I'm getting really sick of the Xbox chopping up the audio of files I play through it. I'm finally to the point where I want to go to the store and pick up a WD TV Live or something similar. Whatever I get, I prefer it to be able to play files directly off the networked Drobo. If that's not possible, I'll keep running TVersity or Plex Media Server.
So, any recommendations? Which device, and also where to buy it?
Quote from: Thorin on July 06, 2013, 10:50:11 PM
I'm getting really sick of the Xbox chopping up the audio of files I play through it. I'm finally to the point where I want to go to the store and pick up a WD TV Live or something similar. Whatever I get, I prefer it to be able to play files directly off the networked Drobo. If that's not possible, I'll keep running TVersity or Plex Media Server.
So, any recommendations? Which device, and also where to buy it?
They all have trade offs... I am really happy with the Roku2 + Plex Combo (in addtion to the great iOS and web client). However note that the roku2 interface is fairly plain, and it has NO local file abilities on its own. It is designed purely as a streaming device.
However if you only have ONE TV you want to run this off of the WDTV will mount shares just fine and has its own media data collector, but I didn't like it much.
Just a quick note, the fancier Roku2 comes with an RF remote, if you want an IR remote (i use a harmony with my setup) stick with the lower end unit. You are forced to go WiFi if you do that however.
"mount shares"? That would let me connect directly to the Drobo, right? I'd have to configure the Drobo with a user account to access it, I'm guessing?
The Roku2 is streaming only, does that mean I can have TVersity or Plex running on a computer, but then TVersity/Plex will need to transcode?
To be honest, I'm willing to try a PS3 as well. Dunno if that'd be any better, but it would introduce a Blu-Ray player into my household...
Quote from: Lazybones on July 06, 2013, 10:54:04 PM
Quote from: Thorin on July 06, 2013, 10:50:11 PM
I'm getting really sick of the Xbox chopping up the audio of files I play through it. I'm finally to the point where I want to go to the store and pick up a WD TV Live or something similar. Whatever I get, I prefer it to be able to play files directly off the networked Drobo. If that's not possible, I'll keep running TVersity or Plex Media Server.
So, any recommendations? Which device, and also where to buy it?
They all have trade offs... I am really happy with the Roku2 + Plex Combo (in addtion to the great iOS and web client). However note that the roku2 interface is fairly plain, and it has NO local file abilities on its own. It is designed purely as a streaming device.
I'm pretty sure my mom's roku 2 XS has both an ethernet port and a usb port. You need to install an app to look at the local files, but its there.
At least I could swear it did. Roku itself says no. But I distinctly remember seeing both. Even tried to use the usb port but my drive was formatted with ext4 not vfat, so it couldn't see the files.
append: actually it does, but Roku doesn't seem to advertise the XS at all. Just the XD.
Is your drobo a NAS or USB drive style unit?
If you want something stand stand alone get the WDTV, you could use it with Plex or TVersity via DLNA but as you already experienced DLNA sucks. The PS3 also uses DLNA so vs the XBox it's only a minor difference.
I only suggest a roku if you are running a Plex server. The roku Plex ap is very nice and Plex will take care of most of the heavy lifting if needed. Unlike using a DLNA device like an Xbox Plex knows exactly what the roku can and can't play natively.
Just watch out with the roku, it is very finicky with its wifi setup. if something changes, you often have to reboot the thing, and that takes several minutes (or so it seems).
The Xbox used to play everything just fine (well, I made sure to get XviD encoded video). Then Mirosoft forced a media update that installed an upper limit on the bitrates it would play. Now, most newer (and some of the old) XviD-encoded videos I try playing have choppy audio and/or video. It's not so much that DLNA sucks as that the Xbox has been artificially limited by Microsoft. Oh, and if we didn't download the media update we would not be able to go online to play games against friends; hence, they forced it.
My Drobo is network-attached, thus a NAS. I needed something that multiple devices could access.
The WD TV Live, I could access a NAS such as my Drobo via wired or wireless network, right? I've read it'll try to organize the media and that brings it to a standstill, but I've already got my files organized nicely so I can turn that off if possible.
I'm okay with setting up Plex Media Server, but my machines are old and not really up to the task of transcoding video. I mean, they _could_ do it, but probably only one stream at a time and then the computers'd get noisy (and they're in the same big living room as the TV).
It is possible to tell plex to not transcode. Sometimes plex will feed my tablet with an in modified video stream. If the player announces it supports every format, it should work in most cases without transcoding.
The WDTV can directly mount SMB/SAMBA/Windows network shares. When it pulls down metadata it will drop medata data files and thumbnails of its own format into the media directory's so it needs read write access for that feature to work. the WDTV has decent built in codec support.
If you have more than one TV in the house I think the Roku + plex setup is much better. The plex trans-coder will try and shift container formats vs transcode when possible... It needs at least a dual core CPU.
With multiple TVs, the idea is that you attach a Roku to each TV, right?
And with shifting container formats, you mean that if it's an MKV it'll send it as an AVI, or something similar? But with the same codec inside? What difference would that make?
My two computers have a Core 2 Duo E6550 (http://ark.intel.com/products/30783), it's over five years old. Dual code, 2.33 GHz, 4MB L2 cache. More importantly, I built these old systems for quietness so put in a fanless 8400 GS (http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-8400-gs) in each. I have a 9800 GT sitting here that I could pop in one, that'd probably make one of these computers capable of doing the transcoding, but then noise...
One bonus of the WD TV Live is that I could turn off all my computers and still view the video as the Drobo is network-connected thus still available.
One bonus of the Roku + Plex is that others could watch video on their iPods / Android phones. Well, I'm guessing Plex can stream to Samsung Galaxy S-2-x and S-3 phones, anyway.
Quote from: Thorin on July 07, 2013, 03:35:51 PM
With multiple TVs, the idea is that you attach a Roku to each TV, right?
The idea is that you only need to setup and fix the meda-data/ thumbnails once in the plex server and all device see the same content. That and at about $99 the Roku's are fairly resonable to add to a bunch of TVs.
Quote from: Thorin on July 07, 2013, 03:35:51 PM
And with shifting container formats, you mean that if it's an MKV it'll send it as an AVI, or something similar? But with the same codec inside? What difference would that make?
Yes, one of the improvements in plex, especially if using plex native clients is that it will take an MKV container apart and pass the video and audio as is if the device supports the codecs but not the container.. also it is smart enough to JUST trans-code the audio or video if one of the two is not supported this is much quicker and takes less CPU.
Quote from: Thorin on July 07, 2013, 03:35:51 PM
My two computers have a Core 2 Duo E6550 (http://ark.intel.com/products/30783), it's over five years old. Dual code, 2.33 GHz, 4MB L2 cache. More importantly, I built these old systems for quietness so put in a fanless 8400 GS (http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-8400-gs) in each. I have a 9800 GT sitting here that I could pop in one, that'd probably make one of these computers capable of doing the transcoding, but then noise...
Plex uses FFMPEG as part of its transcode engine, it is completely CPU driven, it does not contain GPU optimizations. It is however multi-threaded.
Quote from: Thorin on July 07, 2013, 03:35:51 PM
One bonus of the WD TV Live is that I could turn off all my computers and still view the video as the Drobo is network-connected thus still available.
Yes, I was going that direction in my setup, but found the lack of trans-coding a problem. The WDTV has good codec support but not perfect codec support... It really depends on the mix of your content.
Quote from: Thorin on July 07, 2013, 03:35:51 PM
One bonus of the Roku + Plex is that others could watch video on their iPods / Android phones. Well, I'm guessing Plex can stream to Samsung Galaxy S-2-x and S-3 phones, anyway.
You could use the web client or the NATIVE iOS / Android Apps... The apps cost money but work much better.
So here is my setup at home for Media Streaming (I Use Plex for my DNLA/Media Server Source):
XBOX 360
Don't do it anymore because the Copy Protection stuff comes through every DNLA software and is displayed on the XBOX 360 - mostly transcoding required
PS3
Same problem as the XBOX 360 - mostly transcoding required
Roku 2 XS
I have the XS because I wanted the Wired Option. 1080p source content has trouble over 54mbps Wireless and I just didn't want to have to deal with that. I use this in my Bed Room right now. Most content is natively played from Plex, no transcoding required.
WD Live!
I have this in my living room. Most content is natively played from Plex, no transcoding required. Was using it because of the Optical Output I need for my surround sound. I have another solution now which may replace it but I haven't tested that yet. If it does, I will have a second Roku 2 XS in my living room.
iPad 2/3
I use the Plex App ($ required) with these devices and can stream just fine - mostly transcoding required
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2
I use the Plex Pass (Free for Plex Pass people- Plex App also exists for a $) app with this device and streams just fine - mostly transcoding required
Samsung Galaxy S4
I use the Plex Pass (Free for Plex Pass people- Plex App also exists for a $) app with this device and streams just fine - mostly transcoding required
Windows Surface Pro or Windows 8 Computers
I use the Plex App ($ required) from the Windows Store, purchased once, and works on up to 5 devices with Live ID. Most content is natively played from Plex, no transcoding required.
My Plex Server is a 5 year old computer, Q6600 with 8GB RAM, 1GB Nic, and a Fanless 2900 ATI Video Card. My primary content streamed is 720p, but I do have 1080p content also. My NAS is either a Synology 1812+ 1GB Nic or a file server with 5900 RPM drives (6) in a RAID 5 with 1GB Nic. All my network is GB backbone with Jumbo Frames where supported (Most of my End Point players do not support Jumbo Frames).
I can serve up two full 720p Movies in any combination above devices, even at NATIVE Resolutions. I don't know if I've tried two 1080p sourced movies at once.
I can't give up the Plex after utilizing it for so long now. It is too damn nice of an Media Server and the rich content devices make very good use of it. Hope that helps you out in seeing what is possible.
Quote from: Melbosa on July 07, 2013, 04:19:43 PM
Roku 2 XS
I have the XS because I wanted the Wired Option. 1080p source content has trouble over 54mbps Wireless and I just didn't want to have to deal with that. I use this in my Bed Room right now. Most content is natively played from Plex, no transcoding required.
I get around this by changing the max bit rate option in my plex client, however it does cause trans-coding on the server. I find that 720p 3Mbit mode works perfectly over my wireless N network.
The wired option on the XS is nice if you want native 1080p with no trans-coding... although the included RF remote or smartphone remote app becomes a requirement.
Quote from: Lazybones on July 07, 2013, 04:28:56 PM
Quote from: Melbosa on July 07, 2013, 04:19:43 PM
Roku 2 XS
I have the XS because I wanted the Wired Option. 1080p source content has trouble over 54mbps Wireless and I just didn't want to have to deal with that. I use this in my Bed Room right now. Most content is natively played from Plex, no transcoding required.
I get around this by changing the max bit rate option in my plex client, however it does cause trans-coding on the server. I find that 720p 3Mbit mode works perfectly over my wireless N network.
The wired option on the XS is nice if you want native 1080p with no trans-coding... although the included RF remote or smartphone remote app becomes a requirement.
Also works fine with my Harmony. The XS does have an IR sensor as well as a Blu-Tooth radio.
Quote from: Melbosa on July 07, 2013, 04:31:07 PM
Also works fine with my Harmony. The XS does have an IR sensor as well as a Blu-Tooth radio.
Ahhh, I for some reason thought it didn't have IR at all... Good to know...
Also from a Plex point of view I run the following end points:
iOS native client
- I have signed up for PlexPass and use this client for offline sync mode... really handy for watching content on the train or long trips.
- The iOS client is much easier to use on a small screen than the web interface.
Web Interface / PlexWeb
- Easy to log in from ANY PC if you have it published
- Main interface for managing the library.
- I actually use this on my PC instead of the Win8 or Plex Home Threater client as it is so easy.
WDTV
- This I use in the spare room to run kids movies sometimes... Don't like it as much as the Roku because it only works over DLNA with plex and displays poster art thumbnails but not any of the nice episode metadata from plex
- I don't use its stand alone metadata agent anymore since I use plex everywhere else.
Samsung Blueray player
- Native client free from the Samsung app store
- my device is older and does not get the latest plex updates anymore..
- still a nice interface and still works better than DLNA ever did on this player.
I could probably be convinced to give up one of my spare quadcore boxes I don't need. It'd make a really decent plex host. I have a QX6600 and a Phenom II X4 810. I also actually have a Phenom I 9550 but that's just a cpu, the mobo may be dead on that one.
If you don't want a big free pc, you could go with something like the intel nuc, or this: http://techreport.com/news/25064/palm-sized-zotac-mini-pc-combines-core-i7-cpu-with-msata-raid
I might take you up on that offer, first I have to go to the store and get a Roku. So, which is the upscale one, Roku 2 XS or Roku 2 XD?
Quote from: Thorin on July 11, 2013, 10:07:53 AM
I might take you up on that offer, first I have to go to the store and get a Roku. So, which is the upscale one, Roku 2 XS or Roku 2 XD?
This may help:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roku#Feature_comparison
XS is better. But it can be a bit finicky, and takes a couple minutes or more to boot if you need to reset it. Often times, if you lose wifi, its easiest to just pull the power, and reset it. At least over the phone it was. I can't remember if there was a good way to reset the wifi in the main interface.
I remember plex working very well on it though. I was streaming stuff from home at my mom's place, I had 3mbps up, and she had 3mbps down. so it all worked ;D
Quality was decent for a 32" tv from 15+ feet away. I can't tell you what it would look like on my 55" from 12 feet though. I imagine I'd become annoyed ;)
WTF, Roku needs my credit card?
It includes an App Store, kind of like how Apple requires you to setup iTunes.
The Plex app is free from what I recall on the Roku.
So I need to add a Plex Channel on the Roku itself? Or is that something I need to set up on roku.com?
I'm busy downloading and installing the latest PMS now.
Sweet, PMS won't install. Says I need a newer Windows Installer service. Good thing I have an older PMS downloaded.
Here's hoping PMS can run as a service and doesn't have to keep a person logged in (kids here have no respect for whether my account should stay logged in).
No under windows PMS still doesn't run as a service.
We discuss this at length in another thread.
Yes you install the Plex channel on the roku
FYI I would not install an old version of PMS.
It is rather unusual to be behind on windows installer versions? What version of windows are you running?
Ha ha, Windows XP. Can't remember what service pack. I'll get it figured out later, I have Plex Media Server running now, and we've watched a couple of shows via the Roku. Had stutters and digitization a few times, which is what I've been trying to fix. Although with the Xbox it was for the entire length of the streamed show, whereas this was just once or twice in a movie. I'm sure I can fix it by getting a dedicated PMS box. Tom, that QX6600 still on offer? Is it just cpu+mobo? Does it need anything to make it work (RAM, HDD, case, PSU)?
An enterprising .NET developer decided to write some code that wraps the PMS code and turns it into a service. Here's the install: http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_id=14957 (version 1.0.0.6). Here's the source code: https://github.com/cjmurph/PmsService. Here's the posting in a thread on the Plex forums: http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/23711-running-pms-as-a-service-in-whs/page-14#entry351373. You have to run the service under the same user as the one that installed it, so that it can find its data. You have to enter the username during install as [computername]\[username], although most people use the shortcut dot (.) for the local computer name, so most people put (for instance) .\joeblow.
I spent three+ hours fiddling with my Harmony 880 remote (while watching shows and a movie). Every time I turned on the Watch Roku activity it would send the Play command to the Roku, so if something was paused it'd already be playing by the time the TV finished turning on. I eventually fixed this by creating a Generic Activity in the Harmony remote software. Had to bind all the buttons myself, though, which was a pain. Also my Samsung TV has three HDMI inputs, the Roku's connected to the HDMI-3 input, but the code the Harmony remote sends for that input apparently doesn't work. So I had to alter the Watch Roku activity to switch the TV to the HDMI-2 input, then send the signal for the Source button once to flip it to HDMI-3; unfortunately the Help button on the Harmony remote won't do this so if something screws up you have to turn everything off and try again. I'm going to look for the remote that came with the TV, dunno if I still have it, but if I do I'm going to see if there's an HDMI-3 button and if there is, learn the IR code from it into my Harmony remote.
By the way, I decided run a wire from my cable modem / wifi router to the Roku since they're sitting two feet apart. No point in overloading the Shaw-supplied wifi modem. At some point in the future I'll get that thing switched to bridged mode and then buy a real and proper higher end wireless router. For now it does the job but needs a reboot every couple of weeks.
Jeebus, there's only one accessible power box (with two outlets) by my entertainment system. I have so many things plugged in now: TV, Harmony remote charging stand, Wii U gamepad charging stand, Wii U, surround sound receiver, Roku, Xbox 360, Kinect, DVD player, Shaw DVR, subwoofer, cable modem.
I also ended up creating activities on my Harmony remote for the other TVs / devices in the house. That way, if the TV in the basement gets on the wrong input and the kids can't figure out how to put it back, they can grab the Harmony, push the "Watch basement TV" button, and if that doesn't immediately fix it then push the Help button. Man, I love that help functionality on the Harmony. Too bad the software to program it is so horribly slow.
Quote from: Thorin on July 12, 2013, 11:09:11 AM
Ha ha, Windows XP. Can't remember what service pack. I'll get it figured out later, I have Plex Media Server running now, and we've watched a couple of shows via the Roku. Had stutters and digitization a few times, which is what I've been trying to fix. Although with the Xbox it was for the entire length of the streamed show, whereas this was just once or twice in a movie. I'm sure I can fix it by getting a dedicated PMS box. Tom, that QX6600 still on offer? Is it just cpu+mobo? Does it need anything to make it work (RAM, HDD, case, PSU)?
It's a full system. Though you have the choice of that or the Phenom II x4.
Mind you, I'd like to keep them for a bit longer ;D depends on how quickly you need it I suppose.
Every newer version of plex server tends to include updated to the trans-coding engine.
It has been under substantial development so try a newer version of plex to see if the video quality improves...
Also in the advanced options in the Plex roku client you can switch from the new "experimental trans-coder" back to the old "stable" trans-coder but it is rarely needed if ever now in the latest releases..
FYI I had played with that windows service thing and many other options for the PMS under windows but ultimately liked running it under Linux better.
I haven't had the Roku / Harmony issue you described, but it has been a long time since I programed it.. Those profiles sometimes get changed in their database over time.
Quote from: Tom on July 12, 2013, 11:38:52 AM
It's a full system. Though you have the choice of that or the Phenom II x4.
Mind you, I'd like to keep them for a bit longer ;D depends on how quickly you need it I suppose.
I'd be fine with the QX6600. It's totally up to you, though, you're the one offering them out. Heck, you could ask for some money or some help with renos.
Quote from: Lazybones on July 12, 2013, 11:45:50 AM
FYI I had played with that windows service thing and many other options for the PMS under windows but ultimately liked running it under Linux better.
Yeah, but I don't have extra computers yet to run Linux on, and my current computers all run Windows. And they're in full use. So does Plex Media Server run as a daemon on Linux, or do you still have to have someone logged in?
It definitely runs as a service on teh lunix.
As for renos I did technically ask ;) I'm not going to make it a condition though.
If then weather plays nice, someone is coming on Sunday to help some.
It runs as a daemon under Linux.
Under ubuntu all you need to do to update it is run apt-get update to keep it up-to-date and it restarts and updates everything.
Only issues with Linux vs windows is that some of the channel plugins still depend on flash or silverlight so they won't run. But there arnt that many.
Man, it takes hours for new video files dropped into my folders to get recognized and added to Plex Media Server's database of files. That really sucks. I downloaded something and tried watching it last night, and it didn't show up until this morning. Yes, the download finished last night and I copied it from the download directory into the directory that Plex sits and watches. Plex is set to update every 15 minutes as well as when it sees changes in files.
Is plex still indexing your media for the first time?
15min may be to frequent I would suggest 1 hr. it might be never completing due to overlap.
There is a plex plugin that will let you force a library section updates on demand.
Yeah that seems very weird. Do you have it checked off to watch for Folder Changes? While it may not show up in the Unwatched or other meta data folders right away it always ends up in All Movies or All TV shows within minutes for me with that option on.
No, I've had Plex running for a couple of weeks now so it better not still be indexing for the first time. I have it set both to watch for folder changes and to run every 15 minutes. A minute after I copy a file into the directory, I get a popup saying the library scan is complete, which tells me that it's noticed the new file. It just doesn't add it to the library.
I also don't use the All Movies and All TV Shows. I added my own sections for Movies - Little Kids, Movies - Kids, Movies - Teens, Movies - Adults. This is to help my kids figure out what they can and can't watch when there are young people in the room.
Here is the plugin:
http://wiki.plexapp.com/index.php/Library_Updater
Should work from nearly any plex client and let's you update on demand.
Did you turn on the advanced image index option? That option can take weeks to generate Netflix style fast forward thumbnails, it is off by default.
Thanks for that plugin. I haven't got a @%&#ing clue how to use it. After reading all five pages of the forum thread that the Download section refers me to, I guess there's something that I download and unzip to somewhere, and then magically something some@%&#s.
Sorry, I'm having a @%&#ty day.
But really, after an hour of reading and trying to figure out, I still have no idea what to do with it. All I've learned is that NASes may or may not properly update directory modification times and that Plex on Windows may or may not have problems because of this.
I have no advanced image index option in the Media Manager, and that's the only place I can see any settings that might be changeable.
Hell, I can't even install the newest Plex because it requires a newer Windows Installer and I can't figure out how to update _that_.
@%&#ty day.
Ugh, to answer my own damn questions (for Windows):
1. download the file attached to this post: http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/21108-update-library-from-a-plug-in/?p=350209
2. start Plex Media Server
3. right-click the Plex icon in the system tray and choose "Open Plug-ins Folder"; note the path
4. unzip the file downloaded from step 1 to the path discovered in step 3
5. RESTART PLEX MEDIA SERVER
6. go to the web client: http://localhost:23400/web/, now there's a new channel to click on
Also, all this does is tell Plex it should update, so if its mechanism is to look at the last modified time of a directory and that still doesn't work properly with a NAS, then this won't solve my problem.
But at least the files eventually show up.
Assuming you have installed Windows XP SP3 you can get the latest windows installer service here http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942288/en-us
My turn. I'm looking for something that only needs to do youtube and netflix. I have a media box more than capable of doing all the local file playing I can throw at it.
XBox or similar console?
It's pretty hard to find a device these days that doesn't have Netflix support.
Quote from: Tom on August 01, 2013, 10:09:27 PM
My turn. I'm looking for something that only needs to do youtube and netflix. I have a media box more than capable of doing all the local file playing I can throw at it.
I would suspect a Google TV box would be what you want, you will need something with a keyboard remote for searching.
As far as I have seen most devices that do Netflix also include a YouTube App... It is a really low bar to shoot for, but some of them are harder to search than others.
You can buy older Media Set Top boxes and probably cover these. A roku original or google tv gen 1 should both do this just fine and can probably get cheap.
I was looking for google tv devices, but they all seem to be non existent.
was looking at a WD Play. Or might go for a WD Live just to play with the regular file playback.
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 08:49:50 AM
I was looking for google tv devices, but they all seem to be non existent.
was looking at a WD Play. Or might go for a WD Live just to play with the regular file playback.
If you have a Plex setup I would not bother with the WD, I know that is not your current objective but I personally wouldn't go for one.
If you are looking for a Google TV box in Canada the Sony NSZGS7 http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=8888109225&vpn=NSZGS7&manufacture=Sony is just about the only one I have seen... I swear I have seen it at costco and walmart but it isn't listed on the website. It is just under $200 however so it makes the Roku look inexpensive.
Yeah, $200 is too much for a netflix/youtube device imo.
And I don't need to bother with plex for my main media box. It's actually a very silly idea as it would make seeking far more annoying than it already is. I can just switch back to my media box and get near to local playback capability via my GbE network.
Looked at reviews for that sony, and apparently, it sucks pretty hard. no lock on the remote touch interface, the unit needs regular reboots due to locking up or apps that stop working randomly.
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 01:02:08 PM
the unit needs regular reboots due to locking up or apps that stop working randomly.
FYI this is fairly common for a lot of Android based units..
The Roku is probably your simplest bet, or the WDTV
Quote from: Lazybones on August 02, 2013, 01:56:00 PM
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 01:02:08 PM
the unit needs regular reboots due to locking up or apps that stop working randomly.
FYI this is fairly common for a lot of Android based units..
Inexcusable imo. My tablet is fine. There's no significant difference, except that the media player has no direct attached screen. still has a screen though.
Quote from: Lazybones on August 02, 2013, 01:56:00 PM
The Roku is probably your simplest bet, or the WDTV
I've had the privilege of using my mom's roku xs, and having to do tech support for it since I got back home. its a pos :P
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 02:00:42 PM
Quote from: Lazybones on August 02, 2013, 01:56:00 PM
The Roku is probably your simplest bet, or the WDTV
I've had the privilege of using my mom's roku xs, and having to do tech support for it since I got back home. its a pos :P
Its interesting how everyone is different eh? I wife loves the Roku XS but hates the WD Live! and she never once has had to ask me how to use the Roku. But many times asked me about stuff with the WD Live!. Weird eh?
Quote from: Melbosa on August 02, 2013, 02:07:00 PM
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 02:00:42 PM
Quote from: Lazybones on August 02, 2013, 01:56:00 PM
The Roku is probably your simplest bet, or the WDTV
I've had the privilege of using my mom's roku xs, and having to do tech support for it since I got back home. its a pos :P
Its interesting how everyone is different eh? I wife loves the Roku XS but hates the WD Live! and she never once has had to ask me how to use the Roku. But many times asked me about stuff with the WD Live!. Weird eh?
My mom doesn't really have issues understanding the Roku. Its when it does stupid @%&# like forget how to connect to the internet that I tend to get a call from her. She even does what she can to fix it before calling me.
She's had to do a system restore several times now.
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 02:13:47 PM
Quote from: Melbosa on August 02, 2013, 02:07:00 PM
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 02:00:42 PM
Quote from: Lazybones on August 02, 2013, 01:56:00 PM
The Roku is probably your simplest bet, or the WDTV
I've had the privilege of using my mom's roku xs, and having to do tech support for it since I got back home. its a pos :P
Its interesting how everyone is different eh? I wife loves the Roku XS but hates the WD Live! and she never once has had to ask me how to use the Roku. But many times asked me about stuff with the WD Live!. Weird eh?
My mom doesn't really have issues understanding the Roku. Its when it does stupid @%&# like forget how to connect to the internet that I tend to get a call from her. She even does what she can to fix it before calling me.
She's had to do a system restore several times now.
Really eh. Not one problem with mine, and works online, with plex, and with the games on the device itself. Wife just loves it. Maybe you got a lemon?
Quote from: Melbosa on August 02, 2013, 02:23:09 PM
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 02:13:47 PM
Quote from: Melbosa on August 02, 2013, 02:07:00 PM
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 02:00:42 PM
Quote from: Lazybones on August 02, 2013, 01:56:00 PM
The Roku is probably your simplest bet, or the WDTV
I've had the privilege of using my mom's roku xs, and having to do tech support for it since I got back home. its a pos :P
Its interesting how everyone is different eh? I wife loves the Roku XS but hates the WD Live! and she never once has had to ask me how to use the Roku. But many times asked me about stuff with the WD Live!. Weird eh?
My mom doesn't really have issues understanding the Roku. Its when it does stupid @%&# like forget how to connect to the internet that I tend to get a call from her. She even does what she can to fix it before calling me.
She's had to do a system restore several times now.
Really eh. Not one problem with mine, and works online, with plex, and with the games on the device itself. Wife just loves it. Maybe you got a lemon?
How often does your internet drop out? Try unplugging it, or killing it's access to wifi (without turning it off/disabling it on the roku itself). See if the roku or youtube/netflix manage to figure it out after you give it access again. I haven't tried wired on the xs, so I have no idea if that's a problem.. but she could never get access again on the roku with out a reboot, or hard reset after the internet dropped out when using it.
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 02:34:15 PM
Quote from: Melbosa on August 02, 2013, 02:23:09 PM
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 02:13:47 PM
Quote from: Melbosa on August 02, 2013, 02:07:00 PM
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 02:00:42 PM
Quote from: Lazybones on August 02, 2013, 01:56:00 PM
The Roku is probably your simplest bet, or the WDTV
I've had the privilege of using my mom's roku xs, and having to do tech support for it since I got back home. its a pos :P
Its interesting how everyone is different eh? I wife loves the Roku XS but hates the WD Live! and she never once has had to ask me how to use the Roku. But many times asked me about stuff with the WD Live!. Weird eh?
My mom doesn't really have issues understanding the Roku. Its when it does stupid @%&# like forget how to connect to the internet that I tend to get a call from her. She even does what she can to fix it before calling me.
She's had to do a system restore several times now.
Really eh. Not one problem with mine, and works online, with plex, and with the games on the device itself. Wife just loves it. Maybe you got a lemon?
How often does your internet drop out? Try unplugging it, or killing it's access to wifi (without turning it off/disabling it on the roku itself). See if the roku or youtube/netflix manage to figure it out after you give it access again. I haven't tried wired on the xs, so I have no idea if that's a problem.. but she could never get access again on the roku with out a reboot, or hard reset after the internet dropped out when using it.
Hmmm well mine is wired in, and my internet may blip once a month if that. I'm not sure how reliable it is in a flaky internet situation or bad wireless signal.
We have to power cycle our roku once or twice a month, but that is about it... Our power is somewhat unreliable so that equates to almost the same frequency as internet outages.
I might try it. my wired/wireless connection don't drop out very often. less often than my power drops out. :D
we'll see. wasn't entirely happy with the firmware that came with it either. was kinda chunky/slow. but I've heard the xs recently got a firmware update.
It just left a very bad taste in my mouth.
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 02:52:00 PM
I might try it. my wired/wireless connection don't drop out very often. less often than my power drops out. :D
we'll see. wasn't entirely happy with the firmware that came with it either. was kinda chunky/slow. but I've heard the xs recently got a firmware update.
It just left a very bad taste in my mouth.
I think you have overly high expectations for $99 devices. The WDTV is really the only other solid option.
I don't really have high expectations. I expect the device to /work/ :P Even if it only does something simple (because its cheap), it shouldn't require a firmware restore every other week or so. :P
Also their support people /suuuccckkkk/.
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 03:27:42 PM
I don't really have high expectations. I expect the device to /work/ :P Even if it only does something simple (because its cheap), it shouldn't require a firmware restore every other week or so. :P
Also their support people /suuuccckkkk/.
I have never needed to do a firmware restore on the Roku to get it to work, it sounds to me like you may have had a defective unit?
You'd expect it to fully brick if that was the case. sounds like its crappy coding to me. As if the roku or netflix noticed the internet was down, but forgets to check if its back up, and won't connect again.
And clearly roku doesn't think so. they keep trying to blame her router or isp.
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 03:57:37 PM
You'd expect it to fully brick if that was the case. sounds like its crappy coding to me. As if the roku or netflix noticed the internet was down, but forgets to check if its back up, and won't connect again.
And clearly roku doesn't think so. they keep trying to blame her router or isp.
Netflix basically works EVERY time on my Roku, it might actually be a router issue or a defective Roku... I have issues with the plex app from time to time however, but I also run beta releases of the server and unsupported plugins.
I can't guarantee it absolutely requires a firmware reset. but it does seem to be the quickest and easiest way for my mom to fix whatever it is.
Not a router issue though, they have two laptops and a computer that work fine at the same time.
Forgot to mention, I was somewhat disappointed with the netflix app on the roku xs. was a bit of a pain to navigate I found. I won't judge it based on its seeking, as my mom's internet is only 3mbps, it was kinda slow to seek, but thats kind of expected with her internet.
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 04:30:12 PM
Forgot to mention, I was somewhat disappointed with the netflix app on the roku xs. was a bit of a pain to navigate I found. I won't judge it based on its seeking, as my mom's internet is only 3mbps, it was kinda slow to seek, but thats kind of expected with her internet.
Ya, I keep forgetting. The WD TV has a better more advanced Netflix app... It actually has the kids mode feature etc... The Roku one is really limited for browsing and discovering.
I've used 3 different flavours of Netflix now and they are all very clunky.
Once you get over the curve though it shouldn't hold you back.
Got a roku 2 xs since you guys recommended it so highly... Tried the wifi connection so I didn't have to dig out a long enough ethernet cable. turns out its wifi sucks. won't stream in netflix "superhd", and the netflix ui tends to lag and not load images...
Just hooked up ethernet, and the video quality is (eventually) better. but the stupid show lists still don't like to load ::)
netflix ftl.
- don't do HD over wifi (its all about sustained Minimum throughput)
- shaw supports Netflix superHD in your area? I saw several recent threads about shaw users complaining it was not supported yet
- the roku is one of the few devices that officially supports netflix superHD
- do you experience any Netflix issue from PCs on the same network?
Netflix doesn't support teh lunix, so I can't test netflix streaming on PCs.
But yeah, its streaming decently on the roku, after it figures out what bitrate it can get away with. And it does seem shaw supports superhd here.
Quote from: Tom on August 07, 2013, 05:58:06 PM
Netflix doesn't support teh lunix, so I can't test netflix streaming on PCs.
But yeah, its streaming decently on the roku, after it figures out what bitrate it can get away with. And it does seem shaw supports superhd here.
I thought it ran on Ubuntu these days, or at least under Wine
Quote from: Mr. Analog on August 07, 2013, 06:51:35 PM
Quote from: Tom on August 07, 2013, 05:58:06 PM
Netflix doesn't support teh lunix, so I can't test netflix streaming on PCs.
But yeah, its streaming decently on the roku, after it figures out what bitrate it can get away with. And it does seem shaw supports superhd here.
I thought it ran on Ubuntu these days, or at least under Wine
Tom doesn't run Ubuntu
Quote from: Lazybones on August 07, 2013, 07:09:01 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on August 07, 2013, 06:51:35 PM
Quote from: Tom on August 07, 2013, 05:58:06 PM
Netflix doesn't support teh lunix, so I can't test netflix streaming on PCs.
But yeah, its streaming decently on the roku, after it figures out what bitrate it can get away with. And it does seem shaw supports superhd here.
I thought it ran on Ubuntu these days, or at least under Wine
Tom doesn't run Ubuntu
Yepp, when it comes to app support knowing the flavour of Linux is important ;)
Thing is, I run debian, which is pretty much the same as ubuntu where it really matters (I got steam installed just fine). And I couldn't get it to actually launch the installer properly. It would get to the beginning and try and download some file and fail repeatedly.
With a separate box for netflix though, I can keep my place in xbmc, and in netflix.. so I can just leave things where they are and not have to remember where I was in a specific show or whatever.
Quote from: Melbosa on August 02, 2013, 02:37:50 PM
Quote from: Tom on August 02, 2013, 02:34:15 PM
Quote from: Melbosa on August 02, 2013, 02:23:09 PM
Really eh. Not one problem with mine, and works online, with plex, and with the games on the device itself. Wife just loves it. Maybe you got a lemon?
How often does your internet drop out? Try unplugging it, or killing it's access to wifi (without turning it off/disabling it on the roku itself). See if the roku or youtube/netflix manage to figure it out after you give it access again. I haven't tried wired on the xs, so I have no idea if that's a problem.. but she could never get access again on the roku with out a reboot, or hard reset after the internet dropped out when using it.
Hmmm well mine is wired in, and my internet may blip once a month if that. I'm not sure how reliable it is in a flaky internet situation or bad wireless signal.
Mine is WiFi only, and even at the other end of the long hallway with plenty of walls to get in the way of the signal it works just fine -- maybe once every 2 weeks do I need to do a cycling of the Telus modem if the Roku seems to "lose" its connection ... never had to "bounce" the Roku itself though.
Quote from: Lazybones on August 07, 2013, 05:49:31 PM
- don't do HD over wifi (its all about sustained Minimum throughput)
Agreed with that -- one of the first things I did after getting Netflix was logon (on PC, not Roku) and make sure the quality wasn't tops cuz I wanted to reduce the chance of both bandwidth over-consumption and LAG.
Of course, I don't have a monster-sized TV screen so I ain't missing much by not choosing HD. Others may find it unacceptably poor quality of picture...
Sooo, I thought roku had youtube? Turns out no. Was just going to give it a try. Ah well. I still have Chrome on my media box for that.
Quote from: Tom on August 24, 2013, 02:24:06 PM
Sooo, I thought roku had youtube? Turns out no. Was just going to give it a try. Ah well. I still have Chrome on my media box for that.
No, however if you are using it with plex I believe Plex has a YouTube channel you can add.
I suggested a google TV if you wanted YouTue, I have hate every YouTube app I have tried on LG, Samsung and the WDTV. If I recall the plex channel isn't very good as well.
To watch YouTube on my TV I usually send the video to my Plex Queue to play directly in plex. You can do that with a bookmarklet or email.
Yeah, I pretty much dislike every non web youtube interface I've tried. and the newer web interface has its issues. Especially on my media box, they've made the top bar always show, and the left side bar pop over, and not scroll, so trying to access the list of my subs is really annoying, especially if I have the page zoomed up to 150%.
Google TV is pretty hard to get in canada (as I had mentioned) on a device that doesn't suck horribly. Tempted to try and get my hands on a chrome-cast, but I still really dont like the mobile youtube apps. I really dont know what google is thinking sometimes. They keep breaking things.
Roku owners, you can now watch Livestreams on your TV
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 04, 2013, 03:19:43 PM
Roku owners, you can now watch Livestreams on your TV
Can you give an example?
Quote from: Lazybones on September 04, 2013, 03:32:41 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 04, 2013, 03:19:43 PM
Roku owners, you can now watch Livestreams on your TV
Can you give an example?
I found out about it today:
http://new.livestream.com/tv
http://techcrunch.com/2013/09/04/livestream-roku/
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 04, 2013, 03:19:43 PM
Roku owners, you can now watch Livestreams on your TV
do you mean this majigger?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livestream
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 04, 2013, 03:48:39 PM
Quote from: Lazybones on September 04, 2013, 03:32:41 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 04, 2013, 03:19:43 PM
Roku owners, you can now watch Livestreams on your TV
Can you give an example?
I found out about it today:
http://new.livestream.com/tv
http://techcrunch.com/2013/09/04/livestream-roku/
So you answered your own question?
The roku has all sorts of individual dedicated channels such as NASA TV, which features live content.
As with all devices like this, there are limits.
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 04, 2013, 03:48:39 PM
http://techcrunch.com/2013/09/04/livestream-roku/
Roku "add channel" link: http://www.roku.com/channels/#!details/29216/livestream
so... does this news mean that with Livestream you can stream (live) ANYTHING (video, etc.) that is displaying on your PC screen?
cuz if that's the case, now there really is no more reason to pay for cable tv service (http://www.enwealthen.com/2013/08/the-great-tv-conspiracy-or-how-to-earn-80-a-month-forever/)...
Quote from: Lazybones on September 04, 2013, 03:57:20 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 04, 2013, 03:48:39 PM
Quote from: Lazybones on September 04, 2013, 03:32:41 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 04, 2013, 03:19:43 PM
Roku owners, you can now watch Livestreams on your TV
Can you give an example?
I found out about it today:
http://new.livestream.com/tv
http://techcrunch.com/2013/09/04/livestream-roku/
So you answered your own question?
The roku has all sorts of individual dedicated channels such as NASA TV, which features live content.
As with all devices like this, there are limits.
I'm confused :? the original post I made was a statement of fact, not a question.
You can now watch anybody's Livestream on Roku
Quote from: Darren Dirt on September 04, 2013, 03:55:55 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 04, 2013, 03:19:43 PM
Roku owners, you can now watch Livestreams on your TV
do you mean this majigger?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livestream
Y-yes?
Is there something else named Livestream out there??
Quote from: Darren Dirt on September 04, 2013, 03:59:57 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 04, 2013, 03:48:39 PM
http://techcrunch.com/2013/09/04/livestream-roku/
Roku "add channel" link: http://www.roku.com/channels/#!details/29216/livestream
so... does this news mean that with Livestream you can stream (live) ANYTHING (video, etc.) that is displaying on your PC screen?
cuz if that's the case, now there really is no more reason to pay for cable tv service (http://www.enwealthen.com/2013/08/the-great-tv-conspiracy-or-how-to-earn-80-a-month-forever/)...
nope. Might want to read the techcrunch link.
Livestream in this case is a content delivery service, which I suppose you could use to live stream anything... But twitch might be a better option for regular people.
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 04, 2013, 04:02:06 PM
Quote from: Lazybones on September 04, 2013, 03:57:20 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 04, 2013, 03:48:39 PM
Quote from: Lazybones on September 04, 2013, 03:32:41 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 04, 2013, 03:19:43 PM
Roku owners, you can now watch Livestreams on your TV
Can you give an example?
I found out about it today:
http://new.livestream.com/tv
http://techcrunch.com/2013/09/04/livestream-roku/
So you answered your own question?
The roku has all sorts of individual dedicated channels such as NASA TV, which features live content.
As with all devices like this, there are limits.
I'm confused :? the original post I made was a statement of fact, not a question.
You can now watch anybody's Livestream on Roku
My brain processed it as:
Roku owners, can you watch Livestreams on your TV?
Brain no worky...
Just gave it a try. It's ok. Mostly US news channels at the moment, but there are some upcoming music and tech streams. They do TED live which is darned cool. Actually right now, theres a live jazz performance on the go. not my bag, but some of you may like that sort of thing.
Ah yeah no worries.
I sometimes watch art livestreams so I thought it cool that I could watch them on TV if I had a roku box
:-)
Thats why twitch really needs to get a roku app.
Plex now supports Chromecast. http://elan.plexapp.com/2013/12/06/plex-on-the-chromecast-its-official/
The Roku 3 now supports the NEW Netflix Platform with user sub profiles. http://blog.roku.com/blog/2013/11/12/new-netflix-on-roku/
Older Roku units MIGHT get the update sometime later....
Roku now coming to Canada in an affordable, micro-sized form factor -- no cables required...
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/personal-tech/Roku+Streaming+Stick+available+order+Canada/9631340/story.html
BTW...
Quote from: Lazybones on December 11, 2013, 06:52:52 PM
The Roku 3 now supports the NEW Netflix Platform with user sub profiles. http://blog.roku.com/blog/2013/11/12/new-netflix-on-roku/
Older Roku units MIGHT get the update sometime later....
I don't think mine has updated yet, has anyone else checked?
I haven't checked my Roku 2, but your quote says Roku 3 so not sure if I would see it.
The "NEW" roku slick is based on the roku 2 hardware I believe not the 3. Still a good value however with the remote and channels it supports.
"Canada-compatible" version of Google's Chromecast device available today
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/google-chromecast-finally-comes-to-canada-1.2578416
Funny re. the timing... couldn't be due to the release of the Roku stick now could it?
Also re. the timing... based on the flaming comments, Google is offering an unwanted product i.e. came to the game too late?
Many people don't understand how chrome cast works.
It has no remote or "apps". It is simply a streaming target device you drive from a smartphone / tablet app or web browser. There is no "remote" for it, you need to use another device to locate and select content then "cast" it to the Chromcast.
FYI the roku can do that AND it has a remote and stand alone UI that gets you things like Netflix with Internet being the only external dependency.
If you are single and prefer using your smartphone, or if everyone in your house is smartphone savvy the Chromcast might work.