[Q] Is the Nexus Player right for me ? - Nexus Player Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi fellows,
I currently own an Xbox 360 and a Rasperry Pi running OpenElec. The Xbox 360 is used for games and Netflix while OpenElec is running Kodi to play the local media on my NAS. I am looking to replace my RPi with a device that will be able to have the following features :
- Kodi. I tried Plex and didn't like it.
- Netflix (Because my X360 is really noisy and pisses me off)
- Google Play Music
- Google Play Movies (for Renting and already owned)
- Spotify
- Small mobile games
- Can use my phone to remote control
- Chromecast feature to cast my computer screen
I think that the Nexus Player can handle all that, however I wonder how good and stable is the NP at accomplishing these tasks. I am very familiar with Android (been using it for over 4 years on my phones) and I am tech-savvy. I would like however a simple and stable solution where my wife and kids can play with the device easily. I was able to achieve that easiness and stability with OpenElec, but I am looking for a device that will be able to be much more than just a Kodi player.
I think the direct competitor to the NP is the Roku. Roku cannot run Kodi, but has the Google Play Music and Movies available. However, I have seen numerous issues about renting movies through Google Movies not working on Roku. Has anyone ever rented a movie on Google Play Movies on the NP and had issues ? Is this service stable ? Renting through Google Play Movies is cheaper than my local TV provider, so I'm thinking about making the switch to Google. Or any other suggestions than Google Play Movies ? Netflix Canada selection really sucks.
I'm not looking to spend more money than a Nexus Player. The NVidia Shield TV is out of the question and the Amazon Fire TV does not seem to be available in Canada. The Roku and the NP are my 2 viable options as far as I know. I like Android, so the NP looks very interesting. However I wouldn't want to buy the NP to find out that it cannot do everything I want it to do.
Thanks for any input !
Neo.

The Nexus Player will handle almost everything in your list.
* Kodi works quite well on the Nexus Player. It can be downloaded directly from Google Play which means it will automatically update and won't require sideloading APKs.
* Netflix comes preinstalled on this device and generally works fine as long as your Nexus Player has Android v5.1.1 build LMY48J installed. You might want to adjust your TV's aspect ratio modes while watching movies if the black bars from widescreen content bother you. I don't use the app very often so perhaps other users can comment on things like surround sound support.
* Google Play Music comes preinstalled on this device and is linked to your account like the rest of the apps from Google. The only issue I see with it is that the on-screen album cover doesn't move around like it does when you cast from the app but the Nexus Player's "Daydream" screen saver mode cycles through different images after a few minutes without user interaction. Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) will support Bluetooth audio streaming which means you can pair the Nexus Player with a sound bar and play music that way.
* Google Play Movies comes preinstalled and seems to work fine. It probably is the most convenient option to rent or purchase movies or TV shows on this device. I don't use this service enough to say much about it but the free movies I have in my account are synced and easily accessible. As with Netflix, you may want to adjust your TV's aspect ratio during playback.
* Spotify is the only thing in your list that doesn't work well on the Nexus Player. You can try sideloading the app but it may not be easy to use with a remote. The developers of Spotify don't support casting either, as far as I'm aware.
* You can download Android TV games from the Google Play Store and some of them will be playable with the remote but others will require a gamepad. You can either use a separate Bluetooth gamepad or root your Nexus Player and pair a PS3 or PS4 controller with it using the paid Sixaxis Controller app.
* Yes, you can use your phone to control the Nexus Player with the free Android TV Remote Control app from Google. It is rather basic, though, compared to a paid root app combination like DroidMote Server & Droidmote Client which is definitely more versatile. If you're willing to buy a Flirc infrared USB dongle for about $24 USD, you can even use a universal remote to control the Nexus Player. I have one and it works very well after being programmed for convenient usage with my Philips SRP5107 universal remote.
* Casting to the Nexus Player generally works well but there may be a few apps which work better with an actual Chromecast. I prefer casting to the Nexus Player because it supports 5 GHz wireless AC while the Chromecast only supports 2.4 GHz wireless N.
I've never used a Roku device but the Nexus Player provides great value for the price and you can do a lot with it (especially if it's rooted). As for the limited content selection of Netflix Canada, you can use a smart DNS service such as UnoTelly to "change your region" and access content that's licensed for other countries. UnoTelly even offers a free trial and up to 3 free months of service if you mention them positively on social media. In conclusion, let's answer your question. Is the Nexus Player right for you? I certainly think so.

spookyneo said:
Hi fellows,
I currently own an Xbox 360 and a Rasperry Pi running OpenElec. The Xbox 360 is used for games and Netflix while OpenElec is running Kodi to play the local media on my NAS. I am looking to replace my RPi with a device that will be able to have the following features :
- Kodi. I tried Plex and didn't like it.
- Netflix (Because my X360 is really noisy and pisses me off)
- Google Play Music
- Google Play Movies (for Renting and already owned)
- Spotify
- Small mobile games
- Can use my phone to remote control
- Chromecast feature to cast my computer screen
I think that the Nexus Player can handle all that, however I wonder how good and stable is the NP at accomplishing these tasks. I am very familiar with Android (been using it for over 4 years on my phones) and I am tech-savvy. I would like however a simple and stable solution where my wife and kids can play with the device easily. I was able to achieve that easiness and stability with OpenElec, but I am looking for a device that will be able to be much more than just a Kodi player.
I think the direct competitor to the NP is the Roku. Roku cannot run Kodi, but has the Google Play Music and Movies available. However, I have seen numerous issues about renting movies through Google Movies not working on Roku. Has anyone ever rented a movie on Google Play Movies on the NP and had issues ? Is this service stable ? Renting through Google Play Movies is cheaper than my local TV provider, so I'm thinking about making the switch to Google. Or any other suggestions than Google Play Movies ? Netflix Canada selection really sucks.
I'm not looking to spend more money than a Nexus Player. The NVidia Shield TV is out of the question and the Amazon Fire TV does not seem to be available in Canada. The Roku and the NP are my 2 viable options as far as I know. I like Android, so the NP looks very interesting. However I wouldn't want to buy the NP to find out that it cannot do everything I want it to do.
Thanks for any input !
Neo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would agree with all answers above, only thing that I'll add is that its a shame the community isn't larger or more active.
BUt with the addition of a couple of additional peripherals can also be considerably more user friendly.

Related

Video Streaming

Hey. I am about the buy the G Tab 10.1. As my DVD is died I want to use the Tab for streaming videos to my HDTV. How it handles it? The videos are running smoothly?
I've streamed a few to my ps3 and worked great no issues
Careful!
When it comes to video FAR TOO MANY people talk about successes with the tab in generalities. If you want a specific answer then ask a specific question, as in describe specifically what video formats you want to play, where they are to be played from and what they are to be sent to.
Tegra 2 chipset tabs have limited hardware decoding support so don't expect any tablet to be able to play every file you throw at it that you download from the internet.
The way you formulated your question so far its unclear which online services you want to stream or if your source is a shared network drive. Either wary it is unknown what formats you want to play. My first reaction is buy a Roku or something for your TV media needs and only get a tab for what its truly designed for.
muzzy996 said:
Careful!
When it comes to video FAR TOO MANY people talk about successes with the tab in generalities. If you want a specific answer then ask a specific question, as in describe specifically what video formats you want to play, where they are to be played from and what they are to be sent to.
Tegra 2 chipset tabs have limited hardware decoding support so don't expect any tablet to be able to play every file you throw at it that you download from the internet.
The way you formulated your question so far its unclear which online services you want to stream or if your source is a shared network drive. Either wary it is unknown what formats you want to play. My first reaction is buy a Roku or something for your TV media needs and only get a tab for what its truly designed for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
excellent answer. The tab is not an all purpose device. You are better off with Roku for streaming to tv
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
I would like to stream HD MKV format movies, but I will use ordinary low resolution AVI files.
Still only part of the information needed but enough to say you should tread carefully.
To relieve you from having to confess where they're from (LOL) I will say this; if you're encoding your own specifically for this device to play you can adjust your encoding settings to target a specific supported setup for things to play beautifully. It's not hard to do (stick with 720p format, H.264 high profile with B-Frames, CABAC, 8x8 transform and P-frames turned OFF).
If on the other hand you're downloading video randomly off of the internet in MKV format then you will hit some that works and some that doesn't. 1080p stuff that's freely available on torrent sites? Forget it.
TV shows off of EZTV in AVI format (xvid/divx) play wonderfully in Dice Player on the tablet.
Bottom line? You're better off with something like a Roku, Boxee Box or WD Live Streaming Media Player. By the way, each seems to have some support for applications on phone/tablet to control them remotely.
For those with the budget, it's nice to have a dedicated HTPC that also serves as a media server. I'm running Plex on mine to stream movies/shows from it's HDD to my tablet. I run Boxee on it but haven't experimented much with remote control of Boxee using a mobile device yet. My other TV in my apartment has a WD Live on it that pulls the media off of the HTPC so the HTPC serves not only as my playback device for my main TV but as a media server for all my mobile devices and TVs.
Don't get me wrong, these things can play media well, but I'm not going to haphazardly guide you into the belief that they'll play anything you throw at them with simple answers. Those of us who understand what they can do simply adjusted how we do things quickly to meet the specs of the devices and never looked back. I love my tab for media playback on the go.
I'd get a PS3 for your media streaming needs, it plays pretty much any file (MKV's can be handled with PS3Media Server or MKV2VOB) and you also get an awesome games console and Blu-Ray player.

[Q] Nexus 7 +Onlive on TV possible?

Hi all i have a question is it possible to stream Onlive to TV from nexus 7? No metter how Just wanto to do it
I have AIRSYNC but its possible to stream only vids and photos via xbox and ps3.:crying:
Vallhalen said:
Hi all i have a question is it possible to stream Onlive to TV from nexus 7? No metter how Just wanto to do it
I have AIRSYNC but its possible to stream only vids and photos via xbox and ps3.:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to know that as well, I've read you can stream via DLNA/Allshare to a Samsung TV, but it seems those apps only stream a local file. Also I wonder whether the Nexus 7 is capable of downloading the stream whilst streaming it along to the TV.
HTC Media link
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
E_Goldstein said:
HTC Media link
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too expensive i think. What I will try out is a Samsung MHL cable (see Amazon) and attaching a WiiMote to the device. This should transfer the screen/audio while giving me the freedom to control it from the couch.
As of now, I have testes Plex Media Server in conjunction with the Plex App on the Nexus, which is really impressive on its own already, since I can for example link every YouTube Video I like (via myplex) and stream that from my PC to the TV (even without the Android App, since the TV recognizes the Plex Media Server on its own via DLNA!). I can also stream my Video Folders to Tablet and/or TV whenever I like. The only downside of this is that I have to have the PC running.
For streaming videos from the Google Play store I think iMediashare will be sufficient, since one can select whichever file residing on the tablet and stream it to the TV. I could not test it with Play Store Videos yet, since I get the error that I have downloaded the complimentary Transformers 3 to the maximum of devices already (which I haven't) whenever I click the download option in the Google Video Player. But from what I gather, it should be possible to download a video (rent) and instead of viewing it via the Google Video App, open it in iMediashare and stream that to the TV. Using the WiiMote App, it should also have a remote then.
In case one can't open the rental video outside of Google Video App, it should still work using the MHL Cable.
If you check that out, let me know whether it works for you
I will be able to do further testing when my replacement Nexus arrives, since I got and 8GB instead of 16GB version, I will have to wait until I got it swapped.
and therefore do not pile nexus 7...NO HDMI :/
I wait for acer a110

[Q] Cable Box Integration

Am I right in saying that this does not include cable box pass through. i.e. I cannot use this device to search through by cable channels like I can with Google TV?
Right
Sent from my Nexus 5
Thanks. But darn, that's a big loss IMHO
Personally I use a hdhomerun prime and a windows 7 box with WMC to record TV. Have ServerWMC installed there which allows XBMC to be used as a WMC client for viewing live TV and recorded programs as well. I am already doing this with two FireTVs so doing it on the nexus player will be a no brainer. I don't miss a cable company STB and since the player has googlecast support I finally have everything I need in one box.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Google wants us watching Google "TV" via the Internet: Youtube, Play Movies etc.
Google does not want us watching cable, satellite or OTA TV. Google doesn't make money on advertising or content there.
Same deal with OTA FM radio (despite Android One, which is only for "developing" markets.)
mikereidis said:
Google wants us watching Google "TV" via the Internet: Youtube, Play Movies etc.
Google does not want us watching cable, satellite or OTA TV. Google doesn't make money on advertising or content there.
Same deal with OTA FM radio (despite Android One, which is only for "developing" markets.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not the case at all, and in fact quite the opposite. there is even a tv input framework built into android tv and they were demoing the tv app with a hdhomerun at google i/o
i suspect that they will be working with stb manufacturers to deliver live tv over IP, and we will probably see other hardware shortly with HDMI in.
check out the framework here https://developer.android.com/training/tv/tif/index.html
and showing it off at i/o with the live tv bit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3dCUPeyhag#t=1822
blackic3 said:
demoing the tv app with a hdhomerun at google i/o
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BEST NEWS ALL WEEK.
I'd still like an official Windows Media Center Extender app, but watching live from the HDHomeRun is a huge win.
I'm pretty excited. I think they have cracked the input problem with the new framework. I suspect there will be a slew of network tuners coming to market for android TV.
SiliconDust HDHomeRun VIEW
Just to update this line of thought, SiliconDust released an updated version of their VIEW app on Friday.
This allows you to use their network tuners to view live TV on Android. While they listed official support only for the ADT-1, I've had some luck with my Nexus Player. I suspect the trouble is from the difference in the ADT-1 being ARM based while the Player is x86. You can keep an eye on their development on their Android TV development forum.
For me, it works perfectly from their VIEW app (which shows up in the leanback launcher without needing to go into chainfire's side launcher). The problem arises when trying to go through the TV Input plugin. I can see the channels, and sometimes get sound, but never video and usually a "tune failed" toast.
Particularly relevant to the OP might be that I'm using their Prime tuner which has a CableCard so basically replaces my Comcast STB.

[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.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
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.
Skickat från min GT-I9505 via Tapatalk
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.

[Q] Want to buy it but need more info about DNLA and AirPlay

Hello guys,
I'm currently setting up my apartment and I'm looking for the perfect "Media Player Box" to hook up to my non-smart TV.
I watched a lot of Nexus Player reviews on YouTube but still, I'm not sure this box will do everything I need.
So I want to be able to do the following with the Nexus Player:
Cast YouTube videos directly from the YouTube app of my iOS devices (OK - this one is possible)
Cast and decode DLNA/UPnP movies stored on my Synology NAS from the Synology video app (or others) of my iOS devices using the DLNA protocol (? - Can I install an app like BubbleUPnP to make the Nexus Player act as a DLNA receiver even if BubbleUPnP is running in the background ?)
Stream the music of my iOS devices (Spotify or local) to my TV using the AirPlay protocol (? - I've seen some video about Android app allowing AirPlay but is it really working with the last iOS version ?)
I haven't found any TV box capable of these 3 requirement yet so I hope someone that has a Nexus Player can tell me I can stop searching !
Or maybe someone knows an even better box for this ?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Yes there are a few DLNA receivers and clients. Kodi is free and excellent.
The paid apps AirReceiver or Airplay/DLNA receiver by the developer wax rain will give you both Airplay and DLNA as background apps always available. You can Airplay any audio to these apps (kodi's Airplay is still broken I think). The Airplay problems are mostly for video. If the video is drm protected content you won't be able to Airplay it
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
goodhur said:
Yes there are a few DLNA receivers and clients. Kodi is free and excellent.
The paid apps AirReceiver or Airplay/DLNA receiver by the developer wax rain will give you both Airplay and DLNA as background apps always available. You can Airplay any audio to these apps (kodi's Airplay is still broken I think). The Airplay problems are mostly for video. If the video is drm protected content you won't be able to Airplay it
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer goodhur
AirPlay will only be used for audio so it's OK.
So it seems like the Nexus Player is the TV box perfectly suited to my usages. However, I still have a question:
My NAS has poor transcoding performance so will the Nexus Player be able to decode big movie files (1080p, MKV, ...) on its own? Will it be compatible with any file format while streaming from a DLNA source? I don't want my NAS to handle the transcoding.
Thanks
I can't really give you much information on transcoding. I have streaming boxes for about 5 years now. Since Roku and Apple TV were my first boxes, I just had to keep my videos in MP4 or M4v formats which pretty much can be played on any device.

Categories

Resources