# PictaCast

> PictaCast is a web application that casts local photos and MP3 music files directly from a computer's hard drive to any Google Cast-enabled Smart TV or Chromecast — without cloud uploads, software installs, or browser extensions. It runs entirely in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge at app.pictacast.com. Free tier: 10 minutes per day. Lifetime license: $39.99 one-time payment.

For the complete documentation in a single file, see: https://pictacast.com/llms-full.txt

## Product

- [PictaCast Web App](https://app.pictacast.com): Launch the casting application. Requires Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
- [PictaCast Home](https://pictacast.com): Product overview, features, use cases, and pricing.
- [Features](https://pictacast.com/features/): Detailed feature descriptions — display modes, folder watching, background music, rotation controls.
- [Pricing](https://pictacast.com/pricing/): Free ($0), 5-Day Event Pass ($4.99), 365-Day Pass ($9.99), Lifetime License ($39.99). All one-time payments, no subscriptions.

## Guides

- [How to Cast Photos to TV](https://pictacast.com/how-to-cast-photos-to-tv/): Step-by-step tutorial for casting local photos from Windows or Mac to a Smart TV via PictaCast.
- [How to Display Photos from Laptop to TV](https://pictacast.com/how-to-display-photos-from-laptop-to-tv/): Guide for showing a photo slideshow on your TV from a laptop without screen mirroring.
- [Chromecast Photo Slideshow](https://pictacast.com/chromecast-photo-slideshow/): How to set up a continuous Chromecast photo slideshow from local folders.
- [Google TV Ambient Mode](https://pictacast.com/google-tv-ambient-mode/): Replace Google TV's stock ambient screensaver with your own personal photos.
- [Google TV Photo Screensaver](https://pictacast.com/google-tv-photo-screensaver/): Display your own photo gallery as a Google TV screensaver.
- [Samsung Frame TV Photos](https://pictacast.com/samsung-frame-tv-photos/): How to show your own photos on Samsung Frame TV without the Art Store subscription.
- [Roku Slideshow](https://pictacast.com/roku-slideshow/): Options for photo slideshows on Roku devices.

## Alternatives & Comparisons

- [vs. Google Photos](https://pictacast.com/google-photos-alternative/): PictaCast plays local files directly — no cloud upload required. Side-by-side feature comparison table.
- [vs. Picasa](https://pictacast.com/picasa-alternative/): Modern replacement for Google Picasa's retired local network viewer.
- [vs. Digital Photo Frames](https://pictacast.com/digital-photo-frame-alternative/): Use your existing TV instead of buying a dedicated frame. No subscription fees.
- [vs. Plex Photos](https://pictacast.com/plex-photos-alternative/): No media server setup or maintenance required.
- [vs. USB Thumb Drives](https://pictacast.com/usb-tv-slideshow-alternative/): Wi-Fi streaming with crossfade transitions, grid layouts, and background music vs. limited TV USB players.
- [vs. Windows Cast to Device](https://pictacast.com/windows-cast-to-device-alternative/): Dedicated slideshow features vs. basic Windows screen mirroring.
- [vs. Native TV Apps](https://pictacast.com/smart-tv-slideshow-app/): Cross-platform browser app vs. platform-locked TV apps.

## Use Cases

- [Wedding Slideshow TV](https://pictacast.com/wedding-slideshow-tv/): DIY wedding photo slideshows with live photobooth folder watching.
- [Memorial Photo Display](https://pictacast.com/memorial-photo-display/): Respectful photo tributes for funerals and life celebrations.
- [Party TV Cast](https://pictacast.com/party-tv-cast/): Event and party photo displays with real-time updates.
- [Classroom TV Slideshow](https://pictacast.com/classroom-tv-slideshow/): Educational photo displays for teachers.
- [Waiting Room TV Slideshow](https://pictacast.com/waiting-room-tv-slideshow/): Waiting room TV content for dental, medical, veterinary, and salon businesses.
- [Digital Signage Software](https://pictacast.com/digital-signage-software/): Zero-subscription digital signage alternative for small businesses.
- [Digital Menu Board](https://pictacast.com/digital-menu-board/): Menu display for cafes and restaurants using local image files.
- [Photographer Client Reveal](https://pictacast.com/photographer-client-reveal/): Professional photography reveal sessions on large TV screens.

## Support

- [Support & FAQ](https://pictacast.com/support/): Troubleshooting for casting connections, browser requirements, licensing, and billing.
- [Blog](https://pictacast.com/blog/): Product updates, new features, and guides.
- [Download](https://pictacast.com/download/): Download information and app installation instructions.
- [Privacy Policy](https://app.pictacast.com/privacy): Privacy policy — photos never leave your device.