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Going to be setting up a HTPC pretty soon and was looking for remote control options. Considering I just want it to mainly be a HTPC remote, it would just need Wifi, a big screen, and Android, the NC does seem a strong contender at first glance.
XBMC with it's Android wifi-based remote app seems like a very nice solution, as well as some others, (as long as the apps work fine on the larger screen).
Anyone have any thoughts or experience with this, or alternate suggestions?
The Nook is a fantastic media remote. I've not tried the XBMC apps specifically yet, though they should work fine.
I've built a home theater & home automation setup around a Windows program called Girder, from Promixis. Girder offers a full web server with javascript hooks so you can create html pages and use any browser to control things.
I started with this, using Nokia 800 tablets as the controller. It worked great, but I wanted more responsiveness and features than browsers would easily let me achieve. Thankfully Girder has a nice web service interface, against which I've been writing a native Android app that acts sort of like a Philips Pronto universal remote, except with all the Android goodies like voice recognition, gestures, etc.
Regardless of the implementation details, the Nook is a solid media remote control when paired with a decent back-end. The battery life is fine if you don't mind keeping a plug nearby (I get just under a week with moderate remote usage and occasional browsing), the form-factor isn't too big, and the bundled capabilities of an armchair browsing/<insert Android app here> device are hard to beat.
My only wants that the Nook doesn't have would be a few more physical buttons (I already map the volume buttons to TV volume controls but would like channel and FF/Rewind/Play or D-Pad controls), vibrate feedback for button presses, and a less finicky plug, ideally a drop-and-charge dock of some kind.
HTH!
I'm an avid XBMC fan. Been running it for a good while now. I ordered a NookColor for the same reason you did OP. The XBMC app is great on my Android phone, and I've been talking with the dev who works on it, trying to come up with some improvements for when it's run on tablets. I'd definitely recommend using it if you've got XBMC running off a machine at your place.
Thanks for the responses. Think I'll end up getting one later on, once I get the rest of the setup going (who knows, they might be back in stock by then ).
I've had XBMC running on my home server as a test for a little while, with the app on my HD2 running Android. App hasn't been 100% stable, force closing here & there, but hard to tell if it's the app, or just some of the quirks found in running Android on HD2. I did notice battery life suffered quite a bit, but that was with heavy remote testing today. I'll have to see how that goes with more testing.
The Girder stuff looked interesting, except for it's price tag. I'm on a bit of a budget & still have to get HTPC specific hardware, and slightly redo the backend. XBMC on Ubuntu is free and quite acceptable, so that's what I'll stick with for now. I did like that the stock phone volume controls worked through XBMC to control it's playback volume.
I use my Nook for a remote on my Ubuntu HTPC box.. Using Boxee instead of XBMC though. The Boxee app works great.
I tried both the apps for xbmc in the market - they both work well.
My problem is I have freeze-ups with xbmx on win 64 computer; don't know if it is related to nook as controller yet.
XBMC is the way to go, no doubt.
The app works fine now, but since the screen is so much larger, there is room for scaling improvements throughout the app. Nothing is a deal breaker, though.
I love that you can send links to stream to XBMC
Another XMBC user here using the Nook as a remote. Also on my Ubuntu box I'm running Subsonic (/w the Android app) - makes a much better streaming music server.
The boxee app is what I use on my HTPC. Then I use the Cloud Boxee remote app on my nook. It works great!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I have tried a few of the remote apps on the Market and I havent found anything yet that really fits.
Can anyone point to a tutorial on how to set up the XBMC/NC remote to work with a Win7 HTPC?
Still very new to the rooted NC world.
Many thanks!
sorry, found it shortly after I'd posted this
I installed both "the official" xbmc remote, and the other one that is rated well, but neither one is working. The official one asks that I set up Hosts in Settings, but the settings page it offers is blank. So there is no way to do what it is asking
The other one, keeps telling me to make sure XBMC is allowing control via HTTP in Network settings (which it is) My Nook is connected to my wlan, so it should be connecting
Unified Remote Control offers the most remotes I have seen in 1 program.
Really simple and handy.
RASTAVIPER said:
Unified Remote Control offers the most remotes I have seen in 1 program.
Really simple and handy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if it successfully works in XBMC?
was thinking about this possibly being a sweet setup hopefully miracast will be implemented into the device or possible being implemented into xbmc having that along the airplay option on xbmc enabled would make this a pretty sweet device
i purchased(preordered one) but I was hoping it would be more so like a media center device kinda like google tv but no hdmi out so no google tv overlay. But if I could use this to do miracast with my 4.2 sgs3 and whenever friends come over can use xbmc to allow them to do airplay that would be really cool
reason i bring up miracast support is because supposedly is supported in tegra 3
i've been trying to figure/find out how you go about setting up a miracast server but the documentation doesn't seem to exist not saying that i have the ability to implement but i wouldn't mind taking a look into it
thoughts?
This is more of a question for xbmc team. I suggest you provide that feedback on their forum. There was a talk of xbmc supporting miracast but no eta.
Sent from my GT-I9305 using xda premium
As long as it supports PLEX, I am sold!
Keland44 said:
was thinking about this possibly being a sweet setup hopefully miracast will be implemented into the device or possible being implemented into xbmc having that along the airplay option on xbmc enabled would make this a pretty sweet device
i purchased(preordered one) but I was hoping it would be more so like a media center device kinda like google tv but no hdmi out so no google tv overlay. But if I could use this to do miracast with my 4.2 sgs3 and whenever friends come over can use xbmc to allow them to do airplay that would be really cool
reason i bring up miracast support is because supposedly is supported in tegra 3
i've been trying to figure/find out how you go about setting up a miracast server but the documentation doesn't seem to exist not saying that i have the ability to implement but i wouldn't mind taking a look into it
thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard the documentation costs around $200 and that might not even be all of it. Or I might be pulling that number out of air, don't remember where I saw that, but did find this:
http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=147320
I am more interested in seeing the Android Transporter Player ported to Ouya, except that they haven't released their source code on the sending side yet...
https://github.com/esrlabs/AndroidTransporterPlayer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyoZoNA8U24
~Troop
I'm not from familiar with Miracast. All I know is what the Wiki page said. It really reads like DNLA. And from my experience, this has been something that can be app dependent. Since I have no experience with Miracast, I don't know if it's full mirroring or just certain apps.
That said, Miracast may just be work versus just installing individual apps. Unless there is something in the application code for specific devices, if you side load an APK, it should run on the Ouya. Doesn't mean it will run well or look correct. Thus, you may be able to just side load XBMC. I know I'll try it with Plex, Netflix, Hulu, various sports--MLB, NHL, NBA, etc--and so on.
I couldn't figure out what the end result you were suggesting about friends coming over and their mobile devices.
lovekeiiy said:
I'm not from familiar with Miracast. All I know is what the Wiki page said. It really reads like DNLA. And from my experience, this has been something that can be app dependent. Since I have no experience with Miracast, I don't know if it's full mirroring or just certain apps.
That said, Miracast may just be work versus just installing individual apps. Unless there is something in the application code for specific devices, if you side load an APK, it should run on the Ouya. Doesn't mean it will run well or look correct. Thus, you may be able to just side load XBMC. I know I'll try it with Plex, Netflix, Hulu, various sports--MLB, NHL, NBA, etc--and so on.
I couldn't figure out what the end result you were suggesting about friends coming over and their mobile devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe Miracast is primarily for screencasting - ie it just mirrors what is on the device's screen onto the TV or whatever is receiving. And I believe the previous poster was saying that it would be nice if it is easy to screencast from your phone to the TV and allow visiting friends to be able to easily screencast their content as well - so if one person has a video they want to show everyone, it's not a hassle to pull it up on the big screen. I think this is what a lot of us want.
~Troop
Trooper_Max said:
I believe Miracast is primarily for screencasting - ie it just mirrors what is on the device's screen onto the TV or whatever is receiving. And I believe the previous poster was saying that it would be nice if it is easy to screencast from your phone to the TV and allow visiting friends to be able to easily screencast their content as well - so if one person has a video they want to show everyone, it's not a hassle to pull it up on the big screen. I think this is what a lot of us want.
~Troop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea this is exactly what i'm lookin for been keeping an eye on it have google alerts set up for pretty much anytime miracast is being searched on the net to possibly find any tidbit of info that might be helpful with this. thanks Troop
video streaming
Hi all. Bit late to the party but my ouya comes tomorrow
Assuming no problems on sideloading why not just use
twonky. Been using for ages bouncing files between my
nas drive, xperia s, xoom2 and Xbox. Even adhoc with
android.......jus puttin it out there..... It's spot on even with
playlists and web streams.
Whats your BIG Chromecast idea? More potential than a "traditional" A/V streamer?
So I've seen many people, developers and users alike, swarming the ideas of the expected basic usages of this wonderful device.
Examples: Out-of-Box expected usage (streaming from qualified providers), mirrored A/V from PC/Phone/Tablet, other connectivity proof of concepts (IE: emulators), ect…
So my question is: What's your big idea to extend the usage of this device beyond "traditional" implementation?
I’ll start by sharing mine (actually 2 product idea’s, that could become 1 at some point in time).
1. All-in-one media station. Taking the concept of a HTPC/XBMC build, and extending it to have the Chromcast as the “presenter”, and the PC/Phone/Tablet as the “remote”. The software package would include a “media server” run on a compatible PC on the same network, accompanied by the “remote” app on the Phone/Tablet (web-based control for PC remote).
I intend to also include the ability to queue/control presentation files such as PPT, PDF, ect… I’d like to have the package useful to both home and business clients/users.
One of my favorite parts of this idea resides in the remote app. Upon selection of the media you intend to cast, use a 2-finger up gesture to begin casting (makes me think of the scene in IronMan2 when he takes over the monitors in the courtroom by using a similar gesture on his “phone”, lol) It’s the little things that get me excited haha.
2. A home automation/security media point. On demand or automated view of automation/security enabled objects in your environment. Example: You have a security system with camera’s in your home, specifically, one is mounted at your front door. Someone appears at your door (motion-trigger), and/or rings the doorbell (another available trigger). HDMI-CEC enabled TV’s would switch the input to the Chromcast and display the camera at your front door.
My brain begins to hurt as all the possibilities for automation and security integration pile up. But hopefully, you get the point.
I’d love to hear from some of the other inventive people on this forum, and interested in the Chromcast. Again, what’s your idea?
Android stick with a BT android remote with cheapcast
Low power consumption httpd, ircd, VPN, or ssh.
Sent from my One true love.
The one thing I'd love to see the chromecast do is be able to connect directly to my phone and use it's 4g for streaming. I would figure something like this should be possible since it's basically what it does during initial setup.
Due to the layout of where I work (big concrete building), I get great signal with my phone in the window, but no signal anywhere else. i'd love to be able to plug the chromecast into the tv during breaks and stream from the phone.
evelbug said:
The one thing I'd love to see the chromecast do is be able to connect directly to my phone and use it's 4g for streaming. I would figure something like this should be possible since it's basically what it does during initial setup.
Due to the layout of where I work (big concrete building), I get great signal with my phone in the window, but no signal anywhere else. i'd love to be able to plug the chromecast into the tv during breaks and stream from the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No during initial setup the chromecast generates its own wifi hostpost. Ofcourse this hotspot has no internet access and so would be useless for anything but setting up.
But why not make a hotspot with your phone? That would do the same thing.
I just want miracast support
Chromecast ideas
Chromecast supports multiple connections so could do things like a card game where player cards need to be private. The screen shows the playing field and each player sees just their cards on phone/tablet/computer. Is a simple example but there may be other uses to have multiple game play or interaction to same screen.
Chromecast and DIAL protocol are free to license so could be put into any consumer electronics device - SmartTV, refrigerators, home thermostat, etc.
xenokc said:
Chromecast supports multiple connections so could do things like a card game where player cards need to be private. The screen shows the playing field and each player sees just their cards on phone/tablet/computer. Is a simple example but there may be other uses to have multiple game play or interaction to same screen.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is quite an awesome idea! Granted, I see it as a similar setup that the WiiU has tried to do with some of their games. And MS also with the "second screen" for xbox and such.
But why shouln't google get in on this tech as well? I'm very interested to start investigating this idea myself. Mind if I borrow your idea xenokc? lol
Unholyfire said:
That is quite an awesome idea! Granted, I see it as a similar setup that the WiiU has tried to do with some of their games. And MS also with the "second screen" for xbox and such.
But why shouln't google get in on this tech as well? I'm very interested to start investigating this idea myself. Mind if I borrow your idea xenokc? lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for it!
Unholyfire said:
So I've seen many people, developers and users alike, swarming the ideas of the expected basic usages of this wonderful device.
Examples: Out-of-Box expected usage (streaming from qualified providers), mirrored A/V from PC/Phone/Tablet, other connectivity proof of concepts (IE: emulators), ect…
So my question is: What's your big idea to extend the usage of this device beyond "traditional" implementation?
I’ll start by sharing mine (actually 2 product idea’s, that could become 1 at some point in time).
1. All-in-one media station. Taking the concept of a HTPC/XBMC build, and extending it to have the Chromcast as the “presenter”, and the PC/Phone/Tablet as the “remote”. The software package would include a “media server” run on a compatible PC on the same network, accompanied by the “remote” app on the Phone/Tablet (web-based control for PC remote).
I intend to also include the ability to queue/control presentation files such as PPT, PDF, ect… I’d like to have the package useful to both home and business clients/users.
One of my favorite parts of this idea resides in the remote app. Upon selection of the media you intend to cast, use a 2-finger up gesture to begin casting (makes me think of the scene in IronMan2 when he takes over the monitors in the courtroom by using a similar gesture on his “phone”, lol) It’s the little things that get me excited haha.
2. A home automation/security media point. On demand or automated view of automation/security enabled objects in your environment. Example: You have a security system with camera’s in your home, specifically, one is mounted at your front door. Someone appears at your door (motion-trigger), and/or rings the doorbell (another available trigger). HDMI-CEC enabled TV’s would switch the input to the Chromcast and display the camera at your front door.
My brain begins to hurt as all the possibilities for automation and security integration pile up. But hopefully, you get the point.
I’d love to hear from some of the other inventive people on this forum, and interested in the Chromcast. Again, what’s your idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
#1 will be done when Plex enables Chromecast functionality.
Will it be possible at some point to use Chromecast as a gateway to use the TV as second independent monitor, rather than a mirror of the laptop/desktop with a browser extension, maybe in conjunction with Ultramon?
I have Ultramon installed in my laptop. When I turn my iPad into a second monitor using an app like AirDisply, Ultramon immediately picks it up as the second monitor and provides all the functionality for a second monitor - position, resolution, task bar, etc.
Can I achieve something similar with Chromecast + Ultramon, if not now in the future?
New Daddy said:
Will it be possible at some point to use Chromecast as a gateway to use the TV as second independent monitor, rather than a mirror of the laptop/desktop with a browser extension, maybe in conjunction with Ultramon?
I have Ultramon installed in my laptop. When I turn my iPad into a second monitor using an app like AirDisply, Ultramon immediately picks it up as the second monitor and provides all the functionality for a second monitor - position, resolution, task bar, etc.
Can I achieve something similar with Chromecast + Ultramon, if not now in the future?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No the CCast wouldn't do that since it would be a waste since the CCast connects to the same network the Android device does so why send it to CCast when you could send it to the Device directly.
CCast does however act as a second monitor for Android and other devices...
New Daddy said:
Will it be possible at some point to use Chromecast as a gateway to use the TV as second independent monitor, rather than a mirror of the laptop/desktop with a browser extension, maybe in conjunction with Ultramon?
I have Ultramon installed in my laptop. When I turn my iPad into a second monitor using an app like AirDisply, Ultramon immediately picks it up as the second monitor and provides all the functionality for a second monitor - position, resolution, task bar, etc.
Can I achieve something similar with Chromecast + Ultramon, if not now in the future?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Future, maybe, but the 1-2 second lag from having to compress the video (and Chromecast having to decompress it at the other end) would be annoying at best.
bhiga said:
Future, maybe, but the 1-2 second lag from having to compress the video (and Chromecast having to decompress it at the other end) would be annoying at best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh... I never noticed any annoying lag when I use iPad with AirDisplay. I guess iPad has lot more processing power than Chromecast.
AirPlay is designed for screen mirroring and hence low latency. The current methods of Chromecast desktop mirroring essentially make the desktop a video stream first.
Likely this will change once they're screen mirroring is implemented by devices.
Sent from a device with no keyboard. Please forgive typos, they may not be my own.
bhiga said:
AirPlay is designed for screen mirroring and hence low latency. The current methods of Chromecast desktop mirroring essentially make the desktop a video stream first.
Likely this will change once they're screen mirroring is implemented by devices.
Sent from a device with no keyboard. Please forgive typos, they may not be my own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm telling you. With AirPlay, there is more than mirroring. You can use the iPad as a second monitor. It works perfectly with Ultramon.
New Daddy said:
I'm telling you. With AirPlay, there is more than mirroring. You can use the iPad as a second monitor. It works perfectly with Ultramon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and screen mirroring/output isn't the core intent of Chromecast, and I'm not sure screen mirroring will ever make it to iOS for Chromecast.
Long story short, we all can want Chromecast to be more than it is and it's growing steadily, but there will be limits based on its core design.
Thinking about it more... I think Google could (and probably is) making the screen mirroring similar to how RemoteX works in Windows - instead of sending a picture of a red box, send a command to draw a red box - much less data and identical result as long as both source and Chromecast share the same drawing language and techniques. Definitely possible for Android-Chromecast, not sure if/how it could be implemented outside of code that Google owns though, including Windows as a source.
Apple has a definite advantage there as they can make sure iOS, AppleTV and MacOS all share a common drawing implementation.
Sent from a device with no keyboard. Please forgive typos, they may not be my own.
Problem is, can't use computer when full screen for other tasks
You cannot use the computer screen for anything else when using Chromecast. thios would be a win win
I have an idea for a Chromecast app. The basics are that the TV will act as a computer screen, and the device will act as a keyboard and mouse. Who would be interested in this?
NMGxda said:
I have an idea for a Chromecast app. The basics are that the TV will act as a computer screen, and the device will act as a keyboard and mouse. Who would be interested in this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Computer screen for... remote control of a computer?
I would find that useful as long as there is not too much delay.
Remote control...sure. I was also thinking it could be a device-created enviornment like the Motorola Lapdock. Now that I think of it, my friend has a Motorola Droid Razr Maxx, and I remember there being an option similar to this when plugged into a TV via miniHDMI to HDMI. It had a web browser, but that was it. But the phone was used as a mouse and keyboard.
NMGxda said:
Remote control...sure. I was also thinking it could be a device-created enviornment like the Motorola Lapdock. Now that I think of it, my friend has a Motorola Droid Razr Maxx, and I remember there being an option similar to this when plugged into a TV via miniHDMI to HDMI. It had a web browser, but that was it. But the phone was used as a mouse and keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The challenge to second "attached" screen is really just lag since Chromecast is a separate device.
Koush's Mirror app I believe uses both OS hooks and hardware assistance to get the screen compressed and sent over.
This sounds like a "second screen" Mirror type app, leaving the keyboard/control on the primary screen.
I like the concept.
Now that I can't figure out how to load a web page in Vbukit, I would also be happy with just being able to launch a browser on Chromecast and control it from phone/tablet, similar to your friend's Droid Razr Maxx.
bhiga said:
Now that I can't figure out how to load a web page in Vbukit, I would also be happy with just being able to launch a browser on Chromecast and control it from phone/tablet, similar to your friend's Droid Razr Maxx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Workaround - tab cast your PC, RemoteDroid on your Android. If you want a good approximation to your PC, add Hackers Keyboard.
EarlyMon said:
Workaround - tab cast your PC, RemoteDroid on your Android. If you want a good approximation to your PC, add Hackers Keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would work, but hoping for something a little less fiddly. +1 on Hackers Keyboard tho.
Right now if I really need to show a browser, I switch input to my HTPC - just have to retype the address, which is the main convenience with being able to "fling" the browser window to Chromecast, assuming I'm on my phone/tablet. If I'm on my PC, just tab cast.
bhiga said:
That would work, but hoping for something a little less fiddly. +1 on Hackers Keyboard tho.
Right now if I really need to show a browser, I switch input to my HTPC - just have to retype the address, which is the main convenience with being able to "fling" the browser window to Chromecast, assuming I'm on my phone/tablet. If I'm on my PC, just tab cast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep a Jabber window open on my HTPC, copy the link to myself on my phone and just tap that on the HTPC.
Anything to never retype a url.
In any case - Chromecast for WebTV - if I'm not mistaken, the must-have thing in TV from back in the 90s.
EarlyMon said:
I keep a Jabber window open on my HTPC, copy the link to myself on my phone and just tap that on the HTPC.
Anything to never retype a url.
In any case - Chromecast for WebTV - if I'm not mistaken, the must-have thing in TV from back in the 90s.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea! I never considered IM-ing myself, hehe.
Convergence Round 1 never really happened... not enough broadband or content back then.
Round 2 got close with Smart TVs, but still cumbersome (esp without keyboard)
Round 3 with Chromecast, getting closer... but the pico projectors still might win.
Until the Awesome App comes out and if one can't afford/doesn't want an HTPC, $75 will net you a stick and wireless keyboard that can do basically the same thing.
http://www.amazon.com/FAVI-Android-SmartStick-Streaming-built/dp/B009JBGR80
Not a bad sort of deal on the whole.
Btw - I wouldn't be surprised if Chromecast 2 (now in fictional status) wouldn't be a combination Android stick + Chromecast.
And I agree - Pico projectors are very cool.