Onkyo Corp. completed a string of announcements this week that it is now delivering firmware updates that bring support for Chromecast streaming services to key wireless speakers and AV receivers across its stable of home theater audio brands — Onkyo, Integra and Pioneer.
This firmware release enhances audio streaming and the wireless multi-room ecosystem that are integrated into key components from each brand.
Chromecast built-in allows users to share a wide selection of music, Internet radio, podcasts, and other programs from popular Chromecast-enabled apps. Chromecast built-in is supported on iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android phones and tablets, Chromebook, and Chrome browser on Mac, Windows, and Linux PCs.
Read more about the Onkyo, Integra and Pioneer components getting Chromecast updates after the jump:
Components getting the Chromecast update under the Onkyo brand include the following AV receivers: , , , , , , , , , , , and ; the home theater in a box, the soundbar system, and the just-launched multiroom wireless speaker ($349 suggested retail price).
Under Integra the firmware update will bring the latest Chromecast streaming support to the following AV receivers: , , (pictured at top), , , , , DSX-3 and the DLB-5 object-based audio soundbar system.
Under Pioneer Home Entertainment the Chromecast built-in firmware update is being added to AV receivers including the Elite series: , , , , , , , and the soundbar. Under the Pioneer series are the following AV receivers: , , , and ; and the and network receiver/CD player systems. The update will also be added to the just released MRX-3 multiroom wireless speaker ($349 suggested retail).
The firmware update adds support for Google Home, and audio devices featuring the forthcoming Google Assistant. Users can ask Google Home to find music from supported streaming services and play it back through their suppoting component. Operations such as volume adjustment and song selection can also be performed using voice commands.
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Following the firmware update, users should be able to use the Chromecast system to stream audio from mobile devices to components by tapping or clicking on an icon built into Chromecast. This sends audio to the receiver or speaker system wirelessly, with sampling rates of up to 48 kHz supported for lossless sources.
All of the products with Chromecast built-in feature on-board Ethernet or dual-band 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for stable, interference-free streaming with less buffering and fewer dropouts.
Chromecast built-in allows use of other apps while streaming music. Listeners can answer calls, send emails, or play games without interrupting audio playback. The platform also enables streaming of single or multiple audio sources to other Chromecast-enabled speakers simultaneously. No special device setup, password entry, or pairing process is required to connect and stream via Chromecast built-in, providing both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
To enjoy the Chromecast built-in on the supported products, apps must be Chromecast-enabled and the receiver and device must be connected to the same network.
By Greg Tarr
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Will TX-NR 636 be updated?
Hi Fernando, Sorry, the company said the Onkyo TX-NR636 does not include some of the necessary supporting hardware to accept the Chromecast update. However, you can purchase a Chromecast dongle inexpensively and add it to the receiver as an external source device. – GT
When will RZ TX 900 be updated with chrome cast audio… I really need this asap!!!!
Doug — According to Onkyo: the TX-RZ900, which came out in 2015, has a chipset that unfortunately does not support Chromecast built-in. However, you could simply plug in a Chromecast dongle (audio only or HDMI) for $35 to get similar capability. Set-up is said to easy. Hope this helps. — GT
I’d like to see the TX-NR626 getting the same update :)
Disappointed to not see the TX NR-646 on this list.
Matteo, update anyway. I have the same model and I’m listening to Spotify, casting right now. It showed up in Spotify’s available devices after the update.
RZ900?! :(
NR 626 not in list :(
Matteo, update anyway. I have the same model and I’m listening to Spotify, casting right now. It showed up in Spotify’s available devices after the update.
TX-NR 636 will be updated?
Waht about TX-NR 616 Receiver
I have the same model but doubt they’d add to this model since this model also lack Deezer. I’m not kissing much as I have. Spotify connect support. It would be nice to have the ChromeCast support.