need suggestion for reliable device to stream MP4s from NAS

[njitgrad]

Of my five Samsung TVs the oldest one, an LN46B650 from 2009, is the only one that has issues streaming (using DLNA as the Input Source) certain MP4s (created with HB) from my Synology NAS device.

The TV only has a problem playing large files (like movies) so single TV episodes play just fine. The display just indicates "Not Supported File Format" when I select a movie to watch. The other four Samsung TVs in my house play all of the MP4 files on the NAS with no issue so I know that the source files are just fine.

What kind of device should I consider purchasing that will:
1) connect to my network with a hardline (TRENDNET Gigabit Switch located by this TV)
2) set output to my TV via HDMA
3) not need a separate remote (if possible)
4) be easy to configure

I've never really looked into these devices in the past so I'm hoping I can get some feedback that I can understand.

[smitbret]

Put OpenELEC on a Raspberry Pi 2.

Get a 1 foot HDMI cable and just velcro the Pi to the back of your TV. Control it via phone or tablet app. If you want to use a remote control that you already have, get a FLIRC for another $20 and make it fully customizable.

[njitgrad]

Do you have any example pics of this? And a simple step by step tutorial for a newbie. I am really interested in doing this as an intro to Raspberry Pi.

[smitbret]

Do you have any example pics of this? And a simple step by step tutorial for a newbie. I am really interested in doing this as an intro to Raspberry Pi.

http://openelec.tv/
http://kodi.tv/
https://www.google.com/search?q=openelec&biw=1680&bih=913&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei...ed=0CAcQ_AUoAg

Just follow the installation directions from the OpenELEC wiki. Get any microUSB charger that puts out 1.2a (many cell phone chargers) and you can use any microSD card with at least 128MB of space. Most people have both lying around. If you've got a good wireless setup and don't want to run a Cat5 cable to the Pi then just add a WiFi adapter. I use this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I604K4I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Keep in mind, the performance difference between the RaspPi Model A/Model B and the newer RaspPi 2 is night and day. If you overclock the older Pis you can make them workable but the RaspPi 2 is a solid performer when stock.

[njitgrad]

Do you have any example pics of this? And a simple step by step tutorial for a newbie. I am really interested in doing this as an intro to Raspberry Pi.

http://openelec.tv/
http://kodi.tv/
https://www.google.com/search?q=openelec&biw=1680&bih=913&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei...ed=0CAcQ_AUoAg *** Screenshots888

Just follow the installation directions from the OpenELEC wiki. Get any microUSB charger that puts out 0.7a (most cell phones) and you can use any microSD card with at least 128MB of space. Most people have both lying around.

Keep in mind, the performance difference between the RaspPi Model A/Model B and the newer RaspPi 2 is night and day. If you overclock the older Pis you can make them workable but the RaspPi 2 is a solid performer when stock.

Other than the SD card and the USB charger, are the following the only items I would need to purchase?



http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Pi-Model-Project-Board/dp/B00T2U7R7I/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&i...raspberry+pi+2

http://www.amazon.com/FLIRC-Flirc-Raspberry-Pi-Case/dp/B00PVKL21A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&q...rry+pi+2+flirc

http://www.amazon.com/FLIRC-Universal-Control-Receiver-Centers/dp/B00BB0ETW8/ref=sr_1_...rry+pi+2+flirc

[_Al_]

Step by step in here, older thread: https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/370655-Standalone-Media-Player-w-usb-port-Internet-...=1#post2379560

[smitbret]

Do you have any example pics of this? And a simple step by step tutorial for a newbie. I am really interested in doing this as an intro to Raspberry Pi.

http://openelec.tv/
http://kodi.tv/
https://www.google.com/search?q=openelec&biw=1680&bih=913&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei...ed=0CAcQ_AUoAg *** Screenshots888

Just follow the installation directions from the OpenELEC wiki. Get any microUSB charger that puts out 0.7a (most cell phones) and you can use any microSD card with at least 128MB of space. Most people have both lying around.

Keep in mind, the performance difference between the RaspPi Model A/Model B and the newer RaspPi 2 is night and day. If you overclock the older Pis you can make them workable but the RaspPi 2 is a solid performer when stock.

Other than the SD card and the USB charger, are the following the only items I would need to purchase?



http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Pi-Model-Project-Board/dp/B00T2U7R7I/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&i...raspberry+pi+2

http://www.amazon.com/FLIRC-Flirc-Raspberry-Pi-Case/dp/B00PVKL21A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&q...rry+pi+2+flirc

http://www.amazon.com/FLIRC-Universal-Control-Receiver-Centers/dp/B00BB0ETW8/ref=sr_1_...rry+pi+2+flirc

If you wanna save yourself $8 on the Pi2:
http://www.newark.com/raspberry-pi/raspberrypi-2-modb-1gb/sbc-raspberry-pi-2-model-b-1gb/dp/38Y6467

The case isn't even really necessary, although that is the one that I use. It's pretty cool because it has a built in, metal post that makes contact with the CPU and turns the whole case into heat sink.

Otherwise you are completely set.

[njitgrad]

Wow, talk about super easy to assemble, install, and configure. Since I started this post a couple of days ago I am already up and running with Kodi running on OpenELEC using a RP2. Thanks so much for the suggestion and all the advice. I can now play all MP4 files perfectly from my NAS and all for $68 (RP2, 32GB micro SD card and case) with free 2-day Amazon Prime shipping. I ended up saving a few bucks by going with this case instead.

I've always been hesitant about getting into using a RP for the first time but I have to admit that it was easier than installing and configuring my NAS.

BTW....I didn't end up needed the FLIRC (once I figure out how CEC worked) so I guess I'll hold onto it for some future project use.

Happy camper here

[njitgrad]

Followup:

The only two things I wish this device would do is...

1) Power up when I turn the TV on. I have to unplug the power cable to the RP2 and reconnect it (only when Kodi put it to sleep with the Power Save feature).

2) Remember my progress into a video. Whenever I used to play files off my WD Passport (connected via USB to the TV) it would remember where I left off the last time I was watching something. With Kodi it does not remember where I left off so I have to FFWD (and try to remember where I left off).

Are there workarounds for these little nuances?