How do I stream media with my server over the net to my iPhone?

[patent10021]

I bought the Mac Mini i7 server for the processor which I use for work.

I'd also like to utilize the server options for personal use i.e. providing a media server so I can stream music, movies and photos to my iPhone wherever I may be. You know, just like all those streaming apps out there create a server for you, I'd like to create my own since I can now. I'll also be using KavaTunes for the UI (if I can and if there's any point).

I also want to set up a server because I need to share stuff with friends and family around the world and this would be really convenient.

After searching Google, I tried to set up the server tinkering with VNC settings and stuff like that and I just couldn't get a server going.

Does anyone know of any great tutorials or could briefly teach me how to do this?

Thanks

 

[warvanov]

There's an app called VLC streamer that allows you to stream video from your mac to your iOS device. I have it installed on my iPod but I've never actually bothered to set it up. I assume you have to have VLC installed on your mac and running, and I think there's a plugin or a helper app you need to run on your mac in order to make the connection.

 

[patent10021]

There's an app called VLC streamer that allows you to stream video from your mac to your iOS device. I have it installed on my iPod but I've never actually bothered to set it up. I assume you have to have VLC installed on your mac and running, and I think there's a plugin or a helper app you need to run on your mac in order to make the connection.

Hi

That's why I don't want to use this apps like VLC. I bought a server so I should use it. There are many streaming apps out there. I'd like to use what I spent money on. Plus having your own server is quite convenient. Peace

 

[Josh396]

Here are your best two options to stream media to an iOS device.

Air Video and/or StreamToMe

Air Video can be used to stream virtually any video file to any iOS device. StreamToMe can stream your iTunes library (music, movies, tv shows, etc.) and most non-iTunes formatted media to your device.

With iTunes match now available, I find myself primarily using AirVideo to stream videos when I'm not around. You can also use Air Play to stream movies from your server at home to a friends AppleTV through your iPhone or iPad.

 

[warvanov]

I'm not quite sure what you're getting at. Yes, you bought a server, but you need software to run on that server in order to get the functionality that you desire, right? I mean, I bought a MacBook Pro, and if I want do to some serious photo editing I have to get ahold of a copy of Photoshop. That's sort of the nature of the beast here.

 

[blevins321]

I'm not quite sure what you're getting at. Yes, you bought a server, but you need software to run on that server in order to get the functionality that you desire, right? I mean, I bought a MacBook Pro, and if I want do to some serious photo editing I have to get ahold of a copy of Photoshop. That's sort of the nature of the beast here.

This. None of the additional built-in server software will help you with media streaming outside of your network - you'll have to get software regardless. In this instance, I suggest Plex.

 

[warvanov]

Ok, so I set up VLC Streamer and I can't wholeheartedly recommend it. It works, but the free streamer app displays an obnoxious banner advertisement along the bottom edge of the video. Also, the streamer server app has to be installed as a system preference pane and the videos have to be added and converted before they can be played.

 

[patent10021]

I'm not quite sure what you're getting at. Yes, you bought a server, but you need software to run on that server in order to get the functionality that you desire, right? I mean, I bought a MacBook Pro, and if I want do to some serious photo editing I have to get ahold of a copy of Photoshop. That's sort of the nature of the beast here.

But you can use Preview which comes with OSX.

Anyone can connect to your server via VNC or other server protocols no? Why would I need some 3rd party app? Those apps are for setting up a server when you don't have a server. I have a server.

Am I totally missing something here?

 

[warvanov]

Because VNC protocols are built into the operating system, and other web server functions are built into the OSX server software. However, media streaming is not built in, so you need other software to do it.

Out of curiosity, what type of files are you trying to play?

 

[patent10021]

Because VNC protocols are built into the operating system, and other web server functions are built into the OSX server software. However, media streaming is not built in, so you need other software to do it.

Out of curiosity, what type of files are you trying to play?

Apple media. All iTunes music, video etc. m4v. Not really interested in video as I also have a lot of 1080p mkv files but the music would be nice.

However recently I'm just using home sharing and streaming from Mac's iTunes to my devices.

I'm more interested in using my server to share files at the moment. So they can download from me anytime they want and maybe my friends can stream music from my server.

 

[warvanov]

Ok. Well, as far as I know there's no first party Apple app for iOS that allows one to play video that isn't stored directly on the device. So at the very least you'll have to find an app to play the media you're planning to stream. Four of these apps have been mentioned and are available from the app store, but they all require additional software to be installed and running on the Mac in order to stream the media in question.

The one problem that you might run into is that I'm not sure if you'll be able to stream DRM protected content. Air Video specifically mentions this as a limitation and I imagine the other options mentioned here have the same issue.

 

[patent10021]

Ok. Well, as far as I know there's no first party Apple app for iOS that allows one to play video that isn't stored directly on the device. So at the very least you'll have to find an app to play the media you're planning to stream. Four of these apps have been mentioned and are available from the app store, but they all require additional software to be installed and running on the Mac in order to stream the media in question.

The one problem that you might run into is that I'm not sure if you'll be able to stream DRM protected content. Air Video specifically mentions this as a limitation and I imagine the other options mentioned here have the same issue.

None of my media is DRM'd. Ok thanks. These are my solutions for streaming media.

What about setting up the server for simple file sharing? Doesn't the server via VNC or something provide IP links for people to access my server? If I have a folder of files what is the easiest way for friends to access my server?

Thanks

 

[warvanov]

None of my media is DRM'd. Ok thanks. These are my solutions for streaming media.

What about setting up the server for simple file sharing? Doesn't the server via VNC or something provide IP links for people to access my server? If I have a folder of files what is the easiest way for friends to access my server?

Thanks

Unfortunately I don't know a whole lot about setting up your mini as a remotely accessible file server. What I can tell you though is that VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is a protocol specifically for allowing you to remotely control one computer from another. For example, you could set up your mini as a VNC server, and remotely control your mini from your PC or Mac at work using a VNC client.

It sounds like what you want to do is essentially to set up an FTP (File Tranfer Protocol) server or something similar in order share files with trusted friends and family around the world.

 

[Sugadaddy]

I played around with a few apps, and finally bought StreamToMe. Easy to setup, and works very nicely. I picked it over the others because it supports all media types, and audio and video quality are excellent.

Air Video: Just as good for videos as StreamToMe and the interface is a little better, but I wanted access to my music also.

AudioGalaxy Mobile: Nice app, but sound quality was poor.

iTunes Match: Great, but it's 25$/year compared to 2.99$ for StreamToMe, and I can't get it yet in Canada. It's in the cloud so it doesn't require a running computer or decent upload speed.

 

[patent10021]

iTunes Match: Great, but it's 25$/year compared to 2.99$ for StreamToMe, and I can't get it yet in Canada. It's in the cloud so it doesn't require a running computer or decent upload speed.

Questions is, 'is there a way for family to stream the iTunes Match music? Only if they used my login I guess. I wonder if the servers would allow multiple IPs on the same account at the same time.

Can anyone tell me what the best/easiest way to let my family in Canada grab files from my HD here in Japan? We all have Macs. Would it be easier Lion<->Lion? What's the easiest file sharing method? Is there an advantage to having a Mini server?