Database Develop

[Q] Streaming from DLNA

Is it currently possible for me to use my tablet, or phone to stream content from my NAS or server in my home network?

Ruzzah said:
Is it currently possible for me to use my tablet, or phone to stream content from my NAS or server in my home network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes...(and I'm going to assume you mean to the Chromecast).
Only two options available now...
Plex Player and aVia....
Option 1 - aVia Player should work with any DLNA server provided the files on the server/NAS are already compatible with Chromecast.
Option 2 - Plex has a Server AND a Player component. The server will transcode any file to be compatible with Chromecast. But the Plex Player only works with the Plex Server. And currently (temporarily actually) in order to stream content to Chromecast with Plex requires a PlexPass account. The server software is free, There are two players available one that requires a PlexPass account and another (Plex for Android) that does not (exception being that it won't work with Chromecast for now but will soon).
Plex Server will work with both aVia and obviously Plex Players. And will probably work with any future DLNA players that have Chromecast support in the future such as Bubble or Twonky.
Most NAS systems available today HAVE some sort of Media/DLNA server built into it! SO you should check your NAS to see if it already has that capability.
WD My Book has Twonky Server built in
NetGear has Plex built into it
Seagate has some proprietary thing that does not work at all! Unfortunately I have one of those and had to set up a server on another machine just to get that capability.
If money isn't an issue for you and you don't mind paying for the PlexPass account (you can get a lifetime account for $75) then I recommend Plex as it does transcoding and works much better with Chromecast than aVia does presently.
Also note that some issues with aVia have been encountered with people on JB 4.1.2 but not 4.1.1, Not sure if that means everything above 4.1.1 has issues though....Expect aVia to fix that at some point.

I currently have 4.3.1 on my phone and 4.4.2 on my tablet. Also what type of movies are compatible, and would I need a transcoder for the chromecast to work with the files?

Ruzzah said:
I currently have 4.3.1 on my phone and 4.4.2 on my tablet. Also what type of movies are compatible, and would I need a transcoder for the chromecast to work with the files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need Plex Media Server or upload to RealPlayer Cloud for real-time transcoding of anything that is not in a Chromecast-compatible format.
See 2.b, 2.c and 2.d in the FAQ.

Ruzzah said:
Is it currently possible for me to use my tablet, or phone to stream content from my NAS or server in my home network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could also use the modified AllCast with BubbleUPNP on a rooted Chromecast. Using this method I haven't had issues with MKV files and MP4 files.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=47503538&postcount=98

Is it possible to cast movies in a non compatible chromecast format (avi, divx, etc) via Avia using a Plex media server?
I havent had any luck doing so. I thought the plex media server would transcode the movie to a compatible format on the go?
What about using the plex app for android with the plex pass? Would that work ? Would it do the transcoding on the go ?

burdo said:
Is it possible to cast movies in a non compatible chromecast format (avi, divx, etc) via Avia using a Plex media server?
I havent had any luck doing so. I thought the plex media server would transcode the movie to a compatible format on the go?
What about using the plex app for android with the plex pass? Would that work ? Would it do the transcoding on the go ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Plex server should be transcoding the media on the fly for you. What are the specs of the machine that's the Plex server?
I don't believe the Android app can transcode as it's just a client.
Sent from a device with no keyboard. Please forgive typos, they may not be my own.

I'll try and paste the answer from our PM so the rest of the folks can benefit...
burdo said:
Is it possible to cast movies in a non compatible chromecast format (avi, divx, etc) via Avia using a Plex media server?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hit or Miss (depending on the video format) but the answer is probably not. When using aVia the Plex server can't transcode for CCast as it doesn't even know it exists.What Transcoding Plex might use (if any) when aVia requests a stream is unclear since there is no profile specifically for the aVia (profiles are usually for devices not software and it is up to the software to identify what it needs which may not be the case with aVia).
burdo said:
I havent had any luck doing so. I thought the plex media server would transcode the movie to a compatible format on the go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Transcoding may or may not happen and even when it does happen what it transcodes to varies from device to device. Only when the App making the request identifies itself as THIS TYPE OF DEVICE (or Profile) will Plex know how to transcode for it and do so. aVia Devs could probably solve this problem at some point so all of what I'm saying could change if they wanted it to.
burdo said:
What about using the plex app for android with the plex pass? Would that work ? Would it do the transcoding on the go ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES! Plex for Android and Plex for PlexPass will both play files that are not chromecast compatible and transcode them for playback on the CCast, but there will probably be some exception to that from time to time where a file doesn't transcode so easily, or the Plex Transcoder itself doesn't like the file.
The difference is in how the two methods approach playback on the CCast.
Plex treats the CCast like a DLNA player and the Plex Apps don't ever actually play the video itself they merely tell the CCast to get it directly from the Server which makes the Server use the CCast Transcoding profile and rules.
aVia acts as a sort of Middleman where it gets the data and then forwards it to the CCast.(Note this is best Guess not CERTAIN by any means only aVia devs know for sure!) This means the server has no idea the CCast is being used and sends what stream it thinks the aVia can handle (which may not be compatible with CCast.)
Method 1 (Plex) - You pick a file in PlexApp and tell it to cast it, Plex app sends a command to CCast to go get the file from the server. Server transcodes for CCast and the file plays directly on CCast
Method 2 (aVia) - You pick a file in aVia and tell it to cast it, aVia tells the server to send it to aVia then aVia sends the data to the CCast.
Best combination right now for streaming Plex Server (and incompatible) content to CCast are the Plex apps...If Plex Server can recognize the file it should transcode properly for CCast.
Unfortunately (as we speak) to use the Plex apps with CCast requires a PlexPass account (Not free). This is only temporary and it will not be required in the near future.
So if money is not a big issue I suggest trying it for a month by getting a month of PlexPass and giving it a good test run. Hopefully by the time that Month is done PlexPass will no longer be required to stream to CCast after that.
Just to be a little clearer on when and how transcoding happens...
The PLAYER is the key to transcode/Not Transcode and is the one responsible for communicating to the Plex Server what it requires as far as transcoding is concerned. It is the player communicating with the server that tells Plex Server which profile to use when the player makes a request to get the file.
In the Plex System the Player resides on and is written FOR the CCast and it tells the Plex server it is a CCast.
In aVia it is unclear what the aVia player tells the Plex server or that it gives PlexServer any information about itself or it's intentions of what it plans to do with the file at all.
Without any information about it's target Plex server may not do any transcoding or if minimal information is given during the file request it may use a generic profile which may not be as compatible with CCast as lets say a Android profile might be.
And let me be clear (and Fair to the aVia Devs). We are just GUESSING based on observations on how aVia seems to be working in conjunction with CCast. The best place to get answers (and solutions as well) is to ask these questions regarding aVia on their support site (if they have one).
Not only will they be much more informed at how their app works but your Question may even lead them to change or update their code to work much better in a transcoding environment where casting to CCast is concerned.
They may already be working on these things, or we could be totally off base in how aVia is doing what it does.
And I don't want to give the impression that aVia is doing something wrong or that Plex is better for anything other than streaming from PlexServer at the moment.
aVia does many things the Plex Apps will NOT DO such as casting Local ON UNIT files that PlexApps simply doesn't do.
And other than the temporary requirement of needing a PlexPass to cast to CCast with Plex, In the end having BOTH APPS (aVia and Plex) will make a very Versatile and Complementary tandem to stream any kind of local content (be it Plex Server or ON UNIT) to the CCast.

I'm currently using Plex Media Server on my desktop to host my music (app is free for the PC) and then use Avia on my phone or tablet to access the Plex Media Server and stream to my chromecast on my home theater. Its a good work around until chromcast features are free on Plex.
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mpgwrx said:
I'm currently using Plex Media Server on my desktop to host my music (app is free for the PC) and then use Avia on my phone or tablet to access the Plex Media Server and stream to my chromecast on my home theater. Its a good work around until chromcast features are free on Plex.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To add to that there is a temporary workaround (that always worked) if your on a PC.
Just load up the Media Manager of Plex Server (it is browser based) and use the the GoogleCast extension in Chrome to send the stream to the CCast no PlexPass is needed.
This is similar to the way aVia works except for the fact that because your on a PC and have the power and buffer space to Transcode, The GoogleCast extension will make a CCast compatible stream out of it.
Probably won't get any surround sound goodness doing it that way but it is a good stopgap method until PlexPass is no longer required.

Good to know!!!

I wanted to let you know guys that plex just added native streaming to chromecast via browser, just as youtube or netflix. No need to use the cast extension anymore. Works perfect for every format I tried and every codec. AVI, MPG, MP4, MKV,etc
You need to have your plex server setup and published (so it can be access externally). Check if it is in settings/plex media server/ myplex. If it is not you will need to forward the port to your server on your router. Once its published, access www.plex.tv (from any pc anywhere). Login to the same account you use on your server. Click on servers. You should see yours now. At the top right corner you should see the cast button to play the file locally or to your chromecast (it should be on the same newtork as the server).
Thats it. Stream it!

burdo said:
I wanted to let you know guys that plex just added native streaming to chromecast via browser, just as youtube or netflix. No need to use the cast extension anymore. Works perfect for every format I tried and every codec. AVI, MPG, MP4, MKV,etc
You need to have your plex server setup and published (so it can be access externally). Check if it is in settings/plex media server/ myplex. If it is not you will need to forward the port to your server on your router. Once its published, access www.plex.tv (from any pc anywhere). Login to the same account you use on your server. Click on servers. You should see yours now. At the top right corner you should see the cast button to play the file locally or to your chromecast (it should be on the same newtork as the server).
Thats it. Stream it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome find!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

burdo said:
I wanted to let you know guys that plex just added native streaming to chromecast via browser, just as youtube or netflix. No need to use the cast extension anymore. Works perfect for every format I tried and every codec. AVI, MPG, MP4, MKV,etc
You need to have your plex server setup and published (so it can be access externally). Check if it is in settings/plex media server/ myplex. If it is not you will need to forward the port to your server on your router. Once its published, access www.plex.tv (from any pc anywhere). Login to the same account you use on your server. Click on servers. You should see yours now. At the top right corner you should see the cast button to play the file locally or to your chromecast (it should be on the same newtork as the server).
Thats it. Stream it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They haven't added it to the Plexweb side of the server yet..It is only on the Plex.tv site right now something I expect will be updated pretty soon.
I was hoping they added this functionality to the PlexWeb.

Anyone with a ASUS Black Diamond Router rt-n65u? It is supposed to be able to share dlna media but I cannot get avia to see it.
I was hoping to stream all my MP4 movies that are on the routers usb3 external hard drive to the Chromecast with Avia.
All my phones/tablets can stream all the movies from it perfectly. ANY IDEAS how to get it to work from anyone that has the same router?
Sent from my Work Phone

RockRatt said:
Anyone with a ASUS Black Diamond Router rt-n65u? It is supposed to be able to share dlna media but I cannot get avia to see it.
I was hoping to stream all my MP4 movies that are on the routers usb3 external hard drive to the Chromecast with Avia.
All my phones/tablets can stream all the movies from it perfectly. ANY IDEAS how to get it to work from anyone that has the same router?
Sent from my Work Phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I can see from the product page for that router it isn't a DLNA server just some proprietary Media Server.
Probably only works with their App.

Asphyx said:
From what I can see from the product page for that router it isn't a DLNA server just some proprietary Media Server.
Probably only works with their App.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, page 32 of the manual says it is a UPnP server, but not specifically DLNA.
BubbleUPnP should be able to access it, so you might be able to browse via BubbleUPnP and share to Avia for casting, assuming your media is in a format Chromecast can play.

bhiga said:
Indeed, page 32 of the manual says it is a UPnP server, but not specifically DLNA.
BubbleUPnP should be able to access it, so you might be able to browse via BubbleUPnP and share to Avia for casting, assuming your media is in a format Chromecast can play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forget but it may also be possible aVia would be able to see it via Samba if he used one of the many Samba Mapping apps out there so they showed up as local files on his device.
Router is definitely not going to do any transcoding so it had better at least be compatible with aVia and that still doesn't guarantee CCast will work.

Asphyx said:
I forget but it may also be possible aVia would be able to see it via Samba if he used one of the many Samba Mapping apps out there so they showed up as local files on his device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea - cifsmanager or something like it might work. I've been toying with the idea to map some ISO folders so WonderShare can play them but haven't reached that point on my ToDo list yet.

Thanks all for the ideas. I will play with the ideas and see what works. Just had a thought about it as well now.
The Asus router has a app for it and I use it all the time. I "THINK" I chose the mxplayer as the default player. So MAYBE once I clear the default player then "Hopefully" it will ask again and I can choose A via as the player (as this is how I have setup ShoBox to use A via as the player). Do not know why I didn't think of it previously. I will reply here once I get home tonight to see if it will work.
If not I will try some of the other ideas. Thanks again
EDIT: I cleared defaults for MX player, opened up the AiCloud App (that I can access my hard drive connected to my home Asus Router from my phone over WiFi or cell signal), went to my movie folder, chose a movie, the AiCloud app which app to play with, I chose A via and it tried to play the movie. Now I WILL HAVE TO TEST once I get home because the upload from the router over my cell signal is too slow to play the movie. I REALLY HOPE this works like it looks like it will I will update further once I test over my WiFi at home...
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337

Playing video from netgear readyshare storage

Background:
I have a netgear WNDR3400v2 router that has a readyshare USB port (no DLNA server though). I have loaded a few chromecast compatible video's on a usb drive and plugged it into my router. I have also copied the exact same files on my android device.
I am using avia for casting.
Scenario 1: (when video is stored locally on my android device) - WORKS
I open avia, lookup the video to play and cast it to chromecast. all works well.
Scenario 2 (Same video is stored in my router storage. Avia is NOT casting to chromecast) - WORKS
I open ES file explorer, and lookup the network storage. Locate the video and play it to avia player from ES file explorer.
AVIA window opens and video is played flawlessly.
Scenario 3 (Same video is stored in my router storage. Avia is casting to chromecast) - DOES NOT WORK
I open ES file explorer, and lookup the network storage. Locate the video and play it to avia player from ES file explorer.
AVIA window opens and only casts audio to chromecast. No video is displayed on my TV, only audio is casted.
Has someone faced this issue and solved it? please share how did you make it work.
Ideally, I would like to store all my local media on a USB device and attach it to my router, and then be able to cast it to chromecast.
Appreciate any help.
Thanks and a very happy new year to you all!

smrsxn said:
Background:
I have a netgear WNDR3400v2 router that has a readyshare USB port (no DLNA server though). I have loaded a few chromecast compatible video's on a usb drive and plugged it into my router. I have also copied the exact same files on my android device.
I am using avia for casting.
Scenario 1: (when video is stored locally on my android device) - WORKS
I open avia, lookup the video to play and cast it to chromecast. all works well.
Scenario 2 (Same video is stored in my router storage. Avia is NOT casting to chromecast) - WORKS
I open ES file explorer, and lookup the network storage. Locate the video and play it to avia player from ES file explorer.
AVIA window opens and video is played flawlessly.
Scenario 3 (Same video is stored in my router storage. Avia is casting to chromecast) - DOES NOT WORK
I open ES file explorer, and lookup the network storage. Locate the video and play it to avia player from ES file explorer.
AVIA window opens and only casts audio to chromecast. No video is displayed on my TV, only audio is casted.
Has someone faced this issue and solved it? please share how did you make it work.
Ideally, I would like to store all my local media on a USB device and attach it to my router, and then be able to cast it to chromecast.
Appreciate any help.
Thanks and a very happy new year to you all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only a few Options for you right now...
1 - Re-Encode (Transcode) All of your video Library to MP4/H264/AAC 4-8Mbps VBitrate. All files in that format should play without issues on the CCast (exception bad Network congestion or Reception. aVia should work for you in this example as will anything that has CCast support. (See #3 as an add on to this Option as it might give you a better Interface)
2 (and obviously the BEST Option) - Run a DLNA server that does Transcoding on the fly. Map the drives on your Router to the machine running the DLNA server and add that drive to the DLNA Server Library, Plex and Twonky are both considered the best DLNA servers out there and Plex gets a plus for having an Android App that is far superior as far as Display and it supports CCast directly. Twonky doesn't have an App that supports CCast but you can use aVia with both of those DLNA Servers. But Ples Server with Plex app is probably the best most complete solution right now (Transcoding and a few bugs not withstanding)
All Options that follow will require you doing Option 1 because they do not Transcode, and having aVia Player installed
3 - Get Movie Browser UPnP (another Paid App), Set up sources via UPnP (Your router seems to support this and if not) or Samba. When you try and play a Video for the first time it should ask you what Player to use, Select aVia.
(sorry forgot to add #4)
4 - Install Playon Server on your Desktop, It will aggregate all media the Desktop can see and if you use aVia as a Player for now that will work. PlayOn is promising CCast support in their App soon so when they do aVia will no longer be needed. PlayOn I hear DOES do some transcoding but aVia doesn't and until they support CCast natively I can't say for certain if you could skip Option 1 using this method.
So you pretty much have two choices. Re-Encode all of your Library or Set up a DLNA server that will transcode the source files for you on the fly and as needed.
Thats the best method for supporting media streaming to ALL of your devices.
If you have an old computer laying around that has more than a Pentium 4 Proc then Throw Linux on it, get Plex for Linux and it should be powerful enough to transcode for you. Windows would take up too many resources but Linux is lean enough to get away with an older proc.

smrsxn said:
Background:
I have a netgear WNDR3400v2 router that has a readyshare USB port (no DLNA server though). I have loaded a few chromecast compatible video's on a usb drive and plugged it into my router. I have also copied the exact same files on my android device.
I am using avia for casting.
Scenario 1: (when video is stored locally on my android device) - WORKS
I open avia, lookup the video to play and cast it to chromecast. all works well.
Scenario 2 (Same video is stored in my router storage. Avia is NOT casting to chromecast) - WORKS
I open ES file explorer, and lookup the network storage. Locate the video and play it to avia player from ES file explorer.
AVIA window opens and video is played flawlessly.
Scenario 3 (Same video is stored in my router storage. Avia is casting to chromecast) - DOES NOT WORK
I open ES file explorer, and lookup the network storage. Locate the video and play it to avia player from ES file explorer.
AVIA window opens and only casts audio to chromecast. No video is displayed on my TV, only audio is casted.
Has someone faced this issue and solved it? please share how did you make it work.
Ideally, I would like to store all my local media on a USB device and attach it to my router, and then be able to cast it to chromecast.
Appreciate any help.
Thanks and a very happy new year to you all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read your scenario 2 and scenario 3 a number of times and I can't figure out what's different in the setup between the two.
The result is different, but both lead up with opening in ES File Explorer and playing it via Avia?
I must be missing something...?

I find that DNLA feature on many routers is often buggy. My USB drive connected to one of my routers will show mp4 files as music on any Android DNLA media player. However, mkv files will show up as a video file.
My solution was to rename mp4 extention to mkv. Now Avia sees it as video and cast away.

bhiga said:
I read your scenario 2 and scenario 3 a number of times and I can't figure out what's different in the setup between the two.
The result is different, but both lead up with opening in ES File Explorer and playing it via Avia?
I must be missing something...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Differnce is that avia is not casting in scenario 2, but casting in scenario 3.
When avia is not casting, then video plays fine on my device.
When avia is casting same video, then only audio plays on chromecast.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk

Asphyx said:
Only a few Options for you right now...
1 - Re-Encode (Transcode) All of your video Library to MP4/H264/AAC 4-8Mbps VBitrate. All files in that format should play without issues on the CCast (exception bad Network congestion or Reception. aVia should work for you in this example as will anything that has CCast support. (See #3 as an add on to this Option as it might give you a better Interface)
2 (and obviously the BEST Option) - Run a DLNA server that does Transcoding on the fly. Map the drives on your Router to the machine running the DLNA server and add that drive to the DLNA Server Library, Plex and Twonky are both considered the best DLNA servers out there and Plex gets a plus for having an Android App that is far superior as far as Display and it supports CCast directly. Twonky doesn't have an App that supports CCast but you can use aVia with both of those DLNA Servers. But Ples Server with Plex app is probably the best most complete solution right now (Transcoding and a few bugs not withstanding)
All Options that follow will require you doing Option 1 because they do not Transcode, and having aVia Player installed
3 - Get Movie Browser UPnP (another Paid App), Set up sources via UPnP (Your router seems to support this and if not) or Samba. When you try and play a Video for the first time it should ask you what Player to use, Select aVia.
(sorry forgot to add #4)
4 - Install Playon Server on your Desktop, It will aggregate all media the Desktop can see and if you use aVia as a Player for now that will work. PlayOn is promising CCast support in their App soon so when they do aVia will no longer be needed. PlayOn I hear DOES do some transcoding but aVia doesn't and until they support CCast natively I can't say for certain if you could skip Option 1 using this method.
So you pretty much have two choices. Re-Encode all of your Library or Set up a DLNA server that will transcode the source files for you on the fly and as needed.
Thats the best method for supporting media streaming to ALL of your devices.
If you have an old computer laying around that has more than a Pentium 4 Proc then Throw Linux on it, get Plex for Linux and it should be powerful enough to transcode for you. Windows would take up too many resources but Linux is lean enough to get away with an older proc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I have ensured that video is chromecast compatible already.
When I copy the video to my sdcard on my tablet, and cast via avia, then I get both video and audio on my tv. (1st scenario in my list.)
When I delete the video from my tablet's sdcard, and instead lookit up from my routerstorage via es file explorer, then only audio plays..no video.
So it's not a transcoding issue.
Steps to reproduce
- copy any video file that works with chromecast from your device to another network location.
- use es file explorer to lookup the file on network and play it to avia
- this time avia will not cast the video. Only audio will come on the tv.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk

smrsxn said:
Differnce is that avia is not casting in scenario 2, but casting in scenario 3.
When avia is not casting, then video plays fine on my device.
When avia is casting same video, then only audio plays on chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooooh I think I understand now.
In Scenario 2, Avia is not connected to Chromecast, but in Scenario 3, Avia is already connected to Chromecast?
I'm not sure whether ES File Explorer's Send to/Open makes a copy of the remote file locally before opening - I think it might.
If that's the case, it might be a difference of available bandwidth between scenarios 2 and 3.
In scenario 2, ES File Explorer copies the remote file to local.
In scenario 3, ES File Explorer is copying the remote file to local while Avia is trying to send the incoming data back out to Chromecast.
The copy action is probably bursting/clogging the wireless connection so the Avia-to-Chromecast transfer isn't able to send the video data fast enough to Chromecast. The video data is getting to Chromecast too late and Chromecast is throwing them away instead of showing them.
That is, of course, if I'm correct that ES File Explorer's network browse makes a temporary local copy or cached chunk.

Possible diagnosis... atleast its adding up.
Let me try with low bitrate mp4 and see if that changes anything.
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SOLVED!!!
Happy to report that this issue is solved by using vget to stream network media.
It works excellent... i will start a new thread as vget does much more than just network storage casting...
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Not sure of best way to stream from computer

Well I have had a Chromecast for some time now. I have been lurking for some time now but can't quite figure out what is the best solution for me.
Here is what I am looking to do.. I have quite a few workout dvd's that the Wife and I use, Yoga and the such. I want to eliminate the need to use the dvd player... my goal is to have everything ripped to my desktop, then use my phone to control what is displayed on the chromecast? especially since i have multiple chromecasts.....I just can't figure out what combination of apps I need to accomplish it... I have used ALLCast but the video will mess up during streaming... (Galaxy S3)
I am assuming I need some sort of media server service running on my desktop..(Plex?)
Any thoughts or suggestions would be great!
cdrshm

Rip the DVDs to MP4 files on your computer using some video tool like Handbrake. Enable the DLNA server function in Windows if you haven't already, and add your video folder as one of the shared media folders. Install BubbleUPnP on your Android phone. Select your computer as the source, Chromecast as the destination. Select your desired video and cast it to the Chromecast, controlling it with BubbleUPnP.
Plex is certainly an alternative, but you would have to install and set up Plex Media Server on your computer, and currently you have to pay $4/month for Plex Pass to use Plex with the Chromecast. For what you want to do the above combination is simpler and free.

@DJames1 hit it on the head.
Since I have multiple players, I'm waiting for My Movies to release Chromecast support, but I suspect it might be a while...

DJames1 said:
Rip the DVDs to MP4 files on your computer using some video tool like Handbrake. Enable the DLNA server function in Windows if you haven't already, and add your video folder as one of the shared media folders. Install BubbleUPnP on your Android phone. Select your computer as the source, Chromecast as the destination. Select your desired video and cast it to the Chromecast, controlling it with BubbleUPnP.
Plex is certainly an alternative, but you would have to install and set up Plex Media Server on your computer, and currently you have to pay $4/month for Plex Pass to use Plex with the Chromecast. For what you want to do the above combination is simpler and free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW! This works perfect! Thanks for helping me out! It works better than expected!!
Thanks Again!!
cdrshm

+1 to DJ!
Only thing I would quibble with is I'm not sure the Windows Media DLNA is a very good option but it is free and requires no installation.
Bubble requires SOME DLNA server since it does not have this function built in yet and instead aggregates media from other sources.
Something I suspect Bubble will soon add to it's arsenal!

You can also browse files in the chrome browser, such as your movie folder. And simply cast from that. Works instantly, easily, casts in the same quality the file is in, and requires no additional software or set up.
For instance, my data drive is F, I just browse to file:///F:/ on chrome, select my movies folder and start the video then cast from the browser.

^^ That's tab-casting. While it works as long as your computer is fast enough, it has several issues compared to the recommended solution:
1. It puts a heavier workload on your PC due to Google's rather inefficient tab-casting code.
2. Even with a high-performance PC, the video tends to stutter a little when tab-casting.
3. It has to be controlled from the PC. The OP said that he has an Android phone he wants to use as the controller.
If the OP were interested in trying streaming from Chrome, he would be better off to use the newly-renamed Videostream extension for Chrome mentioned in another thread here. It offers much smoother performance than tab-casting.

I use serviio on my computer and Avia on my devices. Works great.

I use Logitech Media Server with avia and it works perfectly...
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

^^ Also good solutions, but Avia isn't quite free, and they would require the OP to install a new media server on his PC.

Any good solution for mac os?

2fastkuztoms said:
Any good solution for mac os?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plex is probably the easiest option but it currently requires PlexPass subscription as it's still getting the kinks worked out.
Sent from a device with no keyboard. Please forgive typos, they may not be my own.

You could use any DLNA server that runs on Mac along with BubbleUPnP as the controller on Android. I would probably choose Serviio.

Asphyx said:
+1 to DJ!
Only thing I would quibble with is I'm not sure the Windows Media DLNA is a very good option but it is free and requires no installation.
Bubble requires SOME DLNA server since it does not have this function built in yet and instead aggregates media from other sources.
Something I suspect Bubble will soon add to it's arsenal!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed Windows Media Server sucks. Install the free BubbleUPnP Server side app on your PC. Pay for the pro license of BubbleUPnP on Android and not only can you stream your PC media to Chromecast but you can stream through your PS3 and you can remotely watch all of your videos on your Android device or anyone else's media server in the world
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk

Cast From Windows To Chromecast

This is a how to on Casting Xbmc from Computer to TV for Free using Chromecast Browser. You are going to see this blows away any previous method for casting like this. It actually can even cast live streams which I didn't even think was possible and something I wasn't able to do in Avia or Allcast! It currently should work on Windows, Mac, Chrome OS and Linux.
The instructions are below. I'm not going to post links here because I don't want to get banned. You can cut and paste the line in bold print into either Google or YouTube and it will take you to my video where I provide instructions and links to everything you need which isn't really that much.
Cast XBMC from Chrome Browser - Free!!! Live Sports!!!
How to Cast XBMC from Computer to TV for Free using Chromecast and Chrome Browser.
Step 1. Go into Chrome Browser and add the Google Cast Extension.
Step 2. Download and install XBMC Windows version 12.3 Frodo
You need to run xbmc once to set up the proper folders.
Step 3. Download my modified playercorefactory.xml
Place playercorefactory.xml in the userdata folder using the following path.
C:\Program Files (x86)\XBMC\system\
Hint: My path to Chrome Browser is C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe Your path to chrome.exe could definitely be different than mine and you will have to find your path and change it in the playercorefactory.xml.
Step 4. Demonstration
Start Chromecast
Start XBMC
Start your show- Click the Cast Button and it automatically finds the Chrome Browser and plays the video. You hit the cast button and it casts to the Television.
Good Luck!

vincent1964 said:
This is a how to on Casting Xbmc from Computer to TV for Free using Chromecast Browser. You are going to see this blows away any previous method for casting like this. It actually can even cast live streams which I didn't even think was possible and something I wasn't able to do in Avia or Allcast! It currently should work on Windows, Mac, Chrome OS and Linux.
The instructions are below. I'm not going to post links here because I don't wan to get banned. You can cut and paste the line in bold print into either Google or YouTube and it will take you to my video where I provide instructions and links to everything you need which isn't really that much.
Cast XBMC from Chrome Browser - Free!!! Live Sports!!!
How to Cast XBMC from Computer to TV for Free using Chromecast and Chrome Browser.
Step 1. Go into Chrome Browser and add the Google Cast Extension.
Step 2. Download and install XBMC Windows version 12.3 Frodo
You need to run xbmc once to set up the proper folders.
Step 3. Download my modified playercorefactory.xml
Place playercorefactory.xml in the userdata folder using the following path.
C:\Program Files (x86)\XBMC\system\
Step 4. Demonstration
Start Chromecast
Start XBMC
Start your show- Click the Cast Button and it automatically finds the Chrome Browser and plays the video. You hit the cast button and it casts to the Television.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that you're excited, but you forgot to attach the file...

mathorv said:
I know that you're excited, but you forgot to attach the file...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What file?

vincent1964 said:
What file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm
Step 3. Download my modified playercorefactory.xml
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit: I do not see
Step 4. Demonstration
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
either
nor any url in your OP
You meant this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmyxUVDMYEU
and this?
http://www.mediafire.com/download/gdf9yqpg3b9uk9i/playercorefactory.xml

I just figured you would download that at the YouTube site. I didn't even think to attach it on here.
mathorv said:
hmm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks mathorv

Just wanted to mention, that this setup plays Mp4's or Mkv's which play in the Chrome Browser and then can be casted with Chromecast. In
order to play FLV and other formats, you can use VLC Player Chrome Extension and then you can play all the formats on the computer and cast them with a work around.
Download the 32 bit version of VLC Player and make sure Plugins/Extensions are checked during installation. Then type chrome://plugins in the chrome browser and make sure the VLC web plugin is enabled. Now anything that can be played by the Chrome Browser like an mp4 will play in Chrome and anything that can't be played by the Chrome Browser like an flv will still open inside the Chrome Browser but in VLC.

Will this work for casting MKV's coded with AC3 audio directly from the PC to the Chromecast without going through an Android device? I've tried tab-casting files played by Plex but the performance is never too good.

vincent1964 said:
Just wanted to mention, that this setup plays Mp4's or Mkv's which play in the Chrome Browser and then can be casted with Chromecast. In
order to play FLV and other formats, you can use VLC Player Chrome Extension and then you can play all the formats on the computer and cast them with a work around.
Download the 32 bit version of VLC Player and make sure Plugins/Extensions are checked during installation. Then type chrome://plugins in the chrome browser and make sure the VLC web plugin is enabled. Now anything that can be played by the Chrome Browser like an mp4 will play in Chrome and anything that can't be played by the Chrome Browser like an flv will still open inside the Chrome Browser but in VLC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem I'm having with this is that Chrome insists on playing the MKV. No sound because's it's AC3. Is there a way to force Chrome to use VLC?

Will this work on Gotham beta 3?
I couldnt get this to work on neither Win7 or Win8. Tried changing paths in the xml and still nothing.

I got everything... but every time i try to play a live stream... it will just download the playlist and not stream directly onto the google chrome browser... am I missing something?
All paths are correct, and i have the VLC plug in on chrome browser....
Is anyone else have the same issue?

MrPeeta said:
I got everything... but every time i try to play a live stream... it will just download the playlist and not stream directly onto the google chrome browser... am I missing something?
All paths are correct, and i have the VLC plug in on chrome browser....
Is anyone else have the same issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same issue here

Will only work with http streams. Works with nba.

vincent1964 said:
Will only work with http streams. Works with nba.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so it is not possible to live stream a movie off icefilms via xbmc to my chromecast without it first downloading to my harddrive?
thanks

playercorefactory.xml.
vincent1964 said:
This is a how to on Casting Xbmc from Computer to TV for Free using Chromecast Browser. You are going to see this blows away any previous method for casting like this. It actually can even cast live streams which I didn't even think was possible and something I wasn't able to do in Avia or Allcast! It currently should work on Windows, Mac, Chrome OS and Linux.
The instructions are below. I'm not going to post links here because I don't want to get banned. You can cut and paste the line in bold print into either Google or YouTube and it will take you to my video where I provide instructions and links to everything you need which isn't really that much.
Cast XBMC from Chrome Browser - Free!!! Live Sports!!!
How to Cast XBMC from Computer to TV for Free using Chromecast and Chrome Browser.
Step 1. Go into Chrome Browser and add the Google Cast Extension.
Step 2. Download and install XBMC Windows version 12.3 Frodo
You need to run xbmc once to set up the proper folders.
Step 3. Download my modified playercorefactory.xml
Place playercorefactory.xml in the userdata folder using the following path.
C:\Program Files (x86)\XBMC\system\
Hint: My path to Chrome Browser is C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe Your path to chrome.exe could definitely be different than mine and you will have to find your path and change it in the playercorefactory.xml.
Step 4. Demonstration
Start Chromecast
Start XBMC
Start your show- Click the Cast Button and it automatically finds the Chrome Browser and plays the video. You hit the cast button and it casts to the Television.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what part of the playercorefactory.xml do i copy and past into xmc system folder once downloaded ,i understand in the xmc system folder there is a player corefatory already there which has to be replaced

you need to put the playercorefactory.xml into userdata directory. Not the system directory

WD My Cloud and chromecast

Hello
How can I stream videos/TV shows from a WD My Cloud to my chromecast ?

Open the cloud drive on a desktop computer. Select the Shared folder you want to access... right click on it and then choose Map to Drive. This will give it a location on the laptop that anything that can access its file system can see.
Next, get a Plex account, download the Plex Media Server, and connect it to your account online (it is free with a few small limitations). Specifically, you will be asked to provide different folders for where your media is.... this is where you choose the drive that you mapped your WD cloud to.
From there, you can log in to Plex.tv and Cast your movies.
So to recap, they go from your Cloud drive to your laptop which is read by Plex and showed on their website despite being locally read by Plex Server from that hard drive letter which maps to that virtual drive, and then Plex servers get permission from Google servers to put up an https url on your Chromecast which is told by plex.tv to load a url from your local server which transcodes the file you want to see.

Tib44 said:
Hello
How can I stream videos/TV shows from a WD My Cloud to my chromecast ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you need is any DLNA and CCast capable player app.
WD Cloud has a DLNA server built in.
Not sure what they are using these days but they used to run Twonky Server on their NAS units so you can start there.
But most DLNA servers on a NAS do not transcode due to lack of power so you might want to look into what @primetechv2 said and have a PC run either Plex or BubbleuPnP server so you never have to worry if your files are CCast compatible.

Tib44 said:
Hello
How can I stream videos/TV shows from a WD My Cloud to my chromecast ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a WD My Book LIve and I use AVIA app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.videon.android.mediaplayer) to stream directly, using Nexus 10, to my chromecast without having to use PC. It can see all the folders on my drive that I have shared over my network.
Only other thing I had to do was upgrade Twonky software to newer version as version 5 that came on drive was out of date and wouldn't play .mp4 files. Instructions I got to do this was here
http://mybookworld.wikidot.com/foru...to-upgrade-to-twonky-7-version-my-book-live-o
I'm not sure exactly what software will be on your newer model drive but if you have Twonky 7 or other similar software this should work for you. Perhaps try the Avia app first and see if it works before changing anything on your drive.

dpjohnston said:
I have a WD My Book LIve and I use AVIA app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.videon.android.mediaplayer) to stream directly, using Nexus 10, to my chromecast without having to use PC. It can see all the folders on my drive that I have shared over my network.
Only other thing I had to do was upgrade Twonky software to newer version as version 5 that came on drive was out of date and wouldn't play .mp4 files. Instructions I got to do this was here
http://mybookworld.wikidot.com/foru...to-upgrade-to-twonky-7-version-my-book-live-o
I'm not sure exactly what software will be on your newer model drive but if you have Twonky 7 or other similar software this should work for you. Perhaps try the Avia app first and see if it works before changing anything on your drive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just going to point out that you need to purchase a new license for Twonky 7 to do the above mentioned upgrade from Twonky 5.
If your unit already comes with Twonky 7 then no need to upgrade is likely needed. But even if it is your OEM License should work.

Ok so I hesitated between WD MyCloud and a synology NAS
I think it will be better if I use DS Video on a Synology beetween DLNA,
I already try DLNA (before I have a chromecast) with my usb port on my router and my TV and It didn't works great a lot of video didn't work so I think it will be the same if I use mycloud in DLNA
right ?

Tib44 said:
Ok so I hesitated between WD MyCloud and a synology NAS
I think it will be better if I use DS Video on a Synology beetween DLNA,
I already try DLNA (before I have a chromecast) with my usb port on my router and my TV and It didn't works great a lot of video didn't work so I think it will be the same if I use mycloud in DLNA
right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really depends on what DLNA server you are running as they are not all equal.
The reason some files work and others don't is due to container (mp4, mkv, avi) and Codec (H.264, Cinepack, MPEG-4, MJPEG) incompatibilities of the player application or device.
You either need to manually re-encode the incompatible files to a format that is compatible with all your devices and players (Usualt H.264 with AAC Audio) or use a DLNA Server that can Transcode the video on the fly to a compatible format for your target device.
Twonky 7 does the latter when run on a proper computer but may not be available and disabled in a low processing power device such as the WD My Cloud drives.
Plex also does this but again it is probably not available for your unit since it ships with Twonky instead. And again you have the same issue with transcode is not supported on some units due to a lack of power to transcode....
My suggestion is to figure out what files you are having problems playing, and what seems to work well. Re-Encode the non working files to MP4/H.264/AAC (or MKV/H.264/AAC if you can play this container type) in Handbrake (computer required) so that all of your library is compatible without the need to transcode.
You will probably also save yourself some space on the drive in the process and all your files will pretty much play on any device.

ok but I really don't want to have to re encode/ convert my incompotible videos. It takes time and I have to do it manually (I think)

Tib44 said:
ok but I really don't want to have to re encode/ convert my incompotible videos. It takes time and I have to do it manually (I think)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand but you have to realize that the CCast doesn't play some containers or codecs and the only way to get them to work is to either run a server that does the transcoding when needed or to do it manually.

ok so if I understand I have to buy a synology with for exemple a plex server to let it transcode my video automatically. I can't do this with a WD MyCloud
If I buy a MyCloud I will have to re encode my video manually if it doesn't works
that's it ?

Tib44 said:
ok so if I understand I have to buy a synology with for exemple a plex server to let it transcode my video automatically. I can't do this with a WD MyCloud
If I buy a MyCloud I will have to re encode my video manually if it doesn't works
that's it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably can't do it with a synology either....It depends on the power of the unit you buy...
Most NAS units do not have a processor capable of transcoding. Only the high end units do.
And plex will disable transcode on units that they feel are underpowered.
https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/articles/200375666-Stand-Alone-Server
https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/sections/200286217
Here is a spreadsheet that tells you what is supported by Plex on the various NAS units available.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...5-Ac4oOLPRtCkgUxU0jdj3tmMPc/htmlview?sle=true
But I'll tell you right now...The NAS units that do support transcode are all going to cost upwards of $1K US
So it really comes down to what do you think is worth to you?
Buying a unit that will do the work for you or doing the work once and be able to use those files on any NAS device you can afford?
There are Programs you can get that will do batch conversion for you as well.

Anyone willing to try this... Plex running fine on MyCloud independent of PC / laptop
http://community.wd.com/t5/WD-My-Cloud/Clean-debian-and-OpenMediaVault-on-WDMyCloud/td-p/785505
I'm a little nervous to give it a go as I have no idea about what all the Unix commands do so need to do some background reading before I jump in
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app