jthorpein

I've seen quite a few videos on Pi's being set up for media ... but not really anything that I've seen as far as in playing (especially the VOB DVD file format) ... so was hoping to find something that'll work at least for now. I'm guessing at the bare minimum it'll take me a couple months to more than likely around 6 months to be able to get the parts, etc. to do a DIY HTPC. If this gives you some idea, I still have a old Sony rear projection TV that needs upgrading (especially since it has no HDMI ports), but have do a little here, a little there or put back a little here and there (cash wise). So I'm thinking (depending on cash) Month 1 (to 2) case, and RAM Month 2 (or 3) Mobo, and maybe drive Month 3 (or 4) etc. I believe the Raspberry Pi 4 was released earlier this month. Basically I'd like to have a basic system that'll play DVD/Blu-Ray files from a NAS (and possibly 4K in the future), have a DVD/Blu-Ray/4K drive to play discs locally like a DVD player, access Netflix, Hulu, Prime, YouTube, in a case about the size/form as a cable box (preferably with a door that'll hide the DVD drive, USB ports or any front ports) Something that would be low powered, preferably lower than the 450 W power supply say a 200 W as long as it's enough to run a mobo, dvd drive and a hdd/ssd... even if the mobo uses a power brick like laptops use, that's fine. Then there's the issue of an OS/program, something like a free or low cost Linux distro or something like that. Something like this would be ideal... https://bit-tech.net/guides/modding/project-log/how-to-build-a-dvd-server/1/ which uses an OS/program called Cinemar which costs around $300 to $350 ... but I don't know if that is the cost for each device or for all (i.e. can you install the same copy on multiple devices or will it only allow you to install it on one like Windows OS) (their write up of Cinemar: https://bit-tech.net/guides/modding/project-log/how-to-build-a-dvd-server/4/).

What do you think about the specs for a Raspberry Pi 4 B and Kodi ... think this might get me by as I look into cases, parts, etc. for a mini HTPC and the time it'll take to get the parts to build it?? Video on the Pi 4 B (Desktop version)

Also, note that the TV I have in the bedroom is an early to mid 2000's Magnavox that has 1 HDMI port (having to use a HDMI switch for more ports). Again this one is done by Wi-Fi as I don't have a ethernet cable ran to the room. Both TV's are wall mounted with a shelf under the TV. The one in the office/game room has a thin blu-ray player and cable box and that comes up to a couple inches under the TV. The one in the bedroom is currently a 19" size, but want to get a new one at some point, so not sure how much space I'd have between the bottom of the TV to the shelf and components on the shelf. Also, an app & voice commands from a Google Home (which I have) or Alexa (if I ever get one) would be great, but can do without if it's not an option (for the DIY system). A regular (preferably RF) remote with a keyboard is the preferred method.

I'd like to do something like the Kaleidescape system (shown in the video)... However, these systems costs THOUSAND'S ... I'd like to do something similar where the movies, etc are stored on a NAS device and have a player at max the size of a DVR cable box (preferably smaller like the size of a Pi, or DirecTV genie box size). I have 2 TV's (one in a bedroom and one in a office/game room - or a.k.a. a spare bedroom used as a office/game room) and a limited budget at the current time, I have to be somewhat picky ... While the Firestick option is an option, most of the time I leave my phone in the office when I plug it in at night to charge, so I'd rather have something that has a standard remote, rather than only through an iPad, phone. I can build a DIY system as building one wouldn't be an issue. However the case, power supply to fit a case like a cable box size/style, mobo, RAM, boot drive, and OS or program similar to the one in the video (don't know of any, but haven't searched for any either), etc. ... might be over what my budget might allow ...(course I haven't priced it out either, but assuming $60 for a case, $60 for a mobo, $50 for power supply, $50 for RAM, not counting whatever the cost of the OS/program, a CPU and cooler if it's not embeded on the mobo) - Plus I'd need a Wi-Fi card for the one for the bedroom as I currently don't have a ethernet cable ran to that room, and don't look forward into going into the attic in the summer in Florida with vaulted ceilings to run one (at the current time). I could maybe do one over a few months, getting a part or two a month or something like that ... but would like to have some sort of access in the meantime. Now if I did something like a Pi (if it'll work for the file format), for the 2 TV's, and then slowly build a system (like the Kaleidescape), then I can re-purpose one Pi for a whole network AD blocker (aka: Pi Hole) and something else with the other. I can do the cost of what the 2 Pi's would cost to get the 2 TV's up and running (at least for now) and over 3 or so months getting parts for a DIY system to build one like the Kaleidescape (if I can find a OS/program that'll work similar to the Kaleidescape - know of any - preferably without having to spend hundreds on a copy of Windows?). I kind of like these cases from what I see on the image - I like the form factor, but prefer any USB, etc. to be hidden behind a door (or on the back): I also like this as it looks the size of a small DVD player and has a door to hide a DVD drive (or a Blu-Ray/4K UHD Blu-Ray drive reader - to be able to play a DVD that hasn't been copied to a hard drive), card slots, etc. But according to the site, the case was $350 as of Nov. 8, 2007 ... https://www.techpowerup.com/review/origen-ae-s10v/ So while a Firestick would work, I'd prefer more of a regular remote based set up that's reasonably priced as I don't always take my phone to the bedroom, until I can build a small case client. I'd like not to spend hundreds on a OS/program as it's just going to play movies and music. So something like a free (or low cost) Linux distro where it boots Linux, and then automatically loads the movie program (say Kodi as an example) ... without taking decades to boot and load. So it's ready when it's turned on. If you have any suggestions on a DIY system (reasonably priced), feel free to share.

Casting them through the phone isn’t really preferred. Based on the video, it seems pretty easy and straight forward, and the kit is only like $70. I was hoping to find someone who’s used one to see how it works for local files. Course if I get one, and it doesn’t work, I could convert it to a pi hole for ads. I’ve built my own NAS, so putting one of these together should be nothing. Just have to see if it’ll play the file format.

Also, the only 4K content I may have is digital and would be stored on a NAS, so the ethernet speed is more prevalent than the USB. The two rooms I want to have a device in are on opposite sides of a house, so splitting the HDMI is not preferred. Right now my collection contains mostly regular DVD's and a few Blu-Ray's.

I thought about the WD Live TV Hub ... on ebay they're going for $100 +. Really more than I wanted to spend, even though it does have A/V and component video outs as well as HDMI, so that would work for the Sony rear projector big screen (one made back in the early 2000's) (until I can change it to a newer one). I don't care about Netflix as the cable box has a Netflix app (plus I have a Roku 1 & Roku 2 for Netflix, YouTube, etc. if needed, but I don't think it'll play DVD files). So the apps on the WD Live wouldn't be needed. The reasons for trying to find out if something like a Pi (or Pi sized device) would play DVD files is because of the size. I already have a standard slim DVD player (for DVD's that wouldn't copy) and a cable box, so it leaves little room between the components on the shelf and the bottom of the TV (so space is an issue). And secondly I was hopping to be able to get/build/etc. 2 devices for around $150 ish rather than each costing $150 (if possible). And thirdly, something like a Pi type of set up (doesn't have to be a Pi) would be that it would use a lot less electric power, create less heat, so less of an increase on the electric bill. As far as in controlling it, Alfawise and Rii have game controller sized remotes with back light and keyboard that works like a Logitech wireless mouse does through a dongle for around $8 to $20, so it doesn't have to have the ability to control it through a phone, iPad, etc. https://www.gearbest.com/air-mouse/pp_009129563193.html?wid=1433363&currency=USD&vip=760153&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9JzoBRDjARIsAGcdIDXwVGsykx_El7dp0NP2EC9thaUD7dIgiDy-F6WfePibU51nqTx0o5oaAunKEALw_wcB https://www.amazon.com/Backlit-Keyboard-Touchpad-Wireless-Multimedia/dp/B07PQ73N6Q/ref=asc_df_B07PQ73N6Q/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343187928868&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7463776813586433558&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012343&hvtargid=pla-726138361418&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=68968886357&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343187928868&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7463776813586433558&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012343&hvtargid=pla-726138361418

The server part is in place, I just need a client for the server.

I have a DIY NAS built on my network that has a good chunk of my DVD's on it already. I need something I can connect to the TV to stream it from the NAS to play on the TV. And I don't know how to have Chromecast stream the files from the NAS to the TV.

I'm not really "hell bent on the pi" but more on the size and price point since I have to take the price of one and multiply it by 2 for starters (and possibly a 3rd when I finally change a old rear projection big screen TV to something newer). Cause of limited funds for a project like this, I looked at the Pi as a possible option. If I had the funds, I'd rather go with something more like this ... but at almost $700 each ... ummmmm

This is probably useless to me as I can't get past the "Sign In" part of the boot ... no matter what I seem to put in there. It seems the log in part is locked since they shut down what I think is the remaining servers, etc. here recently. So since I can't get past the "Sign In" part, I can't do this: Step 5: Once fully booted, go to “Settings” “Network” “Servers” and check “Enable Windows File Sharing“. If you don’t know how to get to settings: Press the ” ” button on your remote, and select the ” ” option from the upcoming window. Step 6: Add ;sh /media/BOXEE/install.sh to the “Host Name“, so it looks something like this: boxeebox;sh /media/BOXEE/install.sh Tip: You might need to use boxeebox;BOXEE/install.sh instead under certain circumstances (user tip).

I do have a Google Chromecast Pro, don't know if that has any options there. Some other systems besides the Pi I've been looking at are (most of these I haven't checked the pricing on): ODROID - XU4 (needs a dongle for Wi-Fi) Tinker Board S (does 4K at 30 Hz) WD TV Live Hub Minix X8-H Plus (Android) Micca 101 (supports 1080p) Nano Pi M4 This looks like a nice on ... but it's between $600 and $700 Zidoo Z20

Looking at the reviews on the Beelink and 32% rated it one star with a lot of them saying constant BSOD's, lock ups, not able to install Linux, etc. So based on the reviews on Amazon, I'd more than likely stay away from this, especially with the price (after reading the reviews). https://www.amazon.com/Beelink-BT3Pro-Computer-x5-Z8350-1000Mbps/product-reviews/B07BQKJG27/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_hist_1?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews&filterByStar=one_star&pageNumber=1

Thanks for the testing info. Looking at the pi, the kit is around $55 to $80 depending on the kit from Amazon ( https://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Premium-Clear-Supply/dp/B07BC7BMHY/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3U1NVBPP2F1ZY&keywords=raspberry+pi+3+b%2B+kit&qid=1560541400&s=gateway&sprefix=raspberry+pi+3+b%2B+%2Caps%2C658&sr=8-3 ) and the remote around $10 to $15 at ( https://www.gearbest.com/air-mouse/pp_009129563193.html?wid=1433363&currency=USD&vip=760153&gclid=Cj0KCQjwi43oBRDBARIsAExSRQFRtLxPybJf_7JCFHPq3x6cT2KuWghbVKL2g3x1ciNqm3YnfUL_RQwaAjfKEALw_wcB ) So looking at around $70 for the pi x 2 (for 2 rooms) it'll be around $140 vs. around $150 for 1. Since I have to make 2, I was hoping to use the Boxee Box's hardware I have, but if I have to build/create a new one for each, I was hoping that they wouldn't be in the $100+ to almost $200 range for each one.

Here's is one reason I'm a little confused. According to https://kodi.wiki/view/Naming_video_files/Movies it'll play them. But according to https://www.videoconverterfactory.com/tips/kodi-video-ts.html it says that there are issues playing the VOB files ... course the 2nd link is for a converter, so don't know if they are just saying they need converted in order to get you to use or buy their converter program or if it's factual.