MacDirectory Magazine

Essentials for Graphic Designers

MacDirectory magazine is the premiere creative lifestyle magazine for Apple enthusiasts featuring interviews, in-depth tech reviews, Apple news, insights, latest Apple patents, apps, market analysis, entertainment and more.

Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1154153

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 81 of 123

The Control Center accepts up to four HDMI inputs, and features a single HDMI output to your TV or A/V receiver—it also works with soundbars. There are a few additional connections, like a wired Ethernet port (it also works on WiFi) and a plug for the included IR blasters, but it's otherwise a dead simple installation process. The software setup is just as easy, though it requires a bit more time. Caavo has managed to get automatic detection working for all of my inputs, quickly recognizing my TV model, cable box, PlayStation 4, Chromecast, and Apple TV—this part was very impressive and eliminated a lot of hassle. Because of the Caavo overlay, a neat picture-in-picture function has you confirm each of the four inputs ("Is this your AppleTV?"). It even directed me how to change the settings on my PlayStation 4 to work better with the Caavo, allowing me to operate the PS4 within the smaller window and make the necessary changes right on screen without changing inputs. To get the most out of the Caavo, you'll want a compatible streaming media player—which currently boils down to a Roku, Apple TV (version 4 or greater), Fire TV, or Nvidia Shield. Having one of these connected allows the Caavo to directly launch apps on your behalf, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or HBO Go. After the fairly straightforward setup process, the Caavo really flexes its muscles. Universal search functionality allows you to search across all your streaming applications, source inputs, YouTube and even available TV content to find exactly what you're looking for. Is your program not available? The Caavo will help you find where to rent or buy it, too. It's surprisingly effective and way better than my past approach, which was to use a separate app on my smartphone to search for where a movie or show might be streaming. Making it even easier, the Caavo

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of MacDirectory Magazine - Essentials for Graphic Designers