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werfie

werfie

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Hi Guys,

I need some advice, I am contemplating canning my DSTV because I am sick of paying R800 a month. But we have extraview with 2 Explora's (one for me in the flat, one for my Dad in the house).

I want to set up a home "media server". I have a HP Proliant Microsever lying around that I can setup for this.

What can I do to set up our tv's to view movies/series from this server similar to how DSTV Catchup works. Keep in mind that he doesn't have a smart TV (I do), so there will be a need for some media player to be plugged in.

I want to run it of wifi and it has to be cheap and super, I mean SUPER simple to use.

PS. Network infrastructure with ADSL and Wifi everywhere is already in place.

Simple tips and experiences please. I was looking at Chromecast, but it doesn't seem that it would do what I want.
 
Raspberry Pi 2's and TVMC or OSMC. Can control them with your phone, or TV remote if the TV supports CEC. I use Yatse remote on my android devices.
 
Yeah, I would go with the Raspberry Pi option too. I've gone through both versions, currently on a RbPi2.
Use Kodi (new name for XBMC), get the OpenElec version, its nice and small and boots in under 10 seconds on a good memory card.
 
You in two different buildings, hows you wifi signal strength? Best to test if you can stream, if you signal is not great, its not going to work so well.
 
Grouter said:
plex.
Click to expand...

Checking this out as we speak, but do you then have to get a streaming stick like ChromeCast with it?

ozziej said:
Yeah, I would go with the Raspberry Pi option too. I've gone through both versions, currently on a RbPi2.
Use Kodi (new name for XBMC), get the OpenElec version, its nice and small and boots in under 10 seconds on a good memory card.
Click to expand...

I like the idea, but I really need something that will simulate (closest) a normal DSTV type interface, without stuff that needs to be started up, or such. I took me 2 years to get my dad to pause his tv shows with his Explora, so it must be the most non confusing setup on earth.

Ecco said:
You in two different buildings, hows you wifi signal strength? Best to test if you can stream, if you signal is not great, its not going to work so well.
Click to expand...

Yeah, two buildings, but there is a wifi router in each building, they are connected with a cable so the wifi is "extended". His router is in the study next to the TV room, so the wifi signal there is about 100%.
 
YingYang said:
Here we go: http://www.takealot.com/roku-3500r-streaming-stick/PLID32802097

They come with a wifi remote.

You can watch Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, etc on it.

Its super easy to control and all content is being streamed from the internet.
Click to expand...

Thanks, as long as I can view the stuff stored on my network server as well, it looks like it would do what I want. I am not too interested in streaming stuff over the net atm (well at least not for my dad's setup). Will read up a bit.
 
Roku+Plex for your immediate needs
(there after Unotelly+Netflix then Kodi then Sickbeard+Couch Potato+Headphones)
 
First off I suggest just installing lan cable to the tv's and save yourself some frustration.

Next install kodi(xbmc) and plex on your pc and start playing around with it to see which one you prefer. Personally I think they are both easier to use than the explora and the phone apps are even better just scroll through the shows to the episode you want select play and it starts on the tv.

If I was you I would put the microserver by your tv and use it for all the downloading, file server and install kodi or plex on it for watching on your tv. So let it do everything on your side. Once you have your side running smoothly you can buy a pi, roku, android device or whatever for your dads side and just link it up to your system.
 
Beachless said:
First off I suggest just installing lan cable to the tv's and save yourself some frustration.

Next install kodi(xbmc) and plex on your pc and start playing around with it to see which one you prefer. Personally I think they are both easier to use than the explora and the phone apps are even better just scroll through the shows to the episode you want select play and it starts on the tv.

If I was you I would put the microserver by your tv and use it for all the downloading, file server and install kodi or plex on it for watching on your tv. So let it do everything on your side. Once you have your side running smoothly you can buy a pi, roku, android device or whatever for your dads side and just link it up to your system.
Click to expand...

This sounds like a plan. I have started setting up the MicroServer, and have downloaded the Plex app to my TV, will play around with it a bit today. I just installed the Plex Windows App, but I will try the Kodi route today as well.

Thanks for the help.
 
Revisit....

So I have set up the Plex and my library is looking nice, I have been using Plex with my Samsung TV and the Plex App - No hassles.

Now I need to get that second (non smart) tv connected by means of a media player.

Is the Roku 3500R adequate for this, or are there any other R1500ish media players that works well with Plex (and WiFi)?
 
Keeper said:
Edit: Ah, I see you have settled on Plex. that is good too. ;)
Click to expand...

LOL... what does that mean???

Plex works nicely for me. And it's easy and I have the app on my tv. I now just want something simple for the second tv (my dad). As I said somewhere earlier, it has to be simple, start and run easily with not hassles or interventions. He must just think he's still browsing his DSTV catchup with new colors or something hehe.
 
werfie said:
LOL... what does that mean???

Plex works nicely for me. And it's easy and I have the app on my tv. I now just want something simple for the second tv (my dad). As I said somewhere earlier, it has to be simple, start and run easily with not hassles or interventions. He must just think he's still browsing his DSTV catchup with new colors or something hehe.
Click to expand...

Get the Roku and install Plex - it is super easy and just works. Been using it for a few years now and won't look back.
 
I have a Roku stick and it works well. Sometimes it's a bit sluggish but definitely not unusable. For someone like your dad it will be fine. Turn TV on, click plex, click series and watch. Simple.
 
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