[Q] Wireless PC connection, or something? - Nexus 7 General

What I'm really looking for, essentially, is some sort of a connection between my Nexus 7 and my PC, wirelessly, so I can stream / use files on my Nexus 7 while I'm in bed etc.
I have not the slightest clue what it is, and hence I couldn't do a search for it, because I don't even know the 'keyword' for it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

railpressureflip said:
What I'm really looking for, essentially, is some sort of a connection between my Nexus 7 and my PC, wirelessly, so I can stream / use files on my Nexus 7 while I'm in bed etc.
I have not the slightest clue what it is, and hence I couldn't do a search for it, because I don't even know the 'keyword' for it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Plex: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.plexapp.android&hl=en

You can use ES File Explorer to stream one file at a time, so it would work for video, but not so well for music. I thought I would throw this out there because you did not mention what type of media you wanted to stream.

I use ES Explorer. Swipe left to access the wireless networks. I have a hard drive plugged into my router so that I can stream films to mx player without any pc needing to be powered up.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

If you do have TV and Movies organized on a network accessible drive, then Plex is amazing. Had a good organization of my files on a PC I have always on. Installed Plex Media Server on the PC, and the Plex app on my Nexus 7, and it pulls up episode descriptions and everything.
I am very impressed.

if your Nexus 7 and pc connected to a router then use bsplayer setting up for LAN then you can use your N7 to play any audio/video from your pc.

XBMC
I've gotta recommend XBMC. It let's you stream all your media, from videos to pictures. It also presents it in a beautiful way too. Plex's underlying code is actually XBMC.

Related

Please help, I'm going mad

Is there a application that I can use so when I stream anything from a website on my note it will go to my TV wirelessly, at them moment i have to go to a movie website I have to use the TV out lead from my note to my Samsung TV, my videos on my phone all work with all share, but anything from a website I can't do please does anyone know?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
No way man, what you are asking is too much...
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
Why is it ok for all share to stream exactly what's on my phone, but if I go to a website it can't? So I have to have the TV out lead in, as this can't be done wireless?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Im sure it is possible, but just hasnt been done yet!!
just wait for a few weeks or months hopefully not years... someone or the other would be able to do it. There are a lot of geniuses here!!
First, you cannot directly stream any online movie websites as those websites doesn't support streaming their contents outside the borders of the device/media they just support with. In a layman's term. You are bounded to just watch it on your phone or if you like, plug an HDMI cable from your phone to your TV.
However, there's still some possible way you can stream wirelessly movie files BUT you need to have an Internet enabled- TV that supports All Share Connections as well (e.g. Samsung ,LG, Sony BRAVIA, Philips, Panasonic Viera, Toshiba), latest models have this enabled on the TV console itself.
Secondly, granted your internet enabled TV supports AllShare, you can only do streaming thru certain contents only... apps e.g. Imediashare (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bianor.ams&hl=en) enables you to stream online contents from your phone to your TV itself (thru your WIFI network)
Another way as well, is to just stream your downloaded movie files from your phone to your HDTV (you need to have a TV that supports this type of precondition), and wirelessly stream your movie to your internet enabled TV (thru wifi). (the streaming depends on your Wifi connection speed), you can try an app called Twonky for this one if you like. (http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile...streaming-from-android-to-tv-pc-dlna-devices/)
Lastly, you can check one last app I can suggest - Playto Universal from Google play(https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5kYXlnbG93cy52aXZpZC5mdWxsIl0. and http://www.playto.tv/), those links would explain some or all of the details on what you might be looking for.
do you have a ps3 ?? if so you can stream it wirelessly ???

Can I control Chromecast with my phone without a wifi router?

Can I control Chromecast with my phone without a wifi router? I would like to be able to use just a tv, chromecast, and my phone to stream from my phone. Does anyone know if this is possible or if it will be? I tried downloading a rented movie from Google movie and turn the router off at my house. I tried to stream, but it failed for two reasons. Google movies won't let you stream downloaded movies and Chromecast won't work without my router on. Did I do something wrong here or am I missing something? I would prefer to be able to rely on my phone's data and downloaded files. Doesn't anyone think this would be possible with Chromecast? I guess I'm ultimately looking for portability without the internet.
choosetoride said:
Can I control Chromcast with my phone without a wifi router? I would like to be able to use just a tv, chromecast, and my phone to stream from my phone. Does anyone know if this is possible or if it will be? I tried downloading a rented movie from Google movie and turn the router off at my house. I tried to stream, but it failed for two reasons. Google movies won't let you stream downloaded movies and Chromecast won't work without my router on. Did I do something wrong here or am I missing something? I would prefer to be able to rely on my phone's data and downloaded files. Doesn't anyone think this would be possible with Chromecast? I guess I'm ultimately looking for portability without the internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure your phone/tablet/laptop need to be on the same subnet as the device so it can be found to cast to, hence the need to have everything on the same wifi router.
I think that you can tether it to your phone. You select which wi-fi network the Chromecast joins using the Chromecast app, so no reason that you couldn't enter your phone's wi-fi network.
I think the salient point from the above answers is that Chromecast seems to need an Internet connection for some things (like youtube). For Web pages the Windows chrome browser sends the content to Chromecast but other times (YouTube) it's pulling content itself from the Internet.
Once Koush's app is out hopefully you'll be able to stream more content right to your phone, so a peer to peer network might work better
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
Jason_V said:
I think that you can tether it to your phone. You select which wi-fi network the Chromecast joins using the Chromecast app, so no reason that you couldn't enter your phone's wi-fi network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could, but remember that Casting from your phone, computer, etc removes that device from being in the middle, and the Chromecast does the heavy lifting of grabbing the requested stream from the internet and playing it on-screen. Your phone's WiFi may be sufficient, but remember you're going to be pulling HD data over the cellular connection, and that'll probably be jerky and buffer a lot. It was neat to cast a netflix item from my phone and turn my phone OFF while it was still playing (and didn't skip a beat) to verify it wasn't using my phone for anything.
FractalSphere said:
You could, but remember that Casting from your phone, computer, etc removes that device from being in the middle, and the Chromecast does the heavy lifting of grabbing the requested stream from the internet and playing it on-screen. Your phone's WiFi may be sufficient, but remember you're going to be pulling HD data over the cellular connection, and that'll probably be jerky and buffer a lot. It was neat to cast a netflix item from my phone and turn my phone OFF while it was still playing (and didn't skip a beat) to verify it wasn't using my phone for anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. The handoff is amazing. I just would like the option for when I'm somewhere with no internet. In my opinion, this could be a huge deal breaker for a lot of people. Why make it so small, if it's not meant to be taken everywhere? But, who knows. From my perspective, it goes right back to the DRM issue with Xbox. I buy or rent all of the media I watch, but forcing me to be online anytime I want to view it is just controlling. It removes value.
choosetoride said:
Good point. The handoff is amazing. I just would like the option for when I'm somewhere with no internet. In my opinion, this could be a huge deal breaker for a lot of people. Why make it so small, if it's not meant to be taken everywhere? But, who knows. From my perspective, it goes right back to the DRM issue with Xbox. I buy or rent all of the media I watch, but forcing me to be online anytime I want to view it is just controlling. It removes value.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would tether or use one of those mobile hotspots (I don't have one, but might if I traveled extensively) and stream that way at a hotel or even someone elses house.
Ohh, which begs the question, can the Chromecast store more than one Wifi configuration? I don't think the software can do that at the moment.. Would be VERY convenient to travel to known locations back and forth.
As for direct streaming of local video, i was able to stream MP4 files no problem using a Chrome browser tab. The computer doing the rendering needs to be a higher-end PC, though - right now I have a older 'media PC' set up that my Xbox plays DLNA from and it's just a glorified storage device, it didn't want to render those videos well at all. So if you have a decent laptop, and get Connectify (free PC software that makes your laptop a hotspot) you can stream to the Chromecast directly while out at a remote location.
I believe the ad-hoc wireless functionality was only meant to facilitate initial setup, not to be a content streaming solution.
Plus, I doubt your phone would be able to handle the computing stress required to cast content directly to the Chromecast.
Roberek said:
I believe the ad-hoc wireless functionality was only meant to facilitate initial setup, not to be a content streaming solution.
Plus, I doubt your phone would be able to handle the computing stress required to cast content directly to the Chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stream HD Netflix from my phone's hotspot, perfect. I play my xbox online with parties using my hotpsot...perfect.
My down speeds are better than most peoples ISP down speeds so I don't see this being an issue.
The Xbox Smartglass app works from my phone while my phone is giving my Xbox internet so I don't see why the Chromecast wouldn't be able to work either.
I emailed Google about this because I honestly don't see the problem.
iTreezy said:
I stream HD Netflix from my phone's hotspot, perfect. I play my xbox online with parties using my hotpsot...perfect.
My down speeds are better than most peoples ISP down speeds so I don't see this being an issue.
The Xbox Smartglass app works from my phone while my phone is giving my Xbox internet so I don't see why the Chromecast wouldn't be able to work either.
I emailed Google about this because I honestly don't see the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
let me know if you get a reply because i want to do the same thing but apparently this is the reason why it doesn't work
http://forums.androidcentral.com/go...android-phone-hotspot-ap-isolation-issue.html
seems like if you can disable ap isolation then it would fix it but i'm not sure how you'd do that
Jason_V said:
I think that you can tether it to your phone. You select which wi-fi network the Chromecast joins using the Chromecast app, so no reason that you couldn't enter your phone's wi-fi network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried doing this on my Galaxy Note II (Sprint) using WiFi tether. I was able to get it an IP and connect to the network, but it wasn't pushing the DNS info (ie wasn't getting an internet connection). Unfortunately, WiFi tether can be limited in the it's settings and CC has only a few.
Unfortunately, from what I've seen, you are unable to store multiple networks on the CC. I don't believe it was designed for that much portability. I happen to have a laptop with me and was able to do the setup. Since I wasn't able to get an internet connect, I wasn't able to test if I could cast from the GN2. My expectation is most likely not. But I had a tablet with me too, and would have tested it with that.
As for how it would preform, I assume for Netflix and application with CC extension built in, no problem. Trying to cast a Chrome tab, that could be iffy since it would depend on well WiFi tether can handle the that much traffic and the PC.
I haven't fiddled with it since then. But it's definitely possible with some tweaks.
colonelcack said:
let me know if you get a reply because i want to do the same thing but apparently this is the reason why it doesn't work
http://forums.androidcentral.com/go...android-phone-hotspot-ap-isolation-issue.html
seems like if you can disable ap isolation then it would fix it but i'm not sure how you'd do that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there is a way to disable AP isolation. I'm no network wiz or anything but I rally think it would be an easy update on their side to grant access to using our phones hot spot.
I also noticed that the Chromecast itself generates its own hotspot...I'm assuming to let other devices connect to it and cast to it.
I'm not mad that it doesn't work ($35 isn't a wallet breaker) but I am mad that I jumped the gun and used my 3 months free promo for Netflix =(
Well, here it is guys
Hello Troy,
Thank you for contacting Google Play! It was a pleasure getting to speak with you today. Unfortunately you will need an ISP to hook up your chromecast it will not work off of a hotspot connection.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reply directly to this email. Also, you can visit our help center at:
https://support.google.com/chromecast/
Regards,
Tracy
The Google Play Support Team!
On 08/10/13 00:10:27 ********** wrote:
first_name_req: Troy
last_name_req: Wisniewski
email_req: **********
Chromekey_serial:
description_req: I don't have an ISP at my residence, I use my Galaxy Nexus
hotspot for everything which always works out well. I was hoping that the
Chromecast would work connected to my hotpot but it seems to have issues.
People have stated that it won't work because your phone has to be
connected to wifi as well but my rebuttal to this is that
Microsoft's "SmartGlass" app is used to control my Xbox, through wifi. I
use my hotspot to give internet access to my Xbox and my phone can control
it even though it is technically not on a wifi network, instead it is
providing the wifi. To me it seems this is the same concept and should work
with a bit of back end support on your end. I would appreciate an email
back stating whether this is going to be possible or not. If it isn't
possible I understand. For $35 ($15 with the Netflix promo) it's not
exactly killing me. The reason I don't have an ISP is because I would
rather not be raped (for lack of better words)
P.S. Google Fiber Metro Detroit please
static_subject_line: Chromecast technical question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess the the next step is for everyone to quote this and spread the word throughout the other posts here at XDA and any other forums related to this topic.
iTreezy said:
I guess the the next step is for everyone to quote this and spread the word throughout the other posts here at XDA and any other forums related to this topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bull****. they're just too lazy to do it. there has to be some hotspot app that has this feature or some kind of workaround that will be figured out eventually...this was the whole reason i bought the device, this would be the ultimate portable media center. i bet that kouch guy could do it...
colonelcack said:
bull****. they're just too lazy to do it. there has to be some hotspot app that has this feature or some kind of workaround that will be figured out eventually...this was the whole reason i bought the device, this would be the ultimate portable media center. i bet that kouch guy could do it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Listen.. I'm with you man. I meant spread the official word of google so we can move on to focusing on developers trying to help us out
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
iTreezy said:
Listen.. I'm with you man. I meant spread the official word of google so we can move on to focusing on developers trying to help us out
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol i know man i wasn't saying bull**** to you just in general. i already linked to this to the other post on androidcentral....hopefully this helps spread the word.
Kinda late to the party here, but just FYI I have my CC tethered to my Sprint SGS4 using the native hotspot app. Did the set up using my N10, using the chromecast app.
Bump - Any new developments?
So, Ive been scouring the internet looking for some sort of simple, portable, wireless method to stream content from my Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 to a TV... with the most obvious thought of HDMI adapters and dongles. Obviously one of the leading search results and hype is "Chromecast" which led me here. I was hoping I could confirm the following and see if any progress has been made:
1. Can the Chromecast be used to stream content on a mobile device? Or is it still based strictly on app based media?
2. I doubt much progress has been made in this area, so I really doubt "screencasting" from a mobile device (tablet/phone) is possible, especially without internet connection.
3. Can Chromecast be supported by a portable wifi hotspot yet? or is it still strictly dependent on a ISP to router WiFi connection?
4. If Chromecast doesn't do it, then has any one found any devices that allows you to stream your tablet/phone to a tv wirelessly the same way that you can do if you have the MHL to HDMI cables?
varxtis said:
So, Ive been scouring the internet looking for some sort of simple, portable, wireless method to stream content from my Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 to a TV... with the most obvious thought of HDMI adapters and dongles. Obviously one of the leading search results and hype is "Chromecast" which led me here. I was hoping I could confirm the following and see if any progress has been made:
1. Can the Chromecast be used to stream content on a mobile device? Or is it still based strictly on app based media?
2. I doubt much progress has been made in this area, so I really doubt "screencasting" from a mobile device (tablet/phone) is possible, especially without internet connection.
3. Can Chromecast be supported by a portable wifi hotspot yet? or is it still strictly dependent on a ISP to router WiFi connection?
4. If Chromecast doesn't do it, then has any one found any devices that allows you to stream your tablet/phone to a tv wirelessly the same way that you can do if you have the MHL to HDMI cables?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the Stickies first.
3. As long as your hotspot does not isolates clients or the AP itself, does not block or mangle multicast, and has sufficient bitrate to get the Internet-based media you want, it should work.
4. Wireless HDMI transmitter/receiver, but those cost in the $150+ range for good reason - latency is the biggest enemy. That's why applying the same mechanism that desktop Chrome tab casting won't work. It'll overload the CPU of the phone/tablet with compression and it will still have lag.

How to view contents from extrnl 1tb hrdDrive

Is there a way I can view my movies that are stored on my external hard drive through chromecast?
I travel extensively and I do not carry a laptop (if I did, yes simple hdmi into the tv) but I don't have that luxury. I have a tf300 and nex 7-2013 and rooted n2
Thanks
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
ganggreen777 said:
Is there a way I can view my movies that are stored on my external hard drive through chromecast?
I travel extensively and I do not carry a laptop (if I did, yes simple hdmi into the tv) but I don't have that luxury. I have a tf300 and nex 7-2013 and rooted n2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your TF300 doesn't have HDMI output? My wife's original Transformer has Mini-HDMI. Add cheap adapter or Mini-to-regular HDMI cable and it has HDMI to TV.
Do either of your devices support attached USB storage? If so, one of the apps that supports casting of device-local media would work - Avia, AllCast, RealPlayer Cloud...
You may not be able to cast all your media, especially if it's not in a Chromecast-compatible format, so if you have HDMI output, it's much less headache and more versatile (play way more formats with MX Player, etc), save for being wired.
Use a micro usb otg cable to mount as storage to your android phone, may require a special kernel, and Allcast/Chromecast combo to stream to the tv should do the trick. Course I haven't tried mounting a huge hard drive to my nexus. But a small 32gb flash stick works.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
bhiga said:
Your TF300 doesn't have HDMI output? My wife's original Transformer has Mini-HDMI. Add cheap adapter or Mini-to-regular HDMI cable and it has HDMI to TV.
Do either of your devices support attached USB storage? If so, one of the apps that supports casting of device-local media would work - Avia, AllCast, RealPlayer Cloud...
You may not be able to cast all your media, especially if it's not in a Chromecast-compatible format, so if you have HDMI output, it's much less headache and more versatile (play way more formats with MX Player, etc), save for being wired.
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Click to collapse
O I definitely plugs my terabyte to the keyboard and plugs hdmi....it works flawlessly. Just trying to figure wirelessly
(I do use ravpower rp_wd01 and airstor .....and plug hdmi from tf300 into tv. Want to use cc while tapping into my terabyte
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
ganggreen777 said:
O I definitely plugs my terabyte to the keyboard and plugs hdmi....it works flawlessly. Just trying to figure wirelessly
(I do use ravpower rp_wd01 and airstor .....and plug hdmi from tf300 into tv. Want to use cc while tapping into my terabyte
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AllCast, Avia or RealPlayer Cloud should work, but verify it can access your external storage before buying.
-= this post enhanced with bonus mobile typos =-
I love allcast .....all of these apps read what's in your phone...I'm trying to get my phone or tablets to read my external hd then cast to cc...that's pretty much the crux of what I'm looking to do
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
External storage is usually handled similar to SD card, as in it's mounted as a folder like /mnt/usb1 or / storage/usbdrive so it's whether the app scans that location. Actually, Avia and probably others let you share to our, so you could use a file manager to browse then share to the casting app.
-= this post enhanced with bonus mobile typos =-
ganggreen777 said:
O I definitely plugs my terabyte to the keyboard and plugs hdmi....it works flawlessly. Just trying to figure wirelessly
(I do use ravpower rp_wd01 and airstor .....and plug hdmi from tf300 into tv. Want to use cc while tapping into my terabyte
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Ravpower should be getting a firmware update in April (and there's a new version of the hardware coming too apparently) which will give it DLNA support as well as SMB. That may make things a little simpler for hooking things up.
I must admit I'm in a similar position - I too use a portable HD and a WD01 when travelling, although at the moment it's via my work laptop and Displayport-->HDMI adaptor and cable (I don't plug the HD directly into the laptop as the AV then insists on scanning it, not quick for a 2TB drive). But I'm hoping soon to be able to do something direct using an HDMI dongle of some flavour, DLNA on the WD01 and control via either my Nexus7 or my HTC8X. Other alternative is Avia or similar to read SMB from the WD01 to my Nexus 7 and then cast it out to a CC. But I presume that will tie-up the tablet from being usable for much else whilst doing so? And of course there doesn't seem to be anything for CC on WinPhone8 yet.
A question from my side to people who know (now that Google have released the CC in the UK) - is there any way to do DLNA display with one? I recall reading somewhere that the plex app might work for that, but I'm not sure. Currently in two minds whether to go with a CC or a Chinese DLNA dongle (an EZCast or similar). Most of the time it's used in hotels abroad, so would be for playing local stuff as IP address (and network speed) would stomp iPlayer et al. Any recommendations between the two options from people who have experience or have done similar would be gratefully received.
DarrenHill said:
The Ravpower should be getting a firmware update in April (and there's a new version of the hardware coming too apparently) which will give it DLNA support as well as SMB. That may make things a little simpler for hooking things up.
I must admit I'm in a similar position - I too use a portable HD and a WD01 when travelling, although at the moment it's via my work laptop and Displayport-->HDMI adaptor and cable (I don't plug the HD directly into the laptop as the AV then insists on scanning it, not quick for a 2TB drive). But I'm hoping soon to be able to do something direct using an HDMI dongle of some flavour, DLNA on the WD01 and control via either my Nexus7 or my HTC8X. Other alternative is Avia or similar to read SMB from the WD01 to my Nexus 7 and then cast it out to a CC. But I presume that will tie-up the tablet from being usable for much else whilst doing so? And of course there doesn't seem to be anything for CC on WinPhone8 yet.
A question from my side to people who know (now that Google have released the CC in the UK) - is there any way to do DLNA display with one? I recall reading somewhere that the plex app might work for that, but I'm not sure. Currently in two minds whether to go with a CC or a Chinese DLNA dongle (an EZCast or similar). Most of the time it's used in hotels abroad, so would be for playing local stuff as IP address (and network speed) would stomp iPlayer et al. Any recommendations between the two options from people who have experience or have done similar would be gratefully received.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Casting from another server using Avia will "tie up" the device and use 3X the media bandwidth on the network (NAS->Device + Device->AP + AP->Chromecast) if the source is NAS, 2X for local media on the device (Device->AP + AP->Chromecast).
To be honest, if you're a regular traveler that needs/wants to play media, a standalone media player like WDTV, Roku, Popcorn Hour,etc would be a better/more convenient solution.
Media Player - 2 or 3 pieces
Media Player
Storage device
Wireless bridge, dongle or router if necessary
Chromecast - 4 pieces
Chromecast
Storage device
Wireless router (using premise wireless usually will not work and even if it does bandwidth will be an issue)
Phone/Tablet/Laptop to "drive" Chromecast
True - I think I'm going to go the DLNA dongle route. Had a quick look at a Chromecast this lunchtime at PC World (and a chat with a Google demonstrator). Looks a nice bit of kit to turn a suitable dumb TV into a smart one, but not quite what I want in this case. The media is already on a portable HD, and the Ravpower WD-01 is a portable hotspot anyway, so basically between the two (which I carry anyway) it's a portable NAS (soon with DLNA hopefully).
So once that is in place, the dongle and WD-01 should then form a DLNA pair (as player/renderer and server respectively) with either my N7 or 8X as the controller.
The Chromecast does look nice though generally, albeit rather odd that it doesn't have DLNA/Airplay support generally (although I guess by adding the Plex app you could get something like that?). But I guess that's not quite what they had in mind for it.
DarrenHill said:
The Chromecast does look nice though generally, albeit rather odd that it doesn't have DLNA/Airplay support generally (although I guess by adding the Plex app you could get something like that?). But I guess that's not quite what they had in mind for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Chromecast is a bit different in its intent - it's more of a "media player extension" to your existing smart device.
Plex on Chromecast still requires Plex Media Server running on something. If PMS is running on the NAS device it doesn't add to the equipment count, but PMS on NAS can't always transcode, so that limits the benefit to a degree.
The only tricky part with DLNA is the variance in support between servers and clients. DLNA defines the protocols for exposing and transferring the media, but it's still up to the server what it wants to show, and the renderer wants to render.
External subtitles (separate files like .srt and .ssa) are especially tricky as not all servers will send the subtitle data along with the requested video.
And of course not all DLNA servers will transcode, so the format of your media still matters a lot.
bhiga said:
Yes, Chromecast is a bit different in its intent - it's more of a "media player extension" to your existing smart device.
Plex on Chromecast still requires Plex Media Server running on something. If PMS is running on the NAS device it doesn't add to the equipment count, but PMS on NAS can't always transcode, so that limits the benefit to a degree.
The only tricky part with DLNA is the variance in support between servers and clients. DLNA defines the protocols for exposing and transferring the media, but it's still up to the server what it wants to show, and the renderer wants to render.
External subtitles (separate files like .srt and .ssa) are especially tricky as not all servers will send the subtitle data along with the requested video.
And of course not all DLNA servers will transcode, so the format of your media still matters a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The video media is MP4 and the audio MP3 or M4A, so hopefully nothing there that's too weird or abstract. Hopefully no transcoding needed, just playback. Subtitles I can live without, but it's a valid point generally.
Plex server won't be an option on the WD-01 (without some serious hacking), so I'm more sure now that DLNA is the way to go. And if it doesn't work, it's only a £20 loss on the whole deal, which I can live with. Anyway the dongle is on order now, so we'll see in a week or two once it arrives and I get to play with it. Now also looking through the various apps for both devices to control it, but there's choices on both so all should be fine I hope.
DarrenHill said:
The video media is MP4 and the audio MP3 or M4A, so hopefully nothing there that's too weird or abstract. Hopefully no transcoding needed, just playback. Subtitles I can live without, but it's a valid point generally.
Plex server won't be an option on the WD-01 (without some serious hacking), so I'm more sure now that DLNA is the way to go. And if it doesn't work, it's only a £20 loss on the whole deal, which I can live with. Anyway the dongle is on order now, so we'll see in a week or two once it arrives and I get to play with it. Now also looking through the various apps for both devices to control it, but there's choices on both so all should be fine I hope.
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Your media should be compatible with all but the very old/klunky DLNA players, so sounds like a good choice for you!
bhiga said:
Your media should be compatible with all but the very old/klunky DLNA players, so sounds like a good choice for you!
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Happily I can report that it works well (got an iPush dongle in the end, for the DLNA renderer). That said the dongle does have rather a worrying security hole in it (its wifi hotspot password is generically fixed, not changable and publically available) which I'm now trying to persuade the maker to fix via new firmware.
All I need now is for a DLNA firmware update for my RavPower filehub (currently being produced, according to them, due in a few weeks time) and also maybe a DLNA-capable player for my HTC 8X (currently nothing suitable in the WP8 store, only apps that can act as renderers or controllers!). But even at the moment my Nexus 7 can happily read the filehub via SMB and DLNA-cast to the dongle

Cast or stream local videos from router connected HDDrive to 2nd Gen Chromecast?

Im kind of new at this stuff but I have a External 2tb drive conncected to my Asus router via USB 3.0 and my 2 Samsung Smart TV's pick up the router just fine cause they see it as a source and play the .mkv movie files on there just perfect. But in my projector room I just have my 2nd Gen Chromecast connected to my receiver's HDMI's input which supplies video to the projector. Can I get the Chromecast to detect the Asus router and play my .mkv's from there thru the receiver? Any help would be appreciated.
Have you tried local cast from the play store?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Acid0057 said:
Have you tried local cast from the play store?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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How does that work?
Uses your phone as an in-between to link up to the chromecast
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Acid0057 said:
Uses your phone as an in-between to link up to the chromecast
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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Tried it and a bunch of others that claim to play .mkv files. Its a no go so far. Dang! I think its something to do with the audio portion of the .mkv file itself. Weird think is though is that my 2 Samsung TV's detect my router and play all of the .mkv files from the HDDrive hooked up to my router just beautifully without a hitch! There doing something right! VLC player plays .mkv files flawlessly usually but it doesnt offer Chromecast casting.
3Mguy58 said:
Tried it and a bunch of others that claim to play .mkv files. Its a no go so far. Dang! I think its something to do with the audio portion of the .mkv file itself. Weird think is though is that my 2 Samsung TV's detect my router and play all of the .mkv files from the HDDrive hooked up to my router just beautifully without a hitch! There doing something right! VLC player plays .mkv files flawlessly usually but it doesnt offer Chromecast casting.
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Yeah the chromecast has a pretty limited decoder chipset I've heard. It was worth a shot. You may have to recode your videos to a Codec that works with the chromecast. Chances are that it'll still work fine on your Samsung TVs. Or another option is to get a Google Nexus Player and put kodi on it.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Acid0057 said:
Yeah the chromecast has a pretty limited decoder chipset I've heard. It was worth a shot. You may have to recode your videos to a Codec that works with the chromecast. Chances are that it'll still work fine on your Samsung TVs. Or another option is to get a Google Nexus Player and put kodi on it.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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Thats correct. Ive heard of guys using ffmpeg to reconvert them. I have about 50 mkv's so I would like a .batch file to do just that. There was a couple of threads on here that say that have that file but repleys have stated that there not working. Oh well!
3Mguy58 said:
Thats correct. Ive heard of guys using ffmpeg to reconvert them. I have about 50 mkv's so I would like a .batch file to do just that. There was a couple of threads on here that say that have that file but repleys have stated that there not working. Oh well!
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Click to collapse
Yep give the kodi route a try too. It works great on the Nexus Player.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Maybe they have added it since....But the CCast does not really support the MKV container (at least it didn't).
The other issue is possibly codec related. CCast can passthru dolby like AC3 but it's not good with the higher dolby's like DHT.
The TVs can see and hear these types of files and codecs which would explain what you are seeing.
What you might want to look into is a Transcoding Media server like BubbleuPnP or Plex that will detect the device that the stream is going to and Transcode accordingly.
If I'm not mistaken I even think there is a Plex App for Samsung TVs that will give you a much better experience on the TVs than DLNA will provide.
But it will require a computer to do that as the router can't run those servers.
Asphyx said:
Maybe they have added it since....But the CCast does not really support the MKV container (at least it didn't).
The other issue is possibly codec related. CCast can passthru dolby like AC3 but it's not good with the higher dolby's like DHT.
The TVs can see and hear these types of files and codecs which would explain what you are seeing.
What you might want to look into is a Transcoding Media server like BubbleuPnP or Plex that will detect the device that the stream is going to and Transcode accordingly.
If I'm not mistaken I even think there is a Plex App for Samsung TVs that will give you a much better experience on the TVs than DLNA will provide.
But it will require a computer to do that as the router can't run those servers.
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Click to collapse
OK, got this to work. I did have high hopes for BubbleUpnp but that would play very choppy because of the high bit rate of my .mkv files. I know they have a server that can transcode but instead just mapped my drive connected to my router so my current Plex account could see it,transcode and play accordingly. It works perfect casting to my Chromecast connected to my receiver, plays nice and smooth with Plex doing the transcoding. Still have to have my PC on but its until I can find a working batch file command that really works and reencode all the .mkv files I will use it this way. I just like that the External HDD doesnt have to be tied to my PC which is in the Dining Room and my router and HDD are in the projector room. Like I stated I am new to this stuff so my explanation might not make sense,sorry. Really would like to explore this whole NAS option,or am I getting the same benefit using this setup?
3Mguy58 said:
OK, got this to work. I did have high hopes for BubbleUpnp but that would play very choppy because of the high bit rate of my .mkv files. I know they have a server that can transcode but instead just mapped my drive connected to my router so my current Plex account could see it,transcode and play accordingly. It works perfect casting to my Chromecast connected to my receiver, plays nice and smooth with Plex doing the transcoding. Still have to have my PC on but its until I can find a working batch file command that really works and reencode all the .mkv files I will use it this way. I just like that the External HDD doesnt have to be tied to my PC which is in the Dining Room and my router and HDD are in the projector room. Like I stated I am new to this stuff so my explanation might not make sense,sorry. Really would like to explore this whole NAS option,or am I getting the same benefit using this setup?
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Click to collapse
The Drive Mapping is the way to go IMO....
I have an (Always On) HTPC running both Kodi (for the TV it is attached to) and Plex Server (for the rest of the house and devices).
All the media resides separately on a 16TB NAS and I have mapped the NAS shares to the HTPC so both Kodi and Plex can see them.
As it stands the only time I re-encode a movie is if it uses a codec other than H.26x or to create AAC Audio Tracks from the Higher Dolby's to reduce the transcoding needs for Mobile Devices when there is no AAC track in the MKV.
And even then I'm really only Codec Flipping not compressing or reducing the quality. File size is only affected if the H.26x Codec is more efficient than the source codec at compressing.
Asphyx said:
The Drive Mapping is the way to go IMO....
I have an (Always On) HTPC running both Kodi (for the TV it is attached to) and Plex Server (for the rest of the house and devices).
All the media resides separately on a 16TB NAS and I have mapped the NAS shares to the HTPC so both Kodi and Plex can see them.
As it stands the only time I re-encode a movie is if it uses a codec other than H.26x or to create AAC Audio Tracks from the Higher Dolby's to reduce the transcoding needs for Mobile Devices when there is no AAC track in the MKV.
And even then I'm really only Codec Flipping not compressing or reducing the quality. File size is only affected if the H.26x Codec is more efficient than the source codec at compressing.
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Click to collapse
Nice setup Asphyx, going to start looking at a NAS real soon. Any recommendations?
3Mguy58 said:
Nice setup Asphyx, going to start looking at a NAS real soon. Any recommendations?
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They are all pretty pricey....
My rig cost me close to a grand between the unit itself and populating it with drives.
It's a Seagate but it's not anything special to recommend it over something else...
And the truth is the only real diff between the ones you can get are features you probably wouldn't want to use anyway like Media Server. Few NAS' ever do that well because they don't have the horsepower to transcode.
My advice is get as many bays as you can afford in the base unit...
I settled for a 4 bay Seagate only because the 8 bays were massively expensive.
Make sure not to skimp on the drives either, get NAS rated drives to put in.
As long as it can do file serving properly that's really all you need.
And there is nothing wrong with just using the router to do that. Other than the extra performance you get from using internal drives not limited by USB 2.0 ports. USB 3.0 ports should be fine.
The one good thing about the NAS I got was it has USB 3.0 ports and Removable 2.5 USM Quick Drive slot for a portable drive I use to keep software installers and can take with me when I need to do some PC work for someone else. When I'm home I plug it in and my Software Installer library is available on my network.
Here is the model I have....
http://www.seagate.com/support/external-hard-drives/network-storage/business-storage-4-bay-nas/
It's a great unit has worked well it's just that I can't say it is any better than some other brand with similar features.
Asphyx said:
They are all pretty pricey....
My rig cost me close to a grand between the unit itself and populating it with drives.
It's a Seagate but it's not anything special to recommend it over something else...
And the truth is the only real diff between the ones you can get are features you probably wouldn't want to use anyway like Media Server. Few NAS' ever do that well because they don't have the horsepower to transcode.
My advice is get as many bays as you can afford in the base unit...
I settled for a 4 bay Seagate only because the 8 bays were massively expensive.
Make sure not to skimp on the drives either, get NAS rated drives to put in.
As long as it can do file serving properly that's really all you need.
And there is nothing wrong with just using the router to do that. Other than the extra performance you get from using internal drives not limited by USB 2.0 ports. USB 3.0 ports should be fine.
The one good thing about the NAS I got was it has USB 3.0 ports and Removable 2.5 USM Quick Drive slot for a portable drive I use to keep software installers and can take with me when I need to do some PC work for someone else. When I'm home I plug it in and my Software Installer library is available on my network.
Here is the model I have....
http://www.seagate.com/support/external-hard-drives/network-storage/business-storage-4-bay-nas/
It's a great unit has worked well it's just that I can't say it is any better than some other brand with similar features.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the great advice. It will help in making my decision.
3Mguy58 said:
OK, got this to work. I did have high hopes for BubbleUpnp but that would play very choppy because of the high bit rate of my .mkv files. I know they have a server that can transcode but instead just mapped my drive connected to my router so my current Plex account could see it,transcode and play accordingly. It works perfect casting to my Chromecast connected to my receiver, plays nice and smooth with Plex doing the transcoding. Still have to have my PC on but its until I can find a working batch file command that really works and reencode all the .mkv files I will use it this way. I just like that the External HDD doesnt have to be tied to my PC which is in the Dining Room and my router and HDD are in the projector room. Like I stated I am new to this stuff so my explanation might not make sense,sorry. Really would like to explore this whole NAS option,or am I getting the same benefit using this setup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NAS are really expensive. At least the ones that are capable of fullhd transcoding on the fly (+250$) . You're better off buying a more capable decoding device in my opinion.
aLexzkter said:
NAS are really expensive. At least the ones that are capable of fullhd transcoding on the fly (+250$) . You're better off buying a more capable decoding device in my opinion.
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Click to collapse
I agree somewhat....
Even the ones that claim to do full HD Transcoding aren't worth using it for that IMO...
They rarely can do more than one or two streams and are usually not upgradeable enough to handle newer codecs when they come out due to CPU or Software limitations.
An NAS is best used as a File Server and nothing more.
If you really wanted an all in one File/Media Server with Transcode capability it is almost better to skip the ready made NAS options and just build yourself a computer that can do file serving and run whatever is the latest and greatest Media Server software available. Then there really is no limitation on Ports, drives (total storage) , and it is easily upgraded (CPU,OS and Motherboard) when needed. Need more streams just upgrade the CPU and in time GPU off loading will be available (Not on an NAS though!)
If you are going to spend the money just to get transcoding might as well spend it on something that is more future proof. OTS NAS Units tend to not get upgraded after awhile simply because they prefer you just buy their latest units.
I considered the BYO option before I went with the NAS but only because I already had the HTPC available to do any transcoding I would need. It has a Core i7 980 CPU and a Radeon R7 GPU so I use it as my media server and also as an encoding/ripping device when I need one.
Once I get to the point where the NAS I have needs expanding (all bays are full and all USB ports are used...) I hope to have an old computer left over from an upgrade that I will then turn into a Build Your Own File Server which could also add the ability to transcode 4 more streams on top of the 4 my HTPC already does.
Plex is currently my Media Server of Choice due to it's Ease of Use for Newbies. (I also run Bubble on that HTPC as well!) and Plex allows you to select from all the servers you have under your account.
I pretty active on the Plex Support Forum and I rarely ever encounter the stream and stuttering problems with the CCastyou see reported there all the time.
I attribute that to the setup and good setup of my Transcoding and Network.
---------- Post added at 04:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:20 PM ----------
3Mguy58 said:
Thanks for the great advice. It will help in making my decision.
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Anytime!

Problems with Google TV

Hi guys,
I live in Israel. I Bought Chromecast with Google TV and I have some problem.
Due to bad internet connection on my house and country, I have problems to stream apps like Netflix and PLEX, It doesn't stream smoothly like I watch on my laptop for example.
My main use is to watch movies that I'm downloading in my compute with subtitles I'm adding. Is there another solution to watch movies and Cetra directly throw the streamer and not via PLEX and Cetra?
The second question, I'm assuming that if ill connect the strimmer and the laptop directly to the Internet cable things will improve. The problem is I'm in my room and connecting to the Wi-Fi in the living room. I have the cable company equipment here also but I don’t really know what he does. But I think some of them connect the device to the internet.
I'm adding pics of my equipment. I'll be happy if you could help me.
Thanks.
Cast them to Chromecast from VLC.
magjir said:
Cast them to Chromecast from VLC.
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I've tried, i've download the app but i don't know how to transfer the files.
TOM_30 said:
I've tried, i've download the app but i don't know how to transfer the files.
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Start playing the file in VLC and then right mouse click playback|renderer and you should see your chromecast device listed.
kk131 said:
Start playing the file in VLC and then right mouse click playback|renderer and you should see your chromecast device listed.
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I didn't find this option on my computer. how do i transfer the movie to the strimer itself?
You can also watch live tv here in Pikashow TV so check this out once.

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