Advice needed regarding media player

[Anthony5]

I have a media server with a thousand of movies and more important over 200.000 of songs.

My setup is a large server which is positioned in a storage room with a Himedia HD910 mediaplayer, a Marantz SR5004 receiver and LAN and WLAN throughout the house.

For movies it is no problem as I just start up the mediaplayer and choose my movie I want to view on the TV screen, but I consider it an annoyance to every time start up the TV to choose music. So it would be handy if I could choose them from the convenience of my Samsung Note 3.

It isn't possible to install XBMC on the Himedia player, and I would also have an issue to set it up, as I understand it is not that simple.

So I would appreciate suggestions how I could set up a convenient system to play my music in the cheapest possible way. Keep in mind the Marantz isn't network enabled.

[RichCor]

How do you normally play your music, by album, by artist, or random shuffle? Wouldn't you rather want 'by Genre' or Playlists?

Are you thinking of replacing your primary media player with a more capable one, or would rather purchase a dedicated music media player connected to another Marantz input?

[thaimite]

I am not familiar with the Himedia player, but XBMC (now Kodi) is available for Android and a Google search shows several links and some Youtube videos relating to XBMC/Kodi on the Himedia player.

XBMC/Kodi has many options but it should not be hard to install a basic setup if the instructions atre followed.

The main thing is to ensure the movies are installed on your server as per the CBMC/Kodi instructions.

Once XBMC is running there is a free app called Yatse for your android tab / phne which will allow it to act as a remote and with the aid of an additional paid plugin will even let you stream movies and music to your tab or phone.

[Anthony5]

How do you normally play your music, by album, by artist, or random shuffle? Wouldn't you rather want 'by Genre' or Playlists?

Are you thinking of replacing your primary media player with a more capable one, or would rather purchase a dedicated music media player connected to another Marantz input?

I actually don't know what are my options. The music on the server is cataloged by alphabet and properly tagged by album,song title,genre, year etc so I have an abundance of choices how to play.

The server is a life size PC with 9 disks so there is no option to store it near the receiver. Currently the media player and a Skybox are hooked up to the Marantz and network.

I can play the music through the Himedia mediaplayer, but I always have to fire up the 60" flat screen to choose which songs I want to play. Since I have a sound system on the terrace it is even more of an annoyance when I have to go back inside to change the music.

What I'm looking for is the least expensive and least complicated solution. If I could choose the music on my phone would be the most convenient I suppose.

Edited April 19, 2015 by Anthony5

[Anthony5]

I am not familiar with the Himedia player, but XBMC (now Kodi) is available for Android and a Google search shows several links and some Youtube videos relating to XBMC/Kodi on the Himedia player.

XBMC/Kodi has many options but it should not be hard to install a basic setup if the instructions atre followed.

The main thing is to ensure the movies are installed on your server as per the CBMC/Kodi instructions.

Once XBMC is running there is a free app called Yatse for your android tab / phne which will allow it to act as a remote and with the aid of an additional paid plugin will even let you stream movies and music to your tab or phone.

The Himedia has dual operating system, but search on the forums learned me that it isn't possible to get XBMC to work on it due to the realtek chip.

I don't know what the Kodi instruction mean, but all the music is on the server already, and I don't feel like I want to reinstall 2Tb of data.

[RichCor]

Is your HiMedia HD910 dual OS booting Android OS 2.2, with no access to the Market (PlayStore)?

So probably can't make APK app recommendations.

[Anthony5]

Is your HiMedia HD910 dual OS booting Android OS 2.2, with no access to the Market (PlayStore)?

So probably can't make APK app recommendations.

The player I have is the HD910b

http://www.mixi.co.th/hd-player-himedia-hd-910b

*** To install Apps on Android OS, you need to prepare the APK installer, there is no Android Market and not all Apps can be compatible to install.

**** The web browser does not support Flash content.

[RichCor]

OK. So are you open to replacing the HiMedia DH910b with something 'similar' that *can* be controlled by your Samsung Note 3?

Or would you rather add a SECOND pure Android Media Box that can interface with an app on your Android Smartphone, and do you still have Open Ports
(Stereo Input or HDMI) available on your Marantz SR5004?

[thaimite]

You should be able to install XBMC on the server and then navigate your music using your phonme opr tab with the Yatse app. When you select play the music will either play through your Morantz a,p or stream to your tab if you prefer.

This is a free option apart from the time to install XBMC and scan in your library.

[Anthony5]

OK. So are you open to replacing the HiMedia DH910b with something 'similar' that *can* be controlled by your Samsung Note 3?

Or would you rather add a SECOND pure Android Media Box that can interface with an app on your Android Smartphone, and do you still have Open Ports

(Stereo Input or HDMI) available on your Marantz SR5004?

I still have a free HDMI and stereo ports. Both suggestions are welcome, but I of course prefer the cheapest and simplest option.

[Anthony5]

You should be able to install XBMC on the server and then navigate your music using your phonme opr tab with the Yatse app. When you select play the music will either play through your Morantz a,p or stream to your tab if you prefer.

This is a free option apart from the time to install XBMC and scan in your library.

Are you sure XBMC can be installed on Windows Home server 2003, as that is what I use as media server? If so how would the music reach the Marantz since the receiver doesn't have a network port.

[RichCor]

You should be able to install XBMC on the server and then navigate your music using your phonme opr tab with the Yatse app. When you select play the music will either play through your Morantz a,p or stream to your tab if you prefer.

This is a free option apart from the time to install XBMC and scan in your library.

Are you sure XBMC can be installed on Windows Home server 2003, as that is what I use as media server? If so how would the music reach the Marantz since the receiver doesn't have a network port.

How far away are the two?

Can they be cabled, or connected by a cheap radio transmitter? Just looking at all the possible cheap options. Maybe a Windows App that can be controlled by your smartphone. Hmm.

Otherwise, we'll see if anybody else chimes in with a cheap options for selecting music via a smartphone for remote (wireless) playback on your stereo.

(Hopefully people know you DON'T want to mini-jack your smartphone, but use it for remote selection)

[RichCor]

I always wanted one of these, before google killed it.

[Anthony5]

You should be able to install XBMC on the server and then navigate your music using your phonme opr tab with the Yatse app. When you select play the music will either play through your Morantz a,p or stream to your tab if you prefer.

This is a free option apart from the time to install XBMC and scan in your library.

Are you sure XBMC can be installed on Windows Home server 2003, as that is what I use as media server? If so how would the music reach the Marantz since the receiver doesn't have a network port.

How far away are the two?

Can they be cabled, or connected by a cheap radio transmitter? Just looking at all the possible cheap options. Maybe a Windows App that can be controlled by your smartphone. Hmm.

Otherwise, we'll see if anybody else chimes in with a cheap options for selecting music via a smartphone for remote (wireless) playback on your stereo.

(Hopefully people know you DON'T want to mini-jack your smartphone, but use it for remote selection)

There is only one wall between, so a radio transmitting signal is a possibility. Any suggestions about such a device?

If in addition I could find a android app that is able to connect to windows home server 2003, I have a solution of course.

[Anthony5]

I am not familiar with the Himedia player, but XBMC (now Kodi) is available for Android and a Google search shows several links and some Youtube videos relating to XBMC/Kodi on the Himedia player.

XBMC/Kodi has many options but it should not be hard to install a basic setup if the instructions atre followed.

The main thing is to ensure the movies are installed on your server as per the CBMC/Kodi instructions.

Once XBMC is running there is a free app called Yatse for your android tab / phne which will allow it to act as a remote and with the aid of an additional paid plugin will even let you stream movies and music to your tab or phone.

I just read in the Yatse spec

◆ Full support for Media Player Classic (MPC or MPC-HC) as an external player

Does this mean that I not necessarily need Kodi on the server, but that it can control media player classic, which can be installed on the server?

I have to say, I not yet fully understand what Kodi/XBMC actually is.

[RichCor]

I am not familiar with the Himedia player, but XBMC (now Kodi) is available for Android and a Google search shows several links and some Youtube videos relating to XBMC/Kodi on the Himedia player.

XBMC/Kodi has many options but it should not be hard to install a basic setup if the instructions atre followed.

The main thing is to ensure the movies are installed on your server as per the CBMC/Kodi instructions.

Once XBMC is running there is a free app called Yatse for your android tab / phne which will allow it to act as a remote and with the aid of an additional paid plugin will even let you stream movies and music to your tab or phone.

I just read in the Yatse spec

◆ Full support for Media Player Classic (MPC or MPC-HC) as an external player

Does this mean that I not necessarily need Kodi on the server, but that it can control media player classic, which can be installed on the server?

I have to say, I not yet fully understand what Kodi/XBMC actually is.

XBMC/KODI Forum:

Does XBMC for Windows run on Microsoft Windows Server 2000, 2003, and/or 2008?

2008-10-01 17:31

An option.

Otherwise you'll need to implement a separate hardware client solution.

Also... What is Kodi? is a software media center (available on multiple platforms) for playing videos, music, pictures, games, and more.

Wikipedia About (Kodi,com)

[watcharacters]

"I have a media server with a thousand of movies and more important over 200.000 of songs."

Call me impressed!

Well done...

[Anthony5]

I am not familiar with the Himedia player, but XBMC (now Kodi) is available for Android and a Google search shows several links and some Youtube videos relating to XBMC/Kodi on the Himedia player.

XBMC/Kodi has many options but it should not be hard to install a basic setup if the instructions atre followed.

The main thing is to ensure the movies are installed on your server as per the CBMC/Kodi instructions.

Once XBMC is running there is a free app called Yatse for your android tab / phne which will allow it to act as a remote and with the aid of an additional paid plugin will even let you stream movies and music to your tab or phone.

I just read in the Yatse spec

◆ Full support for Media Player Classic (MPC or MPC-HC) as an external player

Does this mean that I not necessarily need Kodi on the server, but that it can control media player classic, which can be installed on the server?

I have to say, I not yet fully understand what Kodi/XBMC actually is.

XBMC/KODI Forum:

Does XBMC for Windows run on Microsoft Windows Server 2000, 2003, and/or 2008?

2008-10-01 17:31

An option.

Otherwise you'll need to implement a separate hardware client solution.

Also... What is Kodi? is a software media center (available on multiple platforms) for playing videos, music, pictures, games, and more.

Wikipedia About (Kodi,com)

Thanks, so it seem possible to install on windows server 2003 if my graphics supports open GL 1.4 or higher

This is my MB http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/E35M1M/specifications/ How do I know if my GPU has the required spec.

If this work I only need such a wireless device to beam the sound to my Marantz.

Any suggestion where to look?

[RichCor]

I always like to use AliExpress as an idea generator

Potential:

Convert Windows Server 2003 to a Kodi Media Center (needs research)
Use an Android App than can control Kodi (don't know of one off the top of my head, needs research)

Wireless Stereo Transmitter & Receiver

Probably the EASIEST PATH would be to purchase an Android Media Player, place next to Stereo, link to your Server, and load an app that can be controlled via remote smartphone interface. Done.

[Anthony5]

I always like to use AliExpress as an idea generator

Potential:

Convert Windows Server 2003 to a Kodi Media Center (needs research)

Use an Android App than can control Kodi (don't know of one off the top of my head, needs research)

Wireless Stereo Transmitter & Receiver

Probably the EASIEST PATH would be to purchase an Android Media Player, place next to Stereo, link to your Server, and load an app that can be controlled via remote smartphone interface. Done.

I agree, a media player will be the easiest solution and that was also my first thought, but I tried to find out which one would be the cheapest that fulfilled my requirements.

I notice that you gave me a very useful link to Aliexpress, and that they range at around 50$ which will not break the bank, and however I not buy from AE I have now some references to search on Ebay.

Any experience with any of the players in the list you linked to?

[RichCor]

I have the CS918 they're showing at the top of the list.

We use it as an Audio/Video Internet Streaming Media Player with all combinations of Google Apps connected to both the Flatscreen TV and Stereo.

We played around some with Smartphone "Casting" (with google chromecast-like apps) and other remoters, but the Thai family rather likes to use it like a media player computer connected to the TV.

The price has dropped to about half of what I paid 2 years ago.

Nice unit. I've been able to keep mine flashed with a 3rd party contributed Android 4.4 firmware. But some people have had issues flashing because the company produced several variations of the same product with different internal specs (each requiring a specific android support build to run properly).

If you only expect it to stream/play music then you could find even lower cost devices. Just need to make sure it works with whatever apps you choose to run on the device and your phone.

If you want to use it with Video Media then make sure the specs are equal or better than the CS918 (required for rendering HD Video and Surround Sound Audio).

I like Minix (Android Set Top Box).

[thaimite]

If you are happy doibg a little work there is a Rapberry api installation of Kodi

This will give you HDMI and audio out

As stated earlier Yatse is thel remote control up for KODI

[Anthony5]

If you are happy doibg a little work there is a Rapberry api installation of Kodi

This will give you HDMI and audio out

As stated earlier Yatse is thel remote control up for KODI

Does the version you download from the Kodi website no HDMI out?

[thaimite]

Yes

[thaimite]

Kodi can also be remote xontrolled from aby web browser

Edited April 19, 2015 by thaimite

[Anthony5]

I have the CS918 they're showing at the top of the list.

We use it as an Audio/Video Internet Streaming Media Player with all combinations of Google Apps connected to both the Flatscreen TV and Stereo.

We played around some with Smartphone "Casting" (with google chromecast-like apps) and other remoters, but the Thai family rather likes to use it like a media player computer connected to the TV.

The price has dropped to about half of what I paid 2 years ago.

Nice unit. I've been able to keep mine flashed with a 3rd party contributed Android 4.4 firmware. But some people have had issues flashing because the company produced several variations of the same product with different internal specs (each requiring a specific android support build to run properly).

If you only expect it to stream/play music then you could find even lower cost devices. Just need to make sure it works with whatever apps you choose to run on the device and your phone.

If you want to use it with Video Media then make sure the specs are equal or better than the CS918 (required for rendering HD Video and Surround Sound Audio).

I like Minix (Android Set Top Box).

I was looking at the CS918, found a fully loaded with Kodi 14.0 16Gb version on Ebay for about 1700 Baht and liked it.

Then went looking for the Minix, but it seems that must be the most copied box in the world. On Ebay quad core versions for 750 baht, but the sellers rating all below 97%, so something wrong for sure.

Further down the list started to appear dual core versions for 2500 Baht, which I think might be more genuine ones.

Will have to do some more research on that one.

[Anthony5]

Yes

You mean yes original version has HDMI or No it has no HDMI?

[thaimite]

Kodi supports the HDMI output of the Pi

[Anthony5]

Think I found what I need, any feedback welcome.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MXIII-AMLOGIC-MX3-MXIII-QUAD-CORE-CPU-1G-8G-HDMI-XBMC-ANDROID-SMART-4K-TV-BOX-US-/111630609073?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19fdb3eab1

[RichCor]

Another site to look at: GeekBuying.com ...I especially like reading their Blog Product Writeups and the Support Forum on FreakTab.

TV BOX BIG PLAYER TRONSMART LAUNCHED THEIR MXIII

Nice little device. Note that there's a 1GB and 2GB version. Some vendors swap out the standard remote controls for less featured one.

If using WiFi, my preference is always a set top box with an external antenna.