How to Chromecast a Poker Blinds Timer to a TV

1. You cast a tab, not a special TV app

Chromecast works here by casting a Chrome browser tab, so there is nothing to install on the TV beyond the Chromecast or Google TV that already has it built in. The timer itself is the same free web page you would run on a laptop, just shown on the big screen.

Because you are casting a tab, the TV mirrors what the tab shows. Choose Cast tab rather than casting your whole desktop, so notifications and other windows stay off the shared screen.

2. Same-Wi-Fi checklist before you cast

Casting is a local-network feature, so the computer and the receiver must be on the same Wi-Fi. Most casting problems are really network problems, so confirm this first.

• Computer and Chromecast or Google TV on the same Wi-Fi, not a guest network that isolates devices
• Chrome updated to a recent version on the casting computer
• TV switched to the Chromecast input and awake
• The timer loaded at / before you start casting, since the page needs a connection to load

3. Cast tab vs cast desktop

Chrome offers Cast tab and Cast screen, which casts the whole desktop. For a tournament clock, Cast tab is the better choice: it sends only the timer tab and its audio, so the room sees a clean clock.

Cast desktop mirrors your entire screen, which is heavier and can put stray windows or alerts on the TV. Use it only if you specifically need to show something outside the browser.

4. Fill the TV with the clock

Once the tab is on the TV, make the clock as large and readable as possible before players sit down.

• Load your saved structure or edit the levels, small blind, big blind, ante, and minutes
• Press the timer full-screen button so the clock fills the TV
• Check the current blinds and remaining time are readable from the farthest seat
• Confirm the next level is visible so the table can prepare for each increase

5. Test the sound alerts through the TV

The WTGB timer plays a short warning beep one minute before a level ends and a distinct tone when the new blinds begin. Browsers only allow audio after you interact with the page, so press Start once and keep sound turned on.

When you Cast tab, the tab audio travels to the TV. Set a short one-minute test level, let it run down, and confirm the room can hear both the one-minute warning and the level-change beep at the TV volume you plan to use.

6. Keep an HDMI failover ready

Wireless casting depends on the network, so on crowded or unfamiliar Wi-Fi it can stutter or drop. A wired HDMI cable removes the network from the display path entirely and is the most reliable backup.

For the full wired walkthrough see /guides/poker-timer-hdmi-extend-display and /guides/how-to-show-poker-timer-on-tv. If you host on Apple devices, /guides/how-to-airplay-poker-timer-from-ipad and /airplay-poker-timer cover the AirPlay path. When Wi-Fi is the real risk, read /guides/offline-poker-blinds-timer before game night.