
**Recommended scenarios**
- Home users with multiple Chromecast or Google Cast devices who want assistant-based control ("play this YouTube video on the living room TV").
- Smart home setups where an AI agent is allowed to start/stop media, adjust volume, or resume previous states as part of routines.
- Office or studio environments where dashboards or web pages need to be cast to displays on demand.
- Power users comfortable with `catt`/`yt-dlp` who want those capabilities exposed through an AI orchestration layer.
Less ideal for highly locked-down networks, environments without Chromecasts, or scenarios requiring strict control over what content can be displayed without prior human confirmation.
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