Gadget to play videos

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ADKM

860 posts

Ultimate Geek

#280410 13-Dec-2020 12:50

Hi, any recommendations for a add-on to the TV to play video files from a USB stick?

Like a Rasp pi but perhaps easier to use or setup. The TV will plays some file OK but often is missing a codec. So something that can be upgraded would be ideal. The user does not have a computer though and is happy for all storage to be on a stick.

davidcole

6029 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2620939 13-Dec-2020 15:57

Most devices have gone away from accepting usb sticks for media. Preferring a streaming platform (everything cloud or server based, eg Netflix - cloud or Plex server based)

An old popcorn hour might do it, or a wd tv. Some old roku 3s have a USB port but are not just a plug and play device as they need an account set up (I have one of these sitting around). A raspberry pi as you identified will do it, but by they time you add remotes and things it adds up.

Previously known as psycik

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ADKM

860 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2620944 13-Dec-2020 16:05

Thanks I'll pass that along.

marpada

475 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2620947 13-Dec-2020 16:23

Some wifi routers can work as Media Servers and stream content from a plugged USB drive. You still need an SmartTV with the codecs to reproduce the media files.

ADKM

860 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2620951 13-Dec-2020 16:32

> You still need an SmartTV with the codecs to reproduce the media files.

I think that's the problem, the TV won't play 'em.

Thanks anyway.

davidcole

6029 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2620961 13-Dec-2020 17:16

ADKM:
> You still need an SmartTV with the codecs to reproduce the media files.

I think that's the problem, the TV won't play 'em.

Thanks anyway.

That’s where Plex (and emby) are so good. They’ll convert any files to what a client (the smart tv) wants

ADKM

860 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2620963 13-Dec-2020 17:18

Where does one get a Plex from. Do you need an internet connection ?

Scott3

3963 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2620967 13-Dec-2020 17:46

Expensive solution, but Kodi on a Nvida sheild TV pro is pretty much the best option available.

The non-pro dosn't have USB sockets, but does have a Micro SD slot.

Potentially you could swap the TV out for one that supports USB playback. Many modern ones have fairly good codac support, but the interface can suck (especially if you put hundreds of video files on one Stick).

If you are cost sensitive you could look for someting like a previous generation Sheild TV

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/electronics-photography/media-streaming/smart-tv-boxes/listing/2893240662

I have a NAS (basically a portable hard drive with a network plug) in my house, and I play files from there. Have a previous generation Sheild TV for one TV, and a fairly modern (wifi only) Amazon fire TV (with side loaded kodi) for the other. The fire TV sticks are quite cheap.

Pity not much stuff has USB ports on them these days. Was also handy to plug in a mini USB keyboard.

ADKM:

Where does one get a Plex from. Do you need an internet connection ?

I don't think so, but you need a computer / NAS / Server powered up to on a network connection to server the files and convert the format if requred.

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davidcole

6029 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2620993 13-Dec-2020 18:30

ADKM:
Where does one get a Plex from. Do you need an internet connection ?

Plex is a client on most smart TVs. That talks to a server. The server can be at their house if they had a computer. Or someone else’s.

Probably a bit much for what you’re trying to do.

neb

11294 posts

Uber Geek

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Lifetime subscriber

#2621100 13-Dec-2020 21:35

ADKM:
Hi, any recommendations for a add-on to the TV to play video files from a USB stick?

Unless I'm missing something, any one of a bazillion cheap Chinese media players will do this...