DIAL Connect

Cast random YouTube videos to all DIAL-enabled devices (Chromecasts, smart TVs, Roku, etc.) on your network. Connect GhostESP to the same Wi-Fi network as the target devices first.

Note: Only test on networks and devices you own or have permission to test. See Legal and ethical rules.

How to use

On-device UI

1. First connect to a Wi-Fi network: Menu → Wi-Fi → Connection → Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Menu → Wi-Fi → Gadgets → TV Cast (Dial Connect).
3. The device will discover smart TVs and cast a random YouTube video.

CLI

Cast to first available device:

dialconnect

Cast to ALL devices on the network:

dialconnect all

or

dialconnect -a

Set a custom device name (shown on TV):

dialconnect MyDevice

Cast to all with custom name:

dialconnect all GhostESP

How it works

DIAL (Discovery and Launch) is a protocol developed by Netflix and YouTube that allows second-screen devices to discover and launch apps on first-screen devices (TVs). GhostESP:

1. Sends an SSDP M-SEARCH request to discover DIAL devices.
2. Fetches the device description to get the Application-URL (the app launch URL).
3. POSTs to the YouTube app endpoint with a random video ID.

The TV receives the launch request and starts playing the specified video within seconds.

Supported devices

DIAL Connect works with any device that supports the DIAL protocol:

• Google Chromecast (all versions)
• Android TV (Sony, Philips, TCL, etc.)
• Roku devices
• Samsung Smart TVs (Tizen-based)
• LG Smart TVs (webOS)
• Fire TV devices

Troubleshooting

• No devices found: Make sure GhostESP is connected to the same network as your smart TVs. Run connect SSID PASSWORD first.
• 404 errors: The YouTube app may not be installed or available on that device.
• 403 errors: The device may have DIAL restrictions enabled. Some Roku devices require enabling “Screen Mirroring” in settings.
• Connection timeouts: The device may be on a different subnet or have firewall rules blocking DIAL.