Need some help figuring out the best way to get files from my Mac mini to my TV. I have an external HDD connected to my Mac which has lots of mkv and avi files that I…umm…purchased…off the internet. I currently have a WDTV Live which plays most everything, but I’ve spent hours trying to get it to find my Mac and play files directly from it with no luck. I’ve gone through forums, contacted WD support, and finally gave up. I currently transfer files to a USB stick and then plug that into my WDTV. This works, but is a pain, especially when the wife or kids want to watch something. The remote just broke, so I figure instead of paying $15 for a new one maybe I can find a better solution.
Here is what I’m looking for:
1. Plays lots of file types. I don’t need it for Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc., as my TV and cable take care of those. So just for streaming files.
2. I want it to work over Ethernet to prevent delays. My Mac is connected to my router via Ethernet, along with my cable box, TV, etc. The WDTV is also connected to the router but I haven’t been able to make that work.
3. Easy for anyone in the family to use.
4. Cheap.
Possible solutions:
1. Using Plex. I’ve read about Plex, but never tried it. I have an Xbox 360 on the network, which I think I can get Plex on, or possibly on our Sony TV. Is Plex easy to use? Will it work over Ethernet to prevent stutters in playback?
2. Something like Roku or Chromecast that can do this. I’ve looked around, and they either look too expensive with features I don’t need, or they don’t have Ethernet or can’t easily play the file types I want. Am I missing something that would work?
3. Finding another way for the WDTV to find my files, such as a NAS drive. I’ve never tried to setup something like this, but looks more complicated and more expensive.
Thanks so much for any help or suggestions! I haven’t had much time to research, and the family is wanting to watch movies, so I need to get a new remote or a new solution ASAP!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Here is what I’m looking for:
1. Plays lots of file types. I don’t need it for Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc., as my TV and cable take care of those. So just for streaming files.
2. I want it to work over Ethernet to prevent delays. My Mac is connected to my router via Ethernet, along with my cable box, TV, etc. The WDTV is also connected to the router but I haven’t been able to make that work.
3. Easy for anyone in the family to use.
4. Cheap.
Possible solutions:
1. Using Plex. I’ve read about Plex, but never tried it. I have an Xbox 360 on the network, which I think I can get Plex on, or possibly on our Sony TV. Is Plex easy to use? Will it work over Ethernet to prevent stutters in playback?
2. Something like Roku or Chromecast that can do this. I’ve looked around, and they either look too expensive with features I don’t need, or they don’t have Ethernet or can’t easily play the file types I want. Am I missing something that would work?
3. Finding another way for the WDTV to find my files, such as a NAS drive. I’ve never tried to setup something like this, but looks more complicated and more expensive.
Thanks so much for any help or suggestions! I haven’t had much time to research, and the family is wanting to watch movies, so I need to get a new remote or a new solution ASAP!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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