Placeshifter and Imported Videos

[Addict]

Hi folks,

I'm curious as to why I cannot play my imported DVD's through the Placeshifter interface? I've read a lot of posts that say "it can't be done with Placeshifter" but I haven't seen any explanation as to why...

I guess I just don't understand why Sage can recompress and push recorded TV over the line, but can't do it with a DVD from my hard drive.

I can't imagine this being a technical hurdle, so I'm assuming it's a legal one? Anyone have any insight on this? I guess I'm asking to cure my curiosity more than anything. I'd really love to be able to do this.

Thanks!
AL

[stanger89]

DVDs are rather unique in that they require access to multiple files simultaneously. DVDs are made up of several VOBs, which contain Audio/Video which are played sequentially, and IFO files which "direct" the playback of the VOBs. It's the IFOs that hold the chapters and allow for seamless transitioning between VOBs.

The reason placeshifter can't handle DVDs, is because the player needs access to all those files simultaneously, DVDs aren't sequential like most other media files. I won't say it's impossible to stream them. Theoretically, I'm sure you could emulate the file accesses and whatnot, but it's definitely far more technically challenging than just streaming a single media file.

[bcjenkins]

It can be done, as it is done with Nielm's webserver and VLC. Although I suspect the issue is around making it work with the SageTV widgets. If you want to stream DVDs today, I would suggest checking out the web server add on.

B

[Addict]

Thanks for the replies, guys...

I did not realize the DVD files were not sequential, so I understand it's more challenging than initially thought. Maybe Sage will find it worthy of the time someday... <smile>

Thanks for the info on the Webserver option...I'll have to check that out!

[mayamaniac]

If SageTV can stream it to an MVP Extender, then it should be able to stream to a Placeshifter Client.

For a while, it was believed to be a legal problem, but I don't think that is the case anymore since SageTV streams to the MVP. I think they just haven't implemented this feature yet, but it should be on the To-Do list.

[bcjenkins]

Originally Posted by mayamaniac

If SageTV can stream it to an MVP Extender, then it should be able to stream to a Placeshifter Client.

For a while, it was believed to be a legal problem, but I don't think that is the case anymore since SageTV streams to the MVP. I think they just haven't implemented this feature yet, but it should be on the To-Do list.

It is if you believe this properties entry:

enable_ps_dvd_playback=

Found in the latest betas. Unfortunately it doesn't work yet.

B

[Addict]

Originally Posted by bcjenkins

It is if you believe this properties entry:

enable_ps_dvd_playback=

Found in the latest betas. Unfortunately it doesn't work yet.

B

Good find! That's promising...