Related
This isn't another repeat of the same question regarding apps/compatibility. I know there are some solutions out there and some that we'll have more access to shortly (i.e. Plex.)
My question is what is going to be the best setup for hosting and serving local media to a ChromeCast? I currently have an outdated (unsupported) Windows Home Server with 3TB of storage. With an Intel Atom CPU it still functions nicely as a lightweight, energy efficient file server. I'm concerned about it's capability to function as a DLNA server, however. It's powerful enough to serve raw files but I think that's about it.
I bought the Avia expanded feature set and haven't had much luck with it. I understand I can't use it to simply browse files on my server and play them, so I installed the Serviio DLNA server (http://serviiowhs.codeplex.com/) and the Avia app does find this media (although some files are sporadically missing.) Playing them on Avia doesn't work at all, either on my phone or on Chromecast. I turned off transcoding on the server but I'm just generally confused at where the video processing is all taking place and where I want it to be taking place.
Ideally I'd like to just serve files up to my ChromeCast and have it perform all of the decoding/video processing, I think? Is that ever a realistic option or do I need to find something that is going to work better as DLNA server? Maybe a NAS with some kind of DLNA functionality built in? Anyone else have opinions on the best setup?
usefulidiot127 said:
My question is what is going to be the best setup for hosting and serving local media to a ChromeCast? I currently have an outdated (unsupported) Windows Home Server with 3TB of storage. With an Intel Atom CPU it still functions nicely as a lightweight, energy efficient file server. I'm concerned about it's capability to function as a DLNA server, however. It's powerful enough to serve raw files but I think that's about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... Atom is fine for DLNA, but things that require transcoding (ie, Plex Media Server) will probably leave you wanting more horsepower.
usefulidiot127 said:
I bought the Avia expanded feature set and haven't had much luck with it. I understand I can't use it to simply browse files on my server and play them, so I installed the Serviio DLNA server (http://serviiowhs.codeplex.com/) and the Avia app does find this media (although some files are sporadically missing.) Playing them on Avia doesn't work at all, either on my phone or on Chromecast. I turned off transcoding on the server but I'm just generally confused at where the video processing is all taking place and where I want it to be taking place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on WHS 2011 now, but IIRC WHSv1 supports UPnP and Windows Media Connect. It might show up for DLNA, but I don't remember if Windows Media Connect is turned on by default. Regardless, DLNA alone won't help you if your media isn't in a Chromecast-compatible format.
usefulidiot127 said:
Ideally I'd like to just serve files up to my ChromeCast and have it perform all of the decoding/video processing, I think? Is that ever a realistic option or do I need to find something that is going to work better as DLNA server? Maybe a NAS with some kind of DLNA functionality built in? Anyone else have opinions on the best setup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chromecast's processor is powerful, but nowhere near as flexible as a desktop computer. You can't necessarily automatically download and install software CODECs like you can on a desktop computer.
Think of it more like an iPod - unless the media was made to be compatible, there will likely need to be some amount of "preparation" (ie, transcoding) that needs to be done to make it compatible.
Your options would be to convert/transcode your media library so it's Chromecast compatible, use RealPlayer Cloud (which will require you to upload any incompatible media to RP Cloud where they'll do the transcoding for you via their SurePlay feature), or use Plex Media Server so you have on-the-fly transcoding.
bhiga said:
Hmm... Atom is fine for DLNA, but things that require transcoding (ie, Plex Media Server) will probably leave you wanting more horsepower.
I'm on WHS 2011 now, but IIRC WHSv1 supports UPnP and Windows Media Connect. It might show up for DLNA, but I don't remember if Windows Media Connect is turned on by default. Regardless, DLNA alone won't help you if your media isn't in a Chromecast-compatible format.
Chromecast's processor is powerful, but nowhere near as flexible as a desktop computer. You can't necessarily automatically download and install software CODECs like you can on a desktop computer.
Think of it more like an iPod - unless the media was made to be compatible, there will likely need to be some amount of "preparation" (ie, transcoding) that needs to be done to make it compatible.
Your options would be to convert/transcode your media library so it's Chromecast compatible, use RealPlayer Cloud (which will require you to upload any incompatible media to RP Cloud where they'll do the transcoding for you via their SurePlay feature), or use Plex Media Server so you have on-the-fly transcoding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the detailed reply. I'm guessing I'm running into issues with Avia/ChromeCast because I have transcoding disabled and the media may not be in a format supported by Chromecast? I thought maybe since my android phones/tablets with MX Player can process just about any file, maybe the ChromeCast could as well. (Not taking into account that ChromeCast is a vastly cheaper device.)
My best option might just be to run Plex on my full powered desktop and treat my server as network attached storage. I'll just need to turn the PC on when I'm ready to Cast (surely there's an app out there to wake a desktop from sleep mode...)
usefulidiot127 said:
Thanks for the detailed reply. I'm guessing I'm running into issues with Avia/ChromeCast because I have transcoding disabled and the media may not be in a format supported by Chromecast? I thought maybe since my android phones/tablets with MX Player can process just about any file, maybe the ChromeCast could as well. (Not taking into account that ChromeCast is a vastly cheaper device.)
My best option might just be to run Plex on my full powered desktop and treat my server as network attached storage. I'll just need to turn the PC on when I'm ready to Cast (surely there's an app out there to wake a desktop from sleep mode...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes - most likely your media isn't in a format Chromecast can play.
You can test it by shooting a 720p clip on your phone/tablet and throwing that onto your server - that should be playable by Chromecast unless you have an uber-fancy device that saves in a non-mainstream format.
MX Player is pretty awesome - it really makes good use of hardware decoding and such, but of course today's phones and tablets are closer to desktop computer than appliance-type devices like Chromecast.
Yes, probably your best bet it to run Plex on a reasonably-fast machine. It might be worth trying it on your WHS box too, though it might be slow to start stuff, depends. My WHS 2011 box is an Atom 330 (dual-core), it was a good upgrade from my previous Atom 230 (single-core) but its CPU isn't much faster than those found in some of the more-powerful NAS units. I just use it as a fileserver, so it's not a huge deal and the primary design factor was small form factor (it's mounted to a plate mounted on the back of my TV).
As long as the network connection between your server and your Plex Media Server machine is good, it should work well. For a while I was running pyTivo on my desktop to on-the-fly transcode stuff to play on my TiVos...
bhiga said:
Yes - most likely your media isn't in a format Chromecast can play.
You can test it by shooting a 720p clip on your phone/tablet and throwing that onto your server - that should be playable by Chromecast unless you have an uber-fancy device that saves in a non-mainstream format.
MX Player is pretty awesome - it really makes good use of hardware decoding and such, but of course today's phones and tablets are closer to desktop computer than appliance-type devices like Chromecast.
Yes, probably your best bet it to run Plex on a reasonably-fast machine. It might be worth trying it on your WHS box too, though it might be slow to start stuff, depends. My WHS 2011 box is an Atom 330 (dual-core), it was a good upgrade from my previous Atom 230 (single-core) but its CPU isn't much faster than those found in some of the more-powerful NAS units. I just use it as a fileserver, so it's not a huge deal and the primary design factor was small form factor (it's mounted to a plate mounted on the back of my TV).
As long as the network connection between your server and your Plex Media Server machine is good, it should work well. For a while I was running pyTivo on my desktop to on-the-fly transcode stuff to play on my TiVos...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Plex Server is running everything just fine off of an old Dell Dimension E510. The only upgrade I've made to that server was to boost the ram from 1gb to 4gb. It transcodes everything on the fly just fine. I'm quite surprised, actually.
jsdecker10 said:
My Plex Server is running everything just fine off of an old Dell Dimension E510. The only upgrade I've made to that server was to boost the ram from 1gb to 4gb. It transcodes everything on the fly just fine. I'm quite surprised, actually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like your E510 is an 3GHz Intel Pentium 4 531 (or at least the one CNET reviewed was).
My Atom 330 is still kinda poopy in comparison, but this at least gives me enough hope to perhaps try Plex server and see how it fares.
Thanks for that!
bhiga said:
Looks like your E510 is an 3GHz Intel Pentium 4 531 (or at least the one CNET reviewed was).
My Atom 330 is still kinda poopy in comparison, but this at least gives me enough hope to perhaps try Plex server and see how it fares.
Thanks for that!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, you may as well at least give it a shot and just see how it'll fare because I wasn't really too optimistic about mine being able to handle the duties of transcoding either...ie. from mkv, from avi, etc. But to my surprise, it did the job just fine n dandy & I've been MORE than satisfied with my setup so far.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Doesn't WHS come with Twonky Server? Or is that just some Brands of it?
Twonky will do transcoding but you might need to install FFMPEG and set it up to do it.
Tonky is probably the best at transcoding and very configurable so if WHS has it I would look into using that first.
Yes the Atom is probably underpowered for good transcoding but provided your source files aren't too High Quality I think it might cut it.
As for anyone looking for the BEST WAY...The choices are pretty slim right now....
You have ONLY two choices right now....
Plex and Plex apps OR DLNA server and aVia and I think we established that aVia even with DLNA server that transcodes doesn't always mean a CCast compatible stream.
Maybe Bubble solves that or maybe some other player does but until they are released those are really the only two choices and answers anyone can give for people without a rooted CCast.
I'm having best luck using PlayOn/Avia. PlayOn uses VLC player so can stream just about any format, haven't found one yet it can't do. Avia can fine PlayOn server via DLNC. Also doesn't require too much CPU, have even used a netbook as PlayOn server and works really well. Plus, you get all the PlayOn channels, which is a bunch.
xenokc said:
I'm having best luck using PlayOn/Avia. PlayOn uses VLC player so can stream just about any format, haven't found one yet it can't do. Avia can fine PlayOn server via DLNC. Also doesn't require too much CPU, have even used a netbook as PlayOn server and works really well. Plus, you get all the PlayOn channels, which is a bunch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And the PlayOn app will soon support CCast as well, At least they are advertising that as coming very soon.
Like I said there are going to be more options coming out soon that will change whatever answer is given today which is why I caution anyone from re-encoding their Library trying to fix a temporary problem!
Asphyx said:
And the PlayOn app will soon support CCast as well, At least they are advertising that as coming very soon.
Like I said there are going to be more options coming out soon that will change whatever answer is given today which is why I caution anyone from re-encoding their Library trying to fix a temporary problem!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear CCast support is coming for PLayOn. Works OK with Avia but direct support will be great. The best thing about PlayOn is that is uses VLC Player so just about every format supported as well as low CPU needs.
xenokc said:
Good to hear CCast support is coming for PLayOn. Works OK with Avia but direct support will be great. The best thing about PlayOn is that is uses VLC Player so just about every format supported as well as low CPU needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it may use VLC to play on Android but there is no guarantee it will use VLC on the CCast.
It is my hope that VLC (and all Player apps that are out there) will support CCast and create a DIAL registered Player App for Chromecast that other programs could use as well.
Asphyx said:
Well it may use VLC to play on Android but there is no guarantee it will use VLC on the CCast.
It is my hope that VLC (and all Player apps that are out there) will support CCast and create a DIAL registered Player App for Chromecast that other programs could use as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually PlayOn uses VLC on the server side, not the client side.
Does anyone think we'll be able to use the 'Cast Screen' in the display settings with Chromecast anytime soon?
The S3 Kid said:
Does anyone think we'll be able to use the 'Cast Screen' in the display settings with Chromecast anytime soon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I've been wondering why this isn't working for me in OmniROM. Is this a standard feature/option even on the stock ROM for KitKat? Or are you using OmniROM as well? It doesn't detect my Chromecast. Thanks.
ritzxda said:
Ah, I've been wondering why this isn't working for me in OmniROM. Is this a standard feature/option even on the stock ROM for KitKat? Or are you using OmniROM as well? It doesn't detect my Chromecast. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KitKat is Miracast certified. Problem is, Chromecast doesn't support Miracast, at least not today...
bhiga said:
KitKat is Miracast certified. Problem is, Chromecast doesn't support Miracast, at least not today...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah got it! Thank you. I thought it was something new due to the new "Cast" option in the settings. Thanks.
xenokc said:
Actually PlayOn uses VLC on the server side, not the client side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks didn't know that.
The S3 Kid said:
Does anyone think we'll be able to use the 'Cast Screen' in the display settings with Chromecast anytime soon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you mean on your KitKat Phone, as @bhiga noted thats for Miracast not CCast. You can however cast a screen from a Desktop Browser. It may be possible in the future to do screen mirroring as there is code in KitKat to do it but from what Koush sees it seems like it will be up to the manufacturer to cook it into the ROM which says to me it will need driver support in the Kernel to work.
Lets hope I'm dead wrong about that!
I have Plex, Twonky, Subsonic, Air Video, and from the 4, only 2 show up as DLNA on my network (plex and twonky) Now, I modified my Subsonic to play from the browser locally as well as remotely so I guess Chrome + anything that plays on chrome could be casted to Chromecast, correct?
Will try it out... Also, I can play Plex from Chrome browser, going to see if I can get a fullscreen going..
EDIT: I got all 3 Plex, Subsonic and Twonky to stream in fullscreen (but from Chrome it has a 720p limit - lame...) ---another note, for Twonky, when you pick the media, you have to cast the opened tab, not the one you are currently on when you select the media like the other 2, just like when you drag and drop .mp3 or .mkv to Chrome, whichever tab opens, you cast that one, only problem is when I drag an MKV to Chrome I get no sound, so I will stick to Plex/Subsonic/Twonky when playing .MKV... Saves me having to run an HDMI cable to the TV, I think it's still worth the $35 even if I can't root it
m4f1050 said:
EDIT: I got all 3 Plex, Subsonic and Twonky to stream in fullscreen (but from Chrome it has a 720p limit - lame...) ---another note, for Twonky, when you pick the media, you have to cast the opened tab, not the one you are currently on when you select the media like the other 2, just like when you drag and drop .mp3 or .mkv to Chrome, whichever tab opens, you cast that one, only problem is when I drag an MKV to Chrome I get no sound, so I will stick to Plex/Subsonic/Twonky when playing .MKV... Saves me having to run an HDMI cable to the TV, I think it's still worth the $35 even if I can't root it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Playing video via Chrome + Cast extension is more like playing video through remote desktop rather than playing directly. It's the least desirable solution for video playback, though a reasonable fallback in most cases.
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
will i be able to play local files without biting into data i have? from my macbook / android phone to google chromecast
please advise?
also is there a way to play xbmc to chromecast
thank you
wakkaday said:
will i be able to play local files without biting into data i have? from my macbook / android phone to google chromecast
please advise?
also is there a way to play xbmc to chromecast
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes only the Player will use Internet, The actual local streaming does not need Internet access.
CCast uses Internet to load the player and then the file stream over local network no net required once the player is loaded.
As for playing XBMC to CCast best solution I have found is Yatse Remote but it requires in app one time payment to unlock local cast, Once there Install the cast Addon and the content on your XBMC HTPC can be streamed to your CCast.
how much internet do you think the player will need ? for a movie for example
ok thats good to know, could i play local files and continue browsing on my tablet / macbook for example....
would you reccomend getting one? or is roku streaming stick better
i believe miracast doesnt uses another technology which doesnt use data, but another way of using the internet.
wakkaday said:
how much internet do you think the player will need ? for a movie for example
...
i believe miracast doesnt uses another technology which doesnt use data, but another way of using the internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The player is just a download of a HTML5 app (except for Netflix), it should be tiny, and doesn't matter what you're playing.
Miracast is screen mirroring, so it requires your device to play the movie, and what you see on your device is what goes to the TV.
The advantage is that often times the device can play more via software like MX Player. The disadvantage is that you cannot do other things with your device while playing the movie as exactly what you see on your device is what appears on the TV. Not so good if you get an embarrassing text message or something, and it'll use a lot of battery power.
The advantage to Chromecast is that Chromecast itself does the playback.. Once you make the request to play a video, you can do whatever you want on your device - even turn it off. Your device (or another device on your network) acts as the remote control.
Personally I really like it - I can browse YouTube and add videos to the TV Queue while stuff is playing full-screen on the TV.
I can play a movie in Netflix for my family to watch while I browser other movies they might like.
If I need to leave, my wife can run the same app and connect to Chromecast so she can pause/play/change things.
wakkaday said:
how much internet do you think the player will need ? .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably no more than a few K to one MB.
thats good to know...
i will be mainly using my mac for downloaded content (so i need to install mac server) and then i need to install plex app for the chromecast right?
and for my android phone local files that will be via allcast?
whats the situation of playing local files via iphone?
and anything can be streamed across using the chrome browser...
i guess i will have to buy and experiement around and work it out, but thank you for your information
wakkaday said:
thats good to know...
i will be mainly using my mac for downloaded content (so i need to install mac server) and then i need to install plex app for the chromecast right?
and for my android phone local files that will be via allcast?
whats the situation of playing local files via iphone?
and anything can be streamed across using the chrome browser...
i guess i will have to buy and experiement around and work it out, but thank you for your information
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you do not install anything on the CCast it does that automatically to load whatever player App is required to work with your Mobile App...
Plex App will tell it to load the Plex player, aVia will tell it to load the aVia Player, Netflix tells it to load the Netflix player.
Once the player is loaded into the CCast (ie in Plex it says Plexc ready to cast) no further internet should be required to stream local content.
For local on device media I suggest BubbleUPnP or aVia but that local content needs to be compatible with CCast.
\
ah ok thats explains it. i will be getting it delivered tomorrow....
when you say local content needs to be compatible, do you think i will be ok with the following...
i will be mainly trying to play avi and mkvs movies...
i know you can rename mkv to m2ts which some players will play
is real player cloud not a good app? thats free???
wakkaday said:
\
ah ok thats explains it. i will be getting it delivered tomorrow....
when you say local content needs to be compatible, do you think i will be ok with the following...
i will be mainly trying to play avi and mkvs movies...
i know you can rename mkv to m2ts which some players will play
is real player cloud not a good app? thats free???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CCast compatible means:
Container type MP4
Video Codec H.264
Audio Codec AAC or MP3
Video Bitrate not higher than 8Mbps
4-6 is a good compromise for compatibility with many devices and network conditions
RealPlayer Cloud is okay - but if your media is not Chromecast-compatible you have to upload it to their cloud and their servers will transcode it for you via their SurePlay feature.
You get 2GB of cloud for free and can get some additional storage by completing some tasks (referrals, share).
wakkaday said:
how much internet do you think the player will need ? for a movie for example
ok thats good to know, could i play local files and continue browsing on my tablet / macbook for example....
would you reccomend getting one? or is roku streaming stick better
i believe miracast doesnt uses another technology which doesnt use data, but another way of using the internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please download EZCast App from Google Play, it can cast local video,music,pdf,word,excel,PPT to your chromecast and show on TV.
i tried this with my chromecast
and it was quite fiddly getting files to play (i could change some files from mkv to mp4 and they played but some files the sound didnt play. however using plex server on mac and i beemed it across it played fine... however i noticed the data took a hit
i was just messing about wiht a few files video and it took around 300mb? it seems its playing over wifi...rather then locally...
am i doing something wrong
Casting uses all my home network bandwidth
I can use my Lenovo A7000-a phone to cast to a windows display. It works well. No 3rd party software is used on either the phone or my desktop. However, it consumes my entire (abysmally low - Hey! its the Philippines) 5MBps network bandwidth. No other user on the local home router can access the internet. I would have thought the casting would just be a connection across the router, is this NOT the case? How can I improve this so no other users are affected?
Hi everyone,
just installed my sweet new chromecast, but running into a few problems,,
I've installed bubbleupnp on my Windows 8.1 and also on my nexus 5. I can browse the library on my pc (allthough I haven't quite figured out how to include or exclude some folders) and I can also click to play the files on my nexus 5. The nthe BubbleUPNP screen on my TV (via chromecast) does load....but I can't see any picture of the video and the video doesn't start playing.
Does anyone know the solution to this`?
maxiv said:
I've installed bubbleupnp on my Windows 8.1 and also on my nexus 5. I can browse the library on my pc (allthough I haven't quite figured out how to include or exclude some folders) and I can also click to play the files on my nexus 5. The nthe BubbleUPNP screen on my TV (via chromecast) does load....but I can't see any picture of the video and the video doesn't start playing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Likely your media is not compatible with Chromecast.
Install BubbleUPnP server on your PC and enable the transcoding option in BubbleUPnP.
is this the setting you mean?
Done that, didn't help :/
when i use my phone as renderer, most files play back just fine. Yeah, I guess it hast to do with the format of the files also...but just can't solve it yet :/
edit: So with an MKV (just a few, not all) it just worked (bubbleupnp on tv brought up the loading bar and then the file started playing).
with .avi it doesn't seem to work. is there any solution to this?
maxiv said:
is this the setting you mean?
Done that, didn't help :/
when i use my phone as renderer, most files play back just fine. Yeah, I guess it hast to do with the format of the files also...but just can't solve it yet :/
edit: So with an MKV (just a few, not all) it just worked (bubbleupnp on tv brought up the loading bar and then the file started playing).
with .avi it doesn't seem to work. is there any solution to this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MKVs can play without transcoding, .avi files will need transcoding. Go into BubbleUPnP on your phone, settings->Chromecast and enable transcoding there.
Nedle said:
MKVs can play without transcoding, .avi files will need transcoding. Go into BubbleUPnP on your phone, settings->Chromecast and enable transcoding there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for you help. You mean like so? Still doesn't work :/
Can you check your CPU workload during transcoding? It might no be able to handle it. If so you can try changing your transcoding settings to increase performance.
Nedle said:
Can you check your CPU workload during transcoding? It might no be able to handle it. If so you can try changing your transcoding settings to increase performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what file type should I click!? Since playing such files doesn't seem to work (just a few, not all, MKVs work) i'm not sure if checking the CPU workload makes sense?
maxiv said:
Thanks for you help. You mean like so? Still doesn't work :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you gone through the information and recommendations on the BubbleUPnP site?
bhiga said:
Have you gone through the information and recommendations on the BubbleUPnP site?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did, and I now also enabled transcoding under the "networks and settings" menu in settings...most MKVs seem to work fine by now, still no luck with .AVI though...
maxiv said:
I did, and I now also enabled transcoding under the "networks and settings" menu in settings...most MKVs seem to work fine by now, still no luck with .AVI though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most MKVs contain MPEG-4 video, so they require little/no readjustment.
AVIs, on the other hand, come from the early days of Windows 3.11 when only a handful of CODECs were included and MPEG-4 wasn't born yet (IIRC MPEG-2 was being standardized at the time).
Most times AVIs will require some kind of trancoding, because few people put MPEG-4 in an AVI, unless it's DivX.
bhiga said:
Most MKVs contain MPEG-4 video, so they require little/no readjustment.
AVIs, on the other hand, come from the early days of Windows 3.11 when only a handful of CODECs were included and MPEG-4 wasn't born yet (IIRC MPEG-2 was being standardized at the time).
Most times AVIs will require some kind of trancoding, because few people put MPEG-4 in an AVI, unless it's DivX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand, and as far as I can tell by now I have checked all options for transcoding, but nothing's really happening yet. Do you have any more tipps as to how I could make this work?
maxiv said:
I understand, and as far as I can tell by now I have checked all options for transcoding, but nothing's really happening yet. Do you have any more tipps as to how I could make this work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I haven't quite reached that stage in my setup yet, I just know a lot about video and transcoding.
At the moment HandBrake is chugging away at my library of ~1400 files, conforming them to MPEG-4 for Chromecast as well as other target use.
At current run rate it's going to take 2-3 weeks.
Have you tried casting from the browser to the CCast on the Win8 Machine?
It could be a communication problem on the Win8 side of things...
The Bubble App on android is what would trigger the player to display on the CCast side but if transcoding is needed the stream would be coming from the Win8 Machine and that wouldn't happen if the Win8 machine can't communicate with the CCast properly.
Try using the Cast a tab in Googlcast Chrome and make sure the Win8 Machine sees the device at all....
If it doesn't see it make sure to enable IPv6 in your Network settings of Win8 and Router (not sure why but Google suggests this as a solution)
If it does see it and can stream a tab then there is something else going on and we will have to look into other aspects of it.
after that try to disable the firewall in Win8 and see if that helps...If so then you need to open up some ports for Bubble on the Win8 Firewall.
BTW have I expressed lately how much I despise Windows 8? LOL
Asphyx said:
Have you tried casting from the browser to the CCast on the Win8 Machine?
It could be a communication problem on the Win8 side of things...
The Bubble App on android is what would trigger the player to display on the CCast side but if transcoding is needed the stream would be coming from the Win8 Machine and that wouldn't happen if the Win8 machine can't communicate with the CCast properly.
Try using the Cast a tab in Googlcast Chrome and make sure the Win8 Machine sees the device at all....
If it doesn't see it make sure to enable IPv6 in your Network settings of Win8 and Router (not sure why but Google suggests this as a solution)
If it does see it and can stream a tab then there is something else going on and we will have to look into other aspects of it.
after that try to disable the firewall in Win8 and see if that helps...If so then you need to open up some ports for Bubble on the Win8 Firewall.
BTW have I expressed lately how much I despise Windows 8? LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, casting most MKVs (not all) works just fine, as well as casting youtube videos and chrome tabs. all good. it's just some MKVs and AVIs in general that don't work with bubbleupnp
I was testing the free version of BubbleUPNP as well and I found out that I could cast a video taken with my phone but an other video, also taken with my phone wasn't casting. It kept going with the progress bar on my TV and after a few minutes the screen went black.
I assume that the camera of my phone always records in the same format and always in full HD, so it is very strange one short clip works and an other short (less than a minute) clip doesn't...
I did not try with the server or a PC
maxiv said:
Hi everyone,
just installed my sweet new chromecast, but running into a few problems,,
I've installed bubbleupnp on my Windows 8.1 and also on my nexus 5. I can browse the library on my pc (allthough I haven't quite figured out how to include or exclude some folders) and I can also click to play the files on my nexus 5. The nthe BubbleUPNP screen on my TV (via chromecast) does load....but I can't see any picture of the video and the video doesn't start playing.
Does anyone know the solution to this`?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the media server that you use on your PC to access your videos ?
It if it Windows Media layer (WMP), there is a known issue on some setups where no video will play to Chromecast. This is specific to WMP.
Until I find the cause it is recommended to use any other media server, such as Serviio.
I'm having a similar problem, but in Ubuntu 14.04. I followed the instructions on the BubbleUpnp site to get BubbleUpnp server installed. I use PS3 Media Server. For some reason, I can't stream any video files to my Chromecast using BubbleUpnp, even mkv ones. A progress bar flashes on my TV screen for a split second and then nothing happens. Any ideas?
bhaskarchawla said:
I'm having a similar problem, but in Ubuntu 14.04. I followed the instructions on the BubbleUpnp site to get BubbleUpnp server installed. I use PS3 Media Server. For some reason, I can't stream any video files to my Chromecast using BubbleUpnp, even mkv ones. A progress bar flashes on my TV screen for a split second and then nothing happens. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@bhaskarchawla
I really do not recommend using PS3 media server. I suggest trying Serviio.
I had the same problem playing MP4 format. Transcoding is enabled in the server and remote transcoding is indicated. Played on Chromecast with BubbleUPnP on Android, the video starts to load, but stops and return to the background screen. Serviio media server.
Firstly, I have sincerely looked everywhere for an answer to my issues. I've spent the last 2 weeks trying to get this working and I just keep hitting brick walls. For the record, the chromecast works fine with the youtube app etc. I'm casting from my 2013 nexus 7.
Firstly, there's the apps I've tried. Allcast, BubbleUPnP, LocalCast. Secondly, there's the media servers. I've tried PS3 media server, plex, and serviio (win2008 r2 x64).
From memory, the story goes like this. Installed PMS. AllCast stuttered. Localcast either didn't work or stuttered.
Next, tried plex. AllCast couldn't see the server (just says 'loading'). Although, once, it could see the server. Played an MKV and got video with no sound. Tried modifying the generic.xml profile so it was like the chromecast.xml profile, restarted, and once again AllCast couldn't see the server. Tried restarting the server again (after replacing original generic.xml profile), and the nexus 7, still just says 'loading'.
Using LocalCast, I played several MKVs - video, but no sound.
Next, tried Serviio. Couldn't see that server in any of the apps.
Tried PMS again. AllCast still can't see any servers (still just says 'loading'). Created a Chromecast profile in PMS. When I play a video (mkv, avi, mp4) in PMS, the log says the video starts to play, then 5 seconds later it says it stops.
Tried BubbleUPnP. When I send the video from PMS to any video player, the video player either crashes, or just says it can't play the file.
Has anyone actually got a successful setup going with a media server and casting from an app? At this point I'm willing to try anything!
I use plex and there isn't a problem at all. Must be a network issue.
Edit: first suggestion is make sure everything is on a 2.4Ghz network. Chrome won't work on a 5Ghz network.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
What audio do the mkv files have? Ac3? Ac3 is not supported on Chromecast.
See link: https://developers.google.com/cast/docs/media
If the mkv file plays the video but with no audio, then PMS with have to transcode the audio. On a slower computer, you will get major stutter.
PMS transcoding requirements: https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/ar...kind-of-CPU-do-I-need-for-my-Server-computer-
I re-encoded all of my library, so no transcoding is required and all plays super smooth using any app that you mentioned.
Hope that helps!!!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 12:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:01 AM ----------
Also, check network like Cuzz1369 said
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I am using bubbelupnp server for transcoding on the fly and it works great for me.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
PMS plus Plex (App) paid version works fine for me, as does PMS plus accessing PlexWeb Interface in Android Chrome and casting from there.
I used to use BubbleUPnP + the BubbleServer to read from PMS, but found that disabling PMS's DLNA server helped with general stability a lot so dumped that, particularly as my other major use for BubbleUPnP - casting from other online video sources is now provided direct in Android Chrome.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions so far. Apologies I haven't replied sooner.
Firstly, I can confirm I'm on a 2.4gHz network (also, chromecast works fine when casting youtube, etc).
I know that chromecast won't play ac3 audio, so I'm trying to use plex or ps3 media server to transcode the audio as mp3. Haven't even been able to get to the stuttering problem - my issues seem to be before we even get to that part!
I am trying to find a solution I don't have to pay for (I mean, this stuff is supposed to work, right??) so bubbleupnp server and plex android app are both out.
@neu - smurph - when you're mentioning PMS, do you mean ps3 media server, or plex media server? if plex, have you tried any other apps to try and stream from plex?
If anyone has an actual functioning setup where they can cast transcoded mkv's where the ac3 is replaced by mp3 and they haven't paid for any apps, could you please let me know what your setup is? I'll be very keen to recreate it!
benzothegreat said:
Thanks everyone for your suggestions so far. Apologies I haven't replied sooner.
Firstly, I can confirm I'm on a 2.4gHz network (also, chromecast works fine when casting youtube, etc).
I know that chromecast won't play ac3 audio, so I'm trying to use plex or ps3 media server to transcode the audio as mp3. Haven't even been able to get to the stuttering problem - my issues seem to be before we even get to that part!
I am trying to find a solution I don't have to pay for (I mean, this stuff is supposed to work, right??) so bubbleupnp server and plex android app are both out.
@neu - smurph - when you're mentioning PMS, do you mean ps3 media server, or plex media server? if plex, have you tried any other apps to try and stream from plex?
If anyone has an actual functioning setup where they can cast transcoded mkv's where the ac3 is replaced by mp3 and they haven't paid for any apps, could you please let me know what your setup is? I'll be very keen to recreate it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By PMS I mean Plex Media Server - and for a totally free setup including PMS transcoding any non Chromecast compatible media it should work using Android Chrome via http://plex.tv/web/app or yourserverip:32400/web/index.html#. You can only cast video with Android Chrome though - not music or photos. For that you'll need the paid app or a subscription (which gets you a free copy of the paid app).
Plex will not transcode unless your using the Plex App to playback the files. I'm not sure but I bet Bubble requires you to use the Bubble App as well to get the transcoding.
So your attempt at using Plex with some other app is not going to transcode and since your Audio is not CCast compatible your not going to get Audio.
[EDIT] Ok I just checked....and Plex will transcode without their app but only provided your unit has a profile in Plex that supports your unit....
What you will have to do is check the Plex Server logs to find out what your unit is identified as when streamed to, and make a profile (using the CCast profile.xml as your template), change the parameter <Client name="Chromecast"> to <Client name="yourdevice"> and save it as yourdevice.xml
Asphyx said:
Plex will not transcode unless your using the Plex App to playback the files. I'm not sure but I bet Bubble requires you to use the Bubble App as well to get the transcoding.
So your attempt at using Plex with some other app is not going to transcode and since your Audio is not CCast compatible your not going to get Audio.
[EDIT] Ok I just checked....and Plex will transcode without their app but only provided your unit has a profile in Plex that supports your unit....
What you will have to do is check the Plex Server logs to find out what your unit is identified as when streamed to, and make a profile (using the CCast profile.xml as your template), change the parameter <Client name="Chromecast"> to <Client name="yourdevice"> and save it as yourdevice.xml
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Asphyx - that's a great help. I did look around last week and grabbed a profile for the Chromecast - I even replaced the 'generic' one with the CC specific one. Unfortuantely, my problem is before that stage - AllCast doesn't even SEE PMS.. it just says 'searching...' - any suggestions?
same here, I tried almost all the apps and when I want to cast a video from my phone to the CC it buffers and stutters...Is it because I have the free version to try the apps?
benzothegreat said:
Thanks Asphyx - that's a great help. I did look around last week and grabbed a profile for the Chromecast - I even replaced the 'generic' one with the CC specific one. Unfortuantely, my problem is before that stage - AllCast doesn't even SEE PMS.. it just says 'searching...' - any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you have the DLNA server enabled on Plex?
If you do also try enabling GDM in Network settings. Sometimes that helps with discovery issues.
This is ridiculous. I made sure GDM was enabled, and the DLNA server is running because I can see the log. So I tried connecting - all good from allcast. No sound, since I was using the generic profile.
I made sure I had a CC-friendly profile called name="Generic", restarted, now I can't see plex again.
It's like when I have a profile that will work properly with the CC, plex doesn't want to be seen? I've uploaded my log file in case there's anything helpful in there..
benzothegreat said:
This is ridiculous. I made sure GDM was enabled, and the DLNA server is running because I can see the log. So I tried connecting - all good from allcast. No sound, since I was using the generic profile.
I made sure I had a CC-friendly profile called name="Generic", restarted, now I can't see plex again.
It's like when I have a profile that will work properly with the CC, plex doesn't want to be seen? I've uploaded my log file in case there's anything helpful in there..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you need to look at is the Plex DLNA logs...Thats the general log for the entire server you posted...
oops - ok, here are two DLNA logs (not sure which one is the right one)..
benzothegreat said:
oops - ok, here are two DLNA logs (not sure which one is the right one)..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your log only shows an attempt to load a photo (probably a preview image)
But it does say User Agent Windows Media Player....That shouldn't say that if it recognized your device as generic Android.
You should not have changed the generic profile, you really need to make a new profile that WILL match your device properly...
I see no attempt to load Video here, perhaps AllCast is not using the DLNA and using UPnP instead....
Asphyx said:
Your log only shows an attempt to load a photo (probably a preview image)
But it does say User Agent Windows Media Player....That shouldn't say that if it recognized your device as generic Android.
You should not have changed the generic profile, you really need to make a new profile that WILL match your device properly...
I see no attempt to load Video here, perhaps AllCast is not using the DLNA and using UPnP instead....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn.. ok i replaced the original 'generic' profile, hoping that would fix it... no dice
How can I tell if allcast is using DLNA or UPnP ?
benzothegreat said:
Damn.. ok i replaced the original 'generic' profile, hoping that would fix it... no dice
How can I tell if allcast is using DLNA or UPnP ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you might just be better off Uninstalling PMS, Deleting all the data folders (in your User space on Windows, Data not saved in the programs folder)
And re-installing it and resetting all your profiles.
See if you can at least see the server under Media Servers.
(I have confirmed this works in Allcast)
Then we can take a look at the logs when you try and connect and we will see if we can't create a good profile for you...
But I have to say it sure looks like it is transcoding for my CCast without any need to change profile.
Asphyx said:
I think you might just be better off Uninstalling PMS, Deleting all the data folders (in your User space on Windows, Data not saved in the programs folder)
And re-installing it and resetting all your profiles.
See if you can at least see the server under Media Servers.
(I have confirmed this works in Allcast)
Then we can take a look at the logs when you try and connect and we will see if we can't create a good profile for you...
But I have to say it sure looks like it is transcoding for my CCast without any need to change profile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Asphyx - sorry again it's taken so long to reply. Ok - uninstalled PMS, re-installed. Allcast found Plex.
Tried to cast a new MKV (would have ac3 audio) from my nexus 7 - video, but no sound. So plex isn't transcoding the audio into mp3/aac.
Next, tried to cast a very old simpsons ep (avi) - and I got no video, and garbled audio...
I've attached the log files in a zip. The 'Neptune' log was about 10mb so I truncated it - but it's basically saying the same thing over and over - something about a bad SCPD response from my chromecast.
Also, I'm pretty sure Plex is recognising the chromecast as 'generic'...
benzothegreat said:
Hi Asphyx - sorry again it's taken so long to reply. Ok - uninstalled PMS, re-installed. Allcast found Plex.
Tried to cast a new MKV (would have ac3 audio) from my nexus 7 - video, but no sound. So plex isn't transcoding the audio into mp3/aac.
Next, tried to cast a very old simpsons ep (avi) - and I got no video, and garbled audio...
I've attached the log files in a zip. The 'Neptune' log was about 10mb so I truncated it - but it's basically saying the same thing over and over - something about a bad SCPD response from my chromecast.
Also, I'm pretty sure Plex is recognising the chromecast as 'generic'...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries on the time delays....Just as long as there are not 4 pages of posts in between so I can catch up! LOL
Neptune log won't help us...but we will get to that...Unfortunately Plex has multiple Logs it gets confusing...
Okyou are seeing the server which was half the problem....
Your right it isn't transcoding...
I just looked at my Generic.xml and it appears to be blank....Just the XML Header...That could be the problem if it's the same on yours.
So open up generic.xml and tell me what it says after
Code:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!-- Author: Plex Inc. -->
<Client name="Generic" />
If nothing then it's not transcoding at all....Which I can reproduce on my end...
Take a look at Plex DLNA Server.log
Do a search for User-Agent and tell me what it says...
Mine says "User-Agent: Dalvik/1.6.0 (Linux; U; Android 4.2.2; Xoom Build/JDQ39)"
Your's should say something different which I think is the problem here with All Cast and Transcoding from Plex.
There may be multiple entries listed so try and distinguish which one is actually Android, My guess is it will be similar to what mine says with some reference to Android version.
Copy what it says and save it in a text file somewhere for later use...
The issue maybe that Allcast is not giving a clear UserAgent reply to Plex. The one I'm seeing is a bit overly complicated and Allcast (like aVia) should have a setting to change the Useragent name in the App...Unfortunately Allcast doesn't have this setting. Something I'm sure Koush could easily fix.
What you can try to do is:
Open the Chromecast.xml file in a decent XML editor (I don't suggest a plan text editor but you can get by with it if thats all you have)
Where is says <Client name="Chromecast"> change the Chromecast to what we saved for useragent (leave out the UserAgent: of course)
Save the file as filename.xml (filename being the same as what you just replaced Chromecast with).
DO NOT modify, change or overwrite the Generic.XML! I know it sounds easier but could mess you up later on in life...Better to match the UserAgent properly.
Reboot your PMS machine to be sure it recognizes the new Profile and then see what happens with Allcast....
If it still doesn't work then we can look at the logs again and go from there...
And just to be clear, this will only work for that particular device if what I'm seeing here is correct.
We should write to Koush to see if he can't give us a clearer UserAgent report setting that we can use to match UserAgent and get the proper transcoding. It might even be nice if he added the ability to report to DLNA a useragent depending on what target device is selected.
So when the target is CCast Allcast reports itself as a Chromecast and Plex handles the proper transcoding.
Asphyx said:
If nothing then it's not transcoding at all....Which I can reproduce on my end...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! My generic.xml file is empty too...
Asphyx said:
Take a look at Plex DLNA Server.log
Do a search for User-Agent and tell me what it says...
...
Copy what it says and save it in a text file somewhere for later use...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok - mine says "User-Agent: Dalvik/1.6.0 (Linux; U; Android 4.4.3; Nexus 7 Build/KTU84L);"
Asphyx said:
The issue maybe that Allcast is not giving a clear UserAgent reply to Plex. The one I'm seeing is a bit overly complicated and Allcast (like aVia) should have a setting to change the Useragent name in the App...Unfortunately Allcast doesn't have this setting. Something I'm sure Koush could easily fix.
What you can try to do is:
Open the Chromecast.xml file in a decent XML editor (I don't suggest a plan text editor but you can get by with it if thats all you have)
Where is says <Client name="Chromecast"> change the Chromecast to what we saved for useragent (leave out the UserAgent: of course)
Save the file as filename.xml (filename being the same as what you just replaced Chromecast with).
DO NOT modify, change or overwrite the Generic.XML! I know it sounds easier but could mess you up later on in life...Better to match the UserAgent properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok - so should I say Client name="Dalvik/1.6.0 (Linux; U; Android 4.4.3; Nexus 7 Build/KTU84L);" ? and what should I call the filename? I can't put slashes etc in the filename?
Asphyx said:
Reboot your PMS machine to be sure it recognizes the new Profile and then see what happens with Allcast....
If it still doesn't work then we can look at the logs again and go from there...
And just to be clear, this will only work for that particular device if what I'm seeing here is correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok will do! - thanks again Asphyx!