(2013-12-09, 19:43)natethomas Wrote: For the record, mysql was never the official way to link boxes. It was an option provided because we didn't have anything better. It's far too difficult and prone to failure to be an official XBMC method.
Beyond that, I think no one denies XBMC's approach to multi-client hasn't been much of a winner over the past couple years. It's why the XBMC 14 focus is going to be angled so far in that direction.
This would be nice to see.
Unfortunately (or fortunately) we have all recently upgraded our IOS devices over the holidays and subsequently lost all interactivity with our main HTPC server (no xbmc on iOS or any way to communicate (in a user friendly way) with the xbmc library)
I started a thread about it, Martin got a little excited and closed it after only 2 posts. I asked if we could investigate adding upnp to the official xbmc app, allowing us to view the media/library in the official xbmc app, and then play it via upnp in the app.
As all this would require is upnp and a player I see no reason (other than time/difficulty) in this being done as these apps already exist individually on the App Store (players/upnp players/xbmc remotes) I know we can't have xbmc on iOS but at least lets investigate allowing iOS users to communicate with the library via alternate methods (upnp)
Now, after testing £30 worth of apps, none of them were user friendly enough for the wife and kids. They don't offer metadata, and/or easy access to the library or simple navigation.
This means all new iOS devices (air/5s/5c/mini retina etc) and all non jail breakers are without xbmc or anyway to really even communicate with the library xbmc is hosting... It also means that a solution to my problem exists over there at plex.
Now I will say, it was with absolute reluctance that I tested the app, but it frustrates me in trying to understand why can't we do this or something similar with our app and upnp?
Why can't we add upnp to the official remote or commander or constellation and play the items hosted by xbmc on our devices in VLC, an open source player, a separate app, or a built in player... Whatever. Even allow me to "send to" an iOS device that is currently running the xbmc app and advertising it's self via upnp/airplay/whatever...
I don't want to move over to plex, as I love the community and xbmc, but i finally hit a point where xbmc was completely unusable for me except on the local machine it was installed on.
With the way Martin slams his ban hammer/attitude around too, I feel like we can't converse about these types of topics Either due to his "personal" views on the topic. I know we don't want spam threads with shit, but surly discussing things is good, it can lead to exciting someone into doing something about it and making a change or Implementing features and provides activity, views, ideas etc on the forum.
I love xbmc, I am a huge advocate and I praise the software to everyone I know. All pcs I build get it installed by default for all family and friends, but I feel that now, it's become something I now "view" and feel that contributing etc is something I do less and less.... Mainly due to changes in how, we as a community, are spoken to/viewed, and how closed some mods are to discussing certain topics base don't their own opinions.
I'll likely get slated for this post. But I hope you see I'm not complaining. I'm not. I'm just sad that I feel that I'm being forced to go elsewhere because discussions on certain topics (Apple) are not welcome, and a point blank refusal to even converse openly regarding workarounds to our iOS problems.
It's not the App Store stopping us, we have upnp players, xbmc remotes, VLC, closed source players etc... We could make xbmc at least accessible via iOS even if it's not explicitly an xbmc app
Just an enhanced xbmc remote with a few open features. And for any required codecs, a small fee, and add a optional in app purchase of "donation" for 69p and let us donate via in app purchase etc. I'd donate monthly if you made it easy for me
There are ways, I just wish you guys were open to at least conversing about them
For clarity, after I reported martins post. The thread was reopened and we were allowed to continue the discussion but still. It was an unnecessary move for someone just trying to find a way to access xbmc from their new devices. It's complimentary, not derogatory.
Anyway, sorry if I have spoken out of turn.
But I will say, plex have a good vision for making their product accessible, and user friendly, and as as much as it absolutely pains me to say it... I am adding plex to my htpc as a solution to my xbmc issues.