XBMC or Plex and Netflix

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weelzSA

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As the title reads, I am wanting to setup a PC in my daughters room that will serve as their media server. I already have a HPMS with Plex that serves the house with local content and a Roku in the main lounge for Netflix, Hulu ect.

I am wanting to setup their own Plex or XBMC setup so I can control what they watch - the main HPMS has all local video files and alot of movies / series that aren't age appropriate. I already have the PC but I need to know which system to go with that will allow a Netflix plugin for my girls to be able to watch local or netflix.

I don't want them to have to use a keyboard and mouse every time and use a browser. I'd love a simple solution like Plex or XBMC where they can control with the remote to select either Netflix or local content.

If anyone has any tips or guides for me to achieve or has a better way to get this working that would be great. Will be investing in a Roku for them the next couple of months to take over the PC but for now I would like to get it up and running.

Sorry if this has been asked before, just alot of different answers online.
 
weelzSA said:
As the title reads, I am wanting to setup a PC in my daughters room that will serve as their media server. I already have a HPMS with Plex that serves the house with local content and a Roku in the main lounge for Netflix, Hulu ect.

I am wanting to setup their own Plex or XBMC setup so I can control what they watch - the main HPMS has all local video files and alot of movies / series that aren't age appropriate. I already have the PC but I need to know which system to go with that will allow a Netflix plugin for my girls to be able to watch local or netflix.

I don't want them to have to use a keyboard and mouse every time and use a browser. I'd love a simple solution like Plex or XBMC where they can control with the remote to select either Netflix or local content.

If anyone has any tips or guides for me to achieve or has a better way to get this working that would be great. Will be investing in a Roku for them the next couple of months to take over the PC but for now I would like to get it up and running.

Sorry if this has been asked before, just alot of different answers online.
Click to expand...

A WD TV Live with external hard drive of age appropriate stuff?
 
Chevron said:
A WD TV Live with external hard drive of age appropriate stuff?
Click to expand...

That was an idea but they are already use to the Roku which is why I will be getting them one in the next month or two. This is just something for in the meantime as I have the PC and everything else I need to get it working so long. The only thing I am missing is Netflix for them.
 
weelzSA said:
That was an idea but they are already use to the Roku which is why I will be getting them one in the next month or two. This is just something for in the meantime as I have the PC and everything else I need to get it working so long. The only thing I am missing is Netflix for them.
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But you can setup Netflix on the PC with parental controls.
 
Chevron said:
But you can setup Netflix on the PC with parental controls.
Click to expand...

I already have an account for them which strictly shows them only "kiddies" shows which works perfect. I am just trying to avoid them having to use a keyboard and mouse to navigate and play shows - it be much easier with a remote. I have a remote already that can control the PC using either Plex or XBMC which is why I am looking for which ever system can best run Netflix.
 
Just a note that Netflix doesn't run on Plex anymore. You would still need the separate app, I would definitely go with a Roku.
 
DrJohnZoidberg said:
Just a note that Netflix doesn't run on Plex anymore. You would still need the separate app, I would definitely go with a Roku.
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Yeah I read that Plex doesn't support netflix anymore.

Without a doubt I will be getting them a Roku - will only be in the next month or two tho so need something for them to use in the meantime.

Would XBMC still be able to load a Netflix plugin?
 
weelzSA said:
Yeah I read that Plex doesn't support netflix anymore.

Without a doubt I will be getting them a Roku - will only be in the next month or two tho so need something for them to use in the meantime.

Would XBMC still be able to load a Netflix plugin?
Click to expand...
I think it does but think the videos play though the browser (ala silverlight)
 
isie said:
I think it does but think the videos play though the browser (ala silverlight)
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I don't mind where it plays through as long as it is "played through" XBMC and my daughters can use a remote to control and easily pick between netflix and local content without using a keyboard and mouse and to open and close different programmes?
 
Just a note about Plex - you might want to look into getting a premium subscription (i.e. PlexPass). I believe it allows multiple user profiles, and you can segregate content to different profiles. So adult stuff for the adults, and kids stuff for the kids. I'm not 100% sure though - read about it a while back while I was half sleeping. Might just be a beta feature that isn't fully implemented yet. Do some research on it. You'll also want to find out if the Plex client on the Roku also supports PlexPass user profiles. Oh, and I think you can protect profiles with a PIN.

If it does work out, then your existing setup of Roku + Plex is all you need. You won't need to get an additional server, just an additional Roku. In fact, scrap that. You could replace the Roku with a Chromecast for $35 (around R600 on Takealot) vs $99 for the Roku. They can then cast media from their smartphones/tablets to the TV. So check if the PlexPass/Plex Android/iOS/whatever app supports the above features as well.

BTW - how old are the kids? Would they have smartphones/tablets in the first place? Are they smart enough to circumvent the protections?

And when you're done. Let us know about it :-)
 
I am looking for something similar, but Netflix is quite an issue to get to work. The only thing I found that works reliably is WMC with a netflix plugin for the US Netflix.
 
bwana said:
Isn't Netflix moving away from silverlight? Should make things easier in the future.
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They are but it will only be supported for JS on IE, until chrome and the other browsers come to the party for DRM content.
 
Saajid said:
Just a note about Plex - you might want to look into getting a premium subscription (i.e. PlexPass). I believe it allows multiple user profiles, and you can segregate content to different profiles. So adult stuff for the adults, and kids stuff for the kids. I'm not 100% sure though - read about it a while back while I was half sleeping. Might just be a beta feature that isn't fully implemented yet. Do some research on it. You'll also want to find out if the Plex client on the Roku also supports PlexPass user profiles. Oh, and I think you can protect profiles with a PIN.

If it does work out, then your existing setup of Roku + Plex is all you need. You won't need to get an additional server, just an additional Roku. In fact, scrap that. You could replace the Roku with a Chromecast for $35 (around R600 on Takealot) vs $99 for the Roku. They can then cast media from their smartphones/tablets to the TV. So check if the PlexPass/Plex Android/iOS/whatever app supports the above features as well.

BTW - how old are the kids? Would they have smartphones/tablets in the first place? Are they smart enough to circumvent the protections?

And when you're done. Let us know about it :-)
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the feedback.

I am pretty sure I already have plexPass (just need to double check).

With regards to the Plex Server, I already have it up and running so that is not a problem. I'd honestly prefer them to have their own so the HPMS won't take any additional stress.

My kids are 9 and 7 and they both already have tablets so was thinking of going the ChromeCast route but they are already so use to the Roku and its simple remote and use that I'd rather spend extra and get something they know how to use already. Also the ChormeCast will always reply on the Tablet, Smartphone which to me isn't the most ideal way.

If I can't find a Roku, then might even go the WD TV Live route as the layout is also simple but will need to decide on that.
 
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