The HTPC / Media Streamer Thread

[Rathji]

Just stuff on your network, unless you intentionally set it up otherwise.

So no, your cousin can't see your porn collection.

[Burninator]

More of a network question, but I didn't want to start a new thread. Here is my current setup.

Telus modem/router (2 wired connections)
- PC
-Wireless router

Wireless router (2+ wired connections)
-Mac mini
-Drobo FS
-other stuff

I having trouble seeing the Drobo FS on my PC. I tried plugging in the Drobo FS to the Telus router but then the Mac mini can't see it. I am guessing I've created 2 networks in my house? Is the solution to only have the wireless router plugged into the Telus router and then everything else plugged into the wireless router / switch?

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by Burninator

More of a network question, but I didn't want to start a new thread. Here is my current setup.

Telus modem/router (2 wired connections)
- PC
-Wireless router

Wireless router (2+ wired connections)
-Mac mini
-Drobo FS
-other stuff

I having trouble seeing the Drobo FS on my PC. I tried plugging in the Drobo FS to the Telus router but then the Mac mini can't see it. I am guessing I've created 2 networks in my house? Is the solution to only have the wireless router plugged into the Telus router and then everything else plugged into the wireless router / switch?

The Telus router (at least the one I have) is pretty awful aside from range. I'd recommend setting it up so that your network is all run from your other router, and have the Telus router hardwired to it alone.

[Burninator]

Ah yeah, I forgot to add that I did disable the wireless from the Telus router as it was, like you say, awful.

[CKPThunder]

Just turn off routing on your router and all your devices should be on the same network. Basically make your router into a wireless access point.

[photon]

I'm about ready to throw my Boxee Box out the window (buggy AirPlay, buggy browser, been abandoned despite still being sold, etc), not sure what I should try next.

Apple TV ($85 refurbs currently available) or Roku 3.

I do about equal local streaming and Internet, though that's been steadily skewing towards Internet.

Roku 3 sounds capable, but I'm leery after the last two boxes I've had got abandoned after the company made something new.

In both cases I'd have to setup something like Plex in order to stream my own stuff, though the Apple TV I can do that with AirPlay or Mirroring, so I could play something with VLC on my laptop and get it on the TV if nothing else.. which gets me the advantages of a HTPC when I need it.

But sounds like Plex on Apple TV without jailbreak isn't clean, where I think Roku 3 has a Plex channel, as well as a USB channel for playing from USB.

Just want something that works when I want to do something, rather than having to fight with it always.

[Rathji]

Roku Plex is pretty nice

[oilyfan]

Out of the box Roku 3 Plex is a solid choice. It is one of the only "non hack" solutions that will play 1080p from plex natively (besides a HTPC of course).

But from an interface perspective a jailbroken ATV 2 or hacked ATV3 (plexconnect) is superior.

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by photon

I'm about ready to throw my Boxee Box out the window (buggy AirPlay, buggy browser, been abandoned despite still being sold, etc), not sure what I should try next.

Apple TV ($85 refurbs currently available) or Roku 3.

I do about equal local streaming and Internet, though that's been steadily skewing towards Internet.

Roku 3 sounds capable, but I'm leery after the last two boxes I've had got abandoned after the company made something new.

In both cases I'd have to setup something like Plex in order to stream my own stuff, though the Apple TV I can do that with AirPlay or Mirroring, so I could play something with VLC on my laptop and get it on the TV if nothing else.. which gets me the advantages of a HTPC when I need it.

But sounds like Plex on Apple TV without jailbreak isn't clean, where I think Roku 3 has a Plex channel, as well as a USB channel for playing from USB.

Just want something that works when I want to do something, rather than having to fight with it always.

My plan is to wait until the Google Chromecast is hacked to the point where something like Plex can be installed on it. It's already been rooted, and is running a hybrid of Android and Chrome OS, so pretty soon you should start seeing some cool things being done with it

[fundmark19]

Not sure what exactly you are looking for but if you have a Mac I would Apple TV. Plex as a media streamer is great on the Apple TV. I am coming from using a playstation and its is way better. I can't compare to other boxes. Internet browsing doesn't work on it but mirroring will solve all of those problems

I should also mention it plays 1080p without any problems so far. I haven't tested the surround sound yet but I'm assuming it works just fine as everywhere on Internet says it has been fixed

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

My plan is to wait until the Google Chromecast is hacked to the point where something like Plex can be installed on it. It's already been rooted, and is running a hybrid of Android and Chrome OS, so pretty soon you should start seeing some cool things being done with it

All that needs to happen for cool things to be done with it is for developer to add Chromecast support. I can't imagine the Plex app (android and ios) not adding it really quick, although it could end up a PlexPass only item

[MickMcGeough]

Plex server + iOS devices (Plex Clients) + multi-room AirPlay = awesome.

I'd go with the roku over the AppleTV if you won't be streaming much from iOS devices, though.

[fundmark19]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

Plex server + iOS devices (Plex Clients) + multi-room AirPlay = awesome.

I'd go with the roku over the AppleTV if you won't be streaming much from iOS devices, though.

I agree with this. Apple Tv would be neat if I didn't have apple devices but since I do it makes it awesome. If your needs are like mine Plex, MLB.TV Netflix and have a couple iphone or ipads kicking around I wouldn't use anything else.

[Isbrant]

Originally Posted by Rathji

All that needs to happen for cool things to be done with it is for developer to add Chromecast support. I can't imagine the Plex app (android and ios) not adding it really quick, although it could end up a PlexPass only item

There is a big request from plex members to add Chromecast to Plex. I would expect the developers to be working on it. From the latest I saw, there may be some hardware issues that would prevent direct streaming of 1080p video. Chromecast is limited to 802.11n 2.4GHz (no 5GHz support) and no ethernet and only has a 2GB storage buffer.

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by Isbrant

There is a big request from plex members to add Chromecast to Plex. I would expect the developers to be working on it. From the latest I saw, there may be some hardware issues that would prevent direct streaming of 1080p video. Chromecast is limited to 802.11n 2.4GHz (no 5GHz support) and no ethernet and only has a 2GB storage buffer.

No 5Ghz is a big mistake.

[Rathji]

On a $35 device, I don't think it is.

I do recall hearing that 1080p streaming was possible on it, but I don't remember specifics and I might be delusional.

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by Rathji

On a $35 device, I don't think it is.

I do recall hearing that 1080p streaming was possible on it, but I don't remember specifics and I might be delusional.

With all the interference at 2.4Ghz in densely populated areas it's pretty easy to saturate your available bandwidth with a high-bitrate HD stream or two. I'd pay double without blinking for a 5Ghz option.

[psicodude]

I have been using XBMC for quite a while now and mostly enjoy it. I see a lot of talk about Plex in this thread however, and am wondering if people prefer it and why. Or are you mostly using plex to stream to other devices?

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

With all the interference at 2.4Ghz in densely populated areas it's pretty easy to saturate your available bandwidth with a high-bitrate HD stream or two. I'd pay double without blinking for a 5Ghz option.

While some people - and rightly so in some cases - think wires are a pain in the ass, I view them as a necessity for an HTPC setup.

I hate my media being interrupted, even momentarily. Plugged in, baby. I've got wireless devices like phones, pads, laptops wireless, but for serious media streaming, gimme those cables.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by photon

I'm about ready to throw my Boxee Box out the window (buggy AirPlay, buggy browser, been abandoned despite still being sold, etc), not sure what I should try next.

Apple TV ($85 refurbs currently available) or Roku 3.

I do about equal local streaming and Internet, though that's been steadily skewing towards Internet.

Roku 3 sounds capable, but I'm leery after the last two boxes I've had got abandoned after the company made something new.

In both cases I'd have to setup something like Plex in order to stream my own stuff, though the Apple TV I can do that with AirPlay or Mirroring, so I could play something with VLC on my laptop and get it on the TV if nothing else.. which gets me the advantages of a HTPC when I need it.

But sounds like Plex on Apple TV without jailbreak isn't clean, where I think Roku 3 has a Plex channel, as well as a USB channel for playing from USB.

Just want something that works when I want to do something, rather than having to fight with it always.

Boxee Box is pretty buggy, but for local media play and network streaming I haven't had an issue.

The Browser and some apps are pretty bull####, but, if you're not using Boxee+ Hacks, you're doing it wrong. That #### saved me from having to replace a broken window and a network streaming device.

Plus, if use some sort of shady device that makes you look like you're not from where you actually are, the apps for things like BBC work great.