Using Sage Client to view media stored locally

[Steerpike]

I have a Sage Client displaying live and recorded content from a Sage Server over an ethernet connection in the typical manner. Is there any way for the Sage Client to display 'local content' (in the form of mpeg files) stored in the local file system on the physical Sage Client machine?

I presume I could map the physical client drive (or use UNC paths) to the Server, then configure that mapped drive as a multimedia source on the server, but ... I also presume that would end up making the video material make two trips ... from Client (where it really resides) to the Server (where it's drive is mapped), then back to the Client ... which is what I'm trying to avoid.

Of course, I could just use a 3rd party mpeg player such as WinDVD, or similar, on the Client, but I'm looking for the consistent user interface.

The reason for pursuing this is, I'm getting 'very good' but not 'perfect' transmission of video from Server to Client over my wireless network; it turns out I am mainly watching recorded shows anyway, not live TV. The available tuner is located near the server, so that's where I need to do the initial recording. My plan is, copy the entire show over the wireless network BEFORE I plan to watch it. I've tested this methodology out already and it works ok for me (playing the files in WinDVD). I'd rather spend the
time copying the files than risk a sudden 'delay' in the middle of a great show.

But regardless of why, I'm just curious to know if this is possible.

[Opus4]

You can browse for media files to play in the Media Center menu, but local browsing on a client might only be fixed in the next release.

You can also make a library import directory on the client PC. If the client has direct access to a file (via the path shown in the detailed info for a recording or imported file), it will play it directly w/o having it stream through your SageTV server. But, if the direct file access attempt fails, then it will stream through the server.

- Andy

[briands]

This would also be good for music and picture files from removable media on a client.

[dvd_maniac]

I could be wrong but if you use an external player enabled STV (Like GermSage) doesn't it bypass Sage's Server dependency and grab the file directly?

[Deadbolt]

Another benefit is that if you use comskip support in an STV you can have that same support when not connected to the server....as long as you also copy the comskip file. You can't get that with WinDVD.

Originally Posted by Steerpike

I have a Sage Client displaying live and recorded content from a Sage Server over an ethernet connection in the typical manner. Is there any way for the Sage Client to display 'local content' (in the form of mpeg files) stored in the local file system on the physical Sage Client machine?

I presume I could map the physical client drive (or use UNC paths) to the Server, then configure that mapped drive as a multimedia source on the server, but ... I also presume that would end up making the video material make two trips ... from Client (where it really resides) to the Server (where it's drive is mapped), then back to the Client ... which is what I'm trying to avoid.

Of course, I could just use a 3rd party mpeg player such as WinDVD, or similar, on the Client, but I'm looking for the consistent user interface.

The reason for pursuing this is, I'm getting 'very good' but not 'perfect' transmission of video from Server to Client over my wireless network; it turns out I am mainly watching recorded shows anyway, not live TV. The available tuner is located near the server, so that's where I need to do the initial recording. My plan is, copy the entire show over the wireless network BEFORE I plan to watch it. I've tested this methodology out already and it works ok for me (playing the files in WinDVD). I'd rather spend the
time copying the files than risk a sudden 'delay' in the middle of a great show.

But regardless of why, I'm just curious to know if this is possible.