Google Cast

Google Cast lets you send OnSong to a Chromecast, Google TV, or other Cast receiver on your Wi-Fi network so your lyrics appear on the big screen, complete with motion backgrounds and live video. It’s a great way to put words in front of your audience without wiring up a projector. Here’s how it works:

Permissions

Open the External Video screen and tap the Cast button in the toolbar. OnSong needs two permissions to find receivers on your network:

• Location lets the app and the Google Cast device know which Wi-Fi network you’re on.
• Local Network allows the system to discover Cast devices around you.

Until you allow them, the Google Cast screen shows Find Your TV. Tap Continue and allow both, and OnSong starts looking for devices. If you turned either one off, tap Open Settings and turn them back on for OnSong.

The Google Cast button appears on iPhone, iPad, and devices with Google Play Services. It is not available on the Mac app.

Choose a Device

The Google Cast screen lists every receiver OnSong finds on your network, each with its name and model. Tap one to connect. A spinner shows while it connects, and then OnSong asks what the display should show.

• While OnSong is still looking, you’ll see Looking for TVs… with a spinner. If nothing turns up, it shows No TVs Found along with a reminder to check that your device is powered on and on the same Wi-Fi network. Tap Scan to look again, or Use a Web Browser to cast to a browser instead.
• Only one receiver plays at a time. Tapping a different device switches to it.

If your device doesn’t appear, make sure it’s on the same Wi-Fi network as your OnSong device and that you allowed the Location and Local Network permissions above.

Choose Display

After you connect, the Choose Display prompt asks what the receiver should show:

• Projector shows lyrics for the audience.
• Stage Monitor shows the chart view for performers.

If you close the prompt without choosing, the receiver shows Projector. Once you choose, the screen closes and the Cast button in the External Video toolbar lights up to show you’re casting. When you open the Google Cast screen again, the connected receiver shows a checkmark and the toolbar shows a red Stop button. Tap the connected receiver again to switch between Projector and Stage Monitor, or tap Stop under the choices to end the session.

Stop

Tap the red Stop button in the toolbar to end the session, including a web browser cast, and close the screen. You can also swipe the connected receiver to the left and tap Stop to end its session and keep the list open.

Cast to a Web Browser

Under Other, tap Web Browser to cast to a computer instead of a dedicated receiver. OnSong shares a web address which you can copy, AirDrop, or send, then open in a browser on a laptop that’s connected to a projector or TV. The browser becomes your display. Tapping in the middle of the browser screen goes into full screen mode.

As noted at the bottom of the screen: Motion backgrounds and live video may appear with a slight delay, especially on slower or busier networks.