UPnP Support

[jdawson]

I sent an e-mail to SnapStream about how the UPnP aspect is supported.

They said "BeyondTV does not support the UPnP service/protocol"

I thought this odd when they have an add on on the web site that you can download called.

SnapStream Beyond TV 3
UPnP Media Server Module
version 1.0 beta2
CREATED: February 13, 2004

Anyone else played with this and had any luck getting to to work with any media devices?

[flavius]

Now that we have UPnP support, let me try to revive this thread. Has anybody successfully made use of this server?

How compliant is the implementation? Now that I finally got my G5 - - I strongly feel that something should be done about at least some Mac OS X support.

[jocal]

Well, I've tried to use it. I have a go video 2730 network dvd player. Unfortunately, haven't been able to make it work yet. Man, would it be cool if it did......

-Jocal

[flavius]

How is the interface on that one? I have found that almost all of those 'media extenders' have a pretty crappy interface.

[jocal]

The interface is pretty bare bones. Just lists movies, picture and music. Then you can select by artist, genre and playlists (works best with musicmatch playlists). You can select by "albums" for pics and movies, which is essence is by subfolders. It is a quick interface, though, and if you do some tag and folder work, it's easy to get around in. It does work real well though, once you do a real easy hack. By default, the software only allows 3000mbps. You can make a simple change to one of the setup files to increase this limitation (they did this to limit the complaints from people who use wireless systems to watch video) Of course the best part of this is that it can be had for under $100 on ebay and you get an ok progressive dvd player to boot. The other nice thing is you can pass it off to the wife as a "regular" dvd player!!!! Do wish they could find a way to make it a Beyond TV extender. Would really add credibilty and usefullness to both products. I'm going to keep playing with it and hope......

-jocal

[Keith]

I have a Gateway ADC-320 which is pretty much a rebranded go video 2730 with a different face. It will see the server but locks up when you connect. I think it is much like other "standards" there are enough variances that there are compatability issues.

It is a great piece of hardware for the price, would be nicer if it and BTV-UPnP played well together...

~Keith

[DonK]

Have you guys tried installing the new windows media connect software for XP systems and seeing if the extenders you're using see your media in the shares you create?

[Keith]

I did, when it first came out and a no go - it will not show in the connecting devices to give approval for. I also had hopes for the new release and again shot down in flames.

It is sad because when I first looked into wmc I watch the little video that they had on it and they were using the same device!

I believe it to be a non-UPnP compliant issue with the firmware on the unit and have no hopes of it working because of Gateway dropping support. You can flash it with the go video 2730 firmware but loose the remote and the wirelessG support.

It does work well with the D5 software (I am using the netgear's version) so it is not like it is useless, but I am diehard SS supporter and thought this would be a trick device to complement it.

But when it comes down to it nothing beats the MVP with the Jr skin but BTV Link.

~Keith

[flavius]

Originally Posted by DonK

Have you guys tried installing the new windows media connect software for XP systems and seeing if the extenders you're using see your media in the shares you create?

I hope you're not implying here that BTV's own UPnP server modul is no good
Is there any documentation Snapstream would be willing to share? Especially about compliance with standards (UPnP.org)?

As I said earlier in this thread I'm trying to find out what it would take to get a client for Mac OS X started. As I'm putting together the tool set - I think UPnP could be useful.-

[jocal]

I also tested the media connect module with the govideo 2730 and it does works....sort of. The key is you have to run it on the pc and set it up. Then turn on the player and to the network interface. Then go back to your computer and approve the hook up. Then you are set. That being said, it really is no better than the D5 software. I've been looking for a replacement for the D5 software because it isn't playing nice with my BTV setup. Since I have installed it, my recording and live tv has studdard constantly. I have a AIW 9600xt and it worked great in overlay and 3d acceleration. Now, I can use it unless I have it in overlay and the encoder set to basic. I think some of the problems is the software takes up a nice chunk of resources. I don't think I can really go too much higher, since I have a athlon64 3200+ processor and 1 gig memory. My gut tells me that the ffdshow software that is installed with the D5 software for transcoding files to mpeg formate is the culprit in screwing with BTV. Anyway, I agree with everyone else. If Snapstream could work with these companies that make networked DVD players to create an "extender", it would really remove the last reason to buy a media center pc. BTV link plays mpeg formate, which is what the DVD players play, so can't we just port this software the the DVD firmware. PLEASE.

[jocal]

I also tested the media connect module with the govideo 2730 and it does works....sort of. The key is you have to run it on the pc and set it up. Then turn on the player and to the network interface. Then go back to your computer and approve the hook up. Then you are set. That being said, it really is no better than the D5 software. I've been looking for a replacement for the D5 software because it isn't playing nice with my BTV setup. Since I have installed it, my recording and live tv has studdard constantly. I have a AIW 9600xt and it worked great in overlay and 3d acceleration. Now, I can use it unless I have it in overlay and the encoder set to basic. I think some of the problems is the software takes up a nice chunk of resources. I don't think I can really go too much higher, since I have a athlon64 3200+ processor and 1 gig memory. My gut tells me that the ffdshow software that is installed with the D5 software for transcoding files to mpeg formate is the culprit in screwing with BTV. Anyway, I agree with everyone else. If Snapstream could work with these companies that make networked DVD players to create an "extender", it would really remove the last reason to buy a media center pc. BTV link plays mpeg formate, which is what the DVD players play, so can't we just port this software the the DVD firmware. PLEASE.