EA4500 Media Server Scan options

I have all media set to be shared by default. When I have the scan folders option set to two hours it never scans, when it is set to six it seems to work correctly. Am I the only one with this problem, what could be the cause? I am using the smart wifi firmware. Just curious if anyone has experienced this and if maybe something like a router complete reset might fix it.

Hi,
Do you really need to scan the folders every 2 hours? The media files stored, is it being updated multiple times every 2 hours? I personally set media scanning to run once every 24 hours so that it won't give too much load on the router. Frequent scanning will give too much load on the router and it would affect other performance. Please understand that this is just a router and it's power is not comparable to your computer.
If everyone needs to believe in something, I believe I'll have another beer..

Similar Messages

Playlists on EA4500 Media Server

Does anybody know how to get playists to work on the EA4500 Media Server?
I have the Music folder share working with a Roku Soundbridge, so now would like to copy my iTunes playlists to this folder as well. I've tried creating a .m3u file in the Music folder but the Soundbridge doesn't recognize it. I put the following one line in this file, which just points to the file stored on the disk connected to the EA4500.
/500GB_backup/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Music/Blondie/Best Of Blondie/05 Sunday Girl.m4a
regards,
js.

Was the music folder located on your external HD? What the media server can do for you is like to monitor the location of the media files. Lets say your media files is located in an external HDD and you want to use media server to play those files. Then you can specify the location of those media files and those files will appear on your media player(i.e vlc or wmc) under the media server name.

WRT160NL DLNA Media Server Unstable (Twonky Media)

I have an NTFS formatted USB disk drive (Western Digital My Passport Essential Black 320 GB WDBAAA3200ABK) attached to the WRT160NL wireless router (Firmware Version 1.0.02), and I have video, picture and music files on the USB disk drive in three folders: Videos, Music, Pictures. Auto-scan is disabled, I scan the media files manually by clicking on the 'Scan All' button.
PROBLEM 1
The worst problem is that the router is very sensitive to files that can't be recognized by the router as media files. For example if there are subtitle files (*.str) between the media files, then strange and nondeterministic things happen: some valid media files are skipped and not included in the media database; some files included but the file names are mixed. The most irritating in the bug is that there is no log file, where you could find the problem, and so you never know which file cause the problem, and you have to browse through all the files hunting for the cause.
PROBLEM 2
When the router is in the process of scanning the media files, then the internet (WAN) connection often can't be used, although the router can be accessed and the status says it is connected to the internet.

WRT610N maybe have the samme problem, Media Server USB HDD
Ex, if you edit a playlist *.M3U and do a manuell SCANNING it will recogized the different (because the date is diff ?) If you edit again and make a second scanning (samme date) the playlist dissapear and IS GONE until you reconnect the Hdd or renamme the playlist.
EX2 : A file named   13 - Ricky Martin - Livin La Vida.mp3 and you renamme it 12 - Ricky Martin - Livin La Vida.mp3 the file is gone from Media Server !
Normal use, you add a file , NO problem but it seams getting confused when you edit/renamme/move files.
I solve it like this EVERY TIME -
Disabled Media Server
Rename media folder
Enabled Media Server
Scan the renamed folder
It works   !
Using WRT610n Firmware Version: 1.00.03 B15
WD 1TB USB HDD with powersuply

EA4500 router and media server file limit

I purchased an EA4500 router yesterday and it arrived today. Set it up, copiued my media library over to a new Seagate Expansion drive (2 TB) and it currently is filled with 320GB of files. Music folder, Pictures folder and Video folder. Thing is only some of the files are showing up. Looks very much like some stupid limitation on file numbers. I specifically purchased this router because of the media server and now it is useless.
Is there a fix for this sillyness? I can't seem to find a way to turn the file limit off. I truly hope I haven't purchased another rubbish router. The TP Link router I replaced had no such file size limit and was 2/3 of the price, easily.
Yours, not amused

Yes, I checked that before I bought myself a Seagate Expansion drive 2TB. The router list shows 1.5 and 3TB drives in that range and I would say that the 2TB is veyr likely to be supported also.
The files are bog standard file types! Some files show up but not all of them.
FLAC (you missed that filetype off the supported audio types btw) and MP3 show up but not all of them.
MPEG2 files show and play..but not all are visible.
None of my images in my photo library show up and they are all JPEG. No esoteric file formats.
It seems though that the media server just doesn't show anything after it reaches a file limit. It really isn't up to anything much if that is the case and for the money that router should be better. Furthermore, the folders with audio albums in doesn't display the contects in the correct alphanumeric order. I was playing an album by Cassandra Wilson and immediately noticed that the songs were in the wrong order. Something totall wrong there...the server has to be displaying them like that.
I have Marantz CR603 all-in-one hif fis in 3 different rooms in the house (living room and two bedrooms). Sometimes 2 can connect simultatenously but 3 won't as the server falls over. Even with two units connected it will suddenly disconnect for no reason. My connection isn't slow It is fast anbd yet accessing the media server is very very slow and especially simultatenous access.
It seems to me that the media server element is a stripped down token effort but all the sales garb for the router doesn't mention aything about its silly limitations.
I think the best thing for me to do now is return this to Amazon for a full refund and find another brand of router. It was bad enough 'adjusting' to the cloud managment - a firmware download initiated on install and installed that. Some of the config pages don't work properly (that needs an urgent fix as well...IP address fields with only 3 fields that won't allow you to enter last 3 octets of address and you can't apply setting) and the dumbned down way of presentating the options makes it a pain to setup if you are used to the usual way of setting up a router. If I setup a router manually it takes a fraction of the time that the hand holding setup nonsense takes. I get the idea, and it looks pretty and all big buttony how everyhting is going these days but there should be a seriously 'normal' advanced mode for people that don't require their hands held through the setup and configuration.
Very dissappointed. It's a fast router as well.

EA4500 - Serviio Media Server Setup

I have Serviio Media server on my Windows 7 PC and I want to view files using my iPad. This worked for me before I upgraded my network to the EA4500. Does anyone have step by step instuctions on how to make Serviio work using the EA4500? I think I have to "open" up a couple of ports, but not sure how to do that with the EA4500 UI. Thanks.

Is the router on Smart Wi-fi firmware right now or still on the Classic? It is best to obtain the ports for the Serviio by calling their tech support. If the router is still on the Classic firmware, you go to Applications and Gaming and do port range forwarding for the Serviio. For the Smart Wifi firmware, you click Security on the side panel and click Apps and Gaming and then go to Port Range Forwarding. I found a link for Serviio setup in google, click here.

Media Server on EA4500

Hello everyone...I just setup the Linksys EA4500 router on my computer and I am able to hook up to the internet on my computer and on my Logitech Revue. How do I access the media server? It is not showing up on the Logitech Revue or my Samsung TV? Thanks in advance for your help!!

The Cisco Connect software comes with the Linksys Wireless-N (E - Series) routers that let you manage your network easier. For the setup process, you need to perform the following:
i.   Verify that there is an active Internet connection between the computer and modem
ii. Setting up the router using Cisco Connect
QUICK TIPS:
The router’s power adapter needs to be plugged to your router and into an available power outlet.
If using a wired connection, the first Ethernet cable needs to be plugged to the computer’s LAN port into any of the router’s blue numbered Ethernet ports.
The second Ethernet cable should be plugged to the modem’s Internet port and the other end into the router’s yellow Internet port.
Ensure that you have no firewall enabled that may prevent the router from being detected.
Here is the link which will guide you on how to configure the wireless security settings of your Linksys Wireless-N Router using Cisco Connect: http://www6.nohold.net/Cisco2/ukp.aspx?vw=1&docid=16bf18ddbe814e1dbfef13d3e97ba662_Configuring_the_W...
To set up an FTP server behind a Linksys router, you must do the following:
To set up an FTP server behind a Linksys router, you must do the following:
i.   Identifying the IP Address of the FTP server
     •    Setting up Static IP on the server
     •    Setting up DHCP Reservation on the router
ii. Identifying the WAN IP Address of your router
     •    Obtain a Static WAN IP from your ISP
     •    Setting up a Domain Name Server (DNS)
iii. Setting up FTP port forwarding on a Linksys router
Here is the link for the same: http://www6.nohold.net/Cisco2/ukp.aspx?vw=1&docid=52ea250f8d974d8fa72a02fdb3773cd3_64.xml&pid=80&res...

OPTIONS OTHER THAN FLASH MEDIA SERVER

HELLO ALL,
I am trying to create a webcam recorder, i would like to know
if there is a way of doing this without the use of the flash media
server or an online adobe server account.
thanks in advance.

There are two alternatives to FMS that I am aware of
Red5 (
http://osflash.org/red5)
Wowza Media Server (
http://www.wowzamedia.com)
Both are java servers, and AFAIK neitherhas support for
server side actionscript (you'd need to code in Java or one of the
other supported scripting languages). Red5 is open source, Wowza is
about half the price of FMS (the last time I checked).

When EA4500 Firmware is going to be released to fix Media Server Limitation?

Hi,
anyone has idea if Linksys if providing a firmware upgrade to fix Twonky Media Server limitation over 8000+ files, which is quite annoying?
Should i return this item?
Anyone can recommend any other Brand which offers this feature without limitations?
Thanks!

Many people have complained for almost 18 months and they haven't changed it so that should tell you something.
For router recommendation, check forum at:
Www.smallnetbuilder.com

E3000 Media Server

Where can I find documentation on the built-in media server? There doesn't seem to be anything that comes with the router. I have it up and functioning - however, it shows me music files, but doesn't show any of the videos or photos that are available on the connected drive? Is there some special folder format I should be using? It shows up in my DLNA device (my Sony TV) and it shows three options "root music folder" "root video folder" "root picture folder" - the only one with anything in it is the "root music folder" - how do I change these? I've set up the scan to scan the entire partition. But not having any luck.
Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

i'm also having this problem, with a PS3.
there might be something to the fact that when selecting the information of the media server from the PS3, the manufacturer is listed as PacketVideo and the Model as TwonkyMedia. the latter being a product of the former.
with the HDD connected directly to the router and that directly to the PS3, i don't see this being a huge deal. there's just something missing, most likely a specific folder structure, as previously metioned... though at this time i'm not finding it by trial and error...
OKAY. i figured this out (i've been going over this while typing far a minute or 90), and get ready to feel pretty dumb...
open the advanced settings browser page. select storage and then media server. i had enabled this already, but do it if you haven't already. now SPECIFY A FOLDER to scan. that's our problem. right freakin' there. god i feel like a moron.
hope that helps.

Problrm with Home Media Server

Hi,
I have problem wit Home Media Server). When I want to synce something it stops on 0%.I can weit a bit but it helps not.It showes me that the synce is complete but nothings in my computer.
When I want tu transfer music than it finds the server and everythings fine but whit pictures it showes me that he cant find a server. My phone model is 5630 Xpress Music

I upgraded my Nokia Home Media Server by downloading and installing Simplecenter 4.2 (available at several download sites, just google for it). When I switched on Home Media Server on my N95-1, Simplecenter recognised it immediately.
I can now browse files on my PC from my N95-1, select a photo, video or music file and play it on the phone. (Remembering to select Options - Play On Device, otherwise the file details appear on my phone but it actually appears/plays on the PC!).
Operating from the PC doesn't seem to work though: I can't get Simplecenter to show the files on the phone. If I select Device - Copy From Device (which should produce a list of files on the phone), Simple Center scans and then tells me I have "0 items", - whereas in fact my phone has over 2000 tracks!
It is rather slow at finding files and to transferring them. It is unable to connect to the internet (to access Simplecenter's Music Store and find the list of supported devices).
I do wish Nokia would solve this connectivity problem by releasing their Home Music Manager device which streams over wi-fi, connecting your phone to your hi-fi, TV, PC and the internet. This device has been shown in Nokia's online store for over a year, unpriced and unavailable.
Golux

'[FAQ] Twonky DLNA Media Server Setup & Use

Some Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Twonky, And Some Answers The MyCloud includes a Twonky DLNA Media Server. Sadly it doesn't seem very well integrated into the MyCloud, and the two fight for supremacy. I've spent a long time trying to understand how it works, and reading the forum, I see many other people also have trouble with it. So I thought that, rather than trying to answer these questions individually, I'd try to write an FAQ covering the things I've found, and the problems I or others have encountered, and the solutions.
I'm not a member of WD staff. I'm not a MyCloud, Twonky or Linux expert (but I'm moderately competent). But I am stubborn, and determined to find out how to make the thing work the way I want it to. If more expert users find fault in this FAQ, or have other insights to offer, then feel free to post comments. I'll edit this first post and make corrections and add any FAQ&A that are added.
Where I am unsure of something, I'll enclose it in [brackets]. Feel free to investigate and confirm or disprove my observations... Where I mention control settings, I use a | to indicate a level of hierarchy in the menu system. This is to distinguish control settings and file system paths.
Ideally, we'd shame WD into doing a better job of integrating Twonky into the MyCloud, so it's not such a struggle, and doesn't require Linux administrator-level skills to make it work properly. Starting the Media Server and setting up a Media LibraryQ. What is a Media Server?
Q. How do I start the Twonky Server?
Q. How do I control the Twonky server properly?
Q. Where should I put my media so Twonky finds it?
Q. Why doesn't Twonky find my media?
Q. Can I stop Twonky searching in certain folders in my media storage folders?
Q. What are the 'Shared Media' folders for?
Q. Why can people using DLNA clients see media in my private share?
Q. How do I control when Twonky rescans the media store? Optimising operation of the Media Server
Q: How does the Twonky service work on the MyCloud?
Q. Where is the Twonky database stored?
Q. Where are the Twonky settings stored?
Q. What do all the settings in Twonky's configuration file do?
Q. How do I clear Twonky's database and start again?
Q. Where can I find debug log files for Twonky?
Q. How do I stop MyCloud breaking the Twonky Server?
Q. Can I change to location of the 'Shared Media' folders?
Q. Why does setting a Twonky access control password prevent the MyCloud from sleeping?
Q. Can I replace Twonky with another Media Server?
Optimising behaviour for Media Clients
Q. Why does my media player not show the right track information?
Q. How can I get Twonky to provide full size artwork to clients, rather than crude thumbnails?
Q. How can I change the media 'views' I see in my DLNA client?
Q. Can I add my own category to the Music/Photos/Videos categories?
Some Prerequisites
You'll need to know how to use the WD Dashboard browser interface to control the MyCloud:
http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10420
You'll need to know how to use the Twonky UI browser interface to control Twonky:
http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3299
You'll need to know how to use SSH to log in as root to the MyCloud:
http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10435
Note the big warning signs about warranty. IMHO, it's a bit off to make dire threats like this when you often NEED to SSH login to get the advertised services to work properly.
Some Unix experience will help, but I'll try to explain all the commands you'll need. Experience with a Unix text editor such as vi or nano is assumed.

Q. How does the Twonky service work on the MyCloud?
A: [Twonky is installed as a Linux service. Like other such services, there is a service control file in the /etc/init.d directory]:
/etc/init.d/twonky
This is called when the twonky service is invoked, and there are a number of options for the control of Twonky using an SSH root login:
service twonky start
service twonky stop
service twonky restart
service twonky status If you execute the start or stop commands with Media Streaming turned on in the Dashboard, you are likely to confuse the Dashboard; you may get an 'Error 400162'.
'start' calls writeTwonkyContentDir.sh, which, as we'll see later (Q: How do I stop MyCloud breaking the Twonky Server?), reads the /etc/contentdir file and modifies the twonkyserver.ini file to set the media search paths and types, and then starts the Twonky server.
[It is assumed that the MyCloud Dashboard uses these Twonky service calls to start and stop the Twonky server].  Q. Where is the Twonky database stored?
A: Since Twonky is a service running on MyCloud, it is not visible in the shared space, so you have to log in via SSH, and navigate around the MyCloud's Linux file system.
Once you have logged in, use the cd command to change directory to Twonky's area:
cd /CacheVolume/twonkymedia Now see what's there with a directory list:
ls -l  Q. Where are the Twonky settings stored?
A: One of the files listed above is the Twonky configuration file:
twonkyserver.ini This file contains all the settings that control how Twonky works.
Now, this is where some of the fighting occurs, because both MyCloud and Twonky can modify this file...
When you are happy that Twonky is working correctly, I'd recommend making a copy of the file in your Public area, where it won't be mangled by MyCloud firmware upgrades or restarts. For instance:
cp /CacheVolume/twonkymedia/twonkyserver.ini /shares/Public/twonkyserver.ini
If things go wrong, you can reinstate this file by swapping the source and destination.  Q. What do all the settings in Twonky's configuration file do?A: [Most of them are provided with comments that explain their purpose].
[There are some 'magic numbers' embedded in the configuration file that seem to cause problems, and I don't know what changes those; I suspect that a firmware upgrade does it. If anyone can monitor these values before and after a MyCloud firmware upgrade and report any changes, I'd be obliged:
# UserID Please Do NOT change it manually
userid=<redacted>
# twonky info for Media Feeds Please Do NOT change it manually
twonkyinfo=<redacted>]  Q. How do I clear Twonky's database and start again?
A: If Twonky doesn't seem to be behaving correctly (not finding media correctly, or partially, or finding unwanted media), then it may be useful to clean up the database. There are a number of escalating actions you can take. Starting with the mildest, and increasing in severity, these are as follows:
1. Initiate a library rescan, using either Settings|Media|DLNA Database|Rescan in the Dashboard, or Settings|Advanced|Server Maintenance|Rescan Content Folders in the Twonky UI.
2, Initiate a library rebuild, using either Settings|Media|DLNA Database|Rebuild in the Dashboard, or Settings|Advanced|Server Maintenance|Restart Server in the Twonky UI.
3. Finally, you can completely clear out Twonky's working area. [This can be useful if you notice the '[Error] - LOG_SYSTEM: Error: 2 No such file or directory' report in the Twonky logfile. I don't know what causes this error, or whether it has serious consquences, but I have found it to be associated with periods of diffcult behaviour.] Turn Twonky off using the Settings|Media|DLNA Media Server|Media Streaming control in the Dashboard. Then SSH root login, and hide the entire Twonky working area:cd /CacheVolumemv twonkymedia twonkymedia_bak Restart the Twonky Server using the Dashboard; it will re-create Twonky's working area with a clean version with default settings. You can then use the Twonky UI to put your settings back in place. You might try doing this one-by-one, saving the settings and restarting the Twonky server from the Twonky UI each time, then checking the logfile after the Twonky UI has re-appeared. Once you're happy with the operation of the clean startup, you can delete the old Twonky working area:
rm -f -R /CacheVolume/twonkymedia_bak
The -f -R flags mean 'delete EVERYTHING from here down... yes, I mean it'. nb. it will only delete the Twonky database; it won't delete any of your media. But do be careful that you type the command in correctly; rm -f -R is a powerful command (-f means force, -R means recursive), and could do a lot of damage if you get it wrong...
Q. Where can I find debug log files for Twonky?
A: You can enable activity logging using the Settings|Advanced|Logging control in the Twonky UI. You can also open the logfile from there.
Alternatively, the logfile is stored in Twonky's area:
/CacheVolume/twonkymedia/twonkymedia-log.txt
There's also a MyCloud system logfile that records actions on the Twonky server, such as start and stop:
/CacheVolume/update.log  Q. How do I stop MyCloud breaking the Twonky Server?
A: Firstly, go to the Settings|Firmware page in the Dashboard, and disable Auto Update: firmware upgrades completely destroy the /CacheVolume/twonkymedia area, and replace it with new, default version, so you'll be back to square one.
Secondly, we can stop the problem of Media Streaming restarts overwriting the Twonky UI settings. Using an SSH root login, enter the following commands:
cd /usr/local/sbin
mv writeTwonkyContentDir.sh writeTwonkyContentDir.sh.old
This disables the script that MyCloud calls when it starts Twonky, which overwrites your settings.
Another way of fixing the settings is to leave this script alone, but change the file it uses as the source of the settings. Admittedly, this will still override any changes made via the Twonky UI. The file is found here:
/etc/contentdir
Replace this with a single control line, with no line terminator, e.g.
+M|/Public/Music,+P|/Public/Pictures,+V|/Public/Videos This will select my earlier settings.
The format is a comma-separated list of shares and media search and aggregation control flags:
+ enable media searching on the share
- disable media searching on the share
A look for all media types
M look for music
P look for pictures
V look for videos
lower case letters enable aggregation of these media types.
The | terminates the media type string [you can search for multiple types in a share].  Q: How can I change the location of the 'Shared Media' folders?A: This brings us deep into the guts of the twonkyserver.ini file... There are a number of settings that control where Twonky stores uploaded files and 'servermanaged' media, [which are used for aggregation], and there is no control setting for them in the Twonky UI. To change the location of the folders we have to do an SSH root login and edit the twonkyserver.ini file. The lines in question are as follows:
uploadmusicdir=/shares/Public/Shared Music
uploadpicturedir=/shares/Public/Shared Pictures
uploadvideodir=/shares/Public/Shared Videos
servermanagedmusicdir=/shares/Public/Shared Music
servermanagedpicturedir=/shares/Public/Shared Pictures
servermanagedvideodir=/shares/Public/Shared Videos
You can change these locations to suit your desired file system. For instance, you could create a single 'Shared' folder in the Public area, with sub folders for the different media types, e.g.
uploadmusicdir=/shares/Public/Shared/Music
Or you could create a Shared sub folder within each of your main media folders, e.g.
uploadmusicdir=/shares/Public/Music/Shared
However, if you choose that option, you will need to stop Twonky searching there, by adding 'Shared' to the list of ignored directories discussed above.  Q. Why does setting a Twonky access control password prevent the MyCloud from sleeping?
A: It has been reported that if a username and password are set using the Settings|Advanced|Secured Server Settings control in the Twonky UI, that the MyCloud then never sleeps. [It appears that the MyCloud continues to interrogate the drive in some way, hoping to get status of the Media Server from Twonky, but Twonky won't talk to it because it doesn't have the required permission.].
I don't think this is very important, since the MyCloud is mainly intended for home use, and the Twonky control UI isn't visible external to your local network, and all users on your local network must be trusted*, since you've given them the network access code, [and they have access to the Public area, and could wreak havoc there...] If you need to make your music library available to visitors who cannot be trusted, create a private share and put all your media under that, then enable media serving on that share, and get Twonky to search for media in that private share. DLNA ignores acces control, so DLNA clients will be able to see the media on your private share, but visitors will not have access to your private share via network file access. [However, if you feel that secured access to the Twonky UI is necessary, then I would suggest that you disable the Twonky server using the Settings|Media|Media Streaming conrol, then SSH login as root, and start Twonky using the command:service twonky start You won't get the media scan status in the Dashboard, but the Twonky Server and UI will be running.]
* Breaches of this trust should be punished in an appropriate manner...
Q. Can I replace Twonky with another Media Server?A: Yes; forum users hvalentim and Nazar78 have posted good threads about this:MiniDLNA for V3 firmwareMiniDLNA for V4 firmware Kudos to them :-)

E3000 Media Server not seen by Windows Media Player (v 12.0) on Win 7

I've enabled the Media Server on my E3000 router. My PS3 can see the server and play media from it by my PCs can't!
I'm using Windows Media Player v 12.0 on Windows 7 and some older version on Windows XP and it's my understanding that the Media Server should appear under the "Other Libraries" section but it does not.
Am I doing something wrong? Is there a bug in the E3000 firmware (I have the latest as of this date) or is the Media Server simply not compatible with Windows Media Player?
If it's an incompatibility issue, can someone please point me to a compatible media player for Windows 7?
I did read a post about a firmware upgrade on the 4200 that broke the media player, but I don't know if such a problem exists for the E3000.
Thank you,
Martin.

This is what you can try in getting the Computer to see the media server on the E3000:
(Obviously make sure you have the media server enabled on the router and at least one folder shared....and make sure you have scanned the folder(s))
1) Turn your computer on.
2) Disconnect your external usb drive.
3) Pull the power on the E3000.
4) Connect the external usb drive.
5) Plug the power back into the E3000.
Then see if that works or not.
If the issue still persist then here is the link which may help you: http://h10010.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01832417&tmp_track_link=ot_recdoc/c00859236/en_...

How to use iMac as remotely accessible home media server

First time poster, and thanks in advance for any help that any of you might be able to provide. -- Josh
I have a mid-2007 iMac, several AppleTVs and Apple mobile devices, and a 2014 Macbook Pro coming at the end of the week (more detailed info below). I have a roughly 1 TB library of movies, which are currently housed in an external hard drive attached to the iMac. When I'm on my home network, I'm able to stream all the movies to all of the AppleTVs, iPhones, and iPads, using iTunes and home sharing, with almost no problem. But, my family would like to access our movie library remotely, when at the airport, visiting family, etc.
I've researched various options, and am having a hard time parsing through some of the more technical information and figuring out what setup would work best. It seems to me that although I can't use my iMac as a second display for the new MacbookPro because of technical limitations on the iMac, I might still be able to use the iMac as a remotely accessible home media server. Running Plex on the iMac has been suggested, but I keep hearing conflicting information on whether the AppleTVs are compatible with Plex, and I've had trouble successfully forwarding ports several years ago when I played with Plex briefly. iTunes/home sharing is just so easy in terms of setup and reliability between Apple devices, in my experience. I looked into buying an AirPort Time Capsule, since I was looking into upgrading my router to support 802.11ac anyway (advice on that too?), but was told that neither the Time Capsule drive nor any drive attached to it would be remotely accessible. Back to my Mac seems like it might work for me to access my library remotely when using the MacbookPro, but not any of the mobile devices (which are more important to the kids), and I'm not sure what advantage a NAS drive would have over using the iMac (although this is where it starts getting a bit technical for me). Looked at OSX Server also, but not sure how that would interface with whatever additional components I need to get.
Thank you in advance for any help. I'm sure people have figured out a way to access their media libraries remotely, but for some reason I can't find a straight answer on how. I've included additional technical details about my setup below. Thanks again!!
iMac, 20-in, Mid 2007, 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, OS X 10.9.4, 250 GB storage
Macbook Pro w. Retina, 13-in, 2014, 2.6 GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM, 128 GB PCle-based Flash Storage
Iomega HDD, 2 TB
Netgear N600 Wireless Dual Band Router, Model No. WNDR3400v2
AppleTV, 3rd generation (x3)
iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, iPad (2nd gen), iPad mini w. Retina

Not really recommended to do what you want as the perfomance will be undesirable and make the experience lousy at best. If you have content you want to watch remotely then simply copy it to a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro and then bring one of the AppleTV's with you. Then you can stream directly from the MBA or MBP to the AppleTV on a remote TV. We did this on our last vacation, loaded a bunch of movies on my MBA, threw one of the ATV's in the suitcase and when we got to our hotel simply connected it using the hotels Wi-Fi and connected the ATV via HDMI to the TV and we were in business.

How to use iMac as remotely accessible media server

First time poster, and thanks in advance for any help that any of you might be able to provide. -- Josh
I have a mid-2007 iMac, several AppleTVs and Apple mobile devices, and a 2014 Macbook Pro coming at the end of the week (more detailed info below). I have a roughly 1 TB library of movies, which are currently housed in an external hard drive attached to the iMac. When I'm on my home network, I'm able to stream all the movies to all of the AppleTVs, iPhones, and iPads, using iTunes and home sharing, with almost no problem. But, my family would like to access our movie library remotely, when at the airport, visiting family, etc.
I've researched various options, and am having a hard time parsing through some of the more technical information and figuring out what setup would work best. It seems to me that although I can't use my iMac as a second display for the new MacbookPro because of technical limitations on the iMac, I might still be able to use the iMac as a remotely accessible home media server. Running Plex on the iMac has been suggested, but I keep hearing conflicting information on whether the AppleTVs are compatible with Plex, and I've had trouble successfully forwarding ports several years ago when I played with Plex briefly. iTunes/home sharing is just so easy in terms of setup and reliability between Apple devices, in my experience. I looked into buying an AirPort Time Capsule, since I was looking into upgrading my router to support 802.11ac anyway (advice on that too?), but was told that neither the Time Capsule drive nor any drive attached to it would be remotely accessible. Back to my Mac seems like it might work for me to access my library remotely when using the MacbookPro, but not any of the mobile devices (which are more important to the kids), and I'm not sure what advantage a NAS drive would have over using the iMac (although this is where it starts getting a bit technical for me). Looked at OSX Server also, but not sure how that would interface with whatever additional components I need to get.
Thank you in advance for any help. I'm sure people have figured out a way to access their media libraries remotely, but for some reason I can't find a straight answer on how. I've included additional technical details about my setup below. Thanks again!!
iMac, 20-in, Mid 2007, 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, OS X 10.9.4, 250 GB storage
Macbook Pro w. Retina, 13-in, 2014, 2.6 GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM, 128 GB PCle-based Flash Storage
Iomega HDD, 2 TB
Netgear N600 Wireless Dual Band Router, Model No. WNDR3400v2
AppleTV, 3rd generation (x3)
iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, iPad (2nd gen), iPad mini w. Retina

My apologies if this isn't quite on point. I hope it is of some use.
One problem that may arise is that many home internet connections have much less outbound bandwidth available than inbound, at least in the US. That is, while your internet connection probably supports receiving a movie in real time, it may not support sending one in real time.
Portable 1TB and 2TB disks are pretty affordable these days. A number even do wifi streaming to iPhones and iPads.

Mac Mini as a Media Server

I'm debating between Mac Mini and Apple TV. My wife and I are making some final decisions about which we want to go with. And she wants my decision quickly so she can pick up an Apple TV before Christmas if that's what we're deciding on. However, I'm seriously leaning towards saving up for a Mac Mini as a home media server, to buy sometime next year.
But I have several final questions I need clarity on. Hopefully someone here can answer all or even just a few of these questions. I've been to three Apple stores, and they're all technologically clueless, not to mention trained to avoid discussing Mac Mini as a media server product.
1. Can I get a Mini DVI to HDTV adapter, so I can use HDTV with the Mac Mini?
2. Can I upgrade the hard drive of a Mac Mini through an authorized service center without voiding an Apple TV warranty? Apple says they won't do it.
3. Anything Apple TV’s software can do, I can do directly with Front Row and iTunes using the Mac Mini, right? My understanding is that Apple TV is essentially a modified Front Row.
4. NetFlix cannot be streamed with Apple TV without hacking it with Boxee or something, correct? (Which, presumably, also voids the warranty?) I know Mac Mini can stream Netflix through a Microsoft Silverlight component.
5. I know I can always use screen sharing with the Mac Mini and my MacBook Pro so that I can control the mini without having to connect a keyboard and mouse. But can I also use the television (a 42” widescreen plasma) as a monitor if I have a bluetooth keyboard and mouse connected to the Mini? Does the OS actually adapt to the TV screen correctly? The last time I hooked up my MBP to a TV, it would cut off my menu bar, blow up the size of fonts, or I'd have to reduce the resolution significantly, making the OS appear incredibly small on the huge TV!
6. To use the TV as a monitor, I assume I would need an adapter that converts the Mini DisplayPort to VGA or HDTV or something or another?
7. Is there any way I can use a Mac Mini as a DVR for something playing on the television, or will I still need to get a DVR box from my cable company or Tivo?
8. With Mac Mini, can I stream music from iTunes libraries on another computer? (An iMac PowerPC G5 running Tiger, and a MacBook Pro running Snow Leopard; both have separate iTunes libraries as they each have an iPod or iPhone that syncs with them; the MBP/iPhone is mine, and the iMac/iPod my wife's.)
9. If Apple ever gets around to building a Blu-Ray DVD player for their systems, I assume the DVD player in the Mini is not replaceable?
10. Is it my imagination, or does the $999 Mac Mini not actually include a *built-in* DVD player??
11. Is there any meaningful performance difference in audio/video playback between a Mini vs. an Apple TV? Better or worse for either? I’m particularly concerned with bad/choppy playback of both streamed movies (from Netflix or the iTunes Store), and locally stored movies (purchased from iTunes Store).
12. I currently don’t have any speakers or sound systems, but will probably add one some day. Sound currently just plays through the relatively decent built-in speakers of the television. With a Mac Mini, will volume be controlled through the Mini, or through my television?
13. Lastly, are there any remote control options for the Mac Mini? Or, at the least, an app I can put on my iPhone to control the Mac Mini? i.e. remote for DVD control (accessing the DVD menu, changing chapters, rewind/ffwd, and so on.)
Many, many thanks and happy holidays to all...
Dan

Hi- I'll have a go at your list...
1. Yes. Belkin sells one. There are cheaper alternatives that work just as well.
2. If you order from Apple online store, they can bump up the gigs for you, and keep the warranty intact.
3. Yes, and perhaps better, with programs like Plex and VLC.
4. Correct, but the 'hack' is easily removed, with no one knowing that you actually did it, should you need to send it in for service.
5. Absolutely! I've got my mini connected to a 46' Sony Bravia TV, and am using it to write this post right now. Running at a full 1080p, and loving it.
6.The mini comes with a mini-dvi to dvi adaptor. You will need to buy a DVI to HDMI cable (as I mentioned in #1 above, Belkin makes one, and you can find alternatives for around $5 on the net.
7.I believe you will need some extra gear for this. The Apple TV also cant do this. It IS possible with a mini, though, and I believe impossible with an Apple TV,
8. Yes. I am also doing that at this very moment- With home sharing turned on, I am streaming my itunes library from the iMac G5 in the other room.
9. Not without voiding your warranty.
10.That is correct. The server version of the Mac Mini does NOT have a superdrive.
11. No choppiness on my 2.26 gHz Mini with 4gb of ram, running a full 1080p on 46' TV
12. If you connect via optical digital, sound volume is controlled by the equipment you have connected to it. If you connect via analog, the Mini controls the volume.
13.Air Mouse Pro is the iPhone app you should look at. There are others, but that will allow you to use your iPhone to control a whole lot. There are more advanced options like Jaadu as well
Good luck

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