Thanks for posting your setup, it's very good info. I have a few more questions...
I use a simple and relatively cheap WD MyBook Live (3TB) connected to my router and I stream from there.
I looked up your router, the Cradlepoint MBR1400, and couldn't find any information regarding the speed of the USB ports on it. Are they USB 2.0 or 3.0? I'd never thought of that particular combo either – using a hard drive attached direction to the router as the media server. Excellent idea.
I have Plex, but I don't use it because of the need to install/run the server software. Instead, I just use the Avia app paired with Chromecast, which works great and stutters/pauses only rarely. One complaint is that the app interface could be improved and that it doesn't play all my files (AVI, for example).
Ever considered trying XBMC? One advantage of XBMC over Plex is that it can be skinned, so you have some choices about the interface you use. There are 22 different ones listed at the site so far. I'm probably going to try XBMC before Plex myself, and that's one of the major reasons why.
I seek the same. I don't want to bother converting.
Being able to directly stream .iso and/or .dvdmedia files is one the primary goals in setting up my media server, so I'll be sure to post my success or failure with it.
A friend has Sunday TIcket, so we have a dedicated box connected to a Slingbox which "slings" the feed over the internet to whichever of us wants to connect. Through that, I have access to not only any NFL game, but any DirecTV channel he has on his plan. I can watch live on my phone, tablet, or any of my TVs (each of which have an Android stick connected to HDMI and enable me to view via the SlingPlayer app). The quality is excellent, but certainly not as fluid as watching right from the DirecTV box, so there's a tradeoff there.
I may have to try that, it sounds too intriguing not to give that a shot. Do have any idea fit the quality is limited by the Internet or wireless speeds, or is it inherent with using the Slingbox regardless of the speed? Basically, I'm wondering if having 10Mbps up and 50Mbps down (or better) plus wired Ethernet would make a difference here.
At times, I'll use over-the-air DTV via the ol' antenna for local networks. Works fine.
Unfortunately, the area I live in can only get one local channel via an HD antenna, at least if the map I Googled up to check reception was accurate. I just don't live close enough to the broadcast towers. |
