PP-EO2: NAS - Video Streaming on multiple devices

[rino]

Hello everyone:
I am a newbie here ... I went through few pages (approx 19 or so) of the forums reading about alARM ... but couldn't find answers to my questions completely.

I just got my PogoPlug (EO2) device today. I am debating if I should use it with the default pogoplug software, or should I install archLinuxARM on it. I did use Linux long time back when I was at school, but I am no master of it.

I read that once I install arch Linux on it, I won't be able to use any of the pogoplug apps.

Here is what I want it to do with my PP ... share all my downloaded videos (be able to play remotely), pictures, files, etc:
1- On all the PCs (Windows)
2- On all the Blackberry Playbooks devices
3- iPad and iPod Touch devices
4- Apple TV2 - jailbroken with XBMC
5- Apple TV3
6- Wii & Bluray Player (not necessary, but if possible, it is nice to have)

I read on a few threads that I may need to install SAMBA and NFS on it ... but have no idea on how I would access my PP after it ... I am sorry if I am asking for a repeat info, but any cummulative response would be greatly appreciated.

Any suggestions on what should I do? If I should stick with default software or install arch Linux (and any additional softwares)?

I am planning to hookup my 1TB WD MY Passport Drive onto PogoPlug for now ... my main purpose is to be able to share and play videos across the network on different devices listed above.

Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

*Note: It is mainly for my kids to be able to watch their cartoons, barney shows, etc on their devices rather than streaming live from YouTube all the time, which is killing my internet usage - I am in Canada, and we have a bandwidth cap on downloads

[WarheadsSE]

It will greatly depend on the video codec & container used, which devices can play them.

I use samba in my house, but have no BB or Apple crap. All my Windows, Android, WDTV & Blu-Ray players can play MKV, so I keep 90% of my collection in h.264/(AC3|AAC) and it plays everywhere with just a samba share.

I rarely access them from abroad, because of the load it would put on my outbound bandwidth.

[rino]

Thanks for your response WarheadsSE. I keep most of my videos in the format you specified as well, and all my players can play it (including BB playbook).

Are you using PP out of the box, or have you modified it with alARM? If modified, then is it just:
base package + SAMBA

OR are you using other packages for video streaming? I am not looking to stream it over the internet (or accessing content from abroad) ... that is a bonus if it can happen, but my main purpose for my NAS is to stream it over my local network.

Pardon my ignorance, but once you have the content on your PP, then how do you access it on your devices? Via browser, or is there an app / plug-in that allows you to do that?

If there is an external app, which app ... if you are using the browser, then what browser, and how?

Sorry about so many questions, but your response would be greatly appreciated.

[WarheadsSE]

I primarily use Samba directly via the device if it supports it, though miniDLNA can be used for those that support DLNA. As for streaming via a web page: it can probably be done, i just haven't messed with it.

And, of course I have ALARM on it. But I use the PP software on top

[rino]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('WarheadsSE', 'A')nd, of course I have ALARM on it. But I use the PP software on top

[WarheadsSE]

Did you buy yours new or used?

[rino]

Brand new from a guy selling on eBay. Came in brand new packaging ... even though the box said it was P21, the device itself said it was E02.

[WarheadsSE]

Forgive me if from Ebay was "brand new", as in never activated.

[rino]

Looked brand new and not activated, as everything was set nice and sleek in the packaging ... but again, I can't be 100% certain. I didn't buy it from a regular guy selling one off, this seller that I bought from has sold 1000s of these pieces, and has many in-stock, so I am guessing he is just selling all brand new. Mind you, the price was very low as well .. like 18 or so ..

I gave my product key in my support ticket to pogoplug, so hopefully they can check in their record if the device was ever activated.

[WarheadsSE]

Yeah they are pretty good about that. Sometimes though, people buy them and return them. The returned P21 labelled box with an E02 in them have an odd habit. Good news is the light still comes on though