Setup confusion

[Jman5150 3]

Ok im confused.

this is my goal.

 

i have an oppo 203, with dnla the goal is to have my movies on a hard drive and triggered by ios app (this case emby. Was looking at kodi but this seemed easier. 
 

i was under the understanding i just needed to hook my drives up to the network (id prefer usb port on oppo but dont this its possible)

i tried loggin i to app when it asks for ip and port but couldnt connect.

 

i googled and ran across the idea of an emby server (i have mac mini). 
 

was my first impression wrong i need a cpu for an emby server to direct play movies to oppo triggered from an ios app?

what would the setup look like too accomplish this?

[rbjtech 5284]

As you plan to use the Oppo 203 as the playback client (DLNA), then you need a server that can deliver the digital media via DLNA.

Emby can do this, but it's is not the best way to view your media as DLNA is pretty limited on what it can do.  

Install Emby SERVER on your Mac Mini ( https://emby.media/mac-server.html).  Setup a test library (using the guides available here) and get it working ok with a normal web browser.

Then turn on DLNA within Emby, and your Oppo should then 'see' Emby as a server - allowing you to select the file from your library and play it.

I hope this helps.

[Jman5150 3]

Does emby work like kodi where it outputs an interface and plays through that or does it work like a trigger sending the files to the player direct?

prefer f possible a system where the gui is on my ipad and the file plays throught to the client

Edited September 10, 2020 by Jman5150

[Luke 42085]

We have an emby app for the iPad that you can use to play files from your emby server. Is that what you're asking?

[Jman5150 3]

So the movie from the server goes through an Hdmi port or the ethernet connection?

[Jman5150 3]

On 09/09/2020 at 03:55, rbjtech said:

 

Emby can do this, but it's is not the best way to view your media as DLNA is pretty limited on what it can do.  

 

What would be the best way?

[rbjtech 5284]

If you want the iOS App to act as a 'remote control' to the client connected to your TV, then what you actually want is for the client to be able to receive a 'cast' feature.  I'm not sure if the Oppo has this built in  - but devices like the Chromecast, Android Tablets etc have this ability.  The Oppo may have some iOS Apps allowing you to view the content via DLNA (that Emby is providing).

Alternatively, a dedicated client may suit you better - depending on what you want a FireTV stick, Android TV, Shield, Roku etc - there are plenty to choose from.  This will give you the best experience - as they are dedicated Emby Apps.

Have a look here for all the Apps (Clients) that are available to you (scroll down for the Apps)

 

Edited September 11, 2020 by rbjtech

[Carlo 4561]

Hi,

Emby is a client/server setup unlike kodi which is just a client.

Any of the client apps gets the information from the server and it's streamed through the network (hard wired or WIFI).

[EZEd 60]

@Luke and rbjtech.  I know that there is a good explanation of the Emby client/server architecture on the website knowledge base but is there a corresponding explanation of how DLNA works and how Emby works as a DLNA host?  I think that is where Jman5150 is confused above.  In short Jman, Emby is set up to function best as an IP client/server architecture where there is an Emby server somewhere on a local area network and it distributes audio/visual file data to connected clients.  Those clients perform best when using the designed clients that rbjtech identified from the Apps (Clients) list above.  Take note that your Oppo 203 is not one of the approved clients that Emby developers have written an application for.

Your Oppo can and will connect to an Emby server however because Emby Server is also a DLNA host.  You would be able to view the files and play the files from the server to the Oppo DLNA client it's just that you won't get a nice pretty interface like you would from one of the application based clients on the supported list.

If you just want to play some files the Oppo is fine.  If you really want to dazzle your eyes and be the envy of all of your friends use one of the app clients connected to your TV to get a truly good visual appeal to your AV consumption.

You mentioned and iPad, which iPad is a good client but the experience is confined to the screen of the iPad.  The experience is better if you can get it projected to a TV or larger scale viewing device.  Either connect the iPad to the TV (via HDMI if that's all that you have) or better yet, get an Apple TV device, Roku or Android TV device and connect to the TV.  Some smart TVs these days have Emby clients available directly on the TV (most notably, Samsung, LG, Sony and TCL/Roku  enabled).

I hope that helps.

[Luke 42085]

Quote

Emby is set up to function best as an IP client/server architecture where there is an Emby server somewhere on a local area network and it distributes audio/visual file data to connected clients.

Yes this is true, that is the best way, but we also support Dlna for those that want to use that.

[Jman5150 3]

I think i have some clarity. I think i was misinformed and thought i could just network a hard drive to the oppo while have the gui on the ipad so i get the best of both worlds, gui and direct play. Looks like i need to replan a few options. Thank you for the clarity!

[EZEd 60]

There may be a way to cast the iPad through the Oppo but in my opinion that's just adding complexity to something that isn't that hard to do with the right tools. To play through the Oppo ( if that is your preference) just using DLNA direct through the Oppo from server is probably the easiest in your case. Or directly connecting the iPad to the TV is easy. But iPad to tv has no remote control capability. If you want visual appeal + remote control convenience then getting a streamer or smart tv is better.

Depends on how much you want to spend and what is your pain threshold for mechanics.

Again my 2cents only.