I noticed that Netflix only shows Stereo audio options on movies that offer 5.1 DD+. Does this mean that the Nexus Player cannot passthrough DD+ because my receiver supports it. I see no audio options in the player's settings either.
According to Netflix, 5.1 is supported on the Nexus Player (https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23004).
So, I'm not sure why it's not working, either. Still researching.
Android TV doesn't have any type of audio passthrough. Google is working on it though. But it can decode 5.1 to multichannel PCM... it's just netflix hasn't updated their app to take advantage of anything new in Android TV - doesn't use the voice search api, the api that adds suggestions to your home page, ect, ect.
well, according to netflix, the app on the nexus player works too.. which it obviously doesn't for half the users... so I'm not exactly inclined to trust them
Luxferro said:
Android TV doesn't have any type of audio passthrough. Google is working on it though. But it can decode 5.1 to multichannel PCM... it's just netflix hasn't updated their app to take advantage of anything new in Android TV - doesn't use the voice search api, the api that adds suggestions to your home page, ect, ect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Passthrough does work. I have kodi(xbmc) installed and it is passing through dd dd+ dts. My receiver changes to the corresponding mode and the audio is as it should. So this means the android os can pass through. The problem it's not Google. It's the app manufacturers.
pchtc said:
Passthrough does work. I have kodi(xbmc) installed and it is passing through dd dd+ dts. My receiver changes to the corresponding mode and the audio is as it should. So this means the android os can pass through. The problem it's not Google. It's the app manufacturers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong.
There is no passthrough in the default media player in Android TV (exoplayer)... yet (they are supposedly working on adding AC3 passthrough). XBMC (kodi) doesn't use androids stock media player for playback, it uses it's own that is built into the app... which is why passthrough works in that case.
Luxferro said:
Wrong.
There is no passthrough in the default media player in Android TV (exoplayer)... yet (they are supposedly working on adding AC3 passthrough). XBMC (kodi) doesn't use androids stock media player for playback, it uses it's own that is built into the app... which is why passthrough works in that case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not Wrong
Im well aware of that. My comment was specifically to point out that the issue is not hardware and not the android OS. Which you have just agreed with by starting that the issue is the native player not outputting in passthrough.
pchtc said:
Not Wrong
Im well aware of that. My comment was specifically to point out that the issue is not hardware and not the android OS. Which you have just agreed with by starting that the issue is the native player not outputting in passthrough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is almost never a problem at the hardware level for android devices. It's always at the OS level, and starts with the built in media player most apps use. This applies to the ADT-1, Nexus Player, even the Fire TV. Android has never had passthrough built in at the OS level, unless it was added by a device manufacture w/ their customized version of Android. Take for example Sony GTV devices, the Vizio Co-Star. Those only had it because they had customize builds of Android. The Nexus Player runs stock Android, which lacks passthrough at this time.
---------- Post added at 02:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:57 PM ----------
melophat said:
well, according to netflix, the app on the nexus player works too.. which it obviously doesn't for half the users... so I'm not exactly inclined to trust them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're having problems launching Netflix on Android TV, clear the app data. The app is very buggy on Android TV. Mine craps out constantly with login errors. Only workaround is to clear data and retype all your login info.
How the **** can they release a MEDIA Player without passthrough? I don't care if it can be accomplished with 3d party app like Kodi. This should be done with native player no questions asked. This is in my opinion a big fail.
Also the lack of hardware support for anything else than h264 is quite disappointing. ?
Johan1976 said:
How the **** can they release a MEDIA Player without passthrough? I don't care if it can be accomplished with 3d party app like Kodi. This should be done with native player no questions asked. This is in my opinion a big fail.
Also the lack of hardware support for anything else than h264 is quite disappointing. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, lack of native surround passthrough is really an embarrassment on Google's part. It really shows the lack of practical testing this device went through (if any at all). How did someone not say "wait a minute...you think we should enable surround sound passthrough? It is 2014 after all".
Johan1976 said:
How the **** can they release a MEDIA Player without passthrough? I don't care if it can be accomplished with 3d party app like Kodi. This should be done with native player no questions asked. This is in my opinion a big fail.
Also the lack of hardware support for anything else than h264 is quite disappointing. ��
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google fails at seeing the big picture. People who invest in surround systems don't want audio decoded on the device to PCM, they want their expensive receivers to do the decoding. They should also be including mpeg2 hw decoding in all android tv devices if they intended these devices to do anything with live TV in the united states.
I'm hoping they turn things around, but remain skeptical considering the failures so far. Sony's 2015 line of smart tv's are supposed to be all Android TV... I hope they get it right...
Those TV's better have passthrough, better be able to pass 5.1 over ARC back to a receiver, and better have mpeg2 hw decoding. Do it right, or don't do it at all. People don't want half baked crap in their home theater systems.
Well...putting the Android media player aside and focusing back on Netflix. I'm trying to get in touch with them regarding the 5.1 audio. I sent their developer e-mail a message asking about it. Any other ideas? I sent the e-mail to [email protected], but maybe there's a different place. The only other options I could find would be to call or chat with them.
Hello,
I'm using the Netflix Android App on a Nexus Player running the most recent Android version and firmware (Android 5.0, Nexus Player firmware LRX21V). I noticed that when I watch movies that normally have a 5.1 surround audio option on other devices (such as the Windows 8 app), the same movies DO NOT have that option on the Nexus Player.
According to the weblink below from Netflix's help center, the Nexus Player suggests that there should be an option for 5.1 surround sound ("Learn how to enable subtitles, closed captions, and alternate audio (including 5.1 surround sound..."). https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23004
Is there any chance that this feature isn't working properly on the Nexus Player? Or is it supposed to be coming in the near future? It would be nice if we could have that option.
Thanks for the help!
Best regards,
David
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YouTube is stereo only as well
What is somewhat infuriating is that this netflix app looks to be the exact same as the firetv stick's netflix and the firetv streams DD+
Well this is a bummer...
Sounds like they just haven't added it yet. No word (at least from the chat people on an update). Wish there was something we could do to push them along.
Netflix Marian
It's just what you were thinking too... The app on the Nexus player does not support the 5.1 at the moment.
You
Understood. Any word if there might be an update in the future?
Netflix Marian
I'm checking but I am not seeing anything here but no worries, once there is an update available it will be sent through to Google so that they can push it to the device... We are always making improvements to our service and features offered to our customers so I will keep my fingers crossed for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not only that but I have alot of Google Play movies, and quite a few are in stereo...including fellowship of the Ring. Its not offered in DD+ or the like.. bizzare. But at least the Big movie with Tom Hanks is....grrr
volwrath said:
Not only that but I have alot of Google Play movies, and quite a few are in stereo...including fellowship of the Ring. Its not offered in DD+ or the like.. bizzare. But at least the Big movie with Tom Hanks is....grrr
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It amazes me the amount of movies on Google Play that are offered in Stereo only. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out why I was not getting 5.1 with no success (assuming it was a hardware/setup issue). I decided to check the store and noticed 90% of the movies are only available in 2.0 stereo. This is truly disappointing. I can't remember the last movie I got from iTunes that was stereo only. I cannot understand why Google offers mostly in stereo...makes no sense to me.
To clarify, the hardware supports passthrough, it's just the apps that are not implementing it for whatever reason.
We'll just have to wait until the devs get off their asses and add support. Sigh.
Have to say, for something that people were so excited about, Google has really sh*t the bed with this one. Little to no support and no real info from Google support either. Piss poor. I find myself using my FireTV stick more often than the Nexus Player, as much as I'd much prefer to use the latter.
I do actually get Dolby Digital 5.1 out of Netflix on chromecast. Casting to nexus player is definitely different, though. It actually launches the Netflix app when you cast instead of regular casting. Not sure if this is this is android TV issue or if Netflix is accessing with how casting works.
Even after updating to android 5.1 still cannot get multichannel surround. Dont get it ! It would be expected to get at least similar multichannel audio compared to chromecast. When using hbo go or netflix through the player's google cast functionality I can only get stereo. What are we missing here.
Related
This is probably not anything new, but I didn't see it on Google so here we go:
Play any video file on Amazon Fire TV:
1) Get StickMount + install: http://www.firetvnews.com/how-to-play-media-files-from-external-usb-storage-on-amazon-fire-tv/
-- Yes you will need root: link in link above
2) Get MX Player: http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.mxtech.videoplayer.ad
3) Sideload VLC just like you did with stickmount
Profit
edit:
I think this VLC works better. Still a little buggy. BUT 100% better than nothing
2) Get VLC: http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=the.joevlc
edit 2
Replaced this VLC with MX it squashes bugs and wiorks 100% on FireTV, and H/w acceleration works just fine
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.mxtech.videoplayer.ad
What about music files?
I want to play some extremely high quality FLAC files (96khz 32bit and higher) that don't initially work on most devices.
I normally had to re-convert my 96khz 32bit FLAC files to a measly 44khz 24bit so they can play on my Trio T4300.
Can someone reccommend a way to play audiophile quality flac files on Fire TV?
Maybe some custom FLAC codec to install for obtaining higher quality FLAC support.
retroben said:
What about music files?
I want to play some extremely high quality FLAC files (96khz 32bit and higher) that don't initially work on most devices.
I normally had to re-convert my 96khz 32bit FLAC files to a measly 44khz 24bit so they can play on my Trio T4300.
Can someone reccommend a way to play audiophile quality flac files on Fire TV?
Maybe some custom FLAC codec to install for obtaining higher quality FLAC support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For both broad video file format support and FLAC support, I recommend XBMC. You will find that a keyboard is helpful to connect when first setting it up if you're looking to define file paths on your home network. I play my media off of a NAS and XBMC is quite nice.
Adding it to the homescreen can be done by installing Lama, and then using a "sacrificial app" to launch xbmc as a condition of, essentially - you set a Lama trigger that says "when app X is running, run XBMC."
All of that can be done with sideloading - no root required, and although I used root to replace the Fire launcher with XBMC as a launcher, I'm told you can do the launcher swap with Lama as well.
Is there any less diffifcult app to install alongside a codec with full FLAC support.
I don't really care all that much about xbmc because it is designed like a swiss army knife for media when all I need right now is a standalone FLAC player with full 96khz+ and 32bit support.
roustabout said:
For both broad video file format support and FLAC support, I recommend XBMC. You will find that a keyboard is helpful to connect when first setting it up if you're looking to define file paths on your home network. I play my media off of a NAS and XBMC is quite nice.
Adding it to the homescreen can be done by installing Lama, and then using a "sacrificial app" to launch xbmc as a condition of, essentially - you set a Lama trigger that says "when app X is running, run XBMC."
All of that can be done with sideloading - no root required, and although I used root to replace the Fire launcher with XBMC as a launcher, I'm told you can do the launcher swap with Lama as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had no luck with XBMC seeing thins on SUB sticks. It see the stick and folder, but will not find videos.
it was one of the first apps I installed...
DHO said:
I have had no luck with XBMC seeing thins on SUB sticks. It see the stick and folder, but will not find videos.
it was one of the first apps I installed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I just installed stickmount to test (I mostly have my keyboard in the USB slot) and was able to play a FLAC file, an AVI, a WMV and an MP4 file from the USB stick I put in.
I'm using the 13.1 that was modified to behave as a launcher, but as far as I know it's otherwise a pretty standard 13.1 build.
---------- Post added at 12:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:28 AM ----------
retroben said:
Is there any less diffifcult app to install alongside a codec with full FLAC support.
I don't really care all that much about xbmc because it is designed like a swiss army knife for media when all I need right now is a standalone FLAC player with full 96khz+ and 32bit support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try sideloading MixZing? I think it does FLAC. I really like it on my phone and it knows about folders, which is helpful.
I found a better one called JetAudio Basic.
It even has playback speed control with or without pitch shift.
I downloaded a 192khz 24bit FLAC test file,and it plays perfectly!
Edit:I found an even better one called DeadBeef.
I hope it isn't downsampling the 192khz FLAC file when playing it.
If so,can somebody reccommend a guaranteed 192khz FLAC player app?
I just updated OP, this app works MUCH better
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.mxtech.videoplayer.ad
In settings, you can check to make it function as an audio player too
IF amazon would just include this app,... and USB mount I would have no reason to root this box. Beyond ridiculous they cripple obvious features that are build into android (what their box is based on.)
DHO said:
This is probably not anything new, but I didn't see it on Google so here we go:
I think this VLC works better. Still a little buggy. BUT 100% better than nothing
2) Get VLC: http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=the.joevlc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The KFTV does not respond to any remote commands when playing a video in VLC. Not able to play/pause, rew/ff, etc. Any idea how to get it working proper?
mjbxx said:
The KFTV does not respond to any remote commands when playing a video in VLC. Not able to play/pause, rew/ff, etc. Any idea how to get it working proper?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey use bsplayer, it works great. the fire tv remote works and it have dts. here's a link http://www12.zippyshare.com/v/69008312/file.html if you have a problem sending it through adb just rename it just bsplayer.
Ah yes.. I sideloaded this player to the wimpy firetv stick .. It works perfectly.. VLC seemed to want more power than the stick can provide. The combination of upnplay and bsplayer has worked out wonderfully..
retroben said:
I found a better one called JetAudio Basic.
It even has playback speed control with or without pitch shift.
I downloaded a 192khz 24bit FLAC test file,and it plays perfectly!
Edit:I found an even better one called DeadBeef.
I hope it isn't downsampling the 192khz FLAC file when playing it.
If so,can somebody reccommend a guaranteed 192khz FLAC player app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
* plays files with up to 192KHz sampling rate, including 24 bit and multichannel files
For anyone reading this thread in 2016, don't waste your life on the advice here: just get Kodi/SPMC or MrMC.
Yeah, I use Kodi exclusively on my Fire TV Stick. No need for root or anything.
But ...
After I upgraded to Jarvis (16), I noticed it hung on some videos, including ones it played fine before. So I went back to the older Helix version.
If anyone knows what's going on, I'd appreciate it. Is Isengard as good/better/worse than the other versions?
The situation of Kodi on Android is not too great and getting worse.
But apps like KODI are bulky swiss-army knives for media and many users reported issues with some even causing device instability when the app is not in use,what if someone wants a lightweight-but-powerful player for only music with full support for 192Khz?
Am I right in saying that this does not include cable box pass through. i.e. I cannot use this device to search through by cable channels like I can with Google TV?
Right
Sent from my Nexus 5
Thanks. But darn, that's a big loss IMHO
Personally I use a hdhomerun prime and a windows 7 box with WMC to record TV. Have ServerWMC installed there which allows XBMC to be used as a WMC client for viewing live TV and recorded programs as well. I am already doing this with two FireTVs so doing it on the nexus player will be a no brainer. I don't miss a cable company STB and since the player has googlecast support I finally have everything I need in one box.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Google wants us watching Google "TV" via the Internet: Youtube, Play Movies etc.
Google does not want us watching cable, satellite or OTA TV. Google doesn't make money on advertising or content there.
Same deal with OTA FM radio (despite Android One, which is only for "developing" markets.)
mikereidis said:
Google wants us watching Google "TV" via the Internet: Youtube, Play Movies etc.
Google does not want us watching cable, satellite or OTA TV. Google doesn't make money on advertising or content there.
Same deal with OTA FM radio (despite Android One, which is only for "developing" markets.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not the case at all, and in fact quite the opposite. there is even a tv input framework built into android tv and they were demoing the tv app with a hdhomerun at google i/o
i suspect that they will be working with stb manufacturers to deliver live tv over IP, and we will probably see other hardware shortly with HDMI in.
check out the framework here https://developer.android.com/training/tv/tif/index.html
and showing it off at i/o with the live tv bit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3dCUPeyhag#t=1822
blackic3 said:
demoing the tv app with a hdhomerun at google i/o
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BEST NEWS ALL WEEK.
I'd still like an official Windows Media Center Extender app, but watching live from the HDHomeRun is a huge win.
I'm pretty excited. I think they have cracked the input problem with the new framework. I suspect there will be a slew of network tuners coming to market for android TV.
SiliconDust HDHomeRun VIEW
Just to update this line of thought, SiliconDust released an updated version of their VIEW app on Friday.
This allows you to use their network tuners to view live TV on Android. While they listed official support only for the ADT-1, I've had some luck with my Nexus Player. I suspect the trouble is from the difference in the ADT-1 being ARM based while the Player is x86. You can keep an eye on their development on their Android TV development forum.
For me, it works perfectly from their VIEW app (which shows up in the leanback launcher without needing to go into chainfire's side launcher). The problem arises when trying to go through the TV Input plugin. I can see the channels, and sometimes get sound, but never video and usually a "tune failed" toast.
Particularly relevant to the OP might be that I'm using their Prime tuner which has a CableCard so basically replaces my Comcast STB.
Hey guys, I just pulled the trigger and bought a Nexus Player, currently im a kernel developer for the Nexus 4/5/7, will be checking into optimizing it and adding some features, but first I got a question. I know plex only works with plex pass customers, can you sideload the plex app? Looking to save some money, already bought the plex app for android and have an insanely large collection running on a Plex media server, is there any DLNA apps that are Android TV Sexy as an alternative? Getting mine in next week, can't wait
Thanks
defcon
Yes you can side load it with sideload launcher. But as far as the sexiness I would imagine its less than stellar. I've noticed most apps run great that are side loaded but the screen resolution for the apps are not optimized for the player. Meaning some apps will cut off the sides or top of the screen.
However on the plus side...
The plexpass app for the player looks and functions beautifully.
Super easy and fast to navigate.
I was very impressed with the plexpass app.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
defconoi said:
Hey guys, I just pulled the trigger and bought a Nexus Player, currently im a kernel developer for the Nexus 4/5/7, will be checking into optimizing it and adding some features, but first I got a question. I know plex only works with plex pass customers, can you sideload the plex app? Looking to save some money, already bought the plex app for android and have an insanely large collection running on a Plex media server, is there any DLNA apps that are Android TV Sexy as an alternative? Getting mine in next week, can't wait
Thanks
defcon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said. The sideload version *works*, but the official version is so much better. SIdeload one doesn't show on homescreen, no 5.1 surround, no display of movies on home screen, no searchability. Official does 5.1 passthrough, can be searched from the menu, and is aesthetically perfect for the Nexus Player.
Historically, plex pass-only features make their way to the regular app after a month or two. In this case, at least for me, I am absolutely fine with paying $4 or $8 for such an amazing UI. Oh, and it does all kinds of neat category sections when browsing - "Top movies by Ivan Reitman" or "Top unwatched Comedy" if you watch a lot of comedies. It's almost netflix-like...but even better looking.
Also, if you're gonna use it...get a USB NIC adapter. Even over AC, HD streaming is laggy. Having a solid LAN connection will always trump wifi in my mind.
digitalhigh said:
What he said. The sideload version *works*, but the official version is so much better. SIdeload one doesn't show on homescreen, no 5.1 surround, no display of movies on home screen, no searchability. Official does 5.1 passthrough, can be searched from the menu, and is aesthetically perfect for the Nexus Player.
Historically, plex pass-only features make their way to the regular app after a month or two. In this case, at least for me, I am absolutely fine with paying $4 or $8 for such an amazing UI. Oh, and it does all kinds of neat category sections when browsing - "Top movies by Ivan Reitman" or "Top unwatched Comedy" if you watch a lot of comedies. It's almost netflix-like...but even better looking.
Also, if you're gonna use it...get a USB NIC adapter. Even over AC, HD streaming is laggy. Having a solid LAN connection will always trump wifi in my mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recommend a NIC adapter? I bought one on Amazon and it doesn't work with the Nexus Player. It's supposed to be pretty much automatic once connected, right?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KBZF20W/ref=pe_385040_121528360_TE_dp_1
defconoi said:
Hey guys, I just pulled the trigger and bought a Nexus Player, currently im a kernel developer for the Nexus 4/5/7, will be checking into optimizing it and adding some features, but first I got a question. I know plex only works with plex pass customers, can you sideload the plex app? Looking to save some money, already bought the plex app for android and have an insanely large collection running on a Plex media server, is there any DLNA apps that are Android TV Sexy as an alternative? Getting mine in next week, can't wait
Thanks
defcon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree with the others... I sideloaded and bought the plex pass.. IMHO, not worth the extra money... Sideloaded version works just fine.. I personally dont need the bells and whistles of searching for movies or seeing suggestions from the home screen.
You can easily see the app via Sideload Launcher... Plex works perfectly on both the sideloaded and the plex pass version.
defconoi said:
Hey guys, I just pulled the trigger and bought a Nexus Player, currently im a kernel developer for the Nexus 4/5/7, will be checking into optimizing it and adding some features, but first I got a question. I know plex only works with plex pass customers, can you sideload the plex app? Looking to save some money, already bought the plex app for android and have an insanely large collection running on a Plex media server, is there any DLNA apps that are Android TV Sexy as an alternative? Getting mine in next week, can't wait
Thanks
defcon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I side loaded Plex for android but it pretty much unusable for me. Any of my files with DTS audio will not play with sound when forcing direct play (no transcoding). Basically audio pass through for all 5.1 formats is broke.
Kodi/xbmc works as it supposed to but that is not how I want my player to function I feel like I'm booting into another os to play my media. I want the full integration with the launcher and search. Kodi does not do this.
Lastly I have a HD homerun prime that will stream my Comcast cable to my network devices. They are working on a app but from what I have been reading there is no MPEG2 hardware decoding. Seems Asus or google didn't license the codec. Huge fail for me and has got me contemplating on retuning it. A question for you could this codec be added with a custom kernel or rom? Or is this entirely at the mercy of Asus or google? If this won't be implemented im sending it back.
I love the player interface because of it simplicity my family immediately picked it up and figured it out unlike my kodi/xbmc setups. So if I can get the updated interface Plex app with out paying a monthly subscription and mpeg2 hardware decoding support I will purchase one for every TV. Until then this device isn't cutting it for me.
Guys with Plex pass....is direct play and audio pass through for DTS working for you?
WhiteWidows said:
I side loaded Plex for android but it pretty much unusable for me. Any of my files with DTS audio will not play with sound when forcing direct play (no transcoding). Basically audio pass through for all 5.1 formats is broke.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you install Plex For Android, I recommend changing the layout to tv rather than mobile, then set the Device Media Profile to "External Player." If you pair that with a good video player app, you can play almost anything (even with dts) stutter-free without needing to transcode. I use MX Player with the x86 version of DTS custom codec, and all hardware decoding options enabled; works perfectly so far. Hopefully the officially supported Plex app will re-add some of these features in time; I don't understand why the ui was completely changed and most of the advanced features/options removed to "best support" the Nexus Player, when the ui of Plex For Android is working lightning fast with no major issues so far.
Ok audio passthrough works for both dts and dd?
What about direct playable video codecs? Is it like chromecast x264 only or does it support other codecs as well. I wish it played video as good as on my Samsung. Then it's a good option to our bedroom TV.
Skickat från min GT-I9505 via Tapatalk
MX Player? I have it working, but no 5.1 options.. I used the custom codec, and can play DTS, etc - but its all 2.0 - Are there no 5.1 pass through options that work? Does anything besides Netflix and Google Play even have any kind of 5.1 support?
biosystemics said:
If you install Plex For Android, I recommend changing the layout to tv rather than mobile, then set the Device Media Profile to "External Player." If you pair that with a good video player app, you can play almost anything (even with dts) stutter-free without needing to transcode. I use MX Player with the x86 version of DTS custom codec, and all hardware decoding options enabled; works perfectly so far. Hopefully the officially supported Plex app will re-add some of these features in time; I don't understand why the ui was completely changed and most of the advanced features/options removed to "best support" the Nexus Player, when the ui of Plex For Android is working lightning fast with no major issues so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt know the tv layout setting existed, thanks for that suggestion!
I have a plex server and I havent been able to get 5.1 to work with plex on the NP at all yet. Things I have tried:
-Plex for Android app
-Plex for Android app + MX Player as external player, with the custom codec pack
-Plex for PlexPass Users
XBMC Gotham does work like a charm for 5.1 audio. I connected it up to my media share, enabled Passthrough and Dolby Digital (AC3) capable receiver (Settings -Advanced Settings Level- > System > Audio)
I was not using any addons, btw.
I still have not tried XBMC Helix.
I prefer Plex's Interface and the Plex Server over XBMC's setup... So has anyone else figured out 5.1 audio for Plex on the Nexus Player? For me it really is not that big of an issue, the NP will be the entertainment box for the kid's tv (no surround system) upstairs, so I dont really require 5.1 audio... but I would still like it to work, and would consider it for my main system if it did.
---------- Post added at 12:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:10 AM ----------
d2globalinc said:
MX Player? I have it working, but no 5.1 options.. I used the custom codec, and can play DTS, etc - but its all 2.0 - Are there no 5.1 pass through options that work? Does anything besides Netflix and Google Play even have any kind of 5.1 support?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sideloaded XBMC, with passthrough enabled in settings
ok just got the NP all hooked up, its badass, much better than roku/samsung smart bluray, I sideloaded plex but pulled the trigger on one month of plexpass, I hope they make it free/integrate it into the android app but I have a feeling they will change for the nexus player app seperately or require plexpass for good... Its really nice for now though. Sideloaded Kodi and that works great too.
Does sideload launcher show the sideloaded Plex app?
For some reason that is the only app that doesnt show in the sideload launcher for me.
psychicsword said:
Does sideload launcher show the sideloaded Plex app?
For some reason that is the only app that doesnt show in the sideload launcher for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope gotta launch it from app settings
defconoi said:
ok just got the NP all hooked up, its badass, much better than roku/samsung smart bluray, I sideloaded plex but pulled the trigger on one month of plexpass, I hope they make it free/integrate it into the android app but I have a feeling they will change for the nexus player app seperately or require plexpass for good... Its really nice for now though. Sideloaded Kodi and that works great too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you like it, as do I, I love the interface and voice search capabilities, but as everyone is saying its not a finished product. All I want to work right now is Plex 5.1 audio with no trans-coding, and MPEG2 hardware decoding. Then it will be perfect for my living room.
I see you said your a kernel dev, well im looking for some collaborators to get mpeg2 hw decoding working on this device. I opened a dev thread and have been trying to build ffmpeg into android x86 hoping this will enable it. So far my builds have been failing. If you can help me out drop me a pm.
Ive been going off this documentation.
https://software.intel.com/en-us/android/blogs/2013/12/06/building-ffmpeg-for-android-on-x86
Also have you herd any chatter on anyone working on a custom recover for the NP?
I have been using Kodi (formerly known as XBMC) and it works like a charm. I'm running the latest beta 2 version, so I experience a crash or two from time to time, but other than that it works wonderfully. 720p content scales up very nicely to my hd screen (even 480p). I have no issues streaming 1080p content from my NAS to the box. I have a 802.11ac network, and I have not tested it with a n network, though.
Hi!
I was going the get me a second Chromecast, but went for the Nexus Player instead.
This was a huge mistake. The cast function is useless. It does not work the same way as the Chromecast.
I have tested HBO Nordic, the picture gets all distorted. Then I tested CanalDigital Go (Norwegian tv distributor), here the audio is out of sync with picture.
Both these apps works great on a Chromecast. The Nexus player is up to date, have tried factory reset
Anyone with similar problems?
Being from Canada i can't test those apps unfortunately. However in my experience, casting to my Nexus Player is MUCH MUCH MUCH better than to my Chromecast. Unfortunately it seems that a lot of people have the same issue as you
I, too, can't speak about the apps OP mentioned. But like koperniczx3, I also find the Nexus Player to work MUCH better than Chromecast.
Exakt same problem with HBO Nordic on Nexus player. Distorted picture every few seconds. I so wish I had bought a second chromecast instead
Works perfekt on chromecast.
Just sideload those apps to the nexus and you wont have to cast.....or load lollirock on it and just install from the playstore
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Same issue here, new start-up called "iflix" just available where I live. Able to cast to chromecast, but not available on Nexus Player. Maybe the DRM is why it won't work. Only hope is either dev fix the casting (to nexus player) , or release tv version.
I haven't noticed any major problems with casting to the Nexus Player. The only issue I can think of is that the Chromecast plugin for ES File Explorer doesn't seem to work with the Nexus Player but I've already emailed the app developer about it. Google occasionally releases software updates through Google Play to improve the casting feature on Android TV devices. If you use the Hulu app to cast from your phone or tablet to a Nexus Player with AdAway installed, this actually works surprisingly well because it even skips the video ads.
Nexus Cast not working properly
Svimmel said:
Hi!
I was going the get me a second Chromecast, but went for the Nexus Player instead.
This was a huge mistake. The cast function is useless. It does not work the same way as the Chromecast.
I have tested HBO Nordic, the picture gets all distorted. Then I tested CanalDigital Go (Norwegian tv distributor), here the audio is out of sync with picture.
Both these apps works great on a Chromecast. The Nexus player is up to date, have tried factory reset
Anyone with similar problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having same issue. Casting work well with google products but other apps it works well with chromecast but when I cast from same app to nexus player it doesnt work at all. Example of apps (CTV GO, Lynda, Plualsight) they all work well with chromecast but not with nexus player cast.
Svimmel said:
Hi!
I was going the get me a second Chromecast, but went for the Nexus Player instead.
This was a huge mistake. The cast function is useless. It does not work the same way as the Chromecast.
I have tested HBO Nordic, the picture gets all distorted. Then I tested CanalDigital Go (Norwegian tv distributor), here the audio is out of sync with picture.
Both these apps works great on a Chromecast. The Nexus player is up to date, have tried factory reset
Anyone with similar problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only time I have noticed casting to work better on a Chromecast is with casting a screen. The apps I use either work the same, or better on the Nexus Player. But sideloading and having the app on the Nexus Player is so much better than casting anyways. But some people are more technically advanced than others. You have to control these apps with a mouse but to get around that, just use Droidmote. This Nexus Player has been the staple in our living room and we love it.
I have had both a chromecast and nexus player. (currently posting this on my nexus player with a logitech k400 plus) I have found that casting works way better for me on my Nexus Player. On my chromecast it would drop off constantly, and video quality would go down so I would stop and restart the app/video to get it good again. I have had zero problems casting to my Nexus Player. I cast from my Nexus 6. Although I don't cast nearly as much as I use to being HBO GO is now fully supported and available on the App Store. That was the main thing I casted. I still cast Fox Now, Watch ABC, NBC, CBS and FX Now. I never have any issues. It sounds like a problem more so related to the apps you are casting.
Hi fellows,
I currently own an Xbox 360 and a Rasperry Pi running OpenElec. The Xbox 360 is used for games and Netflix while OpenElec is running Kodi to play the local media on my NAS. I am looking to replace my RPi with a device that will be able to have the following features :
- Kodi. I tried Plex and didn't like it.
- Netflix (Because my X360 is really noisy and pisses me off)
- Google Play Music
- Google Play Movies (for Renting and already owned)
- Spotify
- Small mobile games
- Can use my phone to remote control
- Chromecast feature to cast my computer screen
I think that the Nexus Player can handle all that, however I wonder how good and stable is the NP at accomplishing these tasks. I am very familiar with Android (been using it for over 4 years on my phones) and I am tech-savvy. I would like however a simple and stable solution where my wife and kids can play with the device easily. I was able to achieve that easiness and stability with OpenElec, but I am looking for a device that will be able to be much more than just a Kodi player.
I think the direct competitor to the NP is the Roku. Roku cannot run Kodi, but has the Google Play Music and Movies available. However, I have seen numerous issues about renting movies through Google Movies not working on Roku. Has anyone ever rented a movie on Google Play Movies on the NP and had issues ? Is this service stable ? Renting through Google Play Movies is cheaper than my local TV provider, so I'm thinking about making the switch to Google. Or any other suggestions than Google Play Movies ? Netflix Canada selection really sucks.
I'm not looking to spend more money than a Nexus Player. The NVidia Shield TV is out of the question and the Amazon Fire TV does not seem to be available in Canada. The Roku and the NP are my 2 viable options as far as I know. I like Android, so the NP looks very interesting. However I wouldn't want to buy the NP to find out that it cannot do everything I want it to do.
Thanks for any input !
Neo.
The Nexus Player will handle almost everything in your list.
* Kodi works quite well on the Nexus Player. It can be downloaded directly from Google Play which means it will automatically update and won't require sideloading APKs.
* Netflix comes preinstalled on this device and generally works fine as long as your Nexus Player has Android v5.1.1 build LMY48J installed. You might want to adjust your TV's aspect ratio modes while watching movies if the black bars from widescreen content bother you. I don't use the app very often so perhaps other users can comment on things like surround sound support.
* Google Play Music comes preinstalled on this device and is linked to your account like the rest of the apps from Google. The only issue I see with it is that the on-screen album cover doesn't move around like it does when you cast from the app but the Nexus Player's "Daydream" screen saver mode cycles through different images after a few minutes without user interaction. Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) will support Bluetooth audio streaming which means you can pair the Nexus Player with a sound bar and play music that way.
* Google Play Movies comes preinstalled and seems to work fine. It probably is the most convenient option to rent or purchase movies or TV shows on this device. I don't use this service enough to say much about it but the free movies I have in my account are synced and easily accessible. As with Netflix, you may want to adjust your TV's aspect ratio during playback.
* Spotify is the only thing in your list that doesn't work well on the Nexus Player. You can try sideloading the app but it may not be easy to use with a remote. The developers of Spotify don't support casting either, as far as I'm aware.
* You can download Android TV games from the Google Play Store and some of them will be playable with the remote but others will require a gamepad. You can either use a separate Bluetooth gamepad or root your Nexus Player and pair a PS3 or PS4 controller with it using the paid Sixaxis Controller app.
* Yes, you can use your phone to control the Nexus Player with the free Android TV Remote Control app from Google. It is rather basic, though, compared to a paid root app combination like DroidMote Server & Droidmote Client which is definitely more versatile. If you're willing to buy a Flirc infrared USB dongle for about $24 USD, you can even use a universal remote to control the Nexus Player. I have one and it works very well after being programmed for convenient usage with my Philips SRP5107 universal remote.
* Casting to the Nexus Player generally works well but there may be a few apps which work better with an actual Chromecast. I prefer casting to the Nexus Player because it supports 5 GHz wireless AC while the Chromecast only supports 2.4 GHz wireless N.
I've never used a Roku device but the Nexus Player provides great value for the price and you can do a lot with it (especially if it's rooted). As for the limited content selection of Netflix Canada, you can use a smart DNS service such as UnoTelly to "change your region" and access content that's licensed for other countries. UnoTelly even offers a free trial and up to 3 free months of service if you mention them positively on social media. In conclusion, let's answer your question. Is the Nexus Player right for you? I certainly think so.
spookyneo said:
Hi fellows,
I currently own an Xbox 360 and a Rasperry Pi running OpenElec. The Xbox 360 is used for games and Netflix while OpenElec is running Kodi to play the local media on my NAS. I am looking to replace my RPi with a device that will be able to have the following features :
- Kodi. I tried Plex and didn't like it.
- Netflix (Because my X360 is really noisy and pisses me off)
- Google Play Music
- Google Play Movies (for Renting and already owned)
- Spotify
- Small mobile games
- Can use my phone to remote control
- Chromecast feature to cast my computer screen
I think that the Nexus Player can handle all that, however I wonder how good and stable is the NP at accomplishing these tasks. I am very familiar with Android (been using it for over 4 years on my phones) and I am tech-savvy. I would like however a simple and stable solution where my wife and kids can play with the device easily. I was able to achieve that easiness and stability with OpenElec, but I am looking for a device that will be able to be much more than just a Kodi player.
I think the direct competitor to the NP is the Roku. Roku cannot run Kodi, but has the Google Play Music and Movies available. However, I have seen numerous issues about renting movies through Google Movies not working on Roku. Has anyone ever rented a movie on Google Play Movies on the NP and had issues ? Is this service stable ? Renting through Google Play Movies is cheaper than my local TV provider, so I'm thinking about making the switch to Google. Or any other suggestions than Google Play Movies ? Netflix Canada selection really sucks.
I'm not looking to spend more money than a Nexus Player. The NVidia Shield TV is out of the question and the Amazon Fire TV does not seem to be available in Canada. The Roku and the NP are my 2 viable options as far as I know. I like Android, so the NP looks very interesting. However I wouldn't want to buy the NP to find out that it cannot do everything I want it to do.
Thanks for any input !
Neo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would agree with all answers above, only thing that I'll add is that its a shame the community isn't larger or more active.
BUt with the addition of a couple of additional peripherals can also be considerably more user friendly.