Media Server / Player Suggestions

Ljefflang007 on 01/05/2013 - 20:49

Hello, a li'll advice please.

I have a PC in my office where I download….legal videos…via torrent. In another room I have a HDTV with a PS3 that i use as a media player to stream the downloaded video via Ethernet from the PC.

The ps3 is slow at connecting to the media server and will not play all kinds of media.

Can anyone suggest a media player that is simple to use and will connect in the same style, basically doing the same thing the ps3 does, but more, faster and more efficiently?

Cheers in advance.

Jeff

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • ilsan0 on 01/05/2013 - 20:55
    +3

    Build a cheap pc for tv and never worry about streaming.
    Best thing I did for my tv.

    Just download and watch.

    • jefflang007 on 01/05/2013 - 21:01
      -2

      then you have a big ugly pc next to the tv…

      • ilsan0 on 01/05/2013 - 21:24
        +4

        http://i.imgur.com/Pgnw466.jpg

        Ugly?

        • jefflang007 on 01/05/2013 - 21:54

          not at all, don't have that space though.

          Where dis you get a neat box like that.

          Also, you have to boot windows each time….

        • ilsan0 on 01/05/2013 - 21:59
          +1

          Everyone sells it mate. It's just a flat version. It's from Lian Li. I can boot and launch any program automatically. Currently it launches Plex.

          If space is problem, get Raberry Pi and play around with it. Worse case sell it on eBay for $20

        • strangeloops66 on 02/05/2013 - 11:22
          +1

          +1 for Plex!

  • pop on 01/05/2013 - 21:31
    +6

    get a $35 raspberry pi and install XBMC on it. connect it via ethernet cable. Its the size of a deck of cards

    • ilsan0 on 01/05/2013 - 21:34
      -2

      Yes or do this. It won't play 1080p or 3d though…

      • jefflang007 on 01/05/2013 - 21:54

        that's okay.

      • StewBalls on 01/05/2013 - 22:33
        +4

        It won't play 1080p…

        Yeah, just FYI that part's actually wrong! R Pi plays supported codec 1080p just fine…time for you to read those forums bro.

        • ilsan0 on 02/05/2013 - 06:42
          -5

          Maybe it does, but I heard it can be buggy especially streaming, hence put it out there.

        • StewBalls on 02/05/2013 - 07:03
          +8

          Don't put things out there that you clearly don't fully understand mate, you just confuse people.

        • ilsan0 on 02/05/2013 - 07:32
          -2

          I will happily put my hand up if I am wrong. So correct me if you fully understand.

          Can Raspberry Pi stream 1080p video via Ethernet seamlessly? And I ain't talking NBN, so you fully understand.

        • _Bruce_ on 02/05/2013 - 08:33

          Can Raspberry Pi stream 1080p video via Ethernet seamlessly?

          Unfortunately it is not that simple. The CPU is not fast enough to decode in real time so it needs to offload to hardware decoding. This works fine if the codecs you are decoding are supported. Some are supported out of the box and a couple more are supported if you purchase licence keys.

          The biggest missing codec is DTS audio, which can cause playback issues regardless of the video quality. Transcoding to supported codecs will work.

        • ESEMCE on 02/05/2013 - 08:39
          +3

          What's NBN got to do with Ethernet?

          Raspberry Pi will play 1080p content, and it shouldn't matter whether it's coming from a local file or streamed via Ethernet (provided you have a 100mbps Ethernet connection, which is most likely unless you got your house wired in 1995 with cat 4) but it wont play all 1080p content as it only has hardware support for h264, mpeg-2 and vc-1 (paid licences required for the latter 2).

        • _Bruce_ on 02/05/2013 - 08:48
          +1

          Raspberry Pi will play 1080p content, and it shouldn't matter whether it's coming from a local file or streamed via Ethernet (provided you have a 100mbps Ethernet connection, which is most likely unless you got your house wired in 1995 with cat 4)…

          One more complication, if you are getting the file from a Windows share (SMB/CIFS) the CPU load is significantly higher, and depending on other factors (specific type of video, background load) this can affect playback. NFS is recommended.

        • StewBalls on 02/05/2013 - 16:02
          +3

          I will happily put my hand up if I am wrong.

          Good, put it up then, coz simply blurting out that the Pi "won't play 1080p" is dead wrong in this case.

          You state below in response to the OP's bug question that you have "no idea", at least you got that one right! ;)

          The biggest missing codec is DTS audio…

          Yes. As Bruce said, that fact is where all of these old wives tales about the Pi not being able to play 1080p content stem from. If you are using audio passthrough via HDMI to an AV receiver then it will never be an issue. However, you can also work around this if you don't have a HT setup by simply choosing files with audio encoded with another audio format.

        • ilsan0 on 02/05/2013 - 16:22
          +8

          Ok Fine.

          I put my hand up then.

        • StewBalls on 02/05/2013 - 16:36

          Don't worry, we've all been there.

          I've actually started to enjoy the taste of crow… :)

        • Ramrunner on 02/05/2013 - 18:42
          +1

          Stew, I'm not getting into an argument here, but my Pi WILL NOT stream 1080p cleanly from the LAN port using DLNA, or CIFS, using the XBMC distribution. Too much stuttering.

          Reason I've gleaned from the forums is because apparently running X AND XBMC and pulling stuff from the LAN port all at the same time is too taxing on the CPU.

          It plays 1080p content just fine from a local HDD. In that I agree with you.

          Have you found a way to stream 1080p with DTS (15.1Mbps)? Have you got it working? If you have would like to know how/what you use because I'd love to get to use my Pi instead of it sitting in my drawer.

          Thanks and Regards,
          Ed.

        • ilsan0 on 02/05/2013 - 18:53

          .

        • ilsan0 on 02/05/2013 - 18:56

          What's NBN got to do with Ethernet?

          I was coming from a Bandwidth point of view. I had lots of stuttering issues on my ADSL2+ connection whilst streaming so put it down to that. Might be wrong again.

        • _Bruce_ on 02/05/2013 - 19:14
          +2

          Stew, I'm not getting into an argument here, but my Pi WILL NOT stream 1080p cleanly from the LAN port using DLNA, or CIFS, using the XBMC distribution. Too much stuttering.

          As I mentioned above, CIFS is an issue, and I expect DLNA would be too. Have you tried/are you able to try NFS?

          Have you found a way to stream 1080p with DTS (15.1Mbps)? Have you got it working? If you have would like to know how/what you use because I'd love to get to use my Pi instead of it sitting in my drawer.

          There are two solutions:

          1: Re-encode to not use DTS.

          2: Use passthrough. This requires the use of digital audio out and a TV/Amp/Whatever which supports DTS. The option is in the XBMC menus.

          PS: Which 'XMBC distribution' are you using? There are several and each can behave differently.

          PPS: DTS support is being worked on, and may yet be natively supported.

        • StewBalls on 02/05/2013 - 22:24
          +1

          ^Wot Bruce said Ramrunner…if you have an amp, passthrough is your friend; if not, forget DTS for the time being (at least until the foundation nuts out a licence deal or workaround). Honestly, when you say 'stuttering' to me in this context it implies more the DTS software decode issue than a network bandwidth issue per se. The problem has been quite well identified & documented by Dom on the Pi forums.

          I have no trouble streaming with my Pi, but I'm passing thru the audio to my Pioneer amp. You might want to have a close look at what other stuff is going on in your network, perhaps even look at your router QoS settings to prioritise packets for the Pi. And yes, NFS…can't stress that enough!!!

          Are you actually using DTS passthrough??? If you are currently using it & still having problems however, check your config to make sure it is actually enabled…if not force it using this line:

          hdmi_force_edid_audio=1

          …failing that, you could try upping your RAM clock to ~450, I've read some folks are getting stable success that way.

          @ilsan,

          Might be wrong again.

          Right, you're wrong again! ADSL2 =/= ethernet, and as explained, the problem was never bandwidth related, purely caused by an unsupported (well, merely unlicenced technically) audio codec. ;)

        • ilsan0 on 03/05/2013 - 00:01
          +6

          Ok I will shut up on the Raspberry Pi and watch life of Pi in 3d instead :)

        • jefflang007 on 03/05/2013 - 00:06

          Is seems the word "Simple" was overlooked in my original post. The Pi sounds like fun, but is this not all making it sound difficult? Not having a shot, just want an easy road, so the bride does not throw the remote/mouse at me when sh%@ doesn't work..

        • StewBalls on 03/05/2013 - 06:56

          To be fair, it's not always as convoluted as it sounds here; this is kinda worst case scenario stuff; but it still highlights the potential pitfalls, and it's definitely not as smooth sailing as something wife-proof like a WD Live. I still haven't ruled out buying one myself, for that very reason.

          However, if you cared to tinker, it is like the budgie…cheep! :)

        • ESEMCE on 03/05/2013 - 14:17

          Given you can buy Android TV sticks that can do this type of stuff out of the box for not much more than the cost of a barebones Pi delivered, they're not all that cheap.
          Even less so if you factor in "hidden costs" like SD card, charger and time to set up.

        • StewBalls on 03/05/2013 - 15:53

          I doubt you'd find a cheaper fully functional (and highly versatile) computer to fiddle with than the Pi.

          Like I said, it's for tinkerers; as you say, yes there's better options for the OP as a standalone plug'n'play media device.

        • sane on 03/05/2013 - 20:04

          Android TV sticks

          Just so you know, but unless you get 'tinker' then those sticks will only do 720p - and xbmc won't play nice at all.

          Pi is actually easier and more competent out of the box.

        • BH1 on 03/05/2013 - 20:49

          Mate I gotta raspberry pi and I can confirm it plays 1080p mkv files on USB. It "frame drops"
          A little through my network but then again I have netgear dg834g modem/router and I haven't set the cache either on Xbmc. For $50 bucks. That's good.
          Here are afew options:
          HTPC running XBMC or older version of Boxee)
          Raspberry pi with XBMC
          ROKU media player
          Boxee box (gen 1)
          WD tv live or other models
          JB Apple tv 1(will choke on 720p mkv)
          JB Apple tv 2 (will handle upto 720p but will choke on 1080p)
          Rikomagic mk802 iiis or similar( heard it frame drops on 1080p)
          Use android tablet with HDMI out and control it with XBMC ON UR FONE.

          To name but a few….

    • jefflang007 on 01/05/2013 - 21:41

      yes, but is this buggy? is it easily used, set up?

      • ilsan0 on 01/05/2013 - 21:43

        No idea but plenty of info on forum… I built dedicated htpc.

      • StewBalls on 02/05/2013 - 16:09

        I don't know why you got negged for that Jeff, but it's a fair question.

        As noted by others, there are a few caveats to the Pi's use as a media centre, mainly revolving around playback of certain codecs.

        Being community developed, Pi XBMC ports are slightly buggy, but overall quite good. I use RaspBMC with mine, it was very simple to set up, as ilsan said check the plethora of forums & wikis for this because they explain it far better than I would.

  • _Bruce_ on 02/05/2013 - 07:22
    +1

    As a first step run this on the network:
    http://www.ps3mediaserver.org/

    Free!

    • ESEMCE on 02/05/2013 - 08:21

      +1
      should do the trick

    • jefflang007 on 02/05/2013 - 10:05

      i use this now, but it can take four goes to get it to appear on the xmb

  • Ramrunner on 02/05/2013 - 07:51
    +2

    Install Serviio.

    Been doing this for years, Serviio is the best media server I've ever come across without a price attached.

    • ammark19xx on 02/05/2013 - 10:21
      +1

      I was about to say this too…. Install Serviio (its free!) on the computer where you download the videos. It's the best media server I have come across so far, nothing proprietary and it automatically configures itself to stream out to your devices whether they're a Samsung TV, PS3, Roku, etc.

      • Ramrunner on 02/05/2013 - 11:23

        Yep, I have Samsung BluRay player, Samsung SmartTV, XBox, and XBMC players.

        It automatically configures itself for each device as it's detected.

        The ONLY glitch I've come across is my father's BluRay at his house (brand new model) was NOT detected properly and some videos worked while others didn't.

        A tweak at the console to force the model of his BluRay player and 100% working ever since.

        IT…..JUST…..WORKS. GREAT software. I have two official licenses for Twonky I don't use any more since Serviio came out as it's far superior.

        I should note that XBox is VERY picky in what it plays. If you run Serviio on a fast computer it CAN transcode on the fly, but my Serviio is on my Thecus NAS and is not fast enough. It basically means I cannot play MKV to the XBox.

        In summary, if your DEVICE does not support the Video/Audio Codecs and wrapper file formats, Serviio will not save you unless you have a fast CPU.

        TECHNICALLY the h.264 (or x.264) stream inside the MKV does NOT need to be transcoded, but it seems Serviio is not smart enough to only transcode the audio, and wrap it inside the MP4 file format.

        Apparently there are some scripts for this, but I have not gotten it to work (truthfully did not try very hard as the XBox is in the games room only for the kids - I just transcode videos they actually want to watch if needed).

    • jefflang007 on 03/05/2013 - 00:08
      +1

      have just installed Serviio, took just as long to come up on the xmb, but when it did, WOW, best server ap ever. I could not believe the way it sorted the files. Thanks

  • MementoMori on 02/05/2013 - 14:33
    +1

    My solution is a good old Boxee Box. Yes, I know development is now limited/stopped, but for $200 odd bucks (mine was $187 from Amazon US) you get a nice amount of low power hardware (Atom CPU) in a silent tiny package all ready to go straight out of the box.

    It is based off XBMC, so very similar UI. I used to have content on a 2TB external drive locally attached but now it reads off my NAS. I don't want to leave my huge desktop 24/7 just so I can watch a 3 TV episodes a week upstairs.

    The remote is very good too, nice keyboard on back - a very important consideration.

    WD Live is the classic solution at half the price.

    The next level up I'd consider would be a Mac Mini + Plex ($$$ though).

    If you could get a 'Plex' version of a Boxee Box that would be ideal. Some Samsung TV's can run a Plex client but you'd still need the server somewhere.

    I haven't looked around at current options, but at the time (1-2 years ago?) it was hard to beat if you want a solution that:

    1. Won't take a whole week of looking on forums and a whole weekend of building to make.
    2. Under $200 (assuming you have a portable HDD somewhere)
    3. Comes with good remote, quiet, small, powerful enough for 1080p DTS etc.
    4. Looks good (depending on taste - but with the RF based remote I can put the entire unit in a drawer - completely cableless and invisible).
    5. All formats, good XMBC based UI.
    6. Don't want to leave your PC on to act as a server.

    A little HTPC would be nice but boy so much stuffing around getting small video cards etc.

    • ilsan0 on 02/05/2013 - 16:32

      A little HTPC would be nice but boy so much stuffing around getting small video cards etc.

      I dont have no video card. My A8 Llano handles all of that. including 3d movies flawlessly…

      • MementoMori on 02/05/2013 - 16:50
        +1

        I just Googled this. You're talking about a ~$100 CPU?

        What about the case, remote, etc… How much money and time did you spent researching/building it?

        If there is a 'PC' version of a Mac Mini at this price point (and you could get it to boot straight into Plex/Boxee/whatever client' that would be interesting.

        • StewBalls on 02/05/2013 - 17:06
          +1

          Yep, I tend to agree with a standalone media player solution.

          I currently use my Raspberry Pi, and was previously using my HP N40L; but, whilst these are cool & fun solutions from a tinkering perspective, they are not as elegant or simple as a dedicated standalone player.

          I still have an Astone AP-300 in the spare room that gets frequent use. From a simplicity of functionality viewpoint, it's streets ahead of my homebrew HTPCs!

        • ilsan0 on 02/05/2013 - 17:58

          At the time of building the HTPC - it costed be about $900 all up which was about 2 yrs ago. ITs still kicking arse. I watch a lot of 3d movies so I needed to have that and not a stand alone player.

          The case alone costed me $200 - you can see pic above (Its Pretty No… :))
          ssd
          8 tb hdd

        • MementoMori on 02/05/2013 - 22:23

          The Boxee plays 3D fine in 1080p (I have only tried SBS ones)?

          Personally I'd go a Mac Mini for that type of money (think they are $600-ish near new/second hand?) - tiny, quite, looks good and good resale, think it has a good remote/wireless KB. I suppose I wouldn't mind one to play with Mac OS X too, being a PC/Linux guy.

          To be fair my NAS was another few hundred (+ HDDs) although the Boxee was doing just fine on a $100 portable 2TB (SAB scripts copying content over).

          I still think cheapest bang for buck it's hard to go past a WD Live with custom firmware, a Boxee or whatever there is out now these days. (BTW had a few of these things, Popcorn hours, an old DLink thing, most of them too fiddly).

  • OBone on 02/05/2013 - 22:31
    +1

    I don't know if this would suit your purpose, but I got a Uhost2 Android tv stick for my old man a few months back.
    I swap him a usb flash drive occasionally with movies on and he loves it.
    It does have wifi connectivity and I think you could also set it up with LAN via a usb dongle thingy if needed.
    There's a web site I have visited recently that is curently offering a second group deal on this device of US$49 for the device only or US$69 for uhost2 and Mele F10 remote. Both prices include shipping.
    I paid $69 for device only a few months back.
    http://tabletrepublic.com/forum/android-mini-pc/next-uhost2-…

  • metalhead on 03/05/2013 - 07:42
    +1

    I just built an Intel NUC (intel nuc dc3217iye, 128gb msata SSD, Intel 6235 wireless chip) running Openelec XBMC and wow its awesome.
    Plays everything and streams hd files off the wireless from my NAS, no problems at all.
    It is not a cheap option, but if you want a small htpc that is quick and plays hd file formats, I reckon it is the way to go.

    • Ramrunner on 03/05/2013 - 08:00

      Would buy those things in a jiffy if I could put a bigger hard drive into them.

      Was thinking about one of those with MythTV and two Sony PlayNow USB dual tuners, but then I'd have already two separate USB tuners AND would also still need an external hard drive of 1Tb or more (impossible right now). Could live with the external tuners, but with HDD also external what's the point of a tiny box with so much hanging off it to make it useful?

      HOWEVER stay tuned - I'm an Intel Gold Partner and have voiced these concerns at the last webinar.

      Intel are indeed working on a version that can stash a 2.5" hard disk which makes this far more attractive to me (and you guys?)

      • _Bruce_ on 03/05/2013 - 09:24

        Personally this doesn't bother me as I much prefer network storage. I plan to get one of these. No Ethernet on the thunderbolt model is more strange to me.

        • Ramrunner on 03/05/2013 - 11:06

          Agreed 100%. I also have a NAS, but for TV shows I'd personally record them internally rather than feeding (sometimes up to) 5 streams over my ethernet to the NAS. AND MythTV works as a DLNA server also meaning it's easier for me to separate recorded shows from everything else on my network.

        • _Bruce_ on 03/05/2013 - 12:44

          but for TV shows I'd personally record them internally rather than feeding (sometimes up to) 5 streams over my ethernet to the NAS.

          Why? Gb Ethernet is pretty damn fast.

          AND MythTV works as a DLNA server also meaning it's easier for me to separate recorded shows from everything else on my network.

          Why not just record them to a 'recordings' part of the NAS and have the available to everyone in a consistent, fast, redundant form? You can still also use DLNA either at the NAS or anywhere else.

          This to me is pretty much exactly what network attached storage is for.

  • ethereal88 on 03/05/2013 - 15:24

    WD TV Live Gen 3. I had a HTPC then sold it. Too much hassle for playback. And the Pi is junk. It would melt under a 20GB x264 .mkv with a half decent bitrate, not those half assed 10GB Scene rips. Its exactly what the OP wants to boot though. Simple. And a NUC? For what? Ridiculous for playback.

    • _Bruce_ on 03/05/2013 - 15:55
      +1

      It would melt under a 20GB x264 .mkv with a half decent bitrate

      Incorrect, as discussed at length.

      And a NUC? For what? Ridiculous for playback.

      This comment makes no sense to me. The only downside to the NUC is cost, but it is a very good device.

      • StewBalls on 03/05/2013 - 16:11

        And a NUC? For what? Ridiculous for playback.

        Yeah, I'm still scratching my head about that one too…maybe ethereal means this would be no good for playback: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuc

        …which might be true, but the constant entertaining buzz & free honey would be a major plus! :p

    • Finde on 04/05/2013 - 16:30

      Ummmmm….are you even aware what an NUC is?
      I have one as a HTPC and it is amazing.

  • DealzEddy123 on 04/05/2013 - 09:19
    +2

    i use my ancient Sony laptop from 2007 which has hdmi port :)

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 04/05/2013 - 10:43
    +1

    Proper HTPC all the way.

    Personally I use this case: http://store.antec.com/Product/enclosure-itx/isk300-150/0-76…
    with ITX motherboard and Intel i3-2100.

    XBMC on W7.

    Better than any media player I've used before.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/05/2013 - 14:46

    Does any one have a Logitech universal remote working nicely with a HTPC?

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 04/05/2013 - 14:54

      Logitech harmony? Yep both a 300 and 650. Easy as.

      • [Deactivated] on 04/05/2013 - 21:10

        How did you get it to work? I'm assuming you use a USB to IR receiver thing.

        • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 06/05/2013 - 15:28

          Yes you need one unless your case has it built in. Use an MCE receiver or just get a cheap no name off ebay.

  • Finde on 04/05/2013 - 16:30

    I couldn't recommend an NUC strongly enough. Quite a bit of money but definitely worth it.

  • eudemony on 04/05/2013 - 23:31

    I use old hp SFF pc ($50 from auctions, simple 2.33ghz dual core, 4gb Ram, win7 x64) that I use as a dedicated server thats connected to the internet 24x7, with a static IP (comes with TPG internet accounts). Bought a $25 1gb low profile video card for the pc from diypc.com.au . Media folders are shared with Homegroup so all PC's can access and stream files in the home (kids pc, laptops, etc.)

    TV in the lounge is connected to my PC and I use a bluetooth wireless keyboard and mouse (Logitech) to watch movies, TV, play games, youtube, hulu, etc. I also can remote into my server while on my TV/phone or iPad to download (no need to physically go in to the office/computer room and physically be at the computer).

    For my iPad I use AirVideo app ($3) (need to install server software (free)). Can stream everything.

    For my phone (GS3) and my Nexus 7 I use Qloud Media server ($3) (again need to install the free server software)

    The benefits of having a static IP is I can remote (RDP) into my dedicated server where ever I am (on android I use pocketcloud) and download even while I am at work (I work alot of shift work so it gives me the ability to download 24/7). Even if you don't have a static IP you can still log in via your intranet if your at home on another pc/phone/ipad. Just give your server a static internal IP (i.e 192.168.1.200)

    also AirVideo and Qloud both allow internet streaming so I can take my whole media library where ever I go. For best quality though its best to be on Wifi.

    For the iPad I can use the composite cable you can get to plug it in to any TV (even old CRT's) to watch movies.

    Am thinking of buying a Samsung All Share Cast Hub so I can just connect to my media on to friends TV's via my phone.

    But I also have installed TVersity on to my server so I just need any web browser to watch my media collection on any internet enabled device.

    There are alot of ways you can set up your home media server and there's not just one solution.

    I've used alot of different solutions over the years and I just find these work for ME best.

  • samfisher5986 on 07/05/2013 - 15:27

    Cheap PC, for example

    $52 - AMD x2 A4-5300 Dual Core 3.4Ghz/2M/65W FM2 CPU ADVAD5300OKHJBOX Integrated Radeon HD7480D video card
    $23 - Team 4G Single 1600MHz DDR3
    $69 - Gigabyte GA-F2A55-DS3/A55/2 x DDR3/5 x PCI-E2.0/6 x SATA2/14 x USB2.0/HDMI/GBLAN/RAID/ATX
    $45 - HTPC Slim Case
    $38.50 - Corsair VS350 350W ATX Power Supply
    $55 - Seagate Barracuda 500GB 7200RPM SATAIII 6GB/S 3.5

    $282.50 @ Umart

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