Windows 10: Modern Smart TV's - do we need media servers any more

Hi there

My new Panasonic TV connects just fine (both Wifi and Ethernet facilities are available in the TV) to the shared files (SAMBA) on my Linux Server and I can play multi-media files direct from the Media Player function on the TV with no problem (including most sub titles).

The TV will also recognize a Windows MEZZMO media server from a Windows box as well but I don't think I need to run the server any more. It can also connect to shared files on the Windows box too if my multi-media files are on Windows

I think all modern TV's are now enabled with this type of facility -- when you buy a new one check to see if it has a decent Media PLAYER application in it so you can connect to shared files on your computer / NAS without having to bother with a full blown media server application.

I had an Older TV and played multi-media through it via an LG Blu Ray player which needed a media server (PLEX / MEZZMO) to ccess remote multi-media and then played that through the TV. Direct remote playback is much easier and simpler.

Check when buying a new TV if it has easy remote access to your computers and if it will play mp4/avi/mkv. Samsung and Panasonic models all do decently as well as most LG ones.

Simply set up your shares on the remote computer and "Register" access via the TV interface. Then browse the files and just hit PLAY. !!

(Over the Internet tas wellI think even android devices can access your home files too so IMO a multi media server application seems unnecessary now).

Cheers
jimbo

:)

 

Windows 10 - media streaming

The question was very specific to DLNA server and has nothing to do with how media works in Windows 10. It was easy to connect my Laptop (as a DLNA Server) to my Samsung TV (Not Smart TV but DLNA enabled). Now after upgrading to Windows 10, no matter what
I do (enable Media Sharing, Discovery of Laptop, Home Group advanced settings etc.) does not connect my Laptop to TV or show any media over wireless. SOmething is broke in Windows 10 and people from MIcrosoft are giving a run around to all of us.

 

Unable to stream video from pc to TV with Windows 10

I did not get on how you are streaming so that it will show PC folders on TV. Have you installed a third party streaming server? In that case it might be the issue with that software/server rather than Win10, or be some driver.

For me PlayTo option works perfect without any issue in just 2 clicks. selecct the media (music/photo/video) and select your connected TV from PlayTo menu.

You'll need to enable streaming for Play To to work. search for Media Streaming Options and enble it.

My TV is Bravis 40R562C not smart TV

HTH

 

Hi,

I use a Blu-Ray as my TV is too old for this type of thing
If connecting via a share do modern tvs have any type of auto playlist support

for example I have playlists in mezzmo for unwatched tv, unwatched movies, all 5 star movies, various others for the genres of movies I like, these are sorted by last played so I can see what I haven't watched recently, plus many others

Is any of this possible if connecting directly to a share on modern TV's?

Cheers

 

I have 2 so-called Smart TVs (Vizio) that can "see" the media files on my server but are very finicky about which they'll actually play. After spending way too much time trying to figure out how to reliably play my media files with the built-in Media Player app, I ended up buying Rokus for the TVs which have no issue playing my media files.

 

Thanks for the info, Jimbo. *Smile

I don't watch TV and I haven't for years, but the new wife does. I'll need to catch up on the tech to set up the new house.

Are most WiFi and/or Bluetooth also? Is hardwiring better?

 

Smart TV's are a waste I think. I just use a Roku and it works great. Not that they are bad, but they cost more.

 

My LG smart, 3D TV has WiFi and came with a dongle specific to it. I do not use it, I ran a Ethernet cable instead from the router.
LG 55LW6500: 55 inch Cinema 3D 1080P 240Hz LED TV with SmartTV | LG USA

 

Hi there

I use a LAN (Wired) cable - so I don't use the built in smart TV Wifi. The LAN connection gives you the same facilities as the Wifi. (and it's usually a LOT faster too).

For things like Playlists, file types etc then I agree a Media server is still better --however if you just have a few multi media files then the built in player app is really quite good.

The Media server does nice things I agree like select on File type etc. However if you just want to play a few multi media folders loaded say on to a USB stick or external drive the built in player might be a better option than transferring files to your multi media library and updating it.

ROKU TV BTW is a bit useless for people OUTSIDE the USA. !!! The idea is great but those pesky Lawyers seem to have hosed up what should be a simple access system for everybody else on the planet OUTSIDE the USA. !!!

Cheers
jimbo

 

I didn't realize that about the Roku. I don't use the newer Roku TV, I just use the device.

 

Thanks, guys. Hardwired it is. I'm about ready to wire the house. The desk with the router in my den is just on the other side of the living room wall with the TV on it. She'll probably want one in the bedroom of which I don't know if I should allow, but you know who's boss! *Biggrin

 

You might not like listening to the tin can speakers which come in the new TV.
I ended up getting a A/V receiver with a 7.1 speaker set-up. This needs to be wired to the router also.

 

I went with a Samsung sound bar with subwoofer.
Sound is awesome.

 

Thanks, guys. Her brother worked for a home theater company. I'll have to pick his brain.

 

Perfect.