so far I'm liking the Rasplex/RPI project, I'm so happy with my RPI/Rasplex than I downgrade my Roku XS to the child's room and setup the RPI/Rasplex on my room, :D
Problem is that XBMC and Plex don't have Netflix or Amazon Prime Streaming working anymore. I much prefer my HTPC client but without these two services support I am forced to finding a device as well -- I wish Apple TV would open up its app store as Roku is just so buggy (though my reading is that Roku 3 is at least smoother and faster)
I'm new to Plex, but I've been streaming to my Popcornhour A-110 for around six years using iHome and Twonky on an old Ubuntu server. I saw that bahnstormer also likes his old A-110.
I came to Plex looking for a better navigation capability (even by Genre would be better than just a long list of titles). So far, I'm liking what I see, but I was wondering if there was a better client (six years later) for HD playback, specifically since the A-110 doesn't support blu-ray PGS rendering. From what I've been reading, the Syabas NMTs still seem to be the best packaged products for playing almost anything without transcoding, although the A-400 is a bit pricey. This makes me consider building an HTPC with Win 7 or 8 as a PCH replacement - it can run almost anything I want - Plex or Plexbmc; even play blu-rays.
I'm also interested in trying the Samsung blu-ray player with the smart hub and Plex app - I need a new blu-ray in another room and the Samsung is only $70.
I'm new to Plex, but I've been streaming to my Popcornhour A-110 for around six years using iHome and Twonky on an old Ubuntu server. I saw that bahnstormer also likes his old A-110.
I came to Plex looking for a better navigation capability (even by Genre would be better than just a long list of titles). So far, I'm liking what I see, but I was wondering if there was a better client (six years later) for HD playback, specifically since the A-110 doesn't support blu-ray PGS rendering. From what I've been reading, the Syabas NMTs still seem to be the best packaged products for playing almost anything without transcoding, although the A-400 is a bit pricey. This makes me consider building an HTPC with Win 7 or 8 as a PCH replacement - it can run almost anything I want - Plex or Plexbmc; even play blu-rays.
I'm also interested in trying the Samsung blu-ray player with the smart hub and Plex app - I need a new blu-ray in another room and the Samsung is only $70.
My advice, skip the HTPC if you want to use any streaming service. Amazon and Netflix are locking down their content and making HTPC viewing impossible. I switched from XBMC to Plex & Roku and very satisfied.
I'm relatively new to Plex. Have only been using the browser client, until I found out about Roku. I've been testing with the Roku 2 XS/XD and Roku 3.
I rarely have any problems from the Roku 3, but it's also running on the same network as my server.
I have friends using their Roku w/ Plex and I have varying results. First thing I tell them is don't fast forward.
Sure a little bit ahead is fine, but if I go ahead 5+ minutes, it's a waiting game, for 5+ minutes.
The Plex browsing in Roku kinda sucks as I have a large library. The movies section lists all 2500 of movies on the same row, not useful at all.
A few other sections are not too useful, I find myself going to Year, Letter, or Folder all the time.
In the TV section, The first row is the same as the movies, all 350 of my tv shows in one row.
Then the next 4 or so sections are links to episodes only. Only 2 sections are visible on the screen at a time, not preferable for >45" tv's.
The navigation is tolerable, but the streaming is par at best. Not always reliable, and I don't know why.
Originally I was softmodding old Xbox1's with XBMC sourcing to my server using FTP for outside my network and SMB for internal.
It got cumbersome having to get such a klunky unit that is only useful for XBMC. However I do still use it in my bedroom.
I think I might tinker with a RPI next. And debating trading my Sony Bravia 55" LED 3D TV's for Samsung's just to use the Plex client on them.
I was installing a Roku for a friend with a new(ish) LG 55" 3D TV that happened to NOT have WiFi but did have an RJ45 in the back.
Got it on the network, but could not find an "app store" or anywhere to search for the Plex app. So I bailed on that and continued with the Roku 2 XS.
I'm relatively new to Plex. Have only been using the browser client, until I found out about Roku. I've been testing with the Roku 2 XS/XD and Roku 3.
I rarely have any problems from the Roku 3, but it's also running on the same network as my server.
I have friends using their Roku w/ Plex and I have varying results. First thing I tell them is don't fast forward.
Sure a little bit ahead is fine, but if I go ahead 5+ minutes, it's a waiting game, for 5+ minutes.
The Plex browsing in Roku kinda sucks as I have a large library. The movies section lists all 2500 of movies on the same row, not useful at all.
A few other sections are not too useful, I find myself going to Year, Letter, or Folder all the time.
In the TV section, The first row is the same as the movies, all 350 of my tv shows in one row.
Then the next 4 or so sections are links to episodes only. Only 2 sections are visible on the screen at a time, not preferable for >45" tv's.
The navigation is tolerable, but the streaming is par at best. Not always reliable, and I don't know why.
Originally I was softmodding old Xbox1's with XBMC sourcing to my server using FTP for outside my network and SMB for internal.
It got cumbersome having to get such a klunky unit that is only useful for XBMC. However I do still use it in my bedroom.
I think I might tinker with a RPI next. And debating trading my Sony Bravia 55" LED 3D TV's for Samsung's just to use the Plex client on them.
I was installing a Roku for a friend with a new(ish) LG 55" 3D TV that happened to NOT have WiFi but did have an RJ45 in the back.
Got it on the network, but could not find an "app store" or anywhere to search for the Plex app. So I bailed on that and continued with the Roku 2 XS.
Strange, the fast forwarding works fine for me. There is a slight reload after a fast forward but it's about 5 seconds at most for XVID/avi type videos, videos that are mp4 and h264 the fast forward is pretty much instant as there isn't any work being done by Plex to convert to the Roku compatible mp4/h264 video. I have a Roku 3 connected to the server over 1gb ethernet. Streaming works fantastically for me. Perhaps the connection and type of videos makes a difference as my CPU isn't very fast (it's a Quad 2 Core).
As for library browsing, works fine for me but I don't have 2500 movies (wow how many did you "obtain" lol). You can set in preferences on the Roku Plex app the sub-categories to display for Movies and TV shows.
I have all my movies on a 3tb, and tv shows on 3 2tb drives, and they're overflowing onto another 3tb. Yea it's time to get a NAS.
All/most of my videos are xvid/avi. I tested the roku with a h264/mkv and didn't get the best of results.
Remotely I don't think I tested using x264/mp4 though. I've been keeping a standard of xvid on all my videos, and changing over to x264/h264 is quite the project.
The Fast Forwarding issue can vary too. Also running gigabit LAN at home, and internet is Fios currently testing at 55Mb / 28Mb.
Clients are typically running regular cable internet, which could be a problem.
I have all my movies on a 3tb, and tv shows on 3 2tb drives, and they're overflowing onto another 3tb. Yea it's time to get a NAS.
All/most of my videos are xvid/avi. I tested the roku with a h264/mkv and didn't get the best of results.
Remotely I don't think I tested using x264/mp4 though. I've been keeping a standard of xvid on all my videos, and changing over to x264/h264 is quite the project.
The Fast Forwarding issue can vary too. Also running gigabit LAN at home, and internet is Fios currently testing at 55Mb / 28Mb.
Clients are typically running regular cable internet, which could be a problem.
That's your issue. Roku really does best with mp4/h264 video (lets you always do "direct play"). MKV container always seems to cause problems with the Roku. I don't have your library so I just converted my few DVDs to Mp4/H264 using these instructions and direct play always works: http://roku.yt1300.com/ Weirdly, my XVID stuff plays really well but again my library is FAR smaller than yours :)
Aside, drop Xvid. It's a dead format and no where as good as the encodes I get with mp4/h264 and doesn't have the huge hardware level acceleration support that mp4/h264. I would also avoid MKV as well...
Yea it's probably time to get with the times, xvid is getting kinda scarce. I'll do anything to help out remote viewing.
Within my network I don't really many problems. Thanks for that Rokoding link, I really gotta change formats.
You want to use Handbrake to convert to H264. Actually, MKV is one of the de facto containers for the last few years (mp4 too).
I'm using a Roku 3. I have no complaints and it's played everything except for one file of dubious origin. Streaming is beautiful. However, that being said, I'd avoid using it on wireless unless your router is very close.
I've run CAT-5e throught my home so I always have a wired connection ;-)
You want to use Handbrake to convert to H264. Actually, MKV is one of the de facto containers for the last few years (mp4 too).
I have to disagree about MKV. It seems far more problematic over MP4 in terms of widespread seamless support at both the hardware and software layer. For example, the roku plex forum has constant reports of weird MKV related issues, and MP4 containers have far far less issues in the forums. While yes the MKV has more "features", I think most people don't need the MKV features other than the super video nerds, as the MP4 container has come a long way (it too supports subtitles, multiple audio streams, etc.).
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