I knew an IT background was helpful for troubleshooting software. But who knew it would continue to help me in the software development field?

One of my coworkers was having trouble setting up a looped YouTube video on one of the TVs at my job. I wanted to see what I could do to help. She explained she’s been able to loop YouTube videos on other TVs around the office, but not this specific one. All she needed to do was turn on the attached Chromecast. However, she was unable to get it to work. So how on Earth did she manage to start the YouTube app?

Upon closer inspection, the remote she was holding had a YouTube app button. She was using a smart TV! This is important because the YouTube application for the TV might not have the same functionality as the one for the attached Chromecast. I suggested she use the latter, however, the HDMI channel for the Chromecast appeared to be blank. I went behind the TV to examine the Chromecast. It was plugged into the HDMI port, but it didn’t have an AC adapter nor was it plugged into the USB port of the TV. It didn’t have the necessary cables for either! I let her know she needed a male to male USB 2.0 cable to power on the Chromecast.

This was a fun challenge and was probably the most fun I’ve had at work in a long time (outside of coding).

Just when I think I’m out…they keep pulling me back in!

-CF