How to use Play To Feature? - Microsoft Surface

I have been trying to get this feature to work for a while now, Microsoft has been no help because all of the tutorials involve using media player on desktop win8. The option comes up when you select a music file in windows explorer under the Play tab in the ribbon. It is supposed to allow you to stream to dlna devices or other computers on your network. I have the proper media sharing options enabled on both my win8pro laptop and the surface, but I can not get it to ungrey going either way (play from laptop to surface or surface to laptop). The normal tutorials involve creating a playlist in media player then using the play to option in it, which is still grayed out on my laptop. The surface can see the laptop over the network, and the laptop can see the surface as well.
Later I am going to try turning on the server option in services on the surface and see if that works
Anyone else gotten this to work? It just seems like such a great idea, have your laptop plugged into the stereo and then play stuff to it remotely from your surface. I wish that Microsoft had implemented this as robustly as the play to Xbox option because I don't want to buy an Xbox just to stream music while I have other computers that could do that just as easily.

Make sure the media sharing services are running and permitted through the firewall. Beyond that, I don't know. I've never actually heard of the functionality like you describe - PlayTo is intended for devices (i.e. "not computers" where a Windows RT tablet is a computer, but an Xbox 360 is a device). There are (much) cheaper DLNA receivers than Xbxoes, incidentally.

I use the play to now and again, I stream video files to my DLNA TV. Though I tend to prefer to use my laptop for this due to its support for mp4/mkv files. Just ensure the device ur streaming to comes up in the devices part of the metro settings, and as mentioned, ensure your firewall isn't blocking it.

GoodDayToDie said:
Make sure the media sharing services are running and permitted through the firewall. Beyond that, I don't know. I've never actually heard of the functionality like you describe - PlayTo is intended for devices (i.e. "not computers" where a Windows RT tablet is a computer, but an Xbox 360 is a device). There are (much) cheaper DLNA receivers than Xbxoes, incidentally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, it has to be a Microsoft-certified DLNA receiver for Metro apps to be able to share to it. There are a bunch of those, but it's not quite as easy as just getting a DLNA receiver. You can use Play To to a non-certified receiver from the desktop though.
For the original poster, to be able to Play To a laptop, you need to enable an option in Windows Media Player and have that open. The option is "Allow Remote Control of my player" under the Stream menu (in WMP12 at least).

@jhoff80: Cool, thanks for the tip, didn't know about that feature!
@Doggydude: Be aware that Windows RT doesn't include Media Player, so it may be unable to receive DLNA. The other direction should, in theory, work after enabling it as jhoff80 suggested.

Thanks for your input guys, I will continue to work on native play to, but courtesy of a pm from neoncell who doesn't have full permissions yet there is an app called play to receiver in the store that should do what I want fairly well.
@jhoff80 I have that option enabled
@feygor I haven't checked if it shows up in devices, il check that out thanks. Both my computers and router's firewall allow it I believe
@gooddaytodie I might look into a receiver, but I'd rather just use existing hardware. My stereo and tv are too old to have even basic internet support. I wish that Microsoft had implemented other device options other than just an Xbox for native media streaming in their music and video apps.

My Samsung TV is not Microsoft certified. Does that mean I need this Play To app/program to stream video from my tablet to my tv? How do I get it?

im fairly sure the answer is no, but does anyone know if it is possible to use the play to feature to send streaming media in a browser to an xbox?

duplicate post

tboy2000 said:
My Samsung TV is not Microsoft certified. Does that mean I need this Play To app/program to stream video from my tablet to my tv? How do I get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That means you have to do it from the desktop. Right click (tap-and-hold) on the MP3 audio file or MP4 video file that you want to play to your TV, and it should give you the option to Play To, with a callout menu that lists your TV. That will give you a small set of controls to play the video or audio file, with playlist functionality there as well. (Looks like they just pulled the necessary parts from WMP).

eeisner said:
im fairly sure the answer is no, but does anyone know if it is possible to use the play to feature to send streaming media in a browser to an xbox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I highly doubt it, you need an app that has the ability to stream.
Microsofts media apps for win8 have xbox streaming built in

eeisner said:
im fairly sure the answer is no, but does anyone know if it is possible to use the play to feature to send streaming media in a browser to an xbox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTML5 video is supposed to work that way, but I've never tried it myself.

jhoff80 said:
HTML5 video is supposed to work that way, but I've never tried it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
heres to hoping the streamers on firstrowsports start using html5 haha. but honestly, if this is able to be done in browser, I cant get it done on my surface. hmmm....

Related

[Q] Streaming from Android to PC

Sorry if there is already a thread for this.
I'm looking for an app which play the sound of my mobile on my computer (and them my Hifi)
Then I can listen to toutube or spotify easily on my Hifi, simply using my Android phone.
Thanks a lot
Android to Audio Stream
Is there a solution yet since I am also looking out for something like this.
I don't know guys if you are interested into, but there is an application that allows you to stream video and audio and see your picture via Wireless on your computer using your web browser...
Websharing file 1.6.1 apk
Nextapp is the company who create it, I use regularly everyday and is a good one!!
AFAIK, there's currently no way to do a raw audio stream from Android over the network; and I can almost guarantee you it won't be possible at all without root. Closest you could get would be getting a Bluetooth audio sink (like this or the official Nexus home dock) and hooking that to your hifi. There are apps to stream local content via DLNA, but there isn't anything to stream arbitrary audio in Android.
EDIT: Some PC Bluetooth stacks may also be able to receive A2DP audio as well, but it's not a universal feature.
Check out mecanto, it's an app that syncs your music to the cloud and then you can stream it from the cloud and play on your phone.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
I'm amazed that there's no interest in this. I'm sure I haven't searched enough and so probably should pick on a more current thread. But it seems a no-brainer to me to want to go this direction. Everyone discusses streaming from PC to phone. Why would I do that instead of just listening to the PC? Now if I could stream from phone to PC... I have many phone apps that let me listen to unlimited tunes and radios from all over the world, which of course I use outside the house. But using it in this way in the house, my phone would not only be the source, but the "remote" -- the controller. Walk around the house w/ just the phone. Beats my carrying my Squeezebox "portable" radio, as I do. Or maybe I need to pay $150 for the Squeezebox solution, their remote controller... Just don' get it.
yes. i also think this is a great idea. there a heaps of pc to android threads.
usage scenario i am thinking.
walking around with device. the device contains song files and player. if that player had a button like stream to ie desktop, home theatre speakers, etc etc. that would be great. sorta like wmp 12 stream to button if anyone is familiar with that. bluetooth has the restriction of range so ideally wifi would be the better solution. curious to know if anyone has come across any updates to this.
I use 2 apps because im undecided which is best firt one is called 2play dnla
and the other is upnp. search in the market for both :-D
THAKS DREA!!!! wow I have been wish exactly the 2play app do... I like to play music on my Android tha I can listen from my large PC speakers!!! COOL!!
Streaming from Android To SERVER STREAMING
Is there any application also in beta test to let the android phone act as Media encoder to stream to a Server what's coming on your phone?
On Iphone platform there an interesting app LIVU (stevemcfarlin.com/livu/features.html).
Would be nice to have one similar on Android phone
Fabio
Theres an app called Twonky which acts as media server on your Android. It lets you stream upnp to whatever device you have capable such as Apple TV, Playstation etc. I have an AC Ryan Playon HD player which is hooked to my local network and I am able to recieve and play media through this to my HD TV from my Desire over wifi.
Any suggestions on the following then:
I would love to find a program that can both send audio and video without transcoding that can manage both IOS and Android
Im currently using PS3 media server for the PS3 and StreamToMe for sending to my iphones/ipads. They both work excellent. Was also amazed with the lack of streaming programs.
A simple solution that worked for me from a windows pc to android was was using ES File Explorer (free), choose LAN from dropdown (top left), add new server, scan - it should then pick up your shared network.
Then navigate to your chosen movie, play with moboplayer. Voila.
If it doesn't play straight away make sure moboplayer is set to soft decoder.
Sometimes you may have to press and hold your movie icon, open as video, choose moboplayer.
---------- Post added at 06:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:08 PM ----------
Sorry my bad, thought you meant streaming from pc to Android device.
You may try skifta, it was recently showcased on market home site.
www.skifta.com
i'm looking for a way to stream notifications to my pc, especially the phone ringer. i'd like to be able to hear my phone ring, through my pc speakers, while i'm away from my computer and have music playing
ghostrill said:
i'm looking for a way to stream notifications to my pc, especially the phone ringer. i'd like to be able to hear my phone ring, through my pc speakers, while i'm away from my computer and have music playing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think MyPhoneExplorer can do that (not sure)
For youtube videos: the youtube app can link with your pc through Youtube leanback
There is an app called "Remote Droid Player"(play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.newandroid). Though it needs a small application needs to be installed on PC.
hmmm... I saw the program ArkMC in google play , when I have the similar problem , you can try...good luck!
vlc direct pro free
Sent from my GT-I9001 using xda app-developers app
Still no way to stream every sound that your android device plays to your PC? Is it not technically possible to create and android server that sends a raw stream of sound to the PC over wifi?
All the solutions linked in this thread requires you to actively choose what mp3 to listen to. I want to stream notifications/spotify/radio/everything that is played.

[Q] is xbmc installable?

I love XBMC on my home ubuntu pc, and i know it is tegra2 enabled, but anyone know if it will be installable onto the tablet?
If you can get Ubuntu running on it, sure. Otherwise, barring an Android port you can forget about it.
i hope they do get it to work - especially as its working well for ipads, iphone4, etc.
Why?
I guess i just don't really understand the use of xbmc on a tablet. On my htpc sure.
Use Plex.
Stupid character limit.
Xbmc is an awesome platform for video playback, plus cab link library's with a central unit. Would work well with my setup.
ok just read my post and it didnt make sense! (was typing using iphone!)
XBMC is an awesome program for video playback and library. I would want to use it on the tablet for viewing as I can link multiple xbmc librarys to the main central one i use on my htpc (which also acts as a home server using ubuntu). I know that it is running as a upnp server too, but its the library linking that would be great - i watch a lot of tv shows, etc.
ricostuart said:
ok just read my post and it didnt make sense! (was typing using iphone!)
XBMC is an awesome program for video playback and library. I would want to use it on the tablet for viewing as I can link multiple xbmc librarys to the main central one i use on my htpc (which also acts as a home server using ubuntu). I know that it is running as a upnp server too, but its the library linking that would be great - i watch a lot of tv shows, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only got the XBMC Remote to work to control my pc and use the DLNA-functionality of XBMC on my PC to have him act as my media server and watch it with upnplayer. XBMC does make a navigationable library as media server where you can select on actor, year, director, title etc. but it is not as fancy with covers and banners as in XBMC.
ricostuart said:
ok just read my post and it didnt make sense! (was typing using iphone!)
XBMC is an awesome program for video playback and library. I would want to use it on the tablet for viewing as I can link multiple xbmc librarys to the main central one i use on my htpc (which also acts as a home server using ubuntu). I know that it is running as a upnp server too, but its the library linking that would be great - i watch a lot of tv shows, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XBMC should be capable of doing what you want through DLNA. Go into settings and enable UPnP video sharing, then browse to it on your TF, and it should show your entire library across all xbmc devices. And it lists the files in library mode, not file mode, so you get the pretty naming instead of viewing raw folders.
If you mean you want things like posters, metadata, etc then no this is not possible. XBMC is slowly being ported to ARM platforms but it is nowhere near usable except on the Apple TV 2. There is a ton of interest in getting it on ARM, but I haven't seen any work done for Tegra2, so chances are it will never run on our Transformers.

Windows Media Center Live TV Streaming/Recording?

I'm looking for an android app (or even a web interface) that will allow me to:
-stream live TV
-stream recorded TV
-stream videos
-view the TV guide
-manage TV recordings (set and stop recordings)
From windows media center.
I have searched a lot and found numerous apps to remote control wmc but not the features I'm looking for.
My current setup is a HTPC running windows 7 enterprise with a ceton infinitv 4 tuner. I have used orb in the past but orb does not work with the infinitv cable card.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I have heard about remote potato and the remote media center app but from my research it does everything I want EXCEPT stream live TV.
Wow orb was an option for free i don't know about recording
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
Ya I liked orb. Any other options?
I don't think any android phone right now could render WMC recordings. I have WMC setup with a HDTV tuner and even my prevoius 1.8Ghz computer could not handle decoding.
I haven't found any uPnP servers that don't suck. uPnP in general to me just sucks.
Try WinTV Extend. Its now for android.
http://store.hauppauge.com/SoftwareProducts.asp
I have a tuner from them but have to pay still...
Sent from my Motorola Atrix 4G on the network with the most backhaul, whatever that is. This post might have errors as I hate touchscreen keyboards.
yelserp87 said:
Try WinTV Extend. Its now for android.
http://store.hauppauge.com/SoftwareProducts.asp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion but I wanted an app that worked with windows media center. If it allows me to stream live TV I guess I could just use that app and then another to watch and schedule recordings on wmc
Check out the ipad version on youtube for a demo. Its made for wmc. Its doesn't seem bad for $10. If you have a dual tuner you can watch and record at the same time.
Sent from my Evo
yelserp87 said:
Check out the ipad version on youtube for a demo. Its made for wmc. Its doesn't seem bad for $10. If you have a dual tuner you can watch and record at the same time.
Sent from my Evo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Ill check it out before I buy it.
yelserp87 said:
Check out the ipad version on youtube for a demo. Its made for wmc. Its doesn't seem bad for $10. If you have a dual tuner you can watch and record at the same time.
Sent from my Evo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I checked out the youtube demo but no where does it say it works with wmc. I also tried installing wintv on my htpc but it won't install since I do not have a hauppauge tuner. I only have a centon infinitv quad tuner. I'm going to assume wintv only works with their tuners.
Yep. The software interfaces only with their drivers. Tv tuner cards are super picky with drivers... be glad its not the nightmare linux is with mine
Sent from my Motorola Atrix 4G on the network with the most backhaul, whatever that is. This post might have errors as I hate touchscreen keyboards.
Mgamerz said:
Yep. The software interfaces only with their drivers. Tv tuner cards are super picky with drivers... be glad its not the nightmare linux is with mine
Sent from my Motorola Atrix 4G on the network with the most backhaul, whatever that is. This post might have errors as I hate touchscreen keyboards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh trust me I know. I've tried setting up mythtv with my old tuner and it was horrible! There's no Linux drivers forvmy current tuner so I have no choice but to use windows. But honestly I love wmc and there are very few ms products I can say that about.
There used to be a plugin for WMC called webguide:
http://web.archive.org/web/20100105155914/http://asciiexpress.com/webguide/download.aspx
Support has expired (still works on XP or Vista with older version of wmc). Researching for alternatives has brought up this:
http://bigscreenglobal.com/bgproduct.aspx?PID=BSRV1
It should work via android browser. No live TV though :/
If you want live TV your going to need additional hardware (slingbox, VULKANO, hava, Broadway)
I have a similar htpc setup and was looking for the same thing. The hassle for live TV is making it way overrated for me. Streaming of recorded content seems like the best solution.
Sorry to bump an old thread. Any progress since 07/2011?
I've been using WMC + slingbox since 2009 for this.
acegolfer said:
Sorry to bump an old thread. Any progress since 07/2011?
I've been using WMC + slingbox since 2009 for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can only be done with 2 types of hardware:
Slingbox or hauppauge.
Otherwise you can just stream your recordings via plex or pogoplug. I am to busy to watch something live so plex works out best for me.
If your a sports fan then just buy one of those streaming season passes and split the bill with 5 people.
Check out http://goo.gl/YeklZ
It does live TV over android with Remote Potato as well
This thread has been dead for many years. Now it is almost 2015.
I have a WMC on my PC and it has as a PCI turner. I get my programs free OTA and record to this PC. No cable box or dish.
How do I watch my record TV or live shows from my PC to my Android phone?
Any ideas?
chong67 said:
This thread has been dead for many years. Now it is almost 2015.
I have a WMC on my PC and it has as a PCI turner. I get my programs free OTA and record to this PC. No cable box or dish.
How do I watch my record TV or live shows from my PC to my Android phone?
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, you should have started a new thread, but I use Remote Potato on my HTPCs running off a Ceton InfiniTV ETH 6 network tuner. On my mobile, I use the Remote Media Center paid app to schedule and stream recordings. A bonus is that RMC has a built-in remote control screen that interfaces with Remote Potato's IR helper app...
Remote Media Center:
http://tinyurl.com/pv28bn2
Remote Potato:
http://www.remotepotato.com/
NoSpamDan said:
I agree, you should have started a new thread, but I use Remote Potato on my HTPCs running off a Ceton InfiniTV ETH 6 network tuner. On my mobile, I use the Remote Media Center paid app to schedule and stream recordings. A bonus is that RMC has a built-in remote control screen that interfaces with Remote Potato's IR helper app...
Remote Media Center:
http://tinyurl.com/pv28bn2
Remote Potato:
http://www.remotepotato.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much! I didnt know this.
I got it working on my computer and can watch n record my show thru the webpage.
However thru the phone its a little problem. I can see my recorded show and TV grid, but I cant play it. Do I need to install a separate app for playing? The RMC app cant play movie?
chong67 said:
Thank you very much! I didnt know this.
I got it working on my computer and can watch n record my show thru the webpage.
However thru the phone its a little problem. I can see my recorded show and TV grid, but I cant play it. Do I need to install a separate app for playing? The RMC app cant play movie?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. You need a media player app, but if it's encrypted or DRM-protected content, you probably won't get it to play on anything but the device which recorded it.
I myself use MX Player. It's free.

[REQUEST] Looking for an app that will turn my device into a media server

What im trying to do is to get my ps3 to connect to my androids as media servers. I am NOT looking for an app that connects to media servers- there are a ton of those on the market. I keep ALL my music on my android devices. I would like for them to BE the media server. Though, it seems there are few apps that do this.
I tried "Remote media!" From the market. It works up to the point where I go to listen to an mp3, then times out. Otherwise, my ps3 can connect to my android and display all the right folders. But there are some bugs with actually streaming the content. Didn't get it to stream once on either of my devices.
Does anyone know of such an app? Thanks for your help!
If your device has DLNA capabilities, you can use iMedia share from the market.
moonzbabysh said:
If your device has DLNA capabilities, you can use iMedia share from the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried media, though it wasn't locating my media and seemed to be a bit bulky of an app with all the options of websites to stream to your tv. I mightily it again in a few, but really lookingbfor a simple clean app. I wish remote media would work.
Twonky Mobile - very bulky though.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.pv.twonkyremote
Share Me - https://market.android.com/details?id=com.sygem.android.shareme_free Worked okay from what I remember, but I didn't buy as I have all my stuff on my Nas - was just testing it out.
share me and remote media seem to work up to thebexact same point- until I click Olay. so this might indicate an issue that I can fix. But what issue? Upnp seems enabled on all devices. what else?
Any help?
Look out for an app called media server or something like this from Sony Ericsson. You won't find it in the market because it's one of the preinstalled apps on the Arc.
It has dlna capabilities too and worked for me when I tried to connect with my PC
sent from my sweet Rachael
blarghle!
Im very frustrated. It seems this works properly, but there is some upnp error as far as I can guess.
I have newest firmware for router,
Enabled upnp on ps3,
Servers are running on EVO/jetstream,
Ps3 shows all folders, files, and even images from the gallery,
Images show with no problem,
When playing an mp3, it says data is corrupt, when it is not.
Halp >_>
I've exhausted my savvy knowledge to this point...
Hi. Try Skifta. It works well for me!
Check it in Android Market.
Afonsov
Air sync
Android device and PS3/Xbox need to be on the same wifi source.
Run air sync and you can share media to anything pretty much. Here ya go.
https://market.android.com/details?...5kb3VibGVUd2lzdC5hbmRyb2lkUGxheWVyUHJvS2V5Il0.

[Q] Missing DLNA apps

Hi- I don't seem to have the two apps that Motorola lists on their support site that can be used to stream via DLNA, Media Share and the DLNA app itself. I recently successfully rooted the phone so I could remove some of the factory bloat, but I know I did not remove either of those apps. Any idea what gives? I am running 4.0.4; was on with Moto tech support and he suggested wiping the partition (factory reset?), but I am leery of doing this while rooted. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. TIA!
Scrondar said:
Hi- I don't seem to have the two apps that Motorola lists on their support site that can be used to stream via DLNA, Media Share and the DLNA app itself. I recently successfully rooted the phone so I could remove some of the factory bloat, but I know I did not remove either of those apps. Any idea what gives? I am running 4.0.4; was on with Moto tech support and he suggested wiping the partition (factory reset?), but I am leery of doing this while rooted. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. TIA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In ICS the DLNA apps are integrated to the system apps, check out the music app and press the menu button, it should show an option to play on another device.
janitux said:
In ICS the DLNA apps are integrated to the system apps, check out the music app and press the menu button, it should show an option to play on another device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, when I open My Music, I can scan for DLNA servers (which my phone finds-my PC running Plex, and my wife's laptop), but not my Pioneer receiver, which is DLNA compliant. I assume this because it is a client device. So, how can I stream from my phone to my receiver? Are there apps that can do this directly, or do they all have to go through a server? I have several music players {Poweramp, Winamp, JetAudio), but none of them offer the ability to stream to a DLNA device. Many thanks.
BubbleUPnP does what you are looking for. It can read files from any server (including local files), and play on any compliant renderer (works with my Smart TV). Also, I found the app Twonky to be pretty neat - you can play videos from video sites (e.g., YouTube and Vimeo) on compliant receivers.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bubblesoft.android.bubbleupnp&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pv.twonkybeam
rp181 said:
BubbleUPnP does what you are looking for. It can read files from any server (including local files), and play on any compliant renderer (works with my Smart TV). Also, I found the app Twonky to be pretty neat - you can play videos from video sites (e.g., YouTube and Vimeo) on compliant receivers.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bubblesoft.android.bubbleupnp&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pv.twonkybeam
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll give both a try. Thinking about it, I really can't see a scenario where I'd want to play from my phone to my receiver if I wasn't at home, so I guess it doesn't matter if my PC gets involved as the server. I just wanted to see if I could work it just between my phone and receiver.

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