How to Cast Amazon Instant Video to Your HDTV

Amazon just signed a deal with HBO to host the cable channel's original content on its Instant Video service. For those of us with Amazon Prime accounts, this is great news—but there aren't any readily apparent options for playing it on Chromecast.

The iOS app lacks Chromecast support, and for some stupid reason, there is no Amazon Instant Video app for Android, which means you need to use a Flash-supported mobile browser to even play it.

Casting from the Chrome browser for Mac or PC seems like the last option, but the web version of AIV uses a format that Chromecast can't handle.

All is not lost, however, because there's a way around that last hurdle. Just follow these simple steps and you'll be streaming Instant Video from your computer to your Chromecast-connected TV in no time.

Step 1: Install Chrome & Google Cast Extension

• Chrome for PC or Mac
• The Google Cast Extension

Step 2: Change the Default Player Settings

From the Chrome browser, just head to the Amazon Instant Video page. In the top menu bar, look for Settings near the right-hand side.

Once you've clicked that link, scroll down a bit and look for the Web Player Preferences section. You'll notice that by default, it is set to use Microsoft Silverlight. This is a format that Chromecast can't utilize, and therein lies the problem.

Switch this setting to Adobe Flash Player, and you'll see a message letting you know that Your preferred web player has been updated.

At this point, it's safe to back out to the main Instant Video page.

Step 3: Cast Amazon Instant Video

Much like any other video that you can cast with the Chrome browser, you should start by tapping the Chromecast icon next to your address bar. From here, select your Chromecast to begin casting. Once connected, you'll notice that the Chromecast icon has filled in and turned blue.

Now, just click any video and hit Watch Now. You may be asked once again to switch back to Silverlight, and if so, just click Continue Using Flash.

To fill out the big screen, just tap the full screen button on the web player. Then, kick up your feet and enjoy some episodes of The Wire (sorry, no Game of Thrones at the moment).

So, what's your favorite HBO show on Amazon now? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Cover image via Iannnnn/Flickr