Android as a Media Server, streaming directly from files stored on a hard drive connected to a router

[bluesmanuk]

Rather than have to have a PC, NAS etc running to stream media files to my Android box, I would like to do the following instead.

Have an external hard drive or USB flash drive that is connected directly to my router that can be accessed via Android using some media server app.

Most streaming solutions seem to involve having a dedicated server or PC running Plex or some other dedicated streaming software, whereas it would be far easier for me to be able to use the functionality of a router to do it.

Has anybody manage to do this?

[rapalax]

You router would then act like a nas, but likely the supported protocols would be much more limited (I.e samba?) .. Why not just get a nas ? Price difference with an external HD is quite small

[bluesmanuk]

I've already got a large external drive, so looking for the most convenient solution.

With a drive attached to the router, I know that I will also be able to access it through windows too.

With a router already having an element of functionality, it would seem the easiest way of accessing it with the least cost and without having to need space for more tech.

[rapalax]

Well this really depends on your router. I've seen a few that won't expose the USB device via standard protocols (I.e. NFS, samba, ftp, etc...) so if you have one of these you are stuck unless you flash dd-wrt (or something similar) on your router.

Why not plug the drive into your device? You can often expose these drive via smb with a helper app or something.

[blinkydamo]

Have a look into bubbleupnp on the market. You can select the source of the media and the destination all from a phone or tablet.

[bluesmanuk]

Well this really depends on your router. I've seen a few that won't expose the USB device via standard protocols (I.e. NFS, samba, ftp, etc...) so if you have one of these you are stuck unless you flash dd-wrt (or something similar) on your router.

Why not plug the drive into your device? You can often expose these drive via smb with a helper app or something.

I have used the drive directly connected but would love the router to be able to serve all devices, especially as it's the one device that is on all day.

[maestro]

I have an external hard drive connected to my router. All of my computers can connect to the router hard drive and access the files. I also had it working on Android. I was able to watch movies from my hard drive with XBMC and I also used another media player that worked to watch movies. On the computers it plays everything with no problem, on Android there were some files I had issues with.

I think I might still have an Android tablet that I got this working on. If I find it I will give you better steps.

[maestro]

I found the tablet that I already had configured. These might be the same steps I used, I'm not 100% sure, but one of these should work.

Your router has to be compatible with UPNP or SMB for this to work.

Open XBMC.
Go to Videos > Files > Add Videos > Browse > UPNP Devices (should show your router) - this might work
or Videos > Files > Add Videos > Browse > Windows network (SMB) > WORKGROUP > Find your router - this might work


With this I can watch the videos on my router on my Android devices. I had this setup on one of my cell phones before also.

For this to work you have to make sure your device is connected to your network (wifi or plugged in).

[bluesmanuk]

I found the tablet that I already had configured. These might be the same steps I used, I'm not 100% sure, but one of these should work.

Your router has to be compatible with UPNP or SMB for this to work.

Open XBMC.
Go to Videos > Files > Add Videos > Browse > UPNP Devices (should show your router) - this might work
or Videos > Files > Add Videos > Browse > Windows network (SMB) > WORKGROUP > Find your router - this might work


With this I can watch the videos on my router on my Android devices. I had this setup on one of my cell phones before also.

For this to work you have to make sure your device is connected to your network (wifi or plugged in).

Cheers maestro.

Just what I need and easier than I thought that it might be