Author Topic: Media Player Box for my TV (Read 12271 times)

SirPeale · « **on:** November 13, 2007, 08:26:39 pm »

So I've been wanting a PC to keep hooked to my TV to watch media files - ie movie clips, music, etc. Would XP media center edition be good for this?

Also, the drive in the PC I have for this application isn't very large, so I'd like to be able to use my home PC as the server, and the TV machine as a client. Anyone know of a good how-to on this?

ChadTower · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2007, 08:34:47 pm »

That PC may not be fast enough to run XP reliably... and you're going to need a good amount of ram for a PIII. You're WAY better off with an XBMC Xbox. Sell the PC for a few bucks on Craigslist and snag a used Xbox to softmod.

NiN^_^NiN · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2007, 08:47:07 pm »

Hey Peale

I've recently just used my carpc for this function while my cars having work done on it.

I was using the carpc frontend software as the interface and using the wiimote to control the pc aswell as the wii and it works nicely

I am using a 600mhz mini ITX and it runs fine with XP and playing divx files altho some are choppy (they are fine on the 1.2ghz mini itx) and its been working great but i did try working with VLC (Video Lan) and using the PC to communicate with my main pc to stream the tv shows/movies over the wifi using VLC's streaming technology and it worked great (i am using a 802.11g wifi connection and it's fine but does drop off bits n pieces if the signal is around 60% or lower so if your got a A/B connected dont bother)

There are heap of ways to do it the system i have runs on a total of 30watts and is small (there are mini HTPC/Set top Cases for the mini itx range)

I would try streaming with VLC onto the PC first to see how it goes

My pc is a 600mhz with 256mb of ram and a d-link 802.11G adapter

SirPeale · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2007, 09:34:27 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on November 13, 2007, 08:34:47 pm

That PC may not be fast enough to run XP reliably... and you're going to need a good amount of ram for a PIII. You're WAY better off with an XBMC Xbox. Sell the PC for a few bucks on Craigslist and snag a used Xbox to softmod.

It's currently running 98SE. I played several video files and they all run fine. I'll have to see how they look under XP on the same box. Need to find another hard drive to test this out with, though.

ChadTower · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2007, 09:49:56 pm »

98SE is about as good as you'll get a full Windows install in terms of resources... XP is the bus stop chick. You're looking at 512meg of RAM to get it running reasonably. If you're going to get this running as a media client then an linux app is probably best. Haven't tried it myself but take a look at VideoLAN.

clanggedin · « **Reply #5 on:** November 14, 2007, 01:19:17 pm »

You could get a mac mini and run FrontRow.

crashwg · « **Reply #6 on:** November 14, 2007, 03:25:47 pm »

I second the XBMC suggestion. You can get a used XBOX on craigslist or something for like $50, mod it for free (just did my first softmod last night! yay!) and do everything you're looking for and then some. You won't be sorry.

SirPeale · « **Reply #7 on:** November 14, 2007, 08:15:27 pm »

Yes, but I already have this PC (which has proven to me it can play videos just fine). It was free, works, and did I mention free? I'm currently putting my cash towards Christmas presents, so even $50 for a used XBox is out of the question. So let's concentrate on the hardware I already own.

Came with a video card with S-Video out (which really is no big deal, except I didn't have one previously), a Soundblaster LIVE! card, DVD-ROM.

I can always put more RAM in it. When I found it it had none. I just stuck 64M in there because it was the first SIMM I found.

NiN^_^NiN · « **Reply #8 on:** November 14, 2007, 11:01:18 pm »

Peale

All you need is VLC to be running on your home server and on the Media PC connected to your TV

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/streaming.html

You can have it all setup on the TV Pc where it just recieves the streams from the main computer and the main computer just loads up a avi/mpeg/dvd/dvd iso etc and broadcasts it.

You can leave it as is with win98 if you like no need to change anything

I havent streamed like this for ages but there are 3 ways to load a file from the TV Pc you have telnet, HTML and Commandline

You can setup a whole HTML Intranet with all the movies/tv shows and all u have to do is click a link then VLC loads up an goes to fullscreen.

There are many options

Here is a How-to
http://www.videolan.org/doc/streaming-howto/en/ch05.html

If you need any specific help with it just post back here

ChadTower · « **Reply #9 on:** November 15, 2007, 07:50:16 am »

Videolan doesn't officially support 98... that would make me to go linux if they support that. Going to linux would definitely fix his ram shortage.

I would think getting the amount of ram XP needs would cost the same as a used Xbox unless he has a cheap source.

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #10 on:** November 15, 2007, 08:48:25 am »

Hmm... I have VLC player on both my PC and laptop, I didn't know you could use those to stream... interesting.

Dustin Mustangs · « **Reply #11 on:** November 15, 2007, 02:01:48 pm »

Skip the pc by the TV and get a media mvp. The software that comes with it is nice, but there are a number of third party apps that are way better. Add a tuner card on the server and you'll also have full dvr capabilities. That's really what the 3rd party apps are based around, but they will also do all the other stuff you mentioned. I'm running this setup and love it!! You can also set this up in multiple locations by getting more mvp's.

Here are some links:

Media MVP: http://hauppauge.com/pages/products/data_mediamvp.html

Sage TV (not free 3rd party app): http://www.sagetv.com/

GBPVR (free 3rd party app): http://www.gbpvr.com/

ChadTower · « **Reply #12 on:** November 15, 2007, 02:07:37 pm »

He did say he wants to do it with hardware he has on hand... that's a $100 product... he could do two XBMC Xboxes for that price.

NiN^_^NiN · « **Reply #13 on:** November 15, 2007, 06:47:12 pm »

Quote from: HarumaN on November 15, 2007, 08:48:25 am

Hmm... I have VLC player on both my PC and laptop, I didn't know you could use those to stream... interesting.

Yep i use to stream TV to the laptop in the backyard connected to a projector for hot summer nights watching tv on the wall it was nice

NiN^_^NiN · « **Reply #14 on:** November 15, 2007, 06:53:12 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on November 15, 2007, 07:50:16 am

Videolan doesn't officially support 98... that would make me to go linux if they support that. Going to linux would definitely fix his ram shortage.

I would think getting the amount of ram XP needs would cost the same as a used Xbox unless he has a cheap source.

It's not offically supported but i believe it can stream altho im not sure it wont harm him in downloading and trying

but you are correct it fully doesn't work.

Im sure there is a linux on a floopy that is used just for streaming with VLC

gonzo90017 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 16, 2007, 01:45:14 am »

If you're going the linux route try Geexbox download the generator version and create your own live cd. So no need to find another drive. I haven't streamed anything to it yet but I have abou 100 movies in xvid format and they all play fine. My system is a 400mhz celeron with 128mb ram. It does exactly what you wan't to do.

stace · « **Reply #16 on:** November 16, 2007, 04:13:59 am »

These are pretty good.

http://kjglobal.co.uk/acatalog/The_Mvix_Wireless_HD_Media_Drive.html

SirPeale · « **Reply #17 on:** November 16, 2007, 03:02:17 pm »

I don't think I'm looking to stream anything. I Think what I want to do is have my home PC set up with a drive set to share, and the media PC to use that drive. I can then access the files as if it were local.

The home PC is 20 feet away from my TV. I can use CAT5 with no problems.

SirPeale · « **Reply #18 on:** November 16, 2007, 03:03:44 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on November 15, 2007, 07:50:16 am

I would think getting the amount of ram XP needs would cost the same as a used Xbox unless he has a cheap source.

I've got lots of RAM laying around. Luckily it takes regular DIMMs.

ChadTower · « **Reply #19 on:** November 16, 2007, 03:06:48 pm »

Quote from: Peale on November 16, 2007, 03:03:44 pm

I've got lots of RAM laying around. Luckily it takes regular DIMMs.

Good deal.

You're probably actually better off trying streaming - I'm not sure just running something like Media Player with an 800meg file over the network is going to work all that well. By all means try it out and let us know how it goes but there's very likely a reason all this streaming software is out there rather than people just opening up a DivX movie over the network.

boykster · « **Reply #20 on:** November 16, 2007, 06:23:54 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on November 16, 2007, 03:06:48 pm

Good deal.

You're probably actually better off trying streaming - I'm not sure just running something like Media Player with an 800meg file over the network is going to work all that well. By all means try it out and let us know how it goes but there's very likely a reason all this streaming software is out there rather than people just opening up a DivX movie over the network.

Actually, it works pretty well. I play ripped DVD images across my lan all the time with zero problems. If the pc you put together has enough horsepower to decode and render the video, then you're good to go. Heck, over standard 100Mbit I can play a ripped HD-DVD or Bluray movie with no glitches; I have gigE now so I have plenty of headroom.

Mediaplayer should have no problems opening a media title that sits in a file share on another computer.

stace · « **Reply #21 on:** November 17, 2007, 02:41:01 am »

I do the same.

I have 2 terabytes of diskspace allocated across 4 HD's connected straight into a switch. All using standard cat5e. All hidden under the stairs.

I then have a modded xbox in the family room and a few other media players dotted around the house allowing me to access any of my movie/music/photo collection without having to get off my fat arse

Stace

SirPeale · « **Reply #22 on:** November 17, 2007, 04:32:45 am »

I have a wireless router. Can I use this to connect to my home PC?

SirPeale · « **Reply #23 on:** November 17, 2007, 03:45:14 pm »

Now I've done it...I somehow managed to kill the connectivity on my main PC. Now my 'net access is thru the darn computer I found on the road!

I don't know how I did it, but I can't get it to reconnect.

SirPeale · « **Reply #24 on:** November 17, 2007, 03:52:12 pm »

Some kind of weird router problem. Connected the PC right to my DSL modem and it connected right away. Working on the router now.

ChadTower · « **Reply #25 on:** November 17, 2007, 08:18:59 pm »

Make sure your IP on the road PC isn't conflicting with the IP of anything else in the house... particularly the router itself. Also make sure the road PC isn't trying to be a DHCP server... that will kill your actual DHCP server.

SirPeale · « **Reply #26 on:** November 18, 2007, 06:13:10 am »

Nope...here's what happened.

Since I'm trying to use a wireless router, and didn't want too many "hitchhikers" so to speak, I reduced the number of machines connected at any time to '2'. I disconnected my home PC for...oh, about a minute. That's when the trouble started. Took me a good hour to figure out that someone in my neighborhood with a wireless card had connected to it, therefore filling up the spot I had just vacated.

Still can't get the PCs to talk to each other yet.

BMW Z1 · « **Reply #27 on:** November 18, 2007, 06:17:26 am »

You can’t beat an Xbox running XBMC; it is the best true solution you’ll ever get.

I hard modded mine years ago, also has a 250GB HD for backing up my games, I stream all my movies from my PC wireless, and it plays everything you chuck at it.

Miles better than those dedicated media boxes that never seem to play everything properly, or pi55ing about using a computers as a front end player.

stace · « **Reply #28 on:** November 18, 2007, 06:57:52 am »

I also use modded xboxs but the Media Player I mentioned above does pretty much play anything you could want it to.

Peale,

Sounds like you are broadcasting your wireless router's 'ssid' without any security.

If I were you, I'd change everything that connects to your network to static ip, for a home sized nw, its easy to manage and less troublesome to troubleshoot should you need to. Hide your SSID, as long as YOU know it there is NO need to broadcast it. You should also setup security, if you don't want to then I would set your router to only allow specific mac address' to connect.

The fact that you will have stopped broadcasting your ssid and only allow authorised hardware to connect to your router should stop people connecting. Before you do all of that (should you choose to do so) change your ssid. Its all well and good hiding it but if your neighbours already know it they are on the right road to connectivity.

.....and don't forget to change your routers admin password.

I've worked with networks for around 15yrs and have configured mine at home in the way mentioned and have not been hacked/attacked since doing so.

Just my two penneth.

Hope this helps
Stace

edited to make sense

ChadTower · « **Reply #29 on:** November 18, 2007, 11:02:02 am »

Those steps will stop pretty much all nonmalicious people for sure. The fact that your neighbor was able to connect that fast definitely means you're not using any security other than that client connections limit...

shmokes · « **Reply #30 on:** November 18, 2007, 12:00:38 pm »

I used to leave my internet (but not PC) open for public use, but I had to cut it off cos somebody was abusing it. Someone was not just connecting to it, but bittorrenting and not limiting his uploads and downloads to something reasonable and my internet started crawling. I can't be bothered to act like a network administrator and monitor things and just block only bad users. It's not like I was getting paid. So I had to cut it off. It made me sad to do it, cos I really like the idea of everyone sharing their internet access. How nice would it be if you could just pull out your laptop or PDA anytime, anywhere, and be pretty sure that you could probably pick up a WiFi signal? C'est la vie.

ChadTower · « **Reply #31 on:** November 18, 2007, 12:23:15 pm »

Quote from: shmokes on November 18, 2007, 12:00:38 pm

I used to leave my internet (but not PC) open for public use, but I had to cut it off cos somebody was abusing it. Someone was not just connecting to it, but bittorrenting and not limiting his uploads and downloads to something reasonable and my internet started crawling. I can't be bothered to act like a network administrator and monitor things and just block only bad users. It's not like I was getting paid. So I had to cut it off. It made me sad to do it, cos I really like the idea of everyone sharing their internet access. How nice would it be if you could just pull out your laptop or PDA anytime, anywhere, and be pretty sure that you could probably pick up a WiFi signal? C'est la vie.

You do know that you are liable for all net activity through your contracted connection? If that person had chosen to use your connection to do something really illegal, like distribute child porn, or send out threatening emails to public officials, it would have been your ass in a sling, not his, until you could specifically prove both that it was a third party and exactly who it was.

SirPeale · « **Reply #32 on:** November 18, 2007, 12:32:40 pm »

I've purposely left it open. As long as they're not abusing the 'privilege' I'll leave it open.

Now...back to the task at hand...

Quote from: BMW Z1 on November 18, 2007, 06:17:26 am

You can’t beat an Xbox running XBMC; it is the best true solution you’ll ever get.

Again, I'm not interested. Let's go with what I've got. I've got a Windows 98 machine I want to read files off my Windows XP machine. They're both plugged into a wireless router. Can I get them to talk thru this? And how?

Quote from: ChadTower on November 18, 2007, 12:23:15 pm

You do know that you are liable for all net activity through your contracted connection? If that person had chosen to use your connection to do something really illegal, like distribute child porn, or send out threatening emails to public officials, it would have been your ass in a sling, not his, until you could specifically prove both that it was a third party and exactly who it was.

Actually, having an unsecured wireless link lends a lot to the "I didn't do it" defense. But I don't wish to discuss this in this thread. Moving right along...

SirPeale · « **Reply #33 on:** November 18, 2007, 05:07:33 pm »

I'm not sure how it happened, but all my directories that I set as share directories suddenly showed up in "Network Neighborhood". Yay!

SirPeale · « **Reply #34 on:** November 19, 2007, 04:03:57 pm »

Hooked it to my TV, works great. Took me an hour to find the cable to hook the soundcard to the TV, but it's working great.

What I need now is some kind of front end to pick video files from, instead of going thru Network Neighborhood and selecting it via explorer. Any hints?

ChadTower · « **Reply #35 on:** November 19, 2007, 04:07:02 pm »

What type of interface do you have for the PC itself? Standard keyboard/mouse, or are you hoping to reduce that to something simpler?

SirPeale · « **Reply #36 on:** November 19, 2007, 04:33:15 pm »

Right now it's a keyboard/mouse. I want to get a remote of some kind so I can do chapters if I'm watching DVDs, or fast-forward thru non-chaptered video files. It's be nice to use it to select videos to watch as well.

ChadTower · « **Reply #37 on:** November 19, 2007, 04:35:05 pm »

I bet there are some good remote friendly front ends out there for this... you'll just have to set up your server share in a manner that works well with the front end. Lots of Media PCs out there and they have to be using something.

bfauska · « **Reply #38 on:** November 19, 2007, 05:31:11 pm »

If your hardware doesn't have native IR support, do some searching about the USB-uirt. It is a great way to add IR remote ability to any PC, and you can use remotes you already have or pick up at a thrift store.

SirPeale · « **Reply #39 on:** November 19, 2007, 09:26:51 pm »

Thanks. I saw a header for it on the motherboard, I'll look into both solutions.

Now...what about a decent front end?


Main	Restorations	Software	Audio/Jukebox/MP3	Everything Else	Buy/Sell/Trade
Project Announcements	Monitor/Video	GroovyMAME	Merit/JVL Touchscreen	Meet Up	Retail Vendors
Driving & Racing	Woodworking	Software Support Forums	Consoles	Project Arcade	Reviews
Automated Projects	Artwork	Frontend Support Forums	Pinball	Forum Discussion	Old Boards
Raspberry Pi & Dev Board	controls.dat	Linux	Miscellaneous Arcade	Wiki Discussion	Old Archives
Lightguns	Arcade1Up	Try the site in https mode		Site News


Unread posts \| New Replies \| Recent posts \| Rules \| Chatroom \| Wiki \| File Repository \| RSS \| Submit news

Author Topic: Media Player Box for my TV (Read 12271 times)

stace

stace

stace