Media player setup assistance needed

wizardofid

wizardofid

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Hi guys slightly befuddled.

Got a couple of things sorted, but it's more annoying then any thing else and would like a easier solution to getting it done.

Got gifted to take either a chromecast 2 or wecast streaming media player (wecast which has dlna and miracast).Basically would like to setup the TV in my moms room to use either one. I would like to give her my old tablet it has enough horsepower to deal with video streaming, the issue is however that it's running android 4.1.2, which means screen mirring is out of the question, unless I can actually find an android app that actually works with it.

With over 20 apps tried on the store I can't get the chromecast to work with DLNA on the tablet, wecast does work in NDLA mode with allcast app I got on the store but stutters a bit much so it isn't ideal, so I need an app that I can use offline.

I would prefer to keep the chromecast as it is miles better then the wecast.

Additionally I installed universal media server http://www.universalmediaserver.com/ on windows 7 and does work once you install the DLNA app on the tablet, getting it to cast from there is an issue.

allcast can only cast from files directly on the tablet, and it doesn't see the external SD card.

Tried plex but all gives issue.

Is there a way to getting screen mirring or normal casting working on the tablet ?
 
wizardofid said:
Hi guys slightly befuddled.

Got a couple of things sorted, but it's more annoying then any thing else and would like a easier solution to getting it done.

Got gifted to take either a chromecast 2 or wecast streaming media player (wecast which has dlna and miracast).Basically would like to setup the TV in my moms room to use either one. I would like to give her my old tablet it has enough horsepower to deal with video streaming, the issue is however that it's running android 4.1.2, which means screen mirring is out of the question, unless I can actually find an android app that actually works with it.

With over 20 apps tried on the store I can't get the chromecast to work with DLNA on the tablet, wecast does work in NDLA mode with allcast app I got on the store but stutters a bit much so it isn't ideal, so I need an app that I can use offline.

I would prefer to keep the chromecast as it is miles better then the wecast.

Additionally I installed universal media server http://www.universalmediaserver.com/ on windows 7 and does work once you install the DLNA app on the tablet, getting it to cast from there is an issue.

allcast can only cast from files directly on the tablet, and it doesn't see the external SD card.

Tried plex but all gives issue.

Is there a way to getting screen mirring or normal casting working on the tablet ?
Click to expand...

Why don't you screen cast to the chromcast directly from the media server?
 
Lets explain it this way.I got my mom a tablet with an HDMI port, which basically plugged into the TV serving as a media player which all fine and well, but she has to use a wireless mouse and lying on bed to watch is a hassle and the tablet wireless connection is less then reliable and would simply disconnect on a whim. This means I have to disconnect the tablet connect it to the PC and copy over all the files connect it again and bobs your uncle.

Due to the pretty crappy wifi on the tablet I can't use the media server on the tablet, hence why I was looking for a media player that can cast as well as access the media server, considering she is close to 70, and having a walking stick getting up to cue new files on the server isn't an option.

My new tablet works fine with either wecast and chromecast, but that means I have to give her my new tablet :( Which to be honest I got less then 3 weeks ago.

My only issue is getting the old tablet to cast to the chromecast, as I think the stuttering issue is due to the wecast (which to be honest has less then spectacular hardware specs, dualcore and 128MB ram)

I think will rather hold on and get a proper media player box....mygica media players are cheap enough and with a remote and access to the media server I can get rid of the tablet all together.
 
MiBox or Telkom LiT Box.

Both have their software issues but work great at playing files on a local server. Casting works very well. :) It has a built-in Chromecast.

For the LiT issues raised here by forum members, have a look at the following thread done by our very wonderful techead :love: .

Telkom LIT Android media box - Tips/Tricks/Apps .

For reference, the MiBox retails around R1400 - R1800 locally otherwise importing and exchange rate dependant can get it down to around R1200 +- from say Gearbest.

The LiT box is R1099.00 cash or R49 x24 contract at any Telkom Direct Store. The other stores are pushing cash only. Stocks are hit or miss. :) Hopefully you don't have an issue. You can try this number 021 914 9000 to check stock.
 
Thanks I think I will give it another go, with the wecast....worse comes to worse, I have a paper weight for my desk :D

Tested universal media server it seems that it is the cause of the issues, so getting kodi and a few others to try out, plex does work, but I am not online always....so rather pointless with plex and I ain't paying for premium with many free alternatives available...
 
backstreetboy said:
What errors does Plex give? What tablet is it? Maybe there's unofficial updates.
Click to expand...

No plex works, but requires an online connection to authorize as far as I am aware, at least for the initial start, don't want to be hassled with that...

Downloaded kodi and osmc, not sure osmc will work on windows 7, if I get the tablet sorted I will consider formatting windows 7 and do a proper linux media server.....
 
I think i have found a solution to the problem but a problem in it self, the old tablet has an update to version 5 which would basically solve ALL issue relating to the casting and mirror casting...however I need to manually install the firmware as the USB function to use lenovo software is buggered only able to charge the tablet...

So busy downloading the firmware :D
 
wizardofid said:
No plex works, but requires an online connection to authorize as far as I am aware, at least for the initial start, don't want to be hassled with that...

Downloaded kodi and osmc, not sure osmc will work on windows 7, if I get the tablet sorted I will consider formatting windows 7 and do a proper linux media server.....
Click to expand...

There are ways around that.

https://www.howtogeek.com/303282/how-to-use-plex-media-server-without-internet-access/

And it's pretty simple.
 
SauRoNZA said:
There are ways around that.

https://www.howtogeek.com/303282/how-to-use-plex-media-server-without-internet-access/

And it's pretty simple.
Click to expand...

Thanks will have a look when I am home, currently visiting family in JHB, going home tomorrow so hopefully every thing should be sorted by next weekend.

Android 5.0 update is a nightmare to find, lenovo doesn't have direct firmware download and every thing is done via there tool which would be fine if the I could actually connect via USB :(

If any one is looking to do some sherlock homes work and try and find a legit rom any help would be appreciated. It's for the lenovo A1000F
 
ponder said:
Does it work if you enable developer mode with usb debugging?
Click to expand...

USB port broke off, and took it in to be repaired and the result is only being able to charge

Miui8 looks to be the best custom rom I can find, not sure I should try it, looks a bit dodgy.....if else fails I will give it a go, managed to find to stock rom for the a1000 if else fails I could always just load it back, if the recovery rom isn't buggered in the process as well

It's a bit drastic...to say the least but worth a try, might have to sideload google play if worse comes to worse.....But I think I can live with allcast app which works with the wecast just a little annoying having to copy files to the internal memory first via wifi.
 
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ponder said:
Look at that link.
Click to expand...

I did mate, the problem is the tablet was rooted, essentially still is, but after a factory reset, removes the root SU and such which means root functionality can no longer be accessed, I have never had any luck rooting directly on a tablet, I even tried installing SU and root via recovery ;)

USB access make it stupidly hard, I am going to look into wireless flashing even upgrades possibly....
 
If the WeCast is similar to the EzCast there might be an option to connect the WeCast directly to the tablet without going through a router. I have been very happy with my EzCast devices. There are many DLNA/AirPlay casting apps in the Play Store - AllCast, AllConnect, Play To Universal, AirPinCast, Bubble uPnP, AirWire etc. which you should be able to use to stream local media or from the internet using ShowBox, MovieHD, MovieDroid S, Kodi etc. - you only need to connect to a router when streaming from the internet but not for media stored directly on the tablet. Have you tried to locate and play the media files on the SD card using ES File Explorer and cast them using AllCast etc. from there? You may need to try several of the casting apps to find something that works reliably with your hardware for long periods of time.
 
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That is an issue allcast for some or other reason can't access the external SD card for some or other reason, because it lack USB access, makes it immensely more annoying.

I can't for example copy the weeks series onto the tablet, nor is streaming an option, only have mobile access and too expensive to stream with.So have to manually copy the weeks stuff onto a SD card, move it to the internal memory and cast.That is far too troublesome and not worth the effort entirely.

Because it's android 4.1.2 there is no native support from google for stream casting, so about the only app that works reliable is allcast and is retarded to the internal storage, while it does have access to google drive and internet streaming, it's a little much effort to enjoy it.

Decided I am getting a proper media player....and using the wecast for mira casting if and when needed to do some thing from the tablet ;). Considering most media players have mira casting build in it shouldn't be an issue, I can toss the wecast into the useless tech bin.

Or I could all just get another tab for my mom for xmas, hers is a single core with 512mb ram and entirely unstable wireless connection.

Load some car apps on it get the brackets and such and get some use out of it still ;)
 
Have you tried to launch the media files from the SD card using ES File Explorer? You should have the option to either select a media player or any of the casting apps that you have installed such as AllCast or AllConnect. If you have Telkom Mobile coverage you could try their 500GB SmartData night bundle which sells for R50. Apps such as Advanced Download Manager and Flud have schedulers which you can set to download between midnight and 7AM.

Personally I think a tablet will be far more useful than a media player. Android media players are essentially screenless tablets with an HDMI output port. They are very difficult to operate without an additional wireless airmouse which will cost an additional $10 which is the price of a WeCast, AnyCast, MiraScreen adapter etc. If you are having problems with the WeCast adapter you might be able to update the firmware online although this could be risky unless you have a proper internet connection. My EzCast LAN box takes around two seconds to boot while my media players need at least a minute to fire up. From my experience android runs much better on a cheap tablet with a Mediatek processor than it does on any of the Chinese Amlogic media players that I have used. If you buy a tablet with an internal 3G/LTE modem you can download content directly onto the SD card using a scheduler if necessary which would be very difficult to do on a media player. Media players do support more formats such as h.265 than DLNA adapters but it's very rare to find something that won't play on a DLNA adapter.
 
Jake45 said:
Have you tried to launch the media files from the SD card using ES File Explorer? You should have the option to either select a media player or any of the casting apps that you have installed such as AllCast or AllConnect. If you have Telkom Mobile coverage you could try their 500GB SmartData night bundle which sells for R50. Apps such as Advanced Download Manager and Flud have schedulers which you can set to download between midnight and 7AM.

Personally I think a tablet will be far more useful than a media player. Android media players are essentially screenless tablets with an HDMI output port. They are very difficult to operate without an additional wireless airmouse which will cost an additional $10 which is the price of a WeCast, AnyCast, MiraScreen adapter etc. If you are having problems with the WeCast adapter you might be able to update the firmware online although this could be risky unless you have a proper internet connection. My EzCast LAN box takes around two seconds to boot while my media players need at least a minute to fire up. From my experience android runs much better on a cheap tablet with a Mediatek processor than it does on any of the Chinese Amlogic media players that I have used. If you buy a tablet with an internal 3G/LTE modem you can download content directly onto the SD card using a scheduler if necessary which would be very difficult to do on a media player. Media players do support more formats such as h.265 than DLNA adapters but it's very rare to find something that won't play on a DLNA adapter.
Click to expand...

Yes eventually figured out I can use all cast via ES file explorer, that for me is fine, but for my mother not so much, extra steps especially having to connect to the wecast via wifi first then ES file explorer, select the file and then the media player then play the file.

I need to sort out the media server next, as that isn't working on the intended PC once I installed it on that today, as well as the screencasting from chrome which is also not working, which worked before meh such a hassle to get going.

Luckily I can always switch the wecast to miracast mode when I want to stream some thing like a sporting event or such and use my tablet.All but given up trying to root the tablet even via the recovery as the bootloader is locked, from ebay it costs a measly $13 to replace the motherboard even then it's pointless excise for old tech.I am considering getting another lenovo tab 3, stable wifi and build in screen casting that just works.

Ultimately because it's my mother considering her age and her less the tech savvy nature a media player with a remote is better suited for ease of use plus I don't have to run every 5 minutes to fix issues relating to whatever she did wrong or isn't working, learning a bucket load about casting and media servers some thing I never bothered with before.

Just a pity I can't update the tablet to android 5 it would have made things easier, But I am definitely going to make use of the wecast for things that needs to be really be seen on a bigger screen with a sound system
 
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