A:AnswerYou can 'mirror' netflix from your phone/tablet when you have setup the chromecast feature, I think.
Otherwise..any better DVD/BLUERAY player (I recommend SONY) or Playstation3/4 has smart tv features, .
So just add one of those if chromecast doesnt work for you.
A:AnswerThe Chromecast function asked to update as soon as I setup my tv. It has not asked me to update since. No dongle is needed, it is all completely built into the tv.
A:AnswerCheck that your input selection is on cable or hdmi and not on the chromcast input at the end of the night. We've had this TV for almost a month and have never experienced that.