tech guidevenuesstreaming

Casting Alternatives: Best Hardware and Software for Community Hubs After Netflix’s Cut

mmalaya

2026-02-09

10 min read

Practical buyer’s guide for venues after Netflix removed mobile casting—hardware, software, licensing, and 2026 trends to keep your watch nights alive.

When Netflix quietly killed mobile casting in early 2026, thousands of community hubs, cafes and small venues woke up to a problem: the simple, one-tap setup they relied on for watch nights stopped working. If you run screenings, watch parties or cultural nights, here’s a practical, buy-now guide to get you back on air — legally, affordably and future-proofed.

Short answer: Don’t panic. The easiest path is to run Netflix (and other apps) natively on a smart TV or dedicated streaming box, pair that with proper venue licensing, and add a low‑cost mini‑PC or media player for flexibility. This guide walks you through hardware, software, network setup, licensing and operational tips tailored to community hubs in 2026.

What changed in 2026 — and why it matters for local hubs

In January 2026 Netflix removed broad support for phone-to‑TV casting, limiting the feature to a shrinking list of older devices and a few smart displays. That single product decision broke a common, low-cost workflow: staff or volunteers opening the Netflix app on a phone and casting to a Chromecast or smart TV to start a screening.

“Fifteen years after laying the groundwork for casting, Netflix pulled the plug on the technology…” — Janko Roettgers, The Verge, Jan 16, 2026

The consequence for venues: workflows that depended on second‑screen control no longer work reliably. Some venues still have older casting-compatible hardware that will continue to function for now, but relying on legacy behavior is fragile.

First things first: Legal and licensing checklist (don’t skip this)

Before buying anything, confirm whether your screening constitutes a public performance. Showing a movie or TV episode to your paying or non‑paying public audience usually requires a public performance license.

Contact licensing agencies: In most markets, companies like Swank Motion Pictures, MPLC and Criterion (regional variations exist) manage public screening rights. Expect a per‑title or annual fee.
Know the difference: Streaming at home (private viewing) is different from screening in a venue. Even free community screenings are public exhibitions.
Check platform terms: Netflix’s and other streamers’ terms typically prohibit public exhibition without a license. Extensions and watch-party hacks don’t legally replace a license.
Keep records: Retain invoices and license confirmations — some venues are audited.

Cost implication: Small venues often pay a few hundred dollars to several thousand a year depending on frequency, audience size and content. Factor licensing into your event pricing or sponsorships.

Hardware: Practical options by budget and scale

We break this down into three practical tiers: Budget, Midrange and Pro. Each setup lists recommended hardware, key pros/cons, and why it works after the Netflix cast change.

Budget setup (under ~USD 400)

Target: Cafes and micro‑hubs, screens up to 55" or a small projector
Core: Smart TV with built‑in Netflix app (Samsung, LG, Sony) or a low‑cost Roku/Fire TV stick that runs the Netflix app natively
Audio: Compact soundbar (Yamaha/Creative) or a powered PA speaker
Extras: HDMI HDMI cable, surge protector, spare remote app on phone

Why this works: Native app playback on a smart TV or streaming stick avoids casting entirely. You log into the app on the device itself and control playback with its remote. For small venues this is the quickest, lowest‑cost fix.

Midrange setup (USD 400–1,500)

Target: Community centers, small venues with regular events
Core: Apple TV 4K (2022/2023) or Roku Ultra / Amazon Fire TV Cube / NVIDIA Shield TV Pro — any box that hosts apps natively and offers stable updates
Control: Universal remote or mobile remote app; optional Crestron/Control4 integration for scheduled shows
Switching: Small HDMI switch (4×1) if you plan to bring laptops or game consoles
Audio: AV receiver (Denon/Yamaha) if using multiple inputs; passive PA + powered subwoofer for bigger rooms

Why this works: These boxes are updated and supported by manufacturers, run platform apps independently (no casting required) and give you app stability, 4K output and reliable DRM handling.

Pro setup (USD 1,500+)

Target: Venues that host ticketed screenings, film nights and hybrid events
Core: Mini‑PC (Intel NUC or CoreBox) running Windows or Linux for full browser/app control OR a dedicated streaming appliance (NVIDIA Shield TV Pro for Android TV or a managed OTT device)
AV routing: HDMI matrix (4×4 or 8×8) for multi‑screen venues, HDBaseT distribution or reliable streaming-over-IP encoders/decoders
Production: Blackmagic ATEM Mini switchers for live intro/outro, Elgato capture devices for archiving
Audio: Mixing console, passive PA with amplifiers, wireless mics for Q&A

Why this works: Full PC control lets you run browser‑based watch‑party extensions, preloaded content, multi‑language subtitles, and schedule automation. It also makes it easy to record Q&A sessions and push hybrid livestreams to YouTube or local archives.

Recommended devices (2026 picks)

Apple TV 4K (2022/2023) — rock‑solid app ecosystem, frequent updates, great for iPhone‑heavy staff
Roku Ultra — simple interface, reliable apps, affordable
Amazon Fire TV Cube — hands‑free Alexa control and powerful enough for 4K screening
NVIDIA Shield TV Pro — best for local playback, Plex servers and advanced streaming apps
Intel NUC / Mini‑PC — full control: browsers, capture, scheduling; ideal for hybrid production
BrightSign — for fixed playlist digital signage and scheduled local playback (not a substitute for Netflix streaming apps)

Software and watch‑party tech: virtual and hybrid approaches

There are two common scenarios post‑Netflix‑cast change: in‑venue single‑screen playback and hybrid/virtual watch parties where remote guests join. Each has different software needs.

In‑venue (single screen)

Run the Netflix app natively on the streaming device or smart TV.
Alternatively, use a mini‑PC with a Chromium/Firefox browser and login to streaming services; output via HDMI. This lets you manage subtitles, audio tracks and record intros.
Use local playlists and offline content for community footage, short films, and promos to avoid additional streaming bandwidth.

Hybrid/virtual watch parties

For hybrid events where online participants join, use synchronized watch‑party platforms — but be careful about terms of service and licensing.

Scener, Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party), TwoSeven, and Kast remain popular for synchronizing playback in browsers or on desktops. Many require each remote viewer to have their own streaming account for DRM compliance.
For ticketed hybrid events, consider Swank’s campus/venue solutions or professional streaming platform integrations that include licensing and pay‑per‑view models.
Use a mini‑PC in the venue to manage local playback and a separate encoder to stream your speaker/Q&A to remote guests — but keep the main screening separate if licensing forbids public streaming.

Network, security and 2026 connectivity considerations

Networks are more important than ever. In 2026 many venues juggle ticketing apps, contactless payments, live streams and guest Wi‑Fi simultaneously.

Bandwidth: Reserve at least 10–25 Mbps for a single 4K stream and more if you stream or upload event footage simultaneously.
Segmentation: Put streaming devices on a separate VLAN or wired network where possible. Avoid running venue POS and streaming on the same Wi‑Fi SSID.
Backups: A 5G or LTE backup router can save an event if the primary ISP fails.
Security: Keep streaming boxes updated, change default passwords, and disable unneeded services. Use device management tools for multi‑venue organizations.
Low latency: If you plan audience interactivity or live Q&A, prioritize low‑latency encoders and QoS rules for the event server.

Audio and projection — small changes, big impact

Audience experience is more than the picture. In 2026 audiences expect clean audio and readable captions.

Sound: For rooms under 100 people, a powered PA with two three‑way speakers and a subwoofer delivers far better results than a TV soundbar.
Mixing: A small mixer lets you control levels for trailers, announcements and live mics.
Captions: Test subtitle readability on the screen size and distance. Use high‑contrast screens or projectors with good lumen ratings.
Projectors: For multipurpose rooms, short‑throw laser projectors (3,000–5,000 lumens) plus a fixed screen are hassle‑free and brighter than consumer models.

Operations: How to run a Netflix-era watch night (step‑by‑step)

Pre‑event: Confirm licensing for the title. Reserve the streaming device and test playback on the exact hardware the day before.
Sign‑in: Use a dedicated account on the streaming device. Avoid logging into multiple personal accounts that may cause DRM conflicts.
Rehearse transitions: Run through intros, trailers and Q&A transitions with the AV tech or volunteer. Timecode your cues.
Accessibility: Enable subtitles and consider an assistive audio feed for hearing‑impaired guests.
Backup plan: Have a registered spare streaming box or a pre‑downloaded, licensed copy of content if internet fails.

Case studies — real venues, realistic budgets

Kampung Co‑Lab (small community café, Kuala Lumpur)

Problem: Relied on volunteers casting from phones; Netflix casting stopped mid‑event.

Solution: Bought a Roku Express 4K (USD 40), a compact soundbar (USD 150) and purchased an annual Swank community screening license for recurring film nights. Result: Stable playback, simple remote control, cost recovered in three months via ticket sales and donations.

Pasar Seni Community Hub (mid‑sized multiroom, Jakarta)

Problem: Multi‑room events and hybrid screenings required more control and occasional live Q&A.

Solution: Intel NUC mini‑PC (USD 600), Blackmagic ATEM Mini for live switching (USD 300), HDMI matrix (USD 900), AV receiver and a small PA (USD 1,200). Bought per‑title public performance rights for ticketed screenings. Result: Professional feel, hybrid livestreams to YouTube for members, increased sponsorships.

A practical buying checklist (printable at the venue door)

Confirm public performance license for your program
Choose native app playback device (Smart TV/Apple TV/Roku/Shield)
Reserve a mini‑PC or box if you need browser control or recording
Get a reliable HDMI switch and backup cables
Audio plan: soundbar for micro‑venues, PA + mixer for mid/pro venues
Network isolation and a 4G/5G backup plan
Test runs 48 hours before event and again the day‑of

Future‑proofing: Trends to watch in 2026 and beyond

Streaming platforms are moving to tighter DRM, regionally varied feature sets, and app‑first strategies. Expect:

More platform app control: Native apps on devices will be the stable method to screen content.
Enterprise streaming tiers: Some streamers will roll out venue or business tiers (2025–2027 pilot programs have been reported) that include licensing and centralized device management.
Hybrid monetization: Venues will increasingly blend ticketing with pay‑per‑view and local creator showcases to offset licensing costs.

Plan purchases around flexibility: choose devices that can run multiple apps, accept a local media server, or be managed remotely. That keeps you resilient if another platform changes a feature overnight.

Final recommendations — what to buy right now

Small café or pop‑up: Smart TV with native Netflix app + soundbar + Swank/MPLC license
Community center: Apple TV 4K or NVIDIA Shield + mini‑PC backup + HDMI switch + PA
Ticketed venue: Mini‑PC (Intel NUC), HDMI matrix, ATEM Mini, professional PA + licensing and a managed backup internet link

Closing notes: Experience, authority and trust

We’ve seen venues that treated casting as a convenience and paid the price when it disappeared. The best responses pair simple hardware changes with a legal check and a tested process. A little upfront investment — or a small annual license fee — keeps your cultural programming visible, legal and enjoyable for audiences in 2026.

Actionable takeaway: Audit your current workflow today: check whether your streaming device runs Netflix natively, confirm licensing for public exhibition, and schedule a full tech run 48 hours before your next event.

Call to action

Ready to rebuild your watch nights? Download our free one‑page AV checklist for community venues, or sign up for the malaya.live newsletter to get regional case studies, equipment discounts and a step‑by‑step runbook for your next screening. Need custom advice? Reply with your venue size and budget and we’ll send a tailored kit list.

malaya

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Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.