Watching movies over my network directly from router

[costanza]

I have a tplink archer c8 router with usb 3.0. I have my favorite blu rays ripped in mkv format on a portable 3.0 usb HDD. I also have a couple Amazon Fire tv sticks (wifi). Can someone walk me through setting up the router and fire stick so I can watch the movies over the network on my tv's? I thought a pc was needed, but I've read where some ppl r streaming straight from the routers usb input. Thanks!!!

 

[photonboy]

1) I don't think it's possible with that device, though you might attempt THIS solution:
http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/tvs-entertainment/media-streamers/1404248/how-to-install-kodi-on-the-amazon-fire-tv-stick

2) Most media players also have limited codec/container support. ROKU for example is pretty limited though if it supports your format I guess you're fine.

(Even if it supports H.264 there will be a max profile such as High 4.1)

3) Some media players have Cinavia protection which mutes the audio at certain times. I ripped one of my Spider-Man BD's and discovered that.

4) Western Digital had the best players in terms of codec support but they don't sell them any more.

5) *Frankly, I'm having a time finding great support though again if a ROKU 3 works then just go with that. My next device will be something that supports KODI. Something like:

- Intel SoC x86
- H.265/HEVC support (optional)
- 4K support (optional)
- remote control
- KODI Linux (may have to install myself)

THIS is only an example->
https://www.amazon.com/MINIX-U1-64-bit-Quad-Core-Android/dp/B018K36GMY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1469614472&sr=1-1&keywords=minix

Other:
I use Handbrake to quickly test. I just use any small video, then try different codecs/container combinations for compatibility then experiment with bitrate and quality (time) settings. My path was:

#1) MAKEMKV (single, uncompressed file), then
#2) Handbrake (could queue multiple rips for conversion)

Handbrake profile example:
- MKV
- Normal
- Picture-> Strict
- Video-> H.264, 2-pass 8000Kbps, Medium (optimise speed)
- Audio-> DTS
- chapters (YES)

But... many of these are not compatible. Some did not support MKV, or High Profile (thus Normal is most compatible). Or if using HP will have a max level such as 4.1. Same for audio. AAC may be most compatible.

Cinavia if enabled on the BD disc makes any rip not work on a device with Cinavia (which includes all BD players starting around 2013).

 

[photonboy]

I suggest trying KODI in Windows just to experiment. Try one of the recent nightlies as the new interface is great:
http://mirrors.kodi.tv/nightlies/win32/

The ROUTER setup is hard to say. I'm not sure how that shows up, though in Windows it's probably under "Network" in the File Manager. I use a WD MY CLOUD which is attached to my router via an Ethernet cable and it shows as a "Windows Share" device I believe using my Samsung BD player but half my files are not supported due to codec issues and some have Cinavia protection.

Your manual should help if you can't figure it out. You can try KODI in Windows to see if you can find the USB drive as well.

Good luck and post what works.