Using external hard drive via usb to watch films??

[Techdope]

Hello folks, apologies if this is answered already I just cant find it...
Im using the openatv 5.1 image on my zgemma2s, can I connect my external hard drive through the front usb in order to watch the content?? If so how do i enter and select the hard drive content. Ive tried the long hold on 'file list' but this just brings up my channel recordings. What am I missing??? Thanks in advance!

[martin035]

Aye via the 'file list' button, press it and you should get the media/hard drive/movies folder, press the colour key (yellow IIRC) to bring up the location menu, scroll to media/USB enter that folder and navigate to folder/movies you want to view.

[Techdope]

Once again thank you! although it appears that my seagate wireless hd (when connected via usb lead) isnt compatible as a notice appears stating no 'displayable files on this medium found'. I tried a normal usb stick and it worked fine. The hd doesnt appear to be compatible with my PS4 either which is a bit of a bugger as the only tv usb slot is bloody awkward to get to and being used!!

[Techdope]

Cancel that, I'm talking rubbish!! The wireless hd works fine!!! Not on my PS4 though but it dont matter now!! I love this little box!

[martin035]

Cancel that, I'm talking rubbish!! The wireless hd works fine!!! Not on my PS4 though but it dont matter now!! I love this little box!

Don't forget if it's a wireless HD and it connects to the same home router that your Zgemma is on, then your zgemma can access the HD wireless, you just need to setup either samba or NFS on the zgemma, plenty of guides around.

[Techdope]

That would be ok if my broadband wasn't so crap, my hamster is at full pace already! I have gemma connected via home plug.

[martin035]

That would be ok if my broadband wasn't so crap, my hamster is at full pace already! I have gemma connected via home plug.

Nothing to do with your broadband, my Zgemma is wired lan into the back of the router same principle as home plugs, my Network hard drive attached to the router. If I was to disconnect the broadband telephone cable in, I would loose internet but still would be able to access my movies on my Network hard drive via my Zgemma.

[Techdope]

So I assume your your hard drive is linked to your router by ethernet cable? My hardrive is a portable type which can only be connected via usb, or it has its own wireless system which other wireless devices can connect to.

[martin035]

So I assume your your hard drive is linked to your router by ethernet cable? My hardrive is a portable type which can only be connected via usb, or it has its own wireless system which other wireless devices can connect to.

My router has a USB port which I use to connect my hard drive, but you should be able to connect your hard drive to you router via WiFi which will allow all devices on your home WiFi network to access it. Just Google search 'connecting Seagate WiFi hard drive to router'

[Techdope]

I'm going to look into that tonight. It may be quite useful, save moving the box from room to room. Thanks again!

[cactikid]

i would be using a powered externally hdd and not a portable one that can have issues.

[Techdope]

Aye this one has a plug. We tend to use it for the occasional kids movie night and even more occasional dads movie night. It would be quite handy to keep it in a central place and have the main tv's in the house be able to access it wirelessly. Just a bit lazy really....!!

[ramjet]

Aye this one has a plug. We tend to use it for the occasional kids movie night and even more occasional dads movie night. It would be quite handy to keep it in a central place and have the main tv's in the house be able to access it wirelessly. Just a bit lazy really....!!

which is what I do by having 2 sata hdd,s in a DLINK NAS connected in a central place by ethernet and having its own ip address , so all units and laptops etc can access it

and my vu solo 2 and duo have internal hdd drives of their own, so I can ftp files to any hdd on the network, no matter what "box" they sit in

the internet is not relevant when it comes to a LAN, as mentioned earlier