[Q] OTG USB Video playback - Nexus Player Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey guys, I got the nexus player yesterday and I've been seeing mixed results for what I'm trying to accomplish. I'm simply trying to view movies off of a USB flash drive using an OTG cable on a non-rooted Nexus Player. Is this possible? I've sideloaded ES File Explorer and I can see the USB Flash Drive listed under the 'Local' panel of ESFE. When I click on the Flash Drive nothing happens. There is also a eject icon directly beside the text of the USB Flash Drive. I've tried 3 different flash drives 8gb, 16gb, 32gb, and formatted as exFAT, FAT32, and NTFS.
Am I doing something wrong?
Thanks in advance!

I'm having the exactly the same problem.

I just saw a video that claimed that you cannot click on the USB using the nexus player remote. You will need to use a mouse to select the USB drive in ESFE. I haven't been able to test this as I do not currently have a USB hub. I'm ordering one today and I will report back if it works.

So my powered USB hub arrived today and using the mouse to click on the flash drive worked!
I also discovered that you can add the USB to the favourites menu on ES File Explorer to get around the mouse requirement. If your USB shows up as usb2006 or 2007 or whatever, simply add usb://200x as a favourite folder. This will allow you to bypass the requirement of using your mouse. The only negative is that the USB number seems to change every time it's re-plugged in. I got around this by making favourites for usb://2006, usb://2007, etc..

I have it working right now as a FAT32... But I can't to see what file systems are supported. It would see it with ExFAT, but nothing would work. FAT32 works, but has obvious limitations. Does NTFS work? Has anyone tries Ext4?
Sent from my Samsung GALAXY Note 3

I connected a USB hub to my NP so I was able to use my NTFS formatted external drive and my mouse at the same time. I found my video files on HDD by ESFE but there is no any media player app that plays 1080p MKV movies correctly. I tried ESFE's media player, V Player, MX Player... unsuccessfully.
Playback was always laggy and audio problems occured pretty often.
Does anyone know a good option/app for that?

I can't post links but search for the kodi android app and sideload that apk. It works flawlessly.​

Download VLC to play movies when you use a external drive or save them to the NP. That's what I do and it works great.

Related

Playing video files on USB thumb drive

Is it possible to have videos played directly (in Divx or any other compatible format) from a USB thumb drive connected to the GT10.1 via the addon USB accessory?
Thanks
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
thumbs up for this question! Would like to know this, too!
The answer to your question is no... not directly. The only way to do it is to connect your tab to a computer, copy the file over, disconnect the tab, and play it from the local hard drive on the tab.
When I copied movies over, it took an .mp4 file and converted it to wmv on the tab.
I also noticed that when your tab is plugged into the computer, you can't do anything on the tab. If you do, it disconnects the tab from the computer.
Hope this helps.
After doing a bit more research, here's an update:
It looks like Samsung makes a usb adapter. I can't post links, but google "Galaxy Tab Adapter (USB)"
Yes, once the USB adapter is available you will be able to use thumb drives, portable hard drives, etc, to play movies, music...
Will you be able to transfer files back to the Thumb Drive once the USB adapter is available? Or will it only be able to download?
I assume we have no idea when Samsung will make said adapter available.
im.thatoneguy said:
Will you be able to transfer files back to the Thumb Drive once the USB adapter is available? Or will it only be able to download?
I assume we have no idea when Samsung will make said adapter available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is (said to be ) usb host. I have used usb host before. literally it is 100% a usb drive. you can upload, download, read, edit, play, delete, any file that is attached to it.
And you can connect a mouse or keyboard too. Just think of it as a usb slot. If the adaptor is legitimate usb host then it should perform every of the above.
I'm also waiting too.
a usb drive should function the same way it does on your computer. you will be able to play files that are on it, copy files from it and load files onto it. it will act just like sd cards do now in android.
the adapter is available for order now, but I believe it's listed as "back order"
Has anyone else noticed that due to the design of the tab, if you have a usb drive plugged in and are using headphones, you won't be able to prop it up? They're on opposite sides, so one plug would always be blocked!
I decided this wasn't the biggest deal for me, but it's definitely an annoying design decision.
Hey guys, I'm sorry to bring this back up again almost 4 months later, but has anyone tried to use an external cd/dvd drive with the usb adapter? I'm wondering I could play a movie from the external cd/dvd drive and have it play on the tabet. Thanks.
99scooter said:
Hey guys, I'm sorry to bring this back up again almost 4 months later, but has anyone tried to use an external cd/dvd drive with the usb adapter? I'm wondering I could play a movie from the external cd/dvd drive and have it play on the tabet. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't done it, but I think you would need an external power source to power the dvd drive. The USB does not supply enough power for that. Also, I think the USB hub for the Tab can only read FAT32 formatted drives, so I don't think it has the software to read directly from DVD, but I don't know.
Just play the from the USB device. How can this be a portable device if it has everything dangling from it...For that get a thin notebook.
It depends... USB can only provide about 500mA of current tops but with that tablet it probably even less, so your HDD would need external power supply.
Also, out of box, Galaxy Tab support only FAT32 as file system. So, you would need drivers/modules to support anything else.
I am using pershoot kernel with NTFS module, so I tested 16Gbyte jump drive formatted with NTFS. I was being able to mount it and read from it no problem. So, I see no problem to mount and read from HDD (granted you have to have external power supply for it).
If you are talking about CD/DVD drive then you would need driver/module for that and I did not see it available.

Using USB OTG (No Rooting)

I have a Nexus 7 16G and right now I have attached a flash drive to the unit. From reading everything, it says I can use Es FileExplorer and get to /sdcard/usbStorage/sda1 - however, I cannot get to this folder. When I click on the /sdcard/ - I get clear history.
I tried using my Bluetooth keyboard to type, but that did not work.
Everything I have read speaking about rooting the device, which I do not want to do. How can I get to this folder?
I did get the Media Importer but that did not seem to work. I think it was because of too many connections. I found an article PSA: Amazon Has A USB OTG Cable For Less Than A Dollar With Free Shipping, So You Should Probably Buy It, which is a lot better that what I have.
But will the Nexus 7 support 64GB or 32GB? I called support and they said they did not know of a memory limitation.
Thank you!
Corey Bryant said:
I have a Nexus 7 16G and right now I have attached a flash drive to the unit. From reading everything, it says I can use Es FileExplorer and get to /sdcard/usbStorage/sda1 - however, I cannot get to this folder. When I click on the /sdcard/ - I get clear history.
I tried using my Bluetooth keyboard to type, but that did not work.
Everything I have read speaking about rooting the device, which I do not want to do. How can I get to this folder?
I did get the Media Importer but that did not seem to work. I think it was because of too many connections. I found an article PSA: Amazon Has A USB OTG Cable For Less Than A Dollar With Free Shipping, So You Should Probably Buy It, which is a lot better that what I have.
But will the Nexus 7 support 64GB or 32GB? I called support and they said they did not know of a memory limitation.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
N7 supports even hub (with external power source if you connect power-hungry devices)!
you can connect keyboards and mouses with no root but you have to root and install stickmount (from the play store) to manage external drives (hdd, flash drives, etc.). With stock kernel fat32 is supported as r/w, ntfs only read. You need to flash a custom kernel to get ntfs r/w support.
With no root, there's no way. Sorry.
Hm, I get different answers.
arkhan11 said:
N7 supports even hub (with external power source if you connect power-hungry devices)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say hub, can you let me know exactly what you might mean? I think I know, but I would like to be sure. I would like to stop buying things and have them not work.
Example - I connected a non-powered, 4-port Belkin USB hub to the Nexus using the OTG cable. I plugged a thumb drive and a wireless mouse receiver into the hub and was able to simultaneously use both the mouse and the thumb drive (using Nexus Media Importer).
Dave
edit - I am not rooted.
OK, that is what I thought. So I do need that OTG cable and no need to root it.
Some say the OTG cables work with downloading media importer, others say you need to root to play large files.
I will know in a couple days.
Least I didn't waste money as Google play gave me 25 free bucks.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
reply
sorry, I didn't know about Nexus Media Importer.
Anyway the root access allow you to mount the drive as internal memory so you can play with ALL files in the thumb. Through Nexus Media Importer you play via MTP which doesn't allow some kind of files (eg. mkv) which with proper players (eg. mx player) the Nexus can handle. Read the description of that app for further details.
About usb powered hub
basically sth like this. It's needed just if you attach many things or an HDD. it would be good to use it always with more than one peripheral not to load the battery as it's not designed to discharge heavily this way.
About not working things
what did you buy which doesn't work?

one stop thread for problems that most people encountered. Please share your solution

Instead of new comers squandering around looking for solutions to set up the nexus player for gaming and media streaming. Lets simplify things a bit to see what accessories to get and what software to use to get our nexus player to its maximum capability.
Lollirock 1.5 rom (OTG micro usb cable and a usb mouse or keyboard are required during first bootup. It will not detect nexus remote during first bootup)
Stick mount pro(Play Store) Make sure it's the pro version or else it won't work!-
- A must have for external storage. This app enables storage drives to mount into a specific location using symbolic link option which isn't included in the free version. By default, it will mount storage devices under sdcard/usb folder instead of usb:// mount location (apps like emulators or xbmc that uses file explore do not search to this location usb://)
- I have tested it on xbmc, my boy, fpse, and ppsspp.
Known issue: external storage formatted under ntfs will not mount properly. Files will not show up under mount folder.
I'm currently using exFAT format and it seem to work fine so far.
For those who uses stock Nexus Player rom, you have to download stick mount pro from a third party site since the license won't transfer(I'm assuming that you paid for it)
Sixaxis controller(Play Store)
- Can pair up to 2 controllers for two players games. There's also a setting to set dual shock 3 or 4 to run as native android controller, so you don't have to deal with mapping everything manually.
My suggestion
Accessories : Rii 8 wireless touchpad keyboard(Amazon) mini keypad with track pad and qwerty keyboard.
Logitech keyboard k700
Ps4 controller
Inateck card reading+Hub(Amazon) -
- It very important to choose the right otg micro usb cable because it can effect read/write speed for external storage drives, including low power consumption drives such as usb flash drives and sd cards. This hub can run with or without a secondary power source.
I thought something like a flash drive with a low power consumption didn't require a decent otg cable, but it does. I was testing a psp rom off my usb storage with a much simpler micro usb otg cable and the frame rate wasn't that great also the loading time. Transfer files were also very slow. So keep that in mind, make sure to get a decent micro usb otg hub or card reader. At least get one that you can supply power to from an outlet.
For those who are looking to run Amazon prime video, download Kodi (xbmc) and Amazon prime video add-on zip.
-Amazon instant video app is crappy on android to begin with compare to IOS version which has a more user friendly UI similar to Netflix. Kodi improves that with cover arts and tv-friendly user interface.
I couldn't get sixaxis to pair my stupid ps3 controls I don't know what I did wrong...
Sent from my Nexus 6
trvbone said:
I couldn't get sixaxis to pair my stupid ps3 controls I don't know what I did wrong...
Sent from my Nexus 6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you used sixaxis before? I'm just wondering., so I can help you figure out the issue.
I have but I think the problem is I didn't see a Bluetooth address when I set it up on the Nexus player maybe I have to fix the zoom setting in the overscan setting on my Nexus player to see it
Sent from my Nexus 6

connecting an external USB BluRay/DVD player to Nexus Player

Has anyone tried connecting an external USB BluRay/DVD ROM drive to Nexus Player via OTG? I have Kodi installed on the Nexux Player, would this configuration allow me play DVD or Bluray? Would Nexus provide enough power to the drive?
uat1 said:
Has anyone tried connecting an external USB BluRay/DVD ROM drive to Nexus Player via OTG? I have Kodi installed on the Nexux Player, would this configuration allow me play DVD or Bluray? Would Nexus provide enough power to the drive?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get a big fat fail. I'll look into more.

External optical drive - Android Yoga Book

Has anyone ever managed to get an external dvd drive working on an Android Yoga Book? I would have thought hooking it up with an OTG connector and a Y cable also going into a power bank to give the drive some juice would work. Would be great to hear if anyone has got it to work.
Risico said:
Has anyone ever managed to get an external dvd drive working on an Android Yoga Book? I would have thought hooking it up with an OTG connector and a Y cable also going into a power bank to give the drive some juice would work. Would be great to hear if anyone has got it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was try. DVD drive was recognized but cd accelerated and stops, accelerated and stops... I think energy is too low...
Android Verizon works (With Drawbacks) Windows Verizon should work with a powered hub
Risico said:
Has anyone ever managed to get an external dvd drive working on an Android Yoga Book? I would have thought hooking it up with an OTG connector and a Y cable also going into a power bank to give the drive some juice would work. Would be great to hear if anyone has got it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, for the android version most portable DVD drives that have AV mode will work.
however, there are some serious drawbacks.
1. you need a powered OTG hub as every drive I've tried, even the low powered portable ones need too much power, it often looks like its working but will have issues spinning or turn off randomly. there may be lower powered ones now but I havent found one with low enough draw not to need a powered hub.
2. its not great for movies. it only works with DVDs that are not encrypted (a lot of low budget or independent DVDs are unencrypted) or data discs with your own video files on them. (if you try to play an encrypted video it will either error out or will play the video but it will look scrambled and will blank out a lot.)
3. even if you do find an unencrypted DVD its not really straightforward to play. without a proper DVD software for android you need an app that at least will play the DVD files (MX player worked for me, I suspect VLC would work as well) the DVD basically opens like a data disk with a bunch of oddly named files, you just have to dig through and find the largest file and that's usually the main video.
as far as I can find there do not seem to be any video players for android that can decrypt a DVD (regular DVD players have built in decryption and PCs use software so its not something you generally think about until it doesn't work)
all this being said, for anyone with the windows version ignore everything above and you will probably be ok with a powered USB hub and some DVD software.
**Edit, I cant change the title now but I typed Verizon instead of Version by mistake. Sorry about that***

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