Stream anything to any device over a home network "catch-all" thread.

Did a few tests, and although my 'mac' can see the device attached to my modem (as a shared computer listing), none of the other media players (PS3 or 360) can see or locate it via a media scan (whatever the 'correct' wording is under their respective GUIs is).

They both display Rivet though, my thoughts are they need some kind of software to see it on the network, or I am missing something in the way I have the USB device configured. I went FAT32 as that seems to be the most portable, but no dice.

I may need to look at the added 'smartness' of the NAS to solve this one, probably the DLink option as that definitely lists PS3 and 360 compatibility for streaming. I've found a few others, that are single drive, and also NAS, but none of then list that streaming ability, which is the primary need for purchase.

Monkey, most (if not all) of the devices you list are running whats called a DLNA client that is looking for a DLNA server on your home network. If you want to just plug in a NAS and be able to stream from it, you are going to want one that is DLNA capable. I'm still kinda confused why anyone turns off their computer though?

Infyrnos wrote:

Monkey, most (if not all) of the devices you list are running whats called a DLNA client that is looking for a DLNA server on your home network. If you want to just plug in a NAS and be able to stream from it, you are going to want one that is DLNA capable. I'm still kinda confused why anyone turns off their computer though?

I have my computer 'upstairs', and in the Australian summer in the West it gets really hot up here. Even with the walls insulated, on a 45C degree day, it gets close to 55-60C inside. To run the Air-con, in a room I'm not in, just so I can possibly stream from a computer that I might decide to watch something off doesn't seem like the responsible thing to do in terms of energy use, and effectiveness.

Thanks for the link, I thought I was missing a 'key' element in the process.

I've been thinking it over, and in the short term I could just keep my current solution, which is a portable 100GB drive that I just plug into the 360 with the kids stuff on it (and some stuff for the grownups in a different folder).

I will resist this new fangled technology if it kills me!

I guess with a portable drive downstairs, I can still get the video services streamed to the 360 via WiFi that we already watch through dashboard apps (ABC iView, and SBS on Demand) and then just access the files off the drive.

talking about keeping computers running 24/7, is there a tool online to know how much electricity you're consuming based on your computer power source? I'm still running a big desktop. I want to build a small box, akin the Asus' Chromebox and talling the cost will help me with my procrastination.

-----------------------

guess what? 8 minutes in; google throws this result:
http://www.extreme.outervision.com/p...

Why would anyone still leave their PC running 24x7? These days with SSD's and Windows 8 my PC cold boots faster than my monitor sync's the signal.

No reason to suck electricity for basically no reason. Only thing running 24x7 is my NAS.

TheGameguru wrote:

Why would anyone still leave their PC running 24x7? These days with SSD's and Windows 8 my PC cold boots faster than my monitor sync's the signal.

No reason to suck electricity for basically no reason. Only thing running 24x7 is my NAS.

The only reason I'm running 24/7 is because I haven't gotten around to building specific HW that will provide streaming functionality. I share my Plex content with friends and family.

something like this can help. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kill_A...

TheGameguru wrote:

Why would anyone still leave their PC running 24x7? These days with SSD's and Windows 8 my PC cold boots faster than my monitor sync's the signal.

No reason to suck electricity for basically no reason. Only thing running 24x7 is my NAS.

Not everyone has access to all the coolest toys like you do Mr GG!

I only dream of having the systems you often offer up in the Market thread. Some day I'll get around to building a system with SSD.

Started using Serviio based on the responses here and have been very happy with it.

Edwin wrote:

something like this can help. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kill_A...

That's what I have plugged into the wall between the juice and my tech. Works great for keeping an eye on things. Only gripe is that the way the house is wired the display is upside down and I haven't gotten around to fixing it yet.
Edit:

TheGameguru wrote:

No reason to suck electricity for basically no reason. Only thing running 24x7 is my NAS.

My reason for keeping my computer running.
It only costs me a few extra dollars a month and it helps me rationalize new hardware more often.

Rezzy wrote:
Edwin wrote:

something like this can help. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kill_A...

That's what I have plugged into the wall between the juice and my tech. Works great for keeping an eye on things. Only gripe is that the way the house is wired the display is upside down and I haven't gotten around to fixing it yet.
Edit:

TheGameguru wrote:

No reason to suck electricity for basically no reason. Only thing running 24x7 is my NAS.

My reason for keeping my computer running.
It only costs me a few extra dollars a month and it helps me rationalize new hardware more often.

I have to put that on my subsonic server. Seems like an awesome thing to do if you have your computer on all day.

I jumped on the serviio band wagon and it's super, super easy to use.

However, .mkv files are crashing out after 15-30 minutes and then it says the file is unusable anyone else have that?

I've also run into a few files that work fine in plex but just don't run in serviio.

lmgtfy?

Thanks =) haven't really had the time yet.

Hobbes2099 wrote:

I want to build a small box, akin the Asus' Chromebox and talling the cost will help me with my procrastination.

Speaking of which, they're up for preorder. The i3 version releases at the same time, but apparently you can't pre-order it.

Kurrelgyre wrote:
Hobbes2099 wrote:

I want to build a small box, akin the Asus' Chromebox and talling the cost will help me with my procrastination.

Speaking of which, they're up for preorder. The i3 version releases at the same time, but apparently you can't pre-order it.

I think the Celeron box is more than enough to keep a Plex Media Server running 24/7.
I think I'll wait a bit longer for the i3 or even the i5 and see if I can have a server running as a SteamOS box as well.

You could start building a SteamBox/Plex server with a i3 NUC right now.

And then tell us about it. In detail.

I pre-ordered one of those new Roku dongles to use as a super portable streaming device. Hopefully the wifi works better on it then my Roku 2 XS which also seems to suffer from memory leak problems.

EvilDead wrote:

I pre-ordered one of those new Roku dongles to use as a super portable streaming device. Hopefully the wifi works better on it then my Roku 2 XS which also seems to suffer from memory leak problems.

Keep us posted. I'm really interested in getting something as portable as the Roku dongle promises.

You essentially get the same with Plex, but lots of assembly is required.

Hobbes2099 wrote:
EvilDead wrote:

I pre-ordered one of those new Roku dongles to use as a super portable streaming device. Hopefully the wifi works better on it then my Roku 2 XS which also seems to suffer from memory leak problems.

Keep us posted. I'm really interested in getting something as portable as the Roku dongle promises.

Will do.

Hobbes2099 wrote:

You essentially get the same with Plex, but lots of assembly is required.

What do you mean by this?

EvilDead wrote:

I pre-ordered one of those new Roku dongles to use as a super portable streaming device. Hopefully the wifi works better on it then my Roku 2 XS which also seems to suffer from memory leak problems.

"Super portable" hmm? It's been a while since I set up my Roku, but would this work over hotel wi-fi when traveling? (Assuming of course the speed is acceptable.)

It's Chromecast-sized, and also uses USB power.

EvilDead wrote:
Hobbes2099 wrote:

You essentially get the same with Plex, but lots of assembly is required.

What do you mean by this?

Well, in order to get Plex to perform the same way the new Roku Dongle works;
- you connect the Chromecast Dongle and set it up the local WiFi router
- buy/download Plex App for Android/Apple
- configure Plex App to Plex Account
- configure Plex Media Server's forward ports to allow off-LAN streaming
- I'm still unsure if off-LAN streaming is available to all Plex users or only Plex Pass (if so, add as a step)

I guess there isn't "LOTS" of assembly required, but at least some.

Hobbes2099 wrote:
EvilDead wrote:
Hobbes2099 wrote:

You essentially get the same with Plex, but lots of assembly is required.

What do you mean by this?

Well, in order to get Plex to perform the same way the new Roku Dongle works;
- you connect the Chromecast Dongle and set it up the local WiFi router
- buy/download Plex App for Android/Apple
- configure Plex App to Plex Account
- configure Plex Media Server's forward ports to allow off-LAN streaming
- I'm still unsure if off-LAN streaming is available to all Plex users or only Plex Pass (if so, add as a step)

I guess there isn't "LOTS" of assembly required, but at least some.

OK, the Chromecast dongle was the missing piece of info that was making me confused.

I already own the PLEX app on the ROKU ($5) and it is able to off-LAN stream and I'm not a Plex Pass member. The benefit of the ROKU dongle is you don't need a smart phone or tablet to run it. If it works the same way as other ROKUs, it has it's own OS and a large app store.

EvilDead wrote:

I already own the PLEX app on the ROKU ($5) and it is able to off-LAN stream and I'm not a Plex Pass member.

Sweet; didn't know where Plex drew the line; good to know such a good feature is still available to all.

For travelling, is it possible to take along your own router and do a wireless bridge on the hotel wifi?

Hobbes2099 wrote:
EvilDead wrote:

I pre-ordered one of those new Roku dongles to use as a super portable streaming device. Hopefully the wifi works better on it then my Roku 2 XS which also seems to suffer from memory leak problems.

Keep us posted. I'm really interested in getting something as portable as the Roku dongle promises.

I received it and have been using it for a few days now. Some quick thoughts:
-It is a standard ROKU in a stick form.
-All the apps from the other ROKU automatically downloaded to this one when I registered it to my account.
-The wireless streaming has been more consistent then the 2XS that I already own from the same spot.
-I tried the USB power from the TV but it loses power every time my TV shuts off. Since it takes too long to boot up I switched to using the included power adapter.
-Included power adapter cord is short (around 4 ft.).
-Obviously no IR, the remote uses wifi.
-The stick fits pretty snug against the back of my TV and am a little worried I am putting too much pressure on the HDMI port. I ordered a "port saver" cable from Amazon for a couple bucks.
-It should be great for trips.

Amazon has the Android version of the Plex App for $0.99.
For me it also came with a $1.00 MP3 store credit.

Rezzy wrote:

Amazon has the Android version of the Plex App for $0.99.
For me it also came with a $1.00 MP3 store credit.

So does that mean I can buy a Fire TV and stick that on there? Because I want to pull the trigger on one of those or wait for the new Apple TV but if I can't steam my existing content, I'll just grab another cheap PS3.

So, people have positive things to say about Plex? I've been using Universal Media Server for ages and anytime I use something else there ends up being weird playback issues, but if it works fine, I'm kind of in the same boat as oilypenguin in getting one of these media boxes.