Database Develop

[Q] Best way to serve local media?

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 I currently have an outdated (unsupported) Windows Home Server with 3TB of storage.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 I currently have an outdated (unsupported) Windows Home Server with 3TB of storage.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.
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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.

Chromecast Video - A Chrome App That Streams Local Video From Your Computer To Chrome

I've posted my Chrome App late last night and has been a big hit on Reddit. Anywho, while we've ran into a couple people with issues it's been a pretty smooth rollout.
If you want to try it, here it is. It's, rather cleverly, called "Chromecast Video" .
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/chromecast-video/cnciopoikihiagdjbjpnocolokfelagl
Let me know how much you love it, hate it, and want to see your bug fixed
-----------
Known issues:
// TODO
Mat.

Great start! So far gives me about a 50% success ratio, at least with mp4 files. And some of those that start successfully die after about 30 seconds. But the ones that stream successfully are smooth.

Reddit comments thread, that should be added in OP:
http://www.reddit.com/r/Chromecast/comments/1ybzw3/chromecast_video_a_chrome_app_that_streams_local/
Could you also add download link that does not require google account login?
PS if you want to know literally everything about acidhax start HERE and dig google

Avia does that

I'm going to check this out tonight, but given that there doesn't appear to be any transcoding going on, is it safe to assume that you still can't play .mkv files with audio?
I keep holding out in hopes that I don't need to convert my huge collection of media to h.264 in an .mp4 container.

mkhopper said:
I'm going to check this out tonight, but given that there doesn't appear to be any transcoding going on, is it safe to assume that you still can't play .mkv files with audio?
I keep holding out in hopes that I don't need to convert my huge collection of media to h.264 in an .mp4 container.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, well, if anyone here is good at NaCl development we can get some ffmpeg transcoding happening

Yet another reason to run Chrome... I may be converted yet...
BTW, added your extension to the FAQ.

It seemed to work but would stop after a few minutes

mkhopper said:
I'm going to check this out tonight, but given that there doesn't appear to be any transcoding going on, is it safe to assume that you still can't play .mkv files with audio?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't play mkv at all as far as I can tell. I just get a spinning circle forever if I try.

enricong said:
It seemed to work but would stop after a few minutes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some users have this problem. I honestly don't know what it is, it could be a Chrome bug or a WiFi driver bug.
Edit:
All I'm really doing is creating a Webserver on the Chrome App, and the Chromecast requests media from you. It'll just drop randomly for certain people.

acidhax said:
Some users have this problem. I honestly don't know what it is, it could be a Chrome bug or a WiFi driver bug.
Edit:
All I'm really doing is creating a Webserver on the Chrome App, and the Chromecast requests media from you. It'll just drop randomly for certain people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there an option to show debugging info or logging to try to determine the cause?

acidhax said:
All I'm really doing is creating a Webserver on the Chrome App, and the Chromecast requests media from you. It'll just drop randomly for certain people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could also be other extensions or antivirus
On this thread the tab casting problem (yes, I realize it probably uses a different mechanism, but it's still within Chrome) ended up being Adware Antivirus, and reinstallation of the Cast extension.

enricong said:
Is there an option to show debugging info or logging to try to determine the cause?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I'm aware of..

enricong said:
Is there an option to show debugging info or logging to try to determine the cause?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed it. Update is being processed as we speak!
Thanks

MKV plays fine, but without sound.
Also, is it possible to support subs?

acidhax said:
Fixed it. Update is being processed as we speak!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confirmed - all better now. With version 0.9.6.5 all mp4 videos play without interruption.
Another minor problem: if I attempt to play a video that doesn't load successfully (for example one of my mkv files), the Chromecast remains stuck on a blank screen and I cannot cast any more videos successfully until the Chromecast Video extension is shut down and restarted. It looks like the UI is still functioning, but maybe the background http server is stuck?

DJames1 said:
Confirmed - all better now. With version 0.9.6.5 all mp4 videos play without interruption.
Another minor problem: if I attempt to play a video that doesn't load successfully (for example one of my mkv files), the Chromecast remains stuck on a blank screen and I cannot cast any more videos successfully until the Chromecast Video extension is shut down and restarted. It looks like the UI is still functioning, but maybe the background http server is stuck?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys MKV is a container, and have slim to none information about whats in it.
Really think the developer would love to know which Audio/Video codec you use
http://www.videohelp.com/tools/MediaInfo <- Download that tool and the codecs will show up, they would help the developer understanding which codecs works and not.

bormeth said:
Guys MKV is a container, and have slim to none information about whats in it.
Really think the developer would love to know which Audio/Video codec you use
http://www.videohelp.com/tools/MediaInfo <- Download that tool and the codecs will show up, they would help the developer understanding which codecs works and not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Generally my mkv files are all H.264 video generated by Handbrake, the same as my mp4 files. The difference is likely to be in the audio tracks. My mkv files all have either a single AC3 DD5.1 sound track, or else an AC3 DD5.1 sound track plus an AAC stereo sound track like the mp4 files. I stopped including the AC3 DD5.1 sound track in my mp4 files because I found that many (if not most) mp4 players will only accept a single AAC stereo sound track and nothing else. I sometimes wonder what was the point of designing container file formats that allow multiple sound tracks when so many players seem to choke on files that use that capability! Even Microsoft Windows Media Player doesn't have the basic ability to select which audio track to use when there are multiple tracks.

DJames1 said:
I sometimes wonder what was the point of designing container file formats that allow multiple sound tracks when so many players seem to choke on files that use that capability! Even Microsoft Windows Media Player doesn't have the basic ability to select which audio track to use when there are multiple tracks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's the general problem with containers... Having multiple streams requires additional logic on the player's side that takes it more toward a DVD/BD player, while most media players are more simple. In some cases players "cheat" and their "support" for a container is simply "pretend it's just a raw media stream."
While it does often work, it's bad practice because the kludge fails once the container is actually used as a container.
It's much like how people often like to rename VOB files to MPG to make them "work" but run into trouble when things leave the most-simple cases as VOBs also contain other data like navigational data, subtitles, etc. A proper demux works, but of course requires actual understanding of the container format.

bhiga said:
Having multiple streams requires additional logic on the player's side that takes it more toward a DVD/BD player, while most media players are more simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! MKV was pretty much invented as a Universal Library container format to better support the different media that would normally be on a DVD/BR disc such as Multiple Language, Commentary tracks and Multiple Subtitles all in one tidy package.
But to support all that it requires Client side support that allows you to pick which tracks to actually use.
Unfortunately the player apps on the CCast are still very young and not yet mature enough to deal with this complexity as most developers are more focused on the communication and linkage needed to cast than they are with developing a full featured player on the CCast side.
This is why Subs and Multi Audio track content have hit or miss issues when sent to a CCast.
It gets even worse if transcoding is required.
And the fact that MKV can contain just about any codec it's even harder to write a transcoder profile or CCast player that can deal with it all.
There is no hardware I know of that supports MKV on chip. All the devices that play them without transcoding use software decoding built into the player. and I suspect in time someone will create a CCast player capable of doing that at some point as well as the capability to select Subtitle Overlay and Audio Track from the client side.
Once someone does that most if not all of our MKV issues will go away. Transcoding will no longer be needed and the selection of what gets seen and played will all happen where it should on the client side.

Android and Windows - streaming RMVB to chromecast

I wanted to ask if there is any way / workaround to stream rmvb files to chromecast. I need solution to stream local media files that are stored on my Samsung Galaxy S2 and from my Local computer directly to chromecast.
Any thoughts? There are literally 3 threads in this forum that even mention this format.

kordi666 said:
I wanted to ask if there is any way / workaround to stream rmvb files to chromecast. I need solution to stream local media files that are stored on my Samsung Galaxy S2 and from my Local computer directly to chromecast.
Any thoughts? There are literally 3 threads in this forum that even mention this format.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Real Player Cloud...What you have is a Real Player Format video.
Real Player is probably the only App that will play those files properly and definitely the only one with CCast support.

kordi666 said:
I wanted to ask if there is any way / workaround to stream rmvb files to chromecast. I need solution to stream local media files that are stored on my Samsung Galaxy S2 and from my Local computer directly to chromecast.
Any thoughts? There are literally 3 threads in this forum that even mention this format.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BubbleUPnP + BubbleUPnP Server can transcode rmvb to something playable.

bubbleguuum said:
BubbleUPnP + BubbleUPnP Server can transcode rmvb to something playable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can it be done on android device? I mean can I open RMVB on Android, transcode it on the fly and send to CC? I am playing with this program (free version) but I cannot figure out how to do it.
Asphyx said:
Real Player Cloud...What you have is a Real Player Format video.
Real Player is probably the only App that will play those files properly and definitely the only one with CCast support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Real player cloud to my knowledge DOES NOT support rmvb on android device. I know this sound stupid but what can I say...

kordi666 said:
Can it be done on android device? I mean can I open RMVB on Android, transcode it on the fly and send to CC? I am playing with this program (free version) but I cannot figure out how to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible. You have to install BubbleUPnP Server on a machine on your network (ideally a PC).

bubbleguuum said:
Not possible. You have to install BubbleUPnP Server on a machine on your network (ideally a PC).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed the server but my bubbleupnp app on android does not seem to detect it although they are on the same router. Any tips where to search for an anwser? On the bubbleupnp site they write it should be autommatic...

Glad you got it covered in Bubble!
Maybe you should just start listing what it DOESN'T do to save time! LOL

kordi666 said:
I installed the server but my bubbleupnp app on android does not seem to detect it although they are on the same router. Any tips where to search for an anwser? On the bubbleupnp site they write it should be autommatic...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume you installed it but all settings in Settings > Chromecast remain disabled ?
Check that the windows firewall is not blocking trafic on UDP port 1900. Eventually disable the firewall temporarily (and restart Android BubbleUPnP) to check if it is the cause of the problem.
Also make sure that BubbleUPnP Server started properly by displaying its web inteface. If it shows up, it's good.

bubbleguuum said:
I assume you installed it but all settings in Settings > Chromecast remain disabled ?
Check that the windows firewall is not blocking trafic on UDP port 1900. Eventually disable the firewall temporarily (and restart Android BubbleUPnP) to check if it is the cause of the problem.
Also make sure that BubbleUPnP Server started properly by displaying its web inteface. If it shows up, it's good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are probably right. I tried on another computer and it worked. Problem is that on the computer that I want it to play I do not have administrator access and I cannot disable firewall.... Any other suggestions?

kordi666 said:
You are probably right. I tried on another computer and it worked. Problem is that on the computer that I want it to play I do not have administrator access and I cannot disable firewall.... Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can bypass automatic discovery of BubbleUPnP Server by connecting manually to it:
http://bubblesoftapps.com/bubbleupnpserver/#android_configuration
You will have to set a login/password in the web interface. Use its LAN ip address for connecting.
After that, Settings > Chromecast will show that it is connected by displaying its ip address.

RMVB? In 2014? Perhaps also support for 35mm analog film?

hasenbein1966 said:
RMVB? In 2014? Perhaps also support for 35mm analog film?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is so funny about that. Look online. This is the most common format to get decent quality low size movies. You would appreciate if you were on 3G network with transfer limits as I am...

MKV subtitle extraction with Bubbleupnp

play a lot of subtitled files. No way around that. I've got them in many formats, MKVs, srts, smi (but found a quick smi to srt converter), etc.
My setup is a desktop that sends to the chromecast on my TV. I'd like to use bubbleupnp to control it.
I've got the bubbleupnp server on my computer.
regular casting works fine, but my god subtitles are a pain in the neck.
With the current setup, bubbleupnp is giving me a lot of trouble. If I use an MKV with subtitles it gives me a "subtitle can't be extracted" error. If I put the subtitle on my phone (Srt) it recognizes it, but when I try to use it, it says something like upload failed, it can't seem to add them to the existing stream.
I'm using Windows 7 64 bit on my desktop.
I also have xbmc, but apparently that doesn't support external subtitles.
I tried serviio, but that doesn't work on windows 7 64 that well (console wouldn't launch). seems to be many reports of it not working on their site.
I'd like this to "just work". I could go through the trouble of encoding hard sub videos, but screw that. I can chromecast a tab with a movie open and subtitles on it (that works) but I like the whole media library access to be able to just choose files with my phone.
Any ideas on what I need here as googling is mostly leading to half forgotten forum posts and whispers of possible updates and no real solutions. The specific issues I'm getting with subs don't come up at all on search.

crossmr said:
play a lot of subtitled files. No way around that. I've got them in many formats, MKVs, srts, smi (but found a quick smi to srt converter), etc.
My setup is a desktop that sends to the chromecast on my TV. I'd like to use bubbleupnp to control it.
I've got the bubbleupnp server on my computer.
regular casting works fine, but my god subtitles are a pain in the neck.
With the current setup, bubbleupnp is giving me a lot of trouble. If I use an MKV with subtitles it gives me a "subtitle can't be extracted" error. If I put the subtitle on my phone (Srt) it recognizes it, but when I try to use it, it says something like upload failed, it can't seem to add them to the existing stream.
I'm using Windows 7 64 bit on my desktop.
I also have xbmc, but apparently that doesn't support external subtitles.
I tried serviio, but that doesn't work on windows 7 64 that well (console wouldn't launch). seems to be many reports of it not working on their site.
I'd like this to "just work". I could go through the trouble of encoding hard sub videos, but screw that. I can chromecast a tab with a movie open and subtitles on it (that works) but I like the whole media library access to be able to just choose files with my phone.
Any ideas on what I need here as googling is mostly leading to half forgotten forum posts and whispers of possible updates and no real solutions. The specific issues I'm getting with subs don't come up at all on search.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure but I was under the impression that for external subs you had to copy it to a folder inside the Bubble Server install location...

Asphyx said:
I'm not sure but I was under the impression that for external subs you had to copy it to a folder inside the Bubble Server install location...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, if you are running a media server that passes them on (like twonky) it'll pass them to bubbleupnp. There was some error with the software. The dev finally got back to a note I left and did something. Suddenly external subs are working. You can have them in the directory with the movie, or on your phone.
After talking to the dev i discovered that MKV subtitle extraction can only be done on SRT subs embedded in the MKV. If image based DVD subs are in the MKV they can't be extract which was the issue I was getting.

crossmr said:
No, if you are running a media server that passes them on (like twonky) it'll pass them to bubbleupnp. There was some error with the software. The dev finally got back to a note I left and did something. Suddenly external subs are working. You can have them in the directory with the movie, or on your phone.
After talking to the dev i discovered that MKV subtitle extraction can only be done on SRT subs embedded in the MKV. If image based DVD subs are in the MKV they can't be extract which was the issue I was getting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok glad for the clarification....
Yes the DVD subs are always a problem since in many cases they are not a text that can be streamed....

Use KODI. It implements SUBS over DLNA quite nice (in a few makers TV models).
KODI DOES not use transcoding...
SUBS work on my PANASONIC TV.

Casting Video - please help!

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!