Media Networking

nemisisak

nemisisak

nemisisak

Associate
Joined
29 Nov 2012
Posts
16
Hey all,

I have a Asus "Black Knight" RT-N66U router. Attached to that is a 2tb WD external hardrive via USB. I have setup FTP and DLNA media server and this works great for me watching things on my PC which is connected to my TV and for other file management/backup. I would like to have this ability in our living room as well though. I was thinking the easiest and cheapest way would be a media streaming device. However I have done a bit of reading and im a bit stumped. Some media streamers rely on having the stream sent from a computer and hence decoded before it receives the signal and some some have there own built in video decoding. There is also a big question about the format of files as well.

I have no idea if my router decodes any files before it sends them out (doubtful). What would be my best option in terms of compatibility (full range of compatibility), existing setup staying much the same and the ability to do all this wirelessly as well.

Thanks
 
Thanks for the replies.

Yes I have heard good things about Western digital media boxes. I think ill look into them. Really I just want something simple and cheap rather than a htpc (or a new smart TV) because its for my dad rather than me. The current situation is he bugs me to watch one of my films so I have to take my laptop down and connect it to the tv (via HDMI) and all that jazz, which is hassle. So this would be easier. Wireless signal should not be a problem as the Asus router is awesome (So it should, for the price :P ) and the living room is in the next room to the router so signal strength should be full.

I will most likely get a NAS drive at some point as USB2.0 is very limited obviously but this is going off tangent.

If anyone else can suggest other media box alternatives I can add this to my list to check.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom