Router causing missing directories on USB drive

[Casho]

Hi,

I have a bit of a weird issue with directories and files disappearing depending on the devices I use. I use a 2TB USB drive connected to the RT-N66U.

Here is a summary:

* Macbook Pro using SMB to access the USB drive wirelessly
- All directories show (still it is slow to update directories and files)

* Samsung TV - Access the USB drive wirelessly through the RT-N66U
- only some directories appear! Of those that do appear playback is flawless

* Samsung TV - Access the USB drive directly connected to the TV
- All directories show

So if the TV can see all the directories when the USB is directly connected, then I am assuming that something in the router is causing some of the directories to not be listed once I try to access USB through wireless.

I'm on version 3.0.0.4.260

Any ideas?

Shane

 

[RMerlin]

Sometimes, smart TVs play more files when the USB disk is directly plugged in than when using DLNA. This can be because some files aren't properly recognized by the DLNA service, and they don't get added to the database.

I remember a few years ago that Samsung TVs were one of those which exhibited this the most, with supported file format was much wider when using USB than DLNA.

 

[Casho]

Thanks Merlin. Damn, this TV glitch has kinda ruined my plans

 

[RMerlin]

In my personal experience, built-in DLNA clients in those "Smart TVs" are always iffy. A friend of mine was at some DLNA conference a few weeks ago, and some of the DLNA folks he spoke with told him that some of these Smart TV/BD Player manufacturers (which I won't name) were a pain to deal with.

Personally, I recommend going with a dedicated media streamer, like the WDTV, and plug it to your TV. These have far more reliable DLNA capabilities, plus they also support SMB (which would give you access to even more video formats).

I used a WDTV Live for over a year here (I was involved with the WDLXTV custom FW project) until I switched to a Zotac HTPC running XBMC. I love that one to death, only thing it lacks is a Netflix client.

 

[Casho]

Thanks for the advice. Actually my parents have a WDTV and love it. They use it with a HD directly connected. I see the WDTV supports wireless. So does that mean it can wirelessly see the HD that is connected to the RT-N66U?

I need the HD connected to the RT-N66U so my Apple devices can add and remove files to it.

Shane

 

[RMerlin]

Thanks for the advice. Actually my parents have a WDTV and love it. They use it with a HD directly connected. I see the WDTV supports wireless. So does that mean it can wirelessly see the HD that is connected to the RT-N66U?

I need the HD connected to the RT-N66U so my Apple devices can add and remove files to it.

Shane

The WDTV Live Streamer has a wireless interface (but not the older WDTV Live and Live Plus). You can then have the HDD connected to the router, and have the WDTV access it over SMB instead of DLNA - that way you will be able to access even files that aren't properly supported by the DLNA server.

 

[Casho]

You Sir are a Genius!

 

[RMerlin]

<g>

I'm just rather familiar with the WDTV because I was involved in the WDLXTV custom firmware project.

 

[Casho]

Just an update.

I've setup the WD TV Live and it sees all the files!

So thanks for the tip.

But... it only sees 2.4ghz wireless networks and seems to struggle streaming high def. Two steps forward, one step backwards

Shane