XBMC with the native android videoplayer - Android Software Development

Hi Guys,
I have an android mini pc dongle and i want to use it as a mediaplayer.
The native videoplayer of android plays everything flawless, even 3d movies.
Now i want to use XBMC but is lags very much when playing 1080p movies. I have read that it is possible to use XBMC now with external players like MX player. I tried that but it still lags.
My question is if it is possible to combine the android native videoplayer with XBMC. In case it does i think i will solve the 1080p issues.
Hope you can help me
Cheers

pirilampo8 said:
Hi Guys,
I have an android mini pc dongle and i want to use it as a mediaplayer.
The native videoplayer of android plays everything flawless, even 3d movies.
Now i want to use XBMC but is lags very much when playing 1080p movies. I have read that it is possible to use XBMC now with external players like MX player. I tried that but it still lags.
My question is if it is possible to combine the android native videoplayer with XBMC. In case it does i think i will solve the 1080p issues.
Hope you can help me
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi..
The issue has nothing to do with the videoplayer lagging. XBMC on android is sh*t at the minute.. Even on PC it's not that good.
Seems the devs are more focused on implementing new features over stability and bug fixing.
And it's been like that for years now. Don't expect much from XBMC on android..
Cheers..

Thx for ur reply!
Which app do you recommend to manage movies on android?

CtrlAltDelIrl said:
Hi..
The issue has nothing to do with the videoplayer lagging. XBMC on android is sh*t at the minute.. Even on PC it's not that good.
Seems the devs are more focused on implementing new features over stability and bug fixing.
And it's been like that for years now. Don't expect much from XBMC on android..
Cheers..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XBMC on android depends on the device you are running.
XBMC runs flawlessly on my Nexus 7, 1080p, 10bit video with no problem.
Have you tried one of the builds from XBMCAndroid.com?
They have several builds available and one that is targeted to set top/USB android devices.

Sm0k3d 0uT said:
XBMC on android depends on the device you are running.
XBMC runs flawlessly on my Nexus 7, 1080p, 10bit video with no problem.
Have you tried one of the builds from XBMCAndroid.com?
They have several builds available and one that is targeted to set top/USB android devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Yes i tried several versions. Also with the mx player but even with the mx player it still lags a bit.
The best solution would be the native android videoplayer with XBMC.
The device i use is a android mini pc cx803

Related

[Q] video and DLNA/UPNP

Im kind of let down by the lack of video support. I have RockPlayer and MoboPlayer and Ive tried every UPNP app in the market. Music works great, no problems there, but video support is hit or miss (usually miss). I cant really put HD videos onto a 16GB ssd can I?
And whats the point of Flash if half the sites give me a "device not supported" warning? I may as well be browsing on my PS3.
Anyone have any suggestions? Ive used 2player, upnplayer, skifta, andromote and nothing works consistently
You can use the mynet application. It does upnp streaming.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
I still have no idea how to stream videos or ebooks on this thing. Can someone write a small dummy's guide please.
here it's also a conundrum
I've read on e few places they use the MyNet from asus to view the movies
but on my Tf it only shows the music found on my upNp device no Photo's or vids...(even on the photo tab it's showing my music)
It's running on a WD myBook and that is running TwonkyServer, if I browse to it via a file explorer the file gets copied/cached so no streaming ...
So is the twonky to blame or the TF....
moo99 said:
Im kind of let down by the lack of video support. I have RockPlayer and MoboPlayer and Ive tried every UPNP app in the market. Music works great, no problems there, but video support is hit or miss (usually miss). I cant really put HD videos onto a 16GB ssd can I?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I put my video on a 32GB microsd. If you are trying to watch HD content that has issues fitting in 16GB then the bitrate is going to be too high to play anyway. Please remember that not long ago a 3ghz Pentium4 was having issues playing h.264 high profile well, this is the order of magnitude of the work we're expecting the Tegra2 GPU to do.
Since 3.1 I grab HD content from iPlayer and it generally weighs in at 800mb per hour, at that rate I can fill my Transformer with ~30hrs of video and still have plenty of space for music. I leave all the internal storage for apps and cache.
moo99 said:
And whats the point of Flash if half the sites give me a "device not supported" warning? I may as well be browsing on my PS3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never seen such a warning, I assume you're trying to use the locked-down US video sites like Hulu? Blame them,, they are choosing to lock out your device.
SilentMobius said:
Since 3.1 I grab HD content from iPlayer and it generally weighs in at 800mb per hour, at that rate I can fill my Transformer with ~30hrs of video and still have plenty of space for music. I leave all the internal storage for apps and cache.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you mind sharing how you do this? Are you using the iPlayer desktop Windpows program and stripping out the DRM or are you using some other method to watch iPlayer downloads on your TF? The iPlayer Android App doesn't work well with Honeycomb and I'd love to be able to watch BBC programmes offline while I'm away from home.
Thanks!
watch videos : mobo/rockplayer + upnplay rocks.
For anyone struggling with the rubbish Mynet app and similar streaming solutions, I can recommend Plex (http://www.plexapp.com/)
The Media Server is free and built on XBMC tech, so managed media flawlessly, and the app allows you to stream video/ music from your home computer to anywhere you like. Even works without stutter with HD MKVs.
funkybudda said:
For anyone struggling with the rubbish Mynet app and similar streaming solutions, I can recommend Plex (http://www.plexapp.com/)
The Media Server is free and built on XBMC tech, so managed media flawlessly, and the app allows you to stream video/ music from your home computer to anywhere you like. Even works without stutter with HD MKVs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want a good upnp client which allows streaming like upnplay. I don't want to install a new server on my nas.
funkybudda said:
For anyone struggling with the rubbish Mynet app and similar streaming solutions, I can recommend Plex (http://www.plexapp.com/)
The Media Server is free and built on XBMC tech, so managed media flawlessly, and the app allows you to stream video/ music from your home computer to anywhere you like. Even works without stutter with HD MKVs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
plex works very well...and it has impressed many of my friends.
I will check out Plex I guess. I know Im whining but Ive got a 2TB HDD that I keep my media on and transferring over every half gig HD video is foreign to me - my wifes windows laptop and my ps3 gladly stream it. Mynet works fine for music but doesnt work at all for most videos.
Yes, I was trying to get into NBc.com and hulu, but really, why do I have a different version of flash from windows and mac desktops? Not being able to alter my Browsers User agent string isnt helping either. I know Im just *****ing and I do appreciate al your comments. Youreright on every note, but honeycomb seems a step behind a ormal OS despite looking the same
There is a thread here on the requirements for encoding your videos for the TF. The TF cannot play RAW Bluray rips if that is what you are trying to do. Acutally no tablet will at the moment. You're only alternative is to get a transcoding streamer like VLC and VLC stream and convert, or tversity pro. I have not tried plex. The issue is that mp4 can only be streamed if the file is complete OR over RTSP/RTMP. I have used VLC but the video quality is pretty bad.
For mpeg-2(DVD) i use upnplay + Rockplayer and it works flawlessly.
I've tried the all (Plex included) and settled on upnplay + moboplayer
Based on advice in this thread, I tried Plex last night. The Plex app plays FLAC music just as well as the stock player, and the honeycomb presentation is good, they really enriched the content, although presentation is nowhere near the awesome stock music player UI feel. Video was good, although it was SD avi stuff on my network. No stuterring and no lag, very very responsive. Some odd behaviors at times, and the media scan has a couple of issues. They are supporting it though.
I uninstalled Mobo, Rock and UPnPlay, and shutdown Windows media connect service on my Atom-based W2K3 home server, and removed the Asus MyNet widget. UPNPlay and DLNA are great concepts, but the Asus implementation only supports what Mirosoft supports (meaning no FLAC). Google music will transcode my FLAC for storage. I got into android because of all these restrictions.
Plex did everything right, in one package, with honeycomb widescreen. Well worth my 5 bucks.

[Q] video server on acer iconia A500?

Which program do you recommend? to see the videos I have on my pc on my iconia, similar to air video server in ios,I've tried some but are unstable and the video stops:good::good:​
i use i-media share it stream to my xbox360, my friends playstation 3, and my pc as well as my other androids,. love it, download a 1080p hd movie and watch it perfectly on my flatscreen,
you can get 1080p vids this way with no video issues at all, as the media is not being displayed on the tab it runs seamlessly on the selected moniter "tv,pc,..whatever"
only thing i dont like is its called I-anything lol
i think there is also a way i can stream videos from my dropbox to the flatscreen, without actually downloading the movie :highfive:
ive never has it stop working half way through a movie or audio lag or any problems.
chismay said:
i use i-media share it stream to my xbox360, my friends playstation 3, and my pc as well as my other androids,. love it, download a 1080p hd movie and watch it perfectly on my flatscreen,
you can get 1080p vids this way with no video issues at all, as the media is not being displayed on the tab it runs seamlessly on the selected moniter "tv,pc,..whatever"
only thing i dont like is its called I-anything lol
i think there is also a way i can stream videos from my dropbox to the flatscreen, without actually downloading the movie :highfive:
ive never has it stop working half way through a movie or audio lag or any problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VLC Video Stream & Convert. Not perfect but the best out there. It plays every & with no lag on a wifi or 4g (tether if you must). Also, if you know anything about networks/LAN setup install & configuration is not a huge deal. I use it on my A500 & t-bolt. I would also recommend investing in the pro version. The latter is of course aatter of personal preference.
I use now the app emit,is good!!
OffcerClancy said:
VLC Video Stream & Convert. Not perfect but the best out there. It plays every & with no lag on a wifi or 4g (tether if you must). Also, if you know anything about networks/LAN setup install & configuration is not a huge deal. I use it on my A500 & t-bolt. I would also recommend investing in the pro version. The latter is of course aatter of personal preference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.......as i say above the way i have is working perfectly.....dont need any other way matey:good:
You can try Qloud Media
cubano2031 said:
Which program do you recommend? to see the videos I have on my pc on my iconia, similar to air video server in ios,I've tried some but are unstable and the video stops:good::good:​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey you can try Qloud media, i'm using it on my a500, think it's better than airvideo.
It has a free version, seems no difference to it's paid version except ads.
it's here on play store
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.qiss.vega.ad&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsIm1vYmkucWlzcy52ZWdhLmFkIl0
enjoy

Play any video format on Fire TV

This is probably not anything new, but I didn't see it on Google so here we go:
Play any video file on Amazon Fire TV:
1) Get StickMount + install: http://www.firetvnews.com/how-to-play-media-files-from-external-usb-storage-on-amazon-fire-tv/
-- Yes you will need root: link in link above
2) Get MX Player: http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.mxtech.videoplayer.ad
3) Sideload VLC just like you did with stickmount
Profit
edit:
I think this VLC works better. Still a little buggy. BUT 100% better than nothing
2) Get VLC: http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=the.joevlc
edit 2
Replaced this VLC with MX it squashes bugs and wiorks 100% on FireTV, and H/w acceleration works just fine
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.mxtech.videoplayer.ad
What about music files?
I want to play some extremely high quality FLAC files (96khz 32bit and higher) that don't initially work on most devices.
I normally had to re-convert my 96khz 32bit FLAC files to a measly 44khz 24bit so they can play on my Trio T4300.
Can someone reccommend a way to play audiophile quality flac files on Fire TV?
Maybe some custom FLAC codec to install for obtaining higher quality FLAC support.
retroben said:
What about music files?
I want to play some extremely high quality FLAC files (96khz 32bit and higher) that don't initially work on most devices.
I normally had to re-convert my 96khz 32bit FLAC files to a measly 44khz 24bit so they can play on my Trio T4300.
Can someone reccommend a way to play audiophile quality flac files on Fire TV?
Maybe some custom FLAC codec to install for obtaining higher quality FLAC support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For both broad video file format support and FLAC support, I recommend XBMC. You will find that a keyboard is helpful to connect when first setting it up if you're looking to define file paths on your home network. I play my media off of a NAS and XBMC is quite nice.
Adding it to the homescreen can be done by installing Lama, and then using a "sacrificial app" to launch xbmc as a condition of, essentially - you set a Lama trigger that says "when app X is running, run XBMC."
All of that can be done with sideloading - no root required, and although I used root to replace the Fire launcher with XBMC as a launcher, I'm told you can do the launcher swap with Lama as well.
Is there any less diffifcult app to install alongside a codec with full FLAC support.
I don't really care all that much about xbmc because it is designed like a swiss army knife for media when all I need right now is a standalone FLAC player with full 96khz+ and 32bit support.
roustabout said:
For both broad video file format support and FLAC support, I recommend XBMC. You will find that a keyboard is helpful to connect when first setting it up if you're looking to define file paths on your home network. I play my media off of a NAS and XBMC is quite nice.
Adding it to the homescreen can be done by installing Lama, and then using a "sacrificial app" to launch xbmc as a condition of, essentially - you set a Lama trigger that says "when app X is running, run XBMC."
All of that can be done with sideloading - no root required, and although I used root to replace the Fire launcher with XBMC as a launcher, I'm told you can do the launcher swap with Lama as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had no luck with XBMC seeing thins on SUB sticks. It see the stick and folder, but will not find videos.
it was one of the first apps I installed...
DHO said:
I have had no luck with XBMC seeing thins on SUB sticks. It see the stick and folder, but will not find videos.
it was one of the first apps I installed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I just installed stickmount to test (I mostly have my keyboard in the USB slot) and was able to play a FLAC file, an AVI, a WMV and an MP4 file from the USB stick I put in.
I'm using the 13.1 that was modified to behave as a launcher, but as far as I know it's otherwise a pretty standard 13.1 build.
---------- Post added at 12:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:28 AM ----------
retroben said:
Is there any less diffifcult app to install alongside a codec with full FLAC support.
I don't really care all that much about xbmc because it is designed like a swiss army knife for media when all I need right now is a standalone FLAC player with full 96khz+ and 32bit support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try sideloading MixZing? I think it does FLAC. I really like it on my phone and it knows about folders, which is helpful.
I found a better one called JetAudio Basic.
It even has playback speed control with or without pitch shift.
I downloaded a 192khz 24bit FLAC test file,and it plays perfectly!
Edit:I found an even better one called DeadBeef.
I hope it isn't downsampling the 192khz FLAC file when playing it.
If so,can somebody reccommend a guaranteed 192khz FLAC player app?
I just updated OP, this app works MUCH better
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.mxtech.videoplayer.ad
In settings, you can check to make it function as an audio player too
IF amazon would just include this app,... and USB mount I would have no reason to root this box. Beyond ridiculous they cripple obvious features that are build into android (what their box is based on.)
DHO said:
This is probably not anything new, but I didn't see it on Google so here we go:
I think this VLC works better. Still a little buggy. BUT 100% better than nothing
2) Get VLC: http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=the.joevlc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The KFTV does not respond to any remote commands when playing a video in VLC. Not able to play/pause, rew/ff, etc. Any idea how to get it working proper?
mjbxx said:
The KFTV does not respond to any remote commands when playing a video in VLC. Not able to play/pause, rew/ff, etc. Any idea how to get it working proper?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey use bsplayer, it works great. the fire tv remote works and it have dts. here's a link http://www12.zippyshare.com/v/69008312/file.html if you have a problem sending it through adb just rename it just bsplayer.
Ah yes.. I sideloaded this player to the wimpy firetv stick .. It works perfectly.. VLC seemed to want more power than the stick can provide. The combination of upnplay and bsplayer has worked out wonderfully..
retroben said:
I found a better one called JetAudio Basic.
It even has playback speed control with or without pitch shift.
I downloaded a 192khz 24bit FLAC test file,and it plays perfectly!
Edit:I found an even better one called DeadBeef.
I hope it isn't downsampling the 192khz FLAC file when playing it.
If so,can somebody reccommend a guaranteed 192khz FLAC player app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
* plays files with up to 192KHz sampling rate, including 24 bit and multichannel files
For anyone reading this thread in 2016, don't waste your life on the advice here: just get Kodi/SPMC or MrMC.
Yeah, I use Kodi exclusively on my Fire TV Stick. No need for root or anything.
But ...
After I upgraded to Jarvis (16), I noticed it hung on some videos, including ones it played fine before. So I went back to the older Helix version.
If anyone knows what's going on, I'd appreciate it. Is Isengard as good/better/worse than the other versions?
The situation of Kodi on Android is not too great and getting worse.
But apps like KODI are bulky swiss-army knives for media and many users reported issues with some even causing device instability when the app is not in use,what if someone wants a lightweight-but-powerful player for only music with full support for 192Khz?

Dolby Digital on Netflix

I noticed that Netflix only shows Stereo audio options on movies that offer 5.1 DD+. Does this mean that the Nexus Player cannot passthrough DD+ because my receiver supports it. I see no audio options in the player's settings either.
According to Netflix, 5.1 is supported on the Nexus Player (https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23004).
So, I'm not sure why it's not working, either. Still researching.
Android TV doesn't have any type of audio passthrough. Google is working on it though. But it can decode 5.1 to multichannel PCM... it's just netflix hasn't updated their app to take advantage of anything new in Android TV - doesn't use the voice search api, the api that adds suggestions to your home page, ect, ect.
well, according to netflix, the app on the nexus player works too.. which it obviously doesn't for half the users... so I'm not exactly inclined to trust them
Luxferro said:
Android TV doesn't have any type of audio passthrough. Google is working on it though. But it can decode 5.1 to multichannel PCM... it's just netflix hasn't updated their app to take advantage of anything new in Android TV - doesn't use the voice search api, the api that adds suggestions to your home page, ect, ect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Passthrough does work. I have kodi(xbmc) installed and it is passing through dd dd+ dts. My receiver changes to the corresponding mode and the audio is as it should. So this means the android os can pass through. The problem it's not Google. It's the app manufacturers.
pchtc said:
Passthrough does work. I have kodi(xbmc) installed and it is passing through dd dd+ dts. My receiver changes to the corresponding mode and the audio is as it should. So this means the android os can pass through. The problem it's not Google. It's the app manufacturers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong.
There is no passthrough in the default media player in Android TV (exoplayer)... yet (they are supposedly working on adding AC3 passthrough). XBMC (kodi) doesn't use androids stock media player for playback, it uses it's own that is built into the app... which is why passthrough works in that case.
Luxferro said:
Wrong.
There is no passthrough in the default media player in Android TV (exoplayer)... yet (they are supposedly working on adding AC3 passthrough). XBMC (kodi) doesn't use androids stock media player for playback, it uses it's own that is built into the app... which is why passthrough works in that case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not Wrong
Im well aware of that. My comment was specifically to point out that the issue is not hardware and not the android OS. Which you have just agreed with by starting that the issue is the native player not outputting in passthrough.
pchtc said:
Not Wrong
Im well aware of that. My comment was specifically to point out that the issue is not hardware and not the android OS. Which you have just agreed with by starting that the issue is the native player not outputting in passthrough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is almost never a problem at the hardware level for android devices. It's always at the OS level, and starts with the built in media player most apps use. This applies to the ADT-1, Nexus Player, even the Fire TV. Android has never had passthrough built in at the OS level, unless it was added by a device manufacture w/ their customized version of Android. Take for example Sony GTV devices, the Vizio Co-Star. Those only had it because they had customize builds of Android. The Nexus Player runs stock Android, which lacks passthrough at this time.
---------- Post added at 02:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:57 PM ----------
melophat said:
well, according to netflix, the app on the nexus player works too.. which it obviously doesn't for half the users... so I'm not exactly inclined to trust them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're having problems launching Netflix on Android TV, clear the app data. The app is very buggy on Android TV. Mine craps out constantly with login errors. Only workaround is to clear data and retype all your login info.
How the **** can they release a MEDIA Player without passthrough? I don't care if it can be accomplished with 3d party app like Kodi. This should be done with native player no questions asked. This is in my opinion a big fail.
Also the lack of hardware support for anything else than h264 is quite disappointing. ?
Johan1976 said:
How the **** can they release a MEDIA Player without passthrough? I don't care if it can be accomplished with 3d party app like Kodi. This should be done with native player no questions asked. This is in my opinion a big fail.
Also the lack of hardware support for anything else than h264 is quite disappointing. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, lack of native surround passthrough is really an embarrassment on Google's part. It really shows the lack of practical testing this device went through (if any at all). How did someone not say "wait a minute...you think we should enable surround sound passthrough? It is 2014 after all".
Johan1976 said:
How the **** can they release a MEDIA Player without passthrough? I don't care if it can be accomplished with 3d party app like Kodi. This should be done with native player no questions asked. This is in my opinion a big fail.
Also the lack of hardware support for anything else than h264 is quite disappointing. ��
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google fails at seeing the big picture. People who invest in surround systems don't want audio decoded on the device to PCM, they want their expensive receivers to do the decoding. They should also be including mpeg2 hw decoding in all android tv devices if they intended these devices to do anything with live TV in the united states.
I'm hoping they turn things around, but remain skeptical considering the failures so far. Sony's 2015 line of smart tv's are supposed to be all Android TV... I hope they get it right...
Those TV's better have passthrough, better be able to pass 5.1 over ARC back to a receiver, and better have mpeg2 hw decoding. Do it right, or don't do it at all. People don't want half baked crap in their home theater systems.
Well...putting the Android media player aside and focusing back on Netflix. I'm trying to get in touch with them regarding the 5.1 audio. I sent their developer e-mail a message asking about it. Any other ideas? I sent the e-mail to [email protected], but maybe there's a different place. The only other options I could find would be to call or chat with them.
Hello,
I'm using the Netflix Android App on a Nexus Player running the most recent Android version and firmware (Android 5.0, Nexus Player firmware LRX21V). I noticed that when I watch movies that normally have a 5.1 surround audio option on other devices (such as the Windows 8 app), the same movies DO NOT have that option on the Nexus Player.
According to the weblink below from Netflix's help center, the Nexus Player suggests that there should be an option for 5.1 surround sound ("Learn how to enable subtitles, closed captions, and alternate audio (including 5.1 surround sound..."). https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23004
Is there any chance that this feature isn't working properly on the Nexus Player? Or is it supposed to be coming in the near future? It would be nice if we could have that option.
Thanks for the help!
Best regards,
David
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YouTube is stereo only as well
What is somewhat infuriating is that this netflix app looks to be the exact same as the firetv stick's netflix and the firetv streams DD+
Well this is a bummer...
Sounds like they just haven't added it yet. No word (at least from the chat people on an update). Wish there was something we could do to push them along.
Netflix Marian
It's just what you were thinking too... The app on the Nexus player does not support the 5.1 at the moment.
You
Understood. Any word if there might be an update in the future?
Netflix Marian
I'm checking but I am not seeing anything here but no worries, once there is an update available it will be sent through to Google so that they can push it to the device... We are always making improvements to our service and features offered to our customers so I will keep my fingers crossed for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not only that but I have alot of Google Play movies, and quite a few are in stereo...including fellowship of the Ring. Its not offered in DD+ or the like.. bizzare. But at least the Big movie with Tom Hanks is....grrr
volwrath said:
Not only that but I have alot of Google Play movies, and quite a few are in stereo...including fellowship of the Ring. Its not offered in DD+ or the like.. bizzare. But at least the Big movie with Tom Hanks is....grrr
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It amazes me the amount of movies on Google Play that are offered in Stereo only. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out why I was not getting 5.1 with no success (assuming it was a hardware/setup issue). I decided to check the store and noticed 90% of the movies are only available in 2.0 stereo. This is truly disappointing. I can't remember the last movie I got from iTunes that was stereo only. I cannot understand why Google offers mostly in stereo...makes no sense to me.
To clarify, the hardware supports passthrough, it's just the apps that are not implementing it for whatever reason.
We'll just have to wait until the devs get off their asses and add support. Sigh.
Have to say, for something that people were so excited about, Google has really sh*t the bed with this one. Little to no support and no real info from Google support either. Piss poor. I find myself using my FireTV stick more often than the Nexus Player, as much as I'd much prefer to use the latter.
I do actually get Dolby Digital 5.1 out of Netflix on chromecast. Casting to nexus player is definitely different, though. It actually launches the Netflix app when you cast instead of regular casting. Not sure if this is this is android TV issue or if Netflix is accessing with how casting works.
Even after updating to android 5.1 still cannot get multichannel surround. Dont get it ! It would be expected to get at least similar multichannel audio compared to chromecast. When using hbo go or netflix through the player's google cast functionality I can only get stereo. What are we missing here.

[Q] Local Streaming/Plex & Alternatives

Hey guys, I just pulled the trigger and bought a Nexus Player, currently im a kernel developer for the Nexus 4/5/7, will be checking into optimizing it and adding some features, but first I got a question. I know plex only works with plex pass customers, can you sideload the plex app? Looking to save some money, already bought the plex app for android and have an insanely large collection running on a Plex media server, is there any DLNA apps that are Android TV Sexy as an alternative? Getting mine in next week, can't wait
Thanks
defcon
Yes you can side load it with sideload launcher. But as far as the sexiness I would imagine its less than stellar. I've noticed most apps run great that are side loaded but the screen resolution for the apps are not optimized for the player. Meaning some apps will cut off the sides or top of the screen.
However on the plus side...
The plexpass app for the player looks and functions beautifully.
Super easy and fast to navigate.
I was very impressed with the plexpass app.
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defconoi said:
Hey guys, I just pulled the trigger and bought a Nexus Player, currently im a kernel developer for the Nexus 4/5/7, will be checking into optimizing it and adding some features, but first I got a question. I know plex only works with plex pass customers, can you sideload the plex app? Looking to save some money, already bought the plex app for android and have an insanely large collection running on a Plex media server, is there any DLNA apps that are Android TV Sexy as an alternative? Getting mine in next week, can't wait
Thanks
defcon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said. The sideload version *works*, but the official version is so much better. SIdeload one doesn't show on homescreen, no 5.1 surround, no display of movies on home screen, no searchability. Official does 5.1 passthrough, can be searched from the menu, and is aesthetically perfect for the Nexus Player.
Historically, plex pass-only features make their way to the regular app after a month or two. In this case, at least for me, I am absolutely fine with paying $4 or $8 for such an amazing UI. Oh, and it does all kinds of neat category sections when browsing - "Top movies by Ivan Reitman" or "Top unwatched Comedy" if you watch a lot of comedies. It's almost netflix-like...but even better looking.
Also, if you're gonna use it...get a USB NIC adapter. Even over AC, HD streaming is laggy. Having a solid LAN connection will always trump wifi in my mind.
digitalhigh said:
What he said. The sideload version *works*, but the official version is so much better. SIdeload one doesn't show on homescreen, no 5.1 surround, no display of movies on home screen, no searchability. Official does 5.1 passthrough, can be searched from the menu, and is aesthetically perfect for the Nexus Player.
Historically, plex pass-only features make their way to the regular app after a month or two. In this case, at least for me, I am absolutely fine with paying $4 or $8 for such an amazing UI. Oh, and it does all kinds of neat category sections when browsing - "Top movies by Ivan Reitman" or "Top unwatched Comedy" if you watch a lot of comedies. It's almost netflix-like...but even better looking.
Also, if you're gonna use it...get a USB NIC adapter. Even over AC, HD streaming is laggy. Having a solid LAN connection will always trump wifi in my mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recommend a NIC adapter? I bought one on Amazon and it doesn't work with the Nexus Player. It's supposed to be pretty much automatic once connected, right?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KBZF20W/ref=pe_385040_121528360_TE_dp_1
defconoi said:
Hey guys, I just pulled the trigger and bought a Nexus Player, currently im a kernel developer for the Nexus 4/5/7, will be checking into optimizing it and adding some features, but first I got a question. I know plex only works with plex pass customers, can you sideload the plex app? Looking to save some money, already bought the plex app for android and have an insanely large collection running on a Plex media server, is there any DLNA apps that are Android TV Sexy as an alternative? Getting mine in next week, can't wait
Thanks
defcon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree with the others... I sideloaded and bought the plex pass.. IMHO, not worth the extra money... Sideloaded version works just fine.. I personally dont need the bells and whistles of searching for movies or seeing suggestions from the home screen.
You can easily see the app via Sideload Launcher... Plex works perfectly on both the sideloaded and the plex pass version.
defconoi said:
Hey guys, I just pulled the trigger and bought a Nexus Player, currently im a kernel developer for the Nexus 4/5/7, will be checking into optimizing it and adding some features, but first I got a question. I know plex only works with plex pass customers, can you sideload the plex app? Looking to save some money, already bought the plex app for android and have an insanely large collection running on a Plex media server, is there any DLNA apps that are Android TV Sexy as an alternative? Getting mine in next week, can't wait
Thanks
defcon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I side loaded Plex for android but it pretty much unusable for me. Any of my files with DTS audio will not play with sound when forcing direct play (no transcoding). Basically audio pass through for all 5.1 formats is broke.
Kodi/xbmc works as it supposed to but that is not how I want my player to function I feel like I'm booting into another os to play my media. I want the full integration with the launcher and search. Kodi does not do this.
Lastly I have a HD homerun prime that will stream my Comcast cable to my network devices. They are working on a app but from what I have been reading there is no MPEG2 hardware decoding. Seems Asus or google didn't license the codec. Huge fail for me and has got me contemplating on retuning it. A question for you could this codec be added with a custom kernel or rom? Or is this entirely at the mercy of Asus or google? If this won't be implemented im sending it back.
I love the player interface because of it simplicity my family immediately picked it up and figured it out unlike my kodi/xbmc setups. So if I can get the updated interface Plex app with out paying a monthly subscription and mpeg2 hardware decoding support I will purchase one for every TV. Until then this device isn't cutting it for me.
Guys with Plex pass....is direct play and audio pass through for DTS working for you?
WhiteWidows said:
I side loaded Plex for android but it pretty much unusable for me. Any of my files with DTS audio will not play with sound when forcing direct play (no transcoding). Basically audio pass through for all 5.1 formats is broke.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you install Plex For Android, I recommend changing the layout to tv rather than mobile, then set the Device Media Profile to "External Player." If you pair that with a good video player app, you can play almost anything (even with dts) stutter-free without needing to transcode. I use MX Player with the x86 version of DTS custom codec, and all hardware decoding options enabled; works perfectly so far. Hopefully the officially supported Plex app will re-add some of these features in time; I don't understand why the ui was completely changed and most of the advanced features/options removed to "best support" the Nexus Player, when the ui of Plex For Android is working lightning fast with no major issues so far.
Ok audio passthrough works for both dts and dd?
What about direct playable video codecs? Is it like chromecast x264 only or does it support other codecs as well. I wish it played video as good as on my Samsung. Then it's a good option to our bedroom TV.
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MX Player? I have it working, but no 5.1 options.. I used the custom codec, and can play DTS, etc - but its all 2.0 - Are there no 5.1 pass through options that work? Does anything besides Netflix and Google Play even have any kind of 5.1 support?
biosystemics said:
If you install Plex For Android, I recommend changing the layout to tv rather than mobile, then set the Device Media Profile to "External Player." If you pair that with a good video player app, you can play almost anything (even with dts) stutter-free without needing to transcode. I use MX Player with the x86 version of DTS custom codec, and all hardware decoding options enabled; works perfectly so far. Hopefully the officially supported Plex app will re-add some of these features in time; I don't understand why the ui was completely changed and most of the advanced features/options removed to "best support" the Nexus Player, when the ui of Plex For Android is working lightning fast with no major issues so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt know the tv layout setting existed, thanks for that suggestion!
I have a plex server and I havent been able to get 5.1 to work with plex on the NP at all yet. Things I have tried:
-Plex for Android app
-Plex for Android app + MX Player as external player, with the custom codec pack
-Plex for PlexPass Users
XBMC Gotham does work like a charm for 5.1 audio. I connected it up to my media share, enabled Passthrough and Dolby Digital (AC3) capable receiver (Settings -Advanced Settings Level- > System > Audio)
I was not using any addons, btw.
I still have not tried XBMC Helix.
I prefer Plex's Interface and the Plex Server over XBMC's setup... So has anyone else figured out 5.1 audio for Plex on the Nexus Player? For me it really is not that big of an issue, the NP will be the entertainment box for the kid's tv (no surround system) upstairs, so I dont really require 5.1 audio... but I would still like it to work, and would consider it for my main system if it did.
---------- Post added at 12:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:10 AM ----------
d2globalinc said:
MX Player? I have it working, but no 5.1 options.. I used the custom codec, and can play DTS, etc - but its all 2.0 - Are there no 5.1 pass through options that work? Does anything besides Netflix and Google Play even have any kind of 5.1 support?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sideloaded XBMC, with passthrough enabled in settings
ok just got the NP all hooked up, its badass, much better than roku/samsung smart bluray, I sideloaded plex but pulled the trigger on one month of plexpass, I hope they make it free/integrate it into the android app but I have a feeling they will change for the nexus player app seperately or require plexpass for good... Its really nice for now though. Sideloaded Kodi and that works great too.
Does sideload launcher show the sideloaded Plex app?
For some reason that is the only app that doesnt show in the sideload launcher for me.
psychicsword said:
Does sideload launcher show the sideloaded Plex app?
For some reason that is the only app that doesnt show in the sideload launcher for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope gotta launch it from app settings
defconoi said:
ok just got the NP all hooked up, its badass, much better than roku/samsung smart bluray, I sideloaded plex but pulled the trigger on one month of plexpass, I hope they make it free/integrate it into the android app but I have a feeling they will change for the nexus player app seperately or require plexpass for good... Its really nice for now though. Sideloaded Kodi and that works great too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you like it, as do I, I love the interface and voice search capabilities, but as everyone is saying its not a finished product. All I want to work right now is Plex 5.1 audio with no trans-coding, and MPEG2 hardware decoding. Then it will be perfect for my living room.
I see you said your a kernel dev, well im looking for some collaborators to get mpeg2 hw decoding working on this device. I opened a dev thread and have been trying to build ffmpeg into android x86 hoping this will enable it. So far my builds have been failing. If you can help me out drop me a pm.
Ive been going off this documentation.
https://software.intel.com/en-us/android/blogs/2013/12/06/building-ffmpeg-for-android-on-x86
Also have you herd any chatter on anyone working on a custom recover for the NP?
I have been using Kodi (formerly known as XBMC) and it works like a charm. I'm running the latest beta 2 version, so I experience a crash or two from time to time, but other than that it works wonderfully. 720p content scales up very nicely to my hd screen (even 480p). I have no issues streaming 1080p content from my NAS to the box. I have a 802.11ac network, and I have not tested it with a n network, though.

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