Currently I have nothing, so I can't just test to find out the answer. I want to build a unRaid server with the Plex Media Server plugin. The idea is to watch videos (mostly mkv, avi, mpeg4) stored on the server from my TV as well as, perhaps, my android tablet (but mostly the tv). For the TV, the idea was to buy one of those inexpensive "Stick" pc's (or similar) that run Android and use the Plex app. However, I read nothing but complaints that videos won't play, etc etc.
So does Serenity fix this?
Is the experience similar to Plex? I've tried the Plex player for Windows and I really like it.
If the true answer is to build a high power (in terms of processing and electricity hogging) HTPC and stick that ugly thing by my nicely mounted TV... well then I'd forgo Plex altogether and use something else. But if I can stream effectively (and by that, I mean the wife can figure out and like it!), then I'd really like to know what will work BEFORE I go buying hardware!
If you want to run a NAS you get no server side transcoding so your content needs to match your client or you need a full windows/Linux/Mac PHT client that direct plays everything.
The cheap android sticks have ultra poor codec support or use platform specific players.
If you want android apps get a True google TV device.
Why do you say you can't transcode with NAS? Certainly that depends on the NAS, no? If it meets/exceeds transcoding requirements, then doesn't it work? That would be very important info for me... if unRaid server can't transcode regardless of equipment, I need to know that. Thanks.
And by "true google tv device"... is the Sony NSZ-GS7 the only example right now? That's all I could find with a quick search (its the only one listed on Google TV's site. However, I'm in Canada and Google hides a lot from non-US viewers.)
Sony gs7 or gs8 is the best. Followed by Asus Cube and Vizio Co star. There are other android tv stick devices that work well with Serenity but it all depends on the built in codecs of the device. Serenity also integrates well with MX player supposing the plex watched unmatched and view offset position recording.
Transcoding isn’t necessary if you use a player like mx player or you have good codec and container support on the device.
Plex Home Theater... It is the new Plex client for Windows/ Mac / Linux... however I keep forgetting it isn't listed on the main pages yet.
The comment about NAS was based on the fact most NAS have an ARM (no transcoding), Atom (not fast enough), or i3 processor (might not do some full 1080P content or at least not much else at once).
Worry free trans-coding is generally an i5 or better. You may want to check the unraid section to see what others experiences have been,
As kinggargyle has already replied REAL google TV devices are liked the Sony gs7 or g8 or other name brand units with a google TV logo... There are some Android sticks that have the OS on them but arn't licensed devices, and your results will vary.
Well, speaking personally.. I took the plunge and bought one of those "cheap android sticks" - an MK809 rebadge.. and using Serenity, it quite happily plays all of my varied video library (from SD quality .MP4s with AAC sound tracks to 1080p .mkvs with DD5.1 or DTS..)
so, I guess your mileage may vary.. for £40 it was worth a gamble and it worked out brilliantly :)
