I have been wondering about using an rpi in a "chromecast-like" setup by using the web or ios apps to "cast" to an rpi.
In such a case the rpi would not need to run a full PHT instance, as it is just "catching" the stream. This would obviate the need for any rpi-side navigation/UI, no need for a remote (aside from tv remote), and would make it very easy for friends and family to use -- the web client is especially nice for navigating larger libraries.
I have tried the chromecast, but it has some major downsides:
1. most of my media ends up transcoded on chromecast
2. chromecast video performance seemed rather poor (jittery, jumpy, buffering)
3. subtitles didn't work well
4. chromecast has to be "online"
I ran across pyplex a while back, but haven't given it a try yet.
I haven't touched pyplex about a year, rasplex has been my primary focus.
It isn't too difficult to get pyplex working though, if I had more time i'd build a dedicated pyplex server distro. The code is still available on my github.
Basically you have to have omxplayer installed (I have no idea what has changed in this project in over a year, probably lots), look around for some binaries for raspbian to save time.
Then just install python, clone my repo, and do a bit of hacking. Probably a couple nights worth of work.
As mentioned though, the rasplex is literally a superset of pyplex functionality and is actually actively maintained. Is there a reason why you don't want to just use rasplex?
... Is there a reason why you don't want to just use rasplex?
I actually also use rasplex too!
I am just looking for simpler (alternative) interfaces in general. I liked the idea of the chromecast, but the I found some of the caveats of the current incarnation to be unappealing or lacking (mentioned in first post). If I get some time I will will fiddle around with pyplex.
It is too bad that P/HT itself doesn't have a "startup mode" where it displays a static or rotating screen, and only behaves as a "Cast Receiver".
Aside: I fully understand your desire to dedicate your finite amount of time to the current feature set of the rasplex. Thanks for all your hard work!
I would recommend the suggestion of the static/rotating screen to be given to the general PHT system. There is no reason that all of the HT could have some sort of screensaver that could be just running in the background if the user wanted to have it instead of only dim or black screen. That being said I think they are working with what XBMC gives as a default.
That being said, I have a keyboard hooked up to my pi out of habit but most of the time, I just "cast" to it from my android remote and the picture quality is better then the chromecast.
I'd be interested in something similar as well. My issue is that my old 256mb pi can't handle my library of 800+ movies and 150+ TV Series, it just lags immensely and then freezes when I try and play media. I could however very easily use my android phone to select media and feed it to my pi.
I am just looking for simpler (alternative) interfaces in general. I liked the idea of the chromecast, but the I found some of the caveats of the current incarnation to be unappealing or lacking (mentioned in first post). If I get some time I will will fiddle around with pyplex.
It is too bad that P/HT itself doesn't have a "startup mode" where it displays a static or rotating screen, and only behaves as a "Cast Receiver".
Aside: I fully understand your desire to dedicate your finite amount of time to the current feature set of the rasplex. Thanks for all your hard work!
