Ok… I tried this out believe I had an RPi2. Couldn’t get the thing to boot and realized that I had a Model B RPi. Set it all up and got it working, but the RPi is ridiculously underpowered as a Plex client.
I’m going to dig out my spare RPi3 and try it again. And I’ll sign up at the LibreElec forums to see if anyone can help with customizing it to the point that it will auto-launch the Plex client so that all my Dad will have to do is select his user profile.
If you want to auto-launch a Plex client, why not using Rasplex or ‘PMP embedded’ from the get-go?
I thought you wanted to provide your dad the ability to play media from a local hard disk?
Yes the original Pi is underpowered for this. Pi 3 (and probably 2 also) should be fine. I had the feeling, that rasplex with its pre-cache option did speed things up a bit.
@Coxeroni said:
Yes the original Pi is underpowered for this. Pi 3 (and probably 2 also) should be fine. I had the feeling, that rasplex with its pre-cache option did speed things up a bit.
Yes, it definitely does that, since it caches all those cover art pics.
I need the simplest option out there. If Rasplex or something else gives me the quickest, simplest user interface, then I’m game. Where do I find it?
Keep in mind that Rasplex is a pure Plex client.
It cannot play files from a local hard disk, but only from a Plex server.
(Actually, if you install a different skin onto it, it kinda does, but that is again too complex for a non-technical person)
If you want something more powerful than the Pi, there are some NUCs from Intel that already have a IR receiver, there are some “NUC-like” device like the ASRock BeeBox that sports a remote, or you can have another NUC like the Gigabyte Brix and buy a wireless remote like the Rii i7 mini which connects to the USB port via a dongle. Intel platform doesn’t support HDMI CEC so no luck in using it on a NUC (that’s probably why they sell them with an IR receiver)
Im currently looking into the same kind of interface for my father-in-law… Not tech savvy at all… He still carries a flip phone. Currently looking into a Roku stick interface. I have an old WD box in the basement that is not being used, but I’m looking for a bulletproof interface that will be simple enough. Was there any update on this thread? What was the eventual solution used? Any feedback after implementation?
HDMI-CEC for remote control purposes on RPi type devices has some quirks. RPi devices will sometimes hang. Neither is conducive to being ideal for technophobes to use.
I’ve since helped my parents pick out a new TV that has the Plex app directly installed. Way simpler, and they STILL don’t use it. Even that’s too much for them. Oh well.
@csullysgirl said:
Im currently looking into the same kind of interface for my father-in-law… Not tech savvy at all… He still carries a flip phone. Currently looking into a Roku stick interface. I have an old WD box in the basement that is not being used, but I’m looking for a bulletproof interface that will be simple enough. Was there any update on this thread? What was the eventual solution used? Any feedback after implementation?
The is no user interface for Plex simpler than that found on the Roku. However I STRONGLY recommend against any stick or other wireless device no matter what the brand. Wireless is simply too unreliable for streaming as such connections are subject to many forms of interference and other problems that often impact the connection.
Respectfully disagree. The new sticks like the ROKU streaming stick (3800) support 802.11ac wireless. Get a decent router like an ASUS AC66 or AC68 and you’ll be fine. I use these sticks in the master bedroom and guest room without issue. I do use hardwired devices for my 4K TVs…
@Elijah_Baley said:
@csullysgirl said:
Im currently looking into the same kind of interface for my father-in-law… Not tech savvy at all… He still carries a flip phone. Currently looking into a Roku stick interface. I have an old WD box in the basement that is not being used, but I’m looking for a bulletproof interface that will be simple enough. Was there any update on this thread? What was the eventual solution used? Any feedback after implementation?The is no user interface for Plex simpler than that found on the Roku. However I STRONGLY recommend against any stick or other wireless device no matter what the brand. Wireless is simply too unreliable for streaming as such connections are subject to many forms of interference and other problems that often impact the connection.
@Elijah_Baley said:
@csullysgirl said:
Im currently looking into the same kind of interface for my father-in-law… Not tech savvy at all… He still carries a flip phone. Currently looking into a Roku stick interface. I have an old WD box in the basement that is not being used, but I’m looking for a bulletproof interface that will be simple enough. Was there any update on this thread? What was the eventual solution used? Any feedback after implementation?The is no user interface for Plex simpler than that found on the Roku. However I STRONGLY recommend against any stick or other wireless device no matter what the brand. Wireless is simply too unreliable for streaming as such connections are subject to many forms of interference and other problems that often impact the connection.
Sorry, I’m with @Smokindog on this one. Wireless is perfectly fine for streaming and is no different than wired in that you have to have the right service and the right networking gear to make it work properly.
@ember1205 said:
@Elijah_Baley said:
@csullysgirl said:
Im currently looking into the same kind of interface for my father-in-law… Not tech savvy at all… He still carries a flip phone. Currently looking into a Roku stick interface. I have an old WD box in the basement that is not being used, but I’m looking for a bulletproof interface that will be simple enough. Was there any update on this thread? What was the eventual solution used? Any feedback after implementation?The is no user interface for Plex simpler than that found on the Roku. However I STRONGLY recommend against any stick or other wireless device no matter what the brand. Wireless is simply too unreliable for streaming as such connections are subject to many forms of interference and other problems that often impact the connection.
Sorry, I’m with @Smokindog on this one. Wireless is perfectly fine for streaming and is no different than wired in that you have to have the right service and the right networking gear to make it work properly.
Well, I guess I need to answer this: Yes wireless is fine if you are in a fairly low noise environment or if your router happens to handle the particular type of interference that exists very well. Not all routers handle the same noise equally well.
The router is only part of the equation as the device itself also must be good at ignoring noise. Most wireless streaming devices are HORRIBLE at handling noise and the are often close to a VERY high noise device, namely the TV.
Just because wireless works fine for one device or in one house does not mean that in will work in others.
In my house wireless is rock solid (I’ve tested it but do not use it for streaming) but in the apartment right next to mine using the same model of router set up the same wireless is nearly useless for streaming. I suspect that problem is due to something coming from the house next door it is close but not attached to the apartments.
Wireless is just too problematic and I cannot recommend it because the chance in good that it will give problems.
Wired is always better than wireless.
Yes there can be extenuating circumstances but to say wireless is too problematic is being dramatic.
Again, buy a decent router like the ASUS I mentioned above, set it up properly and take normal precautions and all should be well. That means proper channel selection for the router, proper positioning (see router instructions) and if need be buy a 4-6" HDMI cable to extend the streaming stick away from the TV.
The question I haven’t seen answered is does he have the option of a wired connection at the TV location.
Anyway, get the decent router regardless, pick up a stick, and if there is an issue, return it.
If you’re game on refurb equipment, here’s a killer deal on an AC68 which is a rock solid router.
https://www.monoprice.com/category?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041913
I will put my hand up and say stay away from wireless also.
Hardwired will always be a more reliable option.
Unless there is no way to run a cable to the TV stick with hardwired.
It has been suggested to buy a good modem - sure I agree and that probably will cost more than the difference between a stick and a box!
I will go out on a limb here and say people buying sticks are doing it to save money!!
Hardwired will generally give a more consistent experience overall, but you can’t necessarily classify it as “better”.
I have all of my devices hardwired because I have the tools to run the wires, quality cables and connectors, and the experience and skills to correctly terminate everything and test it. Overall, I have no significant issues with content streaming anywhere.
HOWEVER
I also have all Sony Android 4K TV’s (2016 and newer models). And, these have known issues with hardwired networking where A) the sets don’t properly renew IP Addresses when turning on and IP conflicts are possible (and I’ve been bitten by them twice) and B) the sets have no network connection for the first 20-30 seconds after power-on which makes launching directly into Netflix or similar about impossible. If the sets are configured to use WiFi, the behavior is different and actually more in line with how networking SHOULD work.
I’ve complained to Sony about these issues and zero has been done (and it will likely remain that way).
In other scenarios where I’ve tested with WiFi, I’ve had zero issues and my house is FULL of “noise” from cordless phones, Z-Wave automation devices, microwaves, all kinds of WiFi equipment (Echo’s, garage door opener, XBox, iPads, etc.), electronic dog collars, and an entire server cabinet full of computer equipment just to name some. I have two ASUS routers that are multi-channel, and I have NO issues.
Nothing in life is perfect, and that’s true with hardwired versus wireless networking.
If you wish to debate further, I would ask that you start another thread instead of continuing to use this one as it was opened for a completely different topic.
After this post I am wondering why you started the original ?
I thought the talk of wired vs wireless was very relevant but appears you know the answers to that.
Why talk plex - put all the shows on any sort of drive and plug it into the TV.
If his current TV can’t handle! He’s you Dad - buy him a new TV and teach how to use it!
@spikemixture said:
After this post I am wondering why you started the original ?
I thought the talk of wired vs wireless was very relevant but appears you know the answers to that.Why talk plex - put all the shows on any sort of drive and plug it into the TV.
If his current TV can’t handle! He’s you Dad - buy him a new TV and teach how to use it!
The reason for the thread is in the first post - I was looking for a simple client.
He now HAS the new TV you suggested I get for him (also commented on in this thread), and the use of the Android Plex app OR the Video app to watch from a USB drive are far too complicated for my parents. I’m focused right now on helping him understand how to use his DVR because he can no longer record shows with a VCR like he always did. It is what it is.
@ember1205 said:
@spikemixture said:
After this post I am wondering why you started the original ?
I thought the talk of wired vs wireless was very relevant but appears you know the answers to that.Why talk plex - put all the shows on any sort of drive and plug it into the TV.
If his current TV can’t handle! He’s you Dad - buy him a new TV and teach how to use it!The reason for the thread is in the first post - I was looking for a simple client.
He now HAS the new TV you suggested I get for him (also commented on in this thread), and the use of the Android Plex app OR the Video app to watch from a USB drive are far too complicated for my parents. I’m focused right now on helping him understand how to use his DVR because he can no longer record shows with a VCR like he always did. It is what it is.
Good on you buying him the new TV.
Sorry but I would be saying DAD this is how it works - watch and learn!
If its too flipping hard then settle for what is on free tv - smiling all the time ofcourse!
