Low Power Always on DLNA Server

peuwayaqdq on 15/01/2015 - 16:45
Last edited 15/01/2015 - 16:46

Hi all, I want to setup a DLNA server at home for consumption of some DLNA clients (Android devices, AppleTV, PC and Bose Soundtouch). As I want to keep it always on, I need it to be low power. I have one setup on a raspberry pi for a testing using MiniDLNA and I think it works alright although it doesn't always detect new files. I use that raspberry pi for something else so I am getting another one for this purpose.

I noticed there is an Android box here that is comparable from price point of view (after adding case, sdcard, wifi etc to raspberrypi): http://www.dealsmachine.com/best_201435.html

Specs is definitely higher than raspberry pi but I am not sure if I'll be better off with this. Pre-installed XBMC is also attractive because I suppose it will then work out of the box.

I would like to hear some feedback for you. Thank you.

Computing

Comments

  • RobMel on 15/01/2015 - 17:21
    +1

    May consider a small NAS? More versatile n still lower power.
    Using Synology here. All ready no excessive tinkering and does a great job as DLNA, file and backup server

    • trex on 15/01/2015 - 18:17
      +2

      I can't agree more. I bought a Synology DS214 about 4 months ago and have been loving it ever since!

  • sane on 15/01/2015 - 17:44
    +3

    Make sure you haven't got a Telstra modem (or other similar) with a USB port in the back and the ability to serve DLNA/UPnP.

    Can't get much lower power than 'on anyway'.

    • peuwayaqdq on 15/01/2015 - 21:54

      I got Technicolor TG587n v3 but have difficulties in making it work. One time it doesn't show any files, another time shows files but won't play the files. I have external 3TB harddisk attach to it in NTFS format. Could it be file system?

      • Noblejoker on 15/01/2015 - 22:38

        This - try hdd in fat - also size may be an issue as some don't like larger than 1/2TB for some reason
        I Googled and first entry is this http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/hardware/?action=h_view&model_…
        Says usb only fat32
        But you may be able to update firmware from manufacturer (links at above)

        Failing that spend your money on a new router with the functions you want

        • peuwayaqdq on 16/01/2015 - 00:25

          Ok thanks. Let me try with spare USB drive. Thanks.

  • peuwayaqdq on 15/01/2015 - 17:45

    Sorry forgot to mention that my budget is around $50-75. I have got a 3TB drive that I can use. Synology is much more than that I am afraid.

    Also, I have two routers (DLink and Telstra's Technicolor) which have media server capabilities, but for some reason I can't play any music on DLNA client.

    • trex on 15/01/2015 - 18:23

      How about getting a router with DLNA? I'm using Asus RT-N56U which supports USB HDD.

      • peuwayaqdq on 15/01/2015 - 21:55

        Got D-LINK DIR-825, can't get it working properly. Files now showing.

        • trex on 15/01/2015 - 22:21

          Is the Multicast turned on?

          http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=42716.0

          Might be worthwhile trying to trouble shoot to find out why the DIR-825 is not working properly?

        • peuwayaqdq on 15/01/2015 - 22:27

          @trex: I came across that thread as well and I have tried with multicast on and off and doesn't make any difference. Still can't see files.

        • trex on 15/01/2015 - 23:08

          @peuwayaqdq:
          Do you have other devices that you can test the DLNA on the DIR-825?

          If all fails, perhaps a reset to factory default settings might help?

        • peuwayaqdq on 16/01/2015 - 00:24

          @trex: I tested it on Windows 7 (Windows Media Player), MacBook (VLC) and Bose Soundtouch. None of them works. While my MiniDLNA on raspberry pi just works fine. That's why I am taking of getting another rpi until I noticed that MXIII M82 Android box.

      • [Deactivated] on 16/01/2015 - 09:12

        Have a 2.5" 250GB, if I connect it to that router, will the HDD be on all the time or is there some sort of power arrangement in place?

        • peuwayaqdq on 16/01/2015 - 10:24

          Good point. I would like to know as well.

        • trex on 16/01/2015 - 15:02

          Most 2.5 drives have built in power down from inactivity settings. I don't recall seeing any settings in a router's configuration page on any USB power down from inactivity.

  • PVA on 15/01/2015 - 22:12

    I just use my TPlink D7 router, 2tb drive plugged in and its the media server that everything can see and use (phones, ps3, PCs - dont have a smart tv)

  • kalt19 on 16/01/2015 - 09:15

    I got a Pi but gave up on it as I felt it was not powerful enough = slow to change menus etc. But my mate swears by his. He has a simple NAS in the kitchen and the Pi taped to the TV and has no problems using wireless. Maybe it is partly a range/line of sight thing?

    If you are really price conscious, why not look into Chromecast?

    Do you guys who are using your routers as servers find any slow downs if people are also doing a lot of internet games and or downloads at the same time? I have a Billion 7800N router.

    I use an older 7 disk n7700 NAS with an older Windows PC in the lounge room and a Boxee in the family room. We don't mess with it because it just works well but, is obviously not very power-wise or, the best interface (on the PC). Tried XMBC/Kodi on the PC and it is very laggy so went back to file manager. Don't need any media centre functionality like PVR etc.

    We all have various older smartphones now (but with the latest versions of IOS or Android)and want to watch shows on them too.

    Would I be better off trying to work out some form of DLNA here?

    Sorry if this is hijacking - will start another thread if you prefer.

    • peuwayaqdq on 16/01/2015 - 10:18

      That's fine. For movies, I have Apple TV2, jail-broken and put XBMC on it. It works well.

      For my purpose, I need a media server, so I am not sure if Chromecast actually fits in.

  • fredblogs on 16/01/2015 - 10:11

    btw is the bose soundtouch any good?

    • peuwayaqdq on 16/01/2015 - 10:23
      +1

      Honest feedback on the Bose:

      1. Bass is good but then again Bose product usually has good bass with their acoustimass technology
      2. Treble is ok
      3. Mid-range is lacking. My cheap wharfdale bookshelf speakers have better mid-range
      4. The Android app that should be the controller for it can be much better.
      5. It supports AirPlay out of the box but it seems that the visibility in my network is a bit hit-and-miss
      6. All in all, once I got a working DLNA server that I can play out of it, I will be happy with it.
  • peuwayaqdq on 16/01/2015 - 10:26

    Compared to the UPNP/media server capability supported by routers out of the box, is it better to flash the router with dd-wrt or open-wrt and install minidlna? I am thinking about flashing my dlink dir-825 with dd-wrt and setup minidlna as minidlna proved to be working for me through raspberry pi. But then again, there is guarantee it will work on the dlink.

  • roadsign on 16/01/2015 - 13:30
    +1

    My advice to you is - don't.

    Avoid DNLA and UPNP servers. I struggled with them for years before giving up and using SMB (Windows network shares) instead.

    DNLA doesn't always work. It'll plague you with unexplainable, seemingly random problems. Everything you've mentioned in this thread about files not showing up and other things not working on various 'lesser' DNLA devices: these problems are in fact common to all DNLA devices.

    Try use SMB, if possible, or just plug your hard drive into whatever wants to use it. I currently use a QNAP TS-420 NAS that has a multimedia folder on read only access for public devices over SMB.

    A windows media PC and a Boxee Box, along with various personal computers around the house, can access this flawlessly.

    • peuwayaqdq on 16/01/2015 - 13:49

      Thank you for response @crazyoldman unfortunately bose soundtouch won't be able to access SMB. The sources that it supports:

      1. In-built Pandora client which I don't use
      2. In-built Spotify (has to be a premium account)
      3. Internet radio
      4. DLNA
      5. AirPlay
      6. Bluetooth as an aux input
      • roadsign on 17/01/2015 - 14:20

        How are you pushing music to the Soundtouch? As in, what interface are you using? If you're using a phone or tablet, I'd recommend finding an app that lets you access SMB shares, and then stream that to the speakers with Bluetooth or AirPlay.

        • peuwayaqdq on 19/01/2015 - 23:35

          When using iPhone I can use AirPlay to push pretty much anything iPhone can play. In practice, I mostly play Spotify from the iPhone.

          Also, using Bluetooth enabled device I can push pretty much anything that device can play. But I heard Bluetooth use some kind of compression.

          Soundtouch has an app that has functionality as DLNA client. That's what I want to use DLNA server for. Tho I can AirPlay or Bluetooth my music from SMB, what I want to achieve is actually consume the music through DLNA client in Soundtouch app. And I can't see the Soundtouch app can read from SMB straight.

    • kalt19 on 19/01/2015 - 14:05

      Thanks heaps @crazyoldman.
      I will stick with what I have in terms of setup and just upgrade/refresh the hardware as required.

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