Movie-Video Streamer Help

[jthorpein]

I was hopping to reuse the hardware (a Boxee Box) that I have, since it's suppose to play in 1080p, however I'm not sure what distro, etc that it's running or how to access it.

 

 

I'm looking for a system where it can play digital copies of DVD's (VOB, etc.) from a NAS/Network drive. I'd also like to have the system separate Movies from TV Shows (and preferably allow me to specify that TV Shows that are from a DVD are to be in the TV Shows section ... Boxee would put the TV Shows from DVD into the Movies section) (examples are in the images below). I'd like it to have the DVD Movie Cover (as shown in the image below), rather than a file tree, for both the Movies & TV Shows. The main purpose of the system (box) would be to play my local content over the network. I do have some Blu-Ray DVD's that haven't been copied yet, so a system that can play those and possibly 4K DVD's at a later date would be nice.

 

 

Boxes/mini pc's/single board pc's I've seen mentioned are:

 

1. SMXQ Box
2. ASUS Media Streamer
3. QDroid-XU4
4. Raspberry Pi 3 B+
5. Tinker Board (ASUS)
6. Intel NUC
7. WD TV Live Hub Plus
8. Mini X8-H
9. Mac Mini
10. Zidoo Z1000
11. Micca TV Media Player
12. Orange Pi 3
13. Apple Pile
14. Panda Latte (or Latte Panda)
15. Gigatron TTL
16. Android TV Box
17. NVIDIA Shield
18. Bean Canyon NUC
19. Mini ITX
20. Nano Pi M4
21. Rock Pi
22. Rock Pro 64
23. Rock 64

 

What options would work best for my project, and what system (raspian, etc.) would be best?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Dedayog]

I just use Plex on a secondary PC (in my sig) and it works fantastic.  *shrug*

 

I even had it on Emma but I restarted her for drivers/updates to games too much during movie watching so I moved it. But it ran 100% fine on the gaming machine even when gaming.

[jthorpein]

8 hours ago, jstudrawa said:

I just use Plex on a secondary PC (in my sig) and it works fantastic.  *shrug*

 

I even had it on Emma but I restarted her for drivers/updates to games too much during movie watching so I moved it. But it ran 100% fine on the gaming machine even when gaming.

 

I thought about using Plex, however I'd have to convert the DVD's over to a MKV (for example) for a total of 1,500+ DVD's. I tried to convert a couple over to a MKV file format, however the MKV didn't contain the DVD Menu, the special features, etc. which is one reason that I did a 1 to 1 copy of the DVD. 

 

Since one will be in a bedroom, I'd like it to be a small form factor along the lines of a Raspberry Pi size, and since it's just to play DVD's, movie files, Blu-Rays (when I get them copied), and maybe some 4K content, it doesn't have to be a large, high powered HTPC. I'd rather it be on the smaller side, where I can mount it to the VERSA mount for a cleaner look.

[jthorpein]

9 hours ago, jstudrawa said:

I just use Plex on a secondary PC (in my sig) and it works fantastic.  *shrug*

 

I even had it on Emma but I restarted her for drivers/updates to games too much during movie watching so I moved it. But it ran 100% fine on the gaming machine even when gaming.

 

One thing I was looking at is shown in this video below. He's using a Raspberry Pi 3 B+ with Kodi ... however I don't know if that'll play the DVD file formats (as shown in the image below), and if it's capable of playing Blu-Ray files.

 

 

 

 

[Dedayog]

2 minutes ago, jthorpein said:

...

Makes sense for size, but Plex doesn't use much at all for resources.  Plus, my movies are in MPG, MKV, AVI, M4V, MP4 formats.  Doesn't have to be MKV.

 

Anyway, you have a lot of options.  Hope you find one that works best for you.

[jthorpein]

2 minutes ago, jstudrawa said:

Makes sense for size, but Plex doesn't use much at all for resources.  Plus, my movies are in MPG, MKV, AVI, M4V, MP4 formats.  Doesn't have to be MKV.

 

Anyway, you have a lot of options.  Hope you find one that works best for you.

 

True, I know it doesn't have to be specifically MKV format, but I'm assuming that if I convert it, it'll just do the movie only and I'd lose the special features, etc. Which I'd like to keep if possible.

[jthorpein]

4 minutes ago, jstudrawa said:

Makes sense for size, but Plex doesn't use much at all for resources.  Plus, my movies are in MPG, MKV, AVI, M4V, MP4 formats.  Doesn't have to be MKV.

 

Anyway, you have a lot of options.  Hope you find one that works best for you.

Now if I could find a way to list my movies (& TV Shows from DVD) like this:

 

 

 

and have the "Play" open and play the file in a VLC player (like on a Raspberry Pi), that might work. On the Boxee, I pointed the "VIDEO_TS.ifo" as the main file to play when it was selected, and that would bring up the DVD Menu, where I could select chapters, subtitles, special features, or play the movie (just like if you put a DVD into a DVD player).

[jthorpein]

29 minutes ago, jstudrawa said:

Makes sense for size, but Plex doesn't use much at all for resources.  Plus, my movies are in MPG, MKV, AVI, M4V, MP4 formats.  Doesn't have to be MKV.

 

Anyway, you have a lot of options.  Hope you find one that works best for you.

 

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.

[KeyboardCowboy]

53 minutes ago, jthorpein said:

 

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.

Just try it out and see if it works. Grab the latest stable copy of openelec, install it in virtualbox, then connect to your nas. If for some reason openelec is flaky in a virtual environment, install Ubuntu in virtual box then download kodi and connect to your nas. The only thing you would have to lose is time. I would actually like to know if you can watch full dvd rips in kodi, you should post your findings, best of luck.

[KeyboardCowboy]

@jthorpein, me again, got some information you might be interested in.

 

so... I went ahead and found a dvd and ripped it (man I haven't done that in a while).

 

File structure

Spoiler

Then I went ahead and shared the tidbits on my network with an NFS server, similar to your NAS I would assume, its good enough for testing anyway.

Spoiler

Then I went out to download and install the newest version of kodi in windows (running on a different machine). I'm sure a Linux or embedded version would work just the same.

Spoiler

I then went ahead and added the NFS server to my... 'locations list?' I have no idea what its called.

Spoiler

Then I added this location as a movie source, and apparently USB plug'n'play works in kodi too.

Spoiler

From there, chose the type of media in the folder and junk, yeah limited vocabulary (sleep deprivation). You can pick your 'info scrapper' here too.

Spoiler

And wabam, bobs your uncle twice removed.

Spoiler

After a little bit of option browsing, you can list your stuff as 'tiles'

Spoiler

Here's the best part, it plays, with the menu, and extra features, and lasers and monkeys.

Spoiler

I really urge you to play around with this, I think its exactly what ya need. A VESA mount PC would be the way to go, Linux or Windows. I would shy away from the pi unless your on a budget (my pepperoni..... opinion*).

[KeyboardCowboy]

Oh No! more information.

according to wireless 's'hack, the Beelink BT3Pro Mini PC is one of the best mini pc to run kodi on (under windows). Supposedly it can run linux with a bios flash from the manufacture, but that's risky business for the price. I would opt for getting a cheap thin client or a used pc then plopping openelec on it. best of luck.

[jthorpein]

10 hours ago, KeyboardCowboy said:

@jthorpein, me again, got some information you might be interested in.

 

so... I went ahead and found a dvd and ripped it (man I haven't done that in a while).

 

File structure

  Hide contents

Then I went ahead and shared the tidbits on my network with an NFS server, similar to your NAS I would assume, its good enough for testing anyway.

  Hide contents

Then I went out to download and install the newest version of kodi in windows (running on a different machine). I'm sure a Linux or embedded version would work just the same.

  Hide contents

I then went ahead and added the NFS server to my... 'locations list?' I have no idea what its called.

  Hide contents

Then I added this location as a movie source, and apparently USB plug'n'play works in kodi too.

  Hide contents

From there, chose the type of media in the folder and junk, yeah limited vocabulary (sleep deprivation). You can pick your 'info scrapper' here too.

  Hide contents

And wabam, bobs your uncle twice removed.

  Hide contents

After a little bit of option browsing, you can list your stuff as 'tiles'

  Hide contents

Here's the best part, it plays, with the menu, and extra features, and lasers and monkeys.

  Hide contents

I really urge you to play around with this, I think its exactly what ya need. A VESA mount PC would be the way to go, Linux or Windows. I would shy away from the pi unless your on a budget (my pepperoni..... opinion*).

 

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.

[jthorpein]

8 hours ago, KeyboardCowboy said:

Oh No! more information.

according to wireless 's'hack, the Beelink BT3Pro Mini PC is one of the best mini pc to run kodi on (under windows). Supposedly it can run linux with a bios flash from the manufacture, but that's risky business for the price. I would opt for getting a cheap thin client or a used pc then plopping openelec on it. best of luck.

 

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

[KeyboardCowboy]

2 hours ago, jthorpein said:

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).

 

<snip>

 

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.

 

<snip>

The Beelink probably would lock up, there needs to be firmware flashed to it before linux can be installed, even then, it still might. But!!! it ships with an active copy of windows, and kodi run under windows... so.. unless you have something against bill gates, I would run kodi under windows on the beelink.

 

Are they a bit pricey?, mmm yeah? but your getting a pretty nice steaming box that runs windows. So you wont be limited in a since.

 

Another option, still better than the pi according to this website, is the amazon firestick. Now... you can't just like download kodi from an app store, but the apk can be side loaded, im not 100% sure if the new models allow this. Here is a tutorial, actually, I guess you can just download it... the more ya know! TUT.

 

The price? usd a fire stick is 29.99 at time of post link, for 10 bucks more they have a 4k capable model. So that's 30 bucks a tv. Everything to get it to work (including a remote) should be in the box, minus kodi (see above rambling).

 

weigh your options, best of luck.

 

P.S. If you do go the firestick route, buy one and test it first, don't go balls to the wall with the pocket book, Murphy's law.

 

 

[KeyboardCowboy]

Just dawned on me, if your hell bent on the pi (not just the pi other hardware platforms too), kodi has a nice little remote control app for your mobile telephone. So you shouldn't need a remote?

playstore link

[KeyboardCowboy]

Dated hack for the boxee, looks like the community support for this hardware revival has dissolved. Still worth a look see.

[jthorpein]

1 hour ago, KeyboardCowboy said:

The Beelink probably would lock up, there needs to be firmware flashed to it before linux can be installed, even then, it still might. But!!! it ships with an active copy of windows, and kodi run under windows... so.. unless you have something against bill gates, I would run kodi under windows on the beelink.

 

Are they a bit pricey?, mmm yeah? but your getting a pretty nice steaming box that runs windows. So you wont be limited in a since.

 

Another option, still better than the pi according to this website, is the amazon firestick. Now... you can't just like download kodi from an app store, but the apk can be side loaded, im not 100% sure if the new models allow this. Here is a tutorial, actually, I guess you can just download it... the more ya know! TUT.

 

The price? usd a fire stick is 29.99 at time of post link, for 10 bucks more they have a 4k capable model. So that's 30 bucks a tv. Everything to get it to work (including a remote) should be in the box, minus kodi (see above rambling).

 

weigh your options, best of luck.

 

P.S. If you do go the firestick route, buy one and test it first, don't go balls to the wall with the pocket book, Murphy's law.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

[jthorpein]

19 hours ago, KeyboardCowboy said:

Dated hack for the boxee, looks like the community support for this hardware revival has dissolved. Still worth a look see.

 

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).

[jthorpein]

On 6/14/2019 at 8:12 PM, KeyboardCowboy said:

Just dawned on me, if your hell bent on the pi (not just the pi other hardware platforms too), kodi has a nice little remote control app for your mobile telephone. So you shouldn't need a remote?

playstore link

 

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

 

 

[razaldo]

Why not just go for a NAS? You will anyways be ripping the DVDs, just copy them over to the NAS and use their app to play it on the TV - after hooking up the TV with casting devices (like the chromecast etc.)

[jthorpein]

5 minutes ago, razaldo said:

Why not just go for a NAS? You will anyways be ripping the DVDs, just copy them over to the NAS and use their app to play it on the TV - after hooking up the TV with casting devices (like the chromecast etc.)

 

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.

[jthorpein]

7 minutes ago, razaldo said:

Why not just go for a NAS? You will anyways be ripping the DVDs, just copy them over to the NAS and use their app to play it on the TV - after hooking up the TV with casting devices (like the chromecast etc.)

 

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

[razaldo]

20 minutes ago, jthorpein said:

 

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 can suggest two options:

 

Option 1: WD live media

You could look at the WD live media - they have stopped making these IIRC. That should help play videos off the NAS to a TV. But you would need multiple devices for multiple TVs - or get an HDMI splitter and split them to the TVs (this would just mirror the stuff played across all TVs though, if you're ok with that).

 

The WD live media is old and connects through USB 2.0 standards - I do not know if that will be fast enough to play 4k movies. Some models do have an ethernet connection. 

 

A friend is running the WD live on his set up and he is complaining about the apps like YouTube, Netflix etc. crashing constantly since they are on old APIs and not updated anymore. Your mileage may vary.

 

Option 2: Cheap PC + Videostream for Chromecast

How about inserting an old PC in between your NAS server and TV and running Videostream for Chromecast on it. The app can be controlled through your mobile. The PC would have to run either Windows or Mac OS.

Just select the folders that have your movies in the desktop app of Videostream, and you are golden.

Edited June 17, 2019 by razaldo

[jthorpein]

22 minutes ago, razaldo said:

I can suggest two options:

 

Option 1: WD live media

You could look at the WD live media - they have stopped making these IIRC. That should help play videos off the NAS to a TV. But you would need multiple devices for multiple TVs - or get an HDMI splitter and split them to the TVs (this would just mirror the stuff played across all TVs though, if you're ok with that).

 

The WD live media is old and connects through USB 2.0 standards - I do not know if that will be fast enough to play 4k movies. Some models do have an ethernet connection. 

 

A friend is running the WD live on his set up and he is complaining about the apps like YouTube, Netflix etc. crashing constantly since they are on old APIs and not updated anymore. Your mileage may vary.

 

Option 2: Cheap PC + Videostream for Chromecast

How about inserting an old PC in between your NAS server and TV and running Videostream for Chromecast on it. The app can be controlled through your mobile. The PC would have to run either Windows or Mac OS.

Just select the folders that have your movies in the desktop app of Videostream, and you are golden.

 

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

[jthorpein]

33 minutes ago, razaldo said:

I can suggest two options:

 

Option 1: WD live media

You could look at the WD live media - they have stopped making these IIRC. That should help play videos off the NAS to a TV. But you would need multiple devices for multiple TVs - or get an HDMI splitter and split them to the TVs (this would just mirror the stuff played across all TVs though, if you're ok with that).

 

The WD live media is old and connects through USB 2.0 standards - I do not know if that will be fast enough to play 4k movies. Some models do have an ethernet connection. 

 

A friend is running the WD live on his set up and he is complaining about the apps like YouTube, Netflix etc. crashing constantly since they are on old APIs and not updated anymore. Your mileage may vary.

 

Option 2: Cheap PC + Videostream for Chromecast

How about inserting an old PC in between your NAS server and TV and running Videostream for Chromecast on it. The app can be controlled through your mobile. The PC would have to run either Windows or Mac OS.

Just select the folders that have your movies in the desktop app of Videostream, and you are golden.

 

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.