iPad streaming / movies

[Dolby]

I've applied for ADSL and actually want to change my network at home.

I used to have a PC in the lounge storing all my media (music, movies, photos) and could stream via wireless using a combination of Boxee, iTunes etc. It worked alright.

I've since sold my PC - and now I want one of these (price dependant) when my ADSL arrives http://home.cisco.com/en-mea/products/routers/E4200 - because it looks pretty and it sits in the lounge.

My question : this thing has a USB2.0 so that I can plug my HDD with all my movies and share between wired and wireless devices. They say it has a UPnP media server.

Will Plex or something read the files off that?

 

[Roman4604]

Will Plex or something read the files off that?

Don't think so, Plex clients are designed to communicate with the Plex Media Server only. Not sure what protocols are used, but its much more than just streaming e.g. metadata exchange & playback memory.

Before Plex I used to use Buzz Player HD on my iPad1, but it only browsed/accepted .avi files off DLNA. It could connect to std Win shares though, so could still access .mp4 & .mkv, but Buzz on iPad1 only good for SD & some 720p. Plex on the other hand converts to the client capabilities (can set optimal res/bit-rate on iPad client), so 1080p is no problem, obviously viewed at reduced quality.

 

[Dolby]

Argh.

So I'd need to get a microserver :/

Complicates everything.

So what exactly does the UPnP media on the USB do?

 

[Roman4604]

So what exactly does the UPnP media on the USB do?

My understanding, basically DLNA (server), so you'd need to use a DLNA client/player for the iPad to view content off the attached HD.

Not sure if Buzz Player HD performs better on a iPad2 ?, maybe others can post their recommendations for the best iPad2 media player app with DLNA client functionality.

Edit: some players to check out ... http://appadvice.com/appguides/show/alternative-video-players

 

[Dolby]

Thanks.

I have one other idea/question :

If the media player supports Boxee/XBMC (not on Windows - ie the Xstreamer Ultra) rather than it's own OS - I'm guessing it'll see and create a library from the HDD on the router. Can the iPad then stream using these apps?

 

[Fudzy]

Good Player does a great job, it supports DLNA but I just connect to my NAS (HP Microserver) using SMB/CIFS

 

[Roman4604]

If the media player supports Boxee/XBMC (not on Windows - ie the Xstreamer Ultra) rather than it's own OS - I'm guessing it'll see and create a library from the HDD on the router. Can the iPad then stream using these apps?

In that case it would make more sense to plug the drive(s) into Ultra instead of the router. I'm sure it would make for a much better/more powerful DLNA or file (SMB/CIFS) server.

 

[Dolby]

In that case it would make more sense to plug the drive(s) into Ultra instead of the router. I'm sure it would make for a much better/more powerful DLNA or file (SMB/CIFS) server.

True, I guess

That can be done - I just thought going to the router way would allow easy sharing of the same movies to anything plugged in the ports or connected wirelessly.

 

[Roman4604]

I just thought going to the router way would allow easy sharing of the same movies to anything plugged in the ports or connected wirelessly.

Makes no diffs, router will bridge packets between LAN ports & wireless whether server is on router or on Ethernet (e.g. Ultra).