Recommend a network streaming video player?

BenEadir

Hi all,

I'm looking for an app which will stream video content over WiFi to a Minix X7 media box. I know XBMC can do it but I'm looking for something a simple video player which allows the user to click on a network folder, select the file they want to play and it plays.

I tried BS Player https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bsplayer.bspandroid.free but playback in network mode isn't working. I tried H/W mode and found that whilst the sound streamed ok the picture fell way behind like it was in super slow motion. I then tried S/W mode which was way better but it still stuttered quite a lot and wasn't watchable. I've also tweaked the settings to max the buffer size etc without success.

I know streaming over WiFi can be tricky but I've a very good router and strong signal at the X7 and I don't encounter any problems streaming the same content using XBMC or streaming online movies/sports etc.

Are there any other video players with a strong network streaming feature?

Ben

advertsfox

Are you trying to play files stored on a HDD or a Windows machine?

BenEadir

advertsfox wrote: »

Are you trying to play files stored on a HDD or a Windows machine?

I'm streaming from a Zyxel NSA310 http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/network-storage/1289791/zyxel-nsa310 which is connected to my router and part of my home network.

Ben

Snaga

Archos player does this via SMB or upnp shares.

Snaga

Agree - Plex is awesome - but requires a server process and is more like XBMC on the client side so thought it might not be what the OP is looking for.

If OP has a server they can run the Plex media server on then Id agree that it is probably the best video streaming solution I've ever used. (I use it on all devices in the house - minix x-8, phone, tablet and laptop). Syncing videos to your mobile devices and being able to watch your home movies wherever you are (with remote streaming) make it so handy if you travel a lot (with appropriate transcoding for lower bitrates when needed).

Ste-

Just run xbmc and point it at the server using upnp. It's what I do with my Nsa320 and nexus 5. Works grand.

advertsfox

BenThere wrote: »

I'm streaming from a Zyxel NSA310 http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/network-storage/1289791/zyxel-nsa310 which is connected to my router and part of my home network.

Ben

Perfect, it supports DLNA meaning you only need to use a DLNA Player on your Android box (I suggest VPlayer with the DLNA plugin) that will pick up all your media over wireless network. I believe Twonky is the Media Server plugin you can install or in the Settings, go to Applications > Media Server.

BenEadir

Snaga wrote: »

Agree - Plex is awesome - but requires a server process and is more like XBMC on the client side so thought it might not be what the OP is looking for.

If OP has a server they can run the Plex media server on then Id agree that it is probably the best video streaming solution I've ever used. (I use it on all devices in the house - minix x-8, phone, tablet and laptop). Syncing videos to your mobile devices and being able to watch your home movies wherever you are (with remote streaming) make it so handy if you travel a lot (with appropriate transcoding for lower bitrates when needed).

I looked at Plex a few days ago but the server installation process is beyond my capability I'm afraid. I just couldn't figure out how to install it.

I actually have to admit that when I got the NSA310 I simply plugged it in, connected it to my router and moved all my content (previously stored on a PC) to it. Apart from seeing the folders on it via Explorer I have no idea how to get the most out of it. When I look at the network I can see the NSA310 presented as two old fashioned iPod type icons one labelled "My TwonkyBeam connector at NSA310" and the other simply labelled "NSA310". If I right click on either and select "Properties" all I get is a page detailing the name of the manufacturer, the model number and device IP etc. There is also a link to the device page which presents info on a browser about the device status and setup etc but although it states how many videos and songs are on the device it doesn't show what the total storeage is and how much of it is being used. I find it really confusing and don't know what to do about it. It's storing and streaming my content fine so I've left it alone but I should really be in control of it in terms of updating the firmware, understanding how much storage is left on it etc etc so any help from you guys in relation to that would be greatly appreciated. Is there a way to log into the device to see what storage is being used etc?

Ben

Ste-

BenThere wrote: »

I looked at Plex a few days ago but the server installation process is beyond my capability I'm afraid. I just couldn't figure out how to install it.

I actually have to admit that when I got the NSA310 I simply plugged it in, connected it to my router and moved all my content (previously stored on a PC) to it. Apart from seeing the folders on it via Explorer I have no idea how to get the most out of it. When I look at the network I can see the NSA310 presented as two old fashioned iPod type icons one labelled "My TwonkyBeam connector at NSA310" and the other simply labelled "NSA310". If I right click on either and select "Properties" all I get is a page detailing the name of the manufacturer, the model number and device IP etc. There is also a link to the device page which presents info on a browser about the device status and setup etc but although it states how many videos and songs are on the device it doesn't show what the total storeage is and how much of it is being used. I find it really confusing and don't know what to do about it. It's storing and streaming my content fine so I've left it alone but I should really be in control of it in terms of updating the firmware, understanding how much storage is left on it etc etc so any help from you guys in relation to that would be greatly appreciated. Is there a way to log into the device to see what storage is being used etc?

Ben

Use the web login, get the local ip address i.e mine s 192.168.0.20 there should be a log in page to set yourself up with the shares etc.
You haven't got ffp installed ?

BenEadir

Ste- wrote: »

Use the web login, get the local ip address i.e mine s 192.168.0.20 there should be a log in page to set yourself up with the shares etc.
You haven't got ffp installed ?

I just figured out the login and I don't know what ffp is??

Here is the state of the NSA310 at the moment - all looks ok to me.

I guess I should update the firmware. Any other recommendations? This is used primarily to store and share video content to phones, tablets, laptops and media boxes around the house.



Ben

Ste-

My 320 is still on an old firmware. 4.60.
FFP is an extension of the server in which you can install Plex or subsonic or other software, it'll also let you install SSH so you can do pretty much anything on the server remotly on a cli like ona linux machine.

http://zyxel.nas-central.org/wiki/FFP-stick

I instlled it on the server as opposed to a stick so you don't need to leae the usb in it all teh time.
Any questions just ask, a lot of it is tricky first time.

advertsfox

BenThere wrote: »

I just figured out the login and I don't know what ffp is??

Here is the state of the NSA310 at the moment - all looks ok to me.

I guess I should update the firmware. Any other recommendations? This is used primarily to store and share video content to phones, tablets, laptops and media boxes around the house.



Ben

Applications > Media Server

It's all in there for your DLNA. Your shares are under Sharing > Shares.

BenEadir

Thanks for offering to help Ste but having read the wiki I'll try and exercise good judgement by identifying when something is beyond my capability. I'm an enthusiastic tech gasget guy who's happy flashing ROMs and the like but that's the limit of my ability. If it isn't as straightforward as clicking "install" and configuring some options I'm better off giving it a wide berth as I'll end up doing more damage than good.

One thing I have noticed on my NSA310 control panel is the web publishing application where it gives me the option to publish a Video share. Is that something I should do? Would it somehow enhance access to the stored media content from the various devices connected to the network or is it a protocol for enabling access to the NAS over the web e.g. if I wanted to access the content on my laptop whilst travelling abroad?

Ben

BenEadir

advertsfox wrote: »

Applications > Media Server

It's all in there for your DLNA. Your shares are under Sharing > Shares.

Thanks AF, I know you're pointing me in the right direction. the problem is I'm a blind man, I haven't a clue what "Shares" are and what publishing them will achieve.

I had a quick Google and al I could find was user manuals and the like. I'll do a bit more digging for an idiots guide to "Web shares on NAS devices" later on.

Ben

Ste-

Not sure about the publishing shares. I use the stock stuff very little. You'll want to set up a dns redirect aswell so you don't have to remember the I.p address all the time. You can also get the server to download your Linux iso`s. I see you have ftp set up already which is handy too. No rush on ffp but it does open up a lot more avenues for stuff.