NetPlay Home compatible equipment list

[videostorm]

NetPlay Home compatible equipment list

NetPlay Home is a unique and powerful BYOH (bring your own hardware) video distribution system.  It is designed to bring together all the video devices you already have.

This thread is a community resource to list all equipment which has been tested with NetPlay Home / NetPlay TV.  Please only add equipment you have tested yourself.

NetPlay TV can be downloaded from either Google Play or Amazon App store.  It is also available as an APK file.   NetPlay Home is available from www.video-storm.com.

Demos of NetPlay Home can be found at Demo Video and Full details

We now have complete Estimator tools for both residential and commercial applications.

Estimator for Residential / NetPlay Home systems

Estimator for Commercial / NetPlay Pro systems

 

Mobile Devices (using NetPlay Mobile app)

Requirements:  Android 4.3.x or higher

Samsung Galaxy tablets gen 2+

Amazon Fire tablets gen 5+

Samsung Galaxy phones gen S4 +

 

Decoders (using NetPlay TV app)

Requirements:  Android or Android TV OS 5.1.1 or later.  Full DRM/HDCP support.  Hardware decoding capability for h.264 at 1080p and/or 4K

Indicate the max resolution supported (4K=UHD, 1080P = HD) and the direct streaming methods (usually Googlecast or Dial).  NetPlay does not directly use Googlecast/Dial, but they are available for additional streaming options

OFFICIAL LIST NOW LOCATED at NetPlay TV Certified decoders

Mi Box Android TV (sold at Walmart ~$60) has also been reported to work as a NetPlayTV decoder

IRUSB is now also available to control your Android device GUI (via IP) and/or your TV / speakerbar via IR

When using Fire Stick or Fire TV gen 3 without the wired ethernet port, we recommend adding the OTG adapter and USB Ethernet hub.  Together they add around $15.

 

HDMI Encoders

Requirements:  mpeg2, h.264, or h.265 encoding.  RTSP or multicast UDP streaming.  Sub stream for tiling.

Indicate the max resolution supported (4K=UHD, 1080P = HD), HDCP support, multicast support, and sub stream support, usb/ir, auto id

OFFICIAL LIST NOW LOCATED at NetPlay Ready and Compatible Encoders

NetPlay Ready certification means that the encoder is running the NetPlay API firmware.  They support automatic configuration and control.

NetPlay Compatible means that the encoder will require manual configuration, but it has been tested and is known to be compatible with NetPlay.

 

Tuners (OTA, cable)

Requirements:  mpeg2 (HD), h.264 (UHD), or h.265 (UHD) encoding.  RTSP or multicast UDP streaming.  Carry HD + SD streams for tiling

HdHomeRun Prime  (non DRM)

HdHomeRun Connect

 

IP Cams & NVRs

Requirements:  mjpeg (SD), h.264 (UHD), or h.265 (UHD) encoding.  RTSP or multicast UDP streaming.  Dual streaming for tiling.

Avigilon:  Most models, older cams may require firmware update

Trendnet:  Most models

Wirepath

 

File sources

Image types jpg and png (with transparency)

Most video formats, UHD or lower resolution (easier to post formats that you find DON'T work)

Playlist files (text format)

 

External Apps (please post useful app intents)

Amazon Apps

urltableaf["YouTube TV"] = ""
urltableaf["Vevo"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.vevo.tv#Intent;component=com.vevo.tv/.MainActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["Vimeo"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.vimeo.android.tv#Intent;component=com.vimeo.android.tv/com.vimeo.android.videoapp.activities.MainActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["ESPN"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.espn.gtv#Intent;component=com.espn.gtv/com.espn.androidtv.ui.LoadingActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["DirecTV Now"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.att.tv#Intent;component=com.att.tv/com.att.dfw.tv.StartupActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["HdHomeRun"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.silicondust.view#Intent;component=com.silicondust.view/.App;end\r"
urltableaf["Amazon Music"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.amazon.bueller.music#Intent;component=com.amazon.bueller.music/com.amazon.music.bootstrap.BootstrapActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["Pandora"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.pandora.android.gtv#Intent;component=com.pandora.android.gtv/com.pandora.android.MainActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["Crackle"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.gotv.crackle.handset#Intent;component=com.gotv.crackle.handset/com.crackle.alwayson.app.HomeActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["Plex"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.plexapp.android#Intent;component=com.plexapp.android/com.plexapp.plex.activities.SplashActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["Hulu"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.hulu.plus#Intent;component=com.hulu.plus/.WKFapplication$WKFactivity;end\r"
urltableaf["Spotify"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.spotify.tv.android#Intent;component=com.spotify.tv.android/.SpotifyTVActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["YouTube"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://org.chromium.youtube_apk#Intent;component=org.chromium.youtube_apk/.YouTubeActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["iHeartRadio"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.clearchannel.iheartradio.tv#Intent;component=com.clearchannel.iheartradio.tv/.activities.StartupActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["Kodi"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://org.xbmc.kodi#Intent;component=org.xbmc.kodi/.Splash;end\r"
urltableaf["Showtime"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.showtime.standalone#Intent;component=com.showtime.standalone/com.showtime.showtimeanytime.activities.IntroActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["Disney Now"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.disney.datg.videoplatforms.android.amazon.kindle.watchdc#Intent;component=com.disney.datg.videoplatforms.android.amazon.kindle.watchdc/com.disney.datg.android.disney.ott.startup.TvSplashScreenActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["PBS"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.pbs.video#Intent;component=com.pbs.video/.ui.main.activities.StartupActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["NetFlix"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.netflix.ninja#Intent;component=com.netflix.ninja/.MainActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["TuneIn"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://tunein.player#Intent;component=tunein.player/.Activity;end\r"
urltableaf["HBO Now"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.hbo.hbonow#Intent;component=com.hbo.hbonow/com.hbo.go.LaunchActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["Sling"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.sling#Intent;component=com.sling/com.movenetworks.StartupActivity;end\r"
urltableaf["Amazon Prime Video"] = "QHIDCODE2002035\r"

Google play apps  (android TV)
urltablegp["Sling"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.sling#Intent;component=com.sling/com.movenetworks.StartupActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["Showtime"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.showtime.standalone#Intent;component=com.showtime.standalone/com.showtime.showtimeanytime.activities.IntroActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["Kodi"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://org.xbmc.kodi#Intent;component=org.xbmc.kodi/.Splash;end\r"
urltablegp["HdHomeRun"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.silicondust.view#Intent;component=com.silicondust.view/.App;end\r"
urltablegp["Amazon Music"] = ""
urltablegp["NetFlix"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.netflix.ninja#Intent;component=com.netflix.ninja/.MainActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["YouTube"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.google.android.youtube.tv#Intent;component=com.google.android.youtube.tv/com.google.android.apps.youtube.tv.activity.ShellActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["HBO Now"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.hbo.hbonow#Intent;component=com.hbo.hbonow/com.hbo.go.LaunchActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["DirecTV Now"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.att.tv#Intent;component=com.att.tv/com.att.dfw.tv.StartupActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["Plex"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.plexapp.android#Intent;component=com.plexapp.android/com.plexapp.plex.activities.SplashActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["iHeartRadio"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.clearchannel.iheartradio.tv#Intent;component=com.clearchannel.iheartradio.tv/.activities.StartupActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["PBS"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.pbs.video#Intent;component=com.pbs.video/.ui.main.activities.StartupActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["Pandora"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.pandora.android.atv#Intent;component=com.pandora.android.atv/com.pandora.android.MainActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["Crackle"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.crackle.androidtv#Intent;component=com.crackle.androidtv/com.crackle.alwayson.app.HomeActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["YouTube TV"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.google.android.youtube.tvunplugged#Intent;component=com.google.android.youtube.tvunplugged/com.google.android.apps.youtube.tvunplugged.activity.MainActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["Vevo"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.vevo#Intent;component=com.vevo/.MainActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["Spotify"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.spotify.tv.android#Intent;component=com.spotify.tv.android/.SpotifyTVActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["Hulu"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.hulu.livingroomplus#Intent;component=com.hulu.livingroomplus/.MainActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["TuneIn"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://tunein.player#Intent;component=tunein.player/tunein.ui.actvities.TuneInHomeActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["Disney Now"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.disney.datg.videoplatforms.android.watchdc#Intent;component=com.disney.datg.videoplatforms.android.watchdc/com.disney.datg.android.disney.ott.startup.TvSplashScreenActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["Amazon Prime Video"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.amazon.amazonvideo.livingroom#Intent;component=com.amazon.amazonvideo.livingroom/com.amazon.ignition.IgnitionActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["ESPN"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.espn.score_center#Intent;component=com.espn.score_center/com.espn.androidtv.ui.LoadingActivity;end\r"
urltablegp["Vimeo"] = "QLAUNCH android-app://com.vimeo.android.videoapp#Intent;component=com.vimeo.android.videoapp/.core.MainActivity;end\r"
 

SplashTiles web feeds

Requirements:  html/php web pages.  All standard html/java/javascript/php/html5 supported.  Video also supported but not as optimized as NetPlay video sources.

If you encounter embedded video performance issues please use a "VIDEO URL" source instead of "WEB URL".  IP cameras in iframes generally work best as jpg file fetch.  We have an example javascript function which shows how to easily add that method.

Please see our documentation for instructions.

 

Web streams

Requirements:  http live video stream.  mjpeg (SD), mpeg2 (HD), vp9 (UHD), h.264 (UHD), or h.265 (UHD) encoding

External lists (not all verified) https://www.safetricks.com/watch-free-live-tv-on-vlc-player/

http://alphacygni.altervista.org/nasa_feed.html

 

Networking

Since NetPlay Home is standard ethernet, please only post devices with ISSUES here.

Cisco Managed switches:   Cisco managed switches turn flow control OFF by default.  This can cause packet loss on some networks.  Under port settings, select encoder / decoder ports, edit, set "Flow control" to enable to resolve.

Moca adapters:  ActionTec ECB2500C works great, recommended for coax distribution

[videostorm]

SplashTiles (web feeds) is now also supported by NetPlay TV.

SplashTiles is a powerful new feature that puts real time relevant information at a glance to keep you ahead of the game. It helps you display what you want to see on the screen, like traffic, weather, calendar, controls, and stock prices. It’s all about users being able to see what matters to them, not just video sources. 

NetPlay integrates powerful digital signage and web info feeds seamlessly with network video. Plus, you have easy switching between signage playlists, graphics overlays, web info feeds, and all your other NetPlay Video sources. 

SplashTiles transforms your TVs into informational centers. Best of all, it’s free! NetPlay brings a powerful new customer experience with PIP, overlay, tiling, splashtiles, graphics, and more. 

SplashTiles brings the best the internet has to offer straight to all your TVs! Your personalized information feeds can keep you up to date at a glance. SplashTiles can even pop up alerts, notifications, or weather radar as PIP windows over whatever you are watching. More details in our setup instructions. 
 

[neldua]

Can you use a Amazon fire tv stick using netplay tv app

[videostorm]

On 4/25/2017 at 8:43 PM, neldua said:

Can you use a Amazon fire tv stick using netplay tv app

We recommend the Amazon fire TV (not the stick) because it has a wired ethernet port.  The Fire stick only has wifi, which technically can work but most home wifi networks have too much packet drop for a good high def experience.  You can use the Fire stick as a "NetPlay TV SD" device to force it to use only the standard definition video streams (DVD quality) which are much more wifi friendly.

Remember you can always use the cable company coax (RG-59/6) for wired ethernet in retrofit systems as a much better alternative to using wifi.

[VINCELdUB]

Can you not Connect the stick to a USB/Ethernet adapter?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[msgreenf]

Can you not Connect the stick to a USB/Ethernet adapter?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have never seen one that works with the stick

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

 

[VINCELdUB]

Thank you.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[videostorm]

If you really must use wireless network (or the fire stick), you can also set your encoder to use TCP (either via http or rtsp) streaming instead of UDP.  The latency will be higher but it would correct most packet loss (by resending when dropped).  You should be able to find a good tradeoff for your network.

Still, if you have the option for wired ethernet (by any means, including moca) it is the way to go.  No need to tune encoder settings.

[videostorm]

On 5/14/2017 at 10:15 AM, videostorm said:

If you really must use wireless network (or the fire stick), you can also set your encoder to use TCP (either via http or rtsp) streaming instead of UDP.  The latency will be higher but it would correct most packet loss (by resending when dropped).  You should be able to find a good tradeoff for your network.

Still, if you have the option for wired ethernet (by any means, including moca) it is the way to go.  No need to tune encoder settings.

Fire stick IS now officially supported for NetPlay TV.  We do recommend you use the USB-ethernet adapter instead of wifi though.

[videostorm]

What is one of the best things about NetPlay? Whenever new hardware comes out, you can easily add it to your NetPlay system without making your existing gear obsolete (or paying for a massive system upgrade)! 

New for XMAS 17: 

New 4K HDMI encoders: 
U-RAY 4K HDMI encoders based on the latest HiSilicon chipset 
Supports all the necessary features for NetPlay (Tiling, RTSP, multicast, etc) 
~$370 shipped 
Order link on Ali Express LINK 

New 4K decoders: 
New Ultra HD Amazon Fire TVs 
Faster, more 4K and HDR than before 
Fully compatible with NetPlay TV 
only $69! 
Add a OTG adapter and wired Ethernet hub for around $15 OTG adapter Ethernet usb hub 

Remember there are no NetPlay TV upgrade costs when switching to newer decoder hardware! 
4K encoders can send 4K to 4K decoders and 1080p to 1080p decoders at the same time. We don't force you to upgrade your older hardware!

[lippavisual]

Jason/VS,

Just wanted to let you know that the link you provided for the 4K encoders actually take you to the 1080P version and not the 4K unit.  Here is the correct link:

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/URay-4K-Ultra-HD-HDMI-To-IP-Video-Encoder-H-264-IPTV-Encoder-Live-Streaming-Encoder/2349192_32825200131.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.eb294cfmzzDWP

 

On that note though, are the 1080P encoders compatible with NetPlay?  Customer wants a large scaled system, but the VS branded rack mount encoders are killing his budget.  I was looking at these units to bring the cost down: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DHL-Free-Shipping-3U-Chassis-8-Channels-HDMI-Video-Audio-Encoder-H-264-IPTV-With-HTTP/2349192_32706972408.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.eb294cfmzzDWP

Are these acceptable???

[videostorm]

2 minutes ago, lippavisual said:

Jason/VS,

Just wanted to let you know that the link you provided for the 4K encoders actually take you to the 1080P version and not the 4K unit.  Here is the correct link:

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/URay-4K-Ultra-HD-HDMI-To-IP-Video-Encoder-H-264-IPTV-Encoder-Live-Streaming-Encoder/2349192_32825200131.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.eb294cfmzzDWP

 

On that note though, are the 1080P encoders compatible with NetPlay?  Customer wants a large scaled system, but the VS branded rack mount encoders are killing his budget.  I was looking at these units to bring the cost down: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DHL-Free-Shipping-3U-Chassis-8-Channels-HDMI-Video-Audio-Encoder-H-264-IPTV-With-HTTP/2349192_32706972408.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.eb294cfmzzDWP

Are these acceptable???

Yes, they are compatible.   $1500 for 8 sources is very affordable.  Linda Zheng at Uray can help you.  Let them know if is for use with NetPlay / Video Storm.

[lippavisual]

Awesome!!  Thanks as always!

[zaphod]

Does the Xiaomi MiBox3 ($69 at Walmart), which is an AndroidTV device, work as a decoder?  It doesn't have an ethernet port, but I have one of these and I have added a USB-ethernet adapter to mine.

[videostorm]

1 hour ago, zaphod said:

Does the Xiaomi MiBox3 ($69 at Walmart), which is an AndroidTV device, work as a decoder?  It doesn't have an ethernet port, but I have one of these and I have added a USB-ethernet adapter to mine.

For IrUSB, yes it would work.

As a NetPlay Home decoder it must support Google Safetynet, secure decode, and HDCP.  You can install the NetPlayTV app on it and the first screen will tell you if it is compatible (you don't need a license for that).

[zaphod]

On 11/27/2017 at 1:39 PM, lippavisual said:

Jason/VS,

Just wanted to let you know that the link you provided for the 4K encoders actually take you to the 1080P version and not the 4K unit.  Here is the correct link:

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/URay-4K-Ultra-HD-HDMI-To-IP-Video-Encoder-H-264-IPTV-Encoder-Live-Streaming-Encoder/2349192_32825200131.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.eb294cfmzzDWP

The specs for that device show that the "4K" encoding is up to 2160p30 not 2160p60.  Is that an issue?

[zaphod]

Can you integrate Blue Iris with Video Storm or would you need to get the feed directly from the IP cameras?

[videostorm]

25 minutes ago, zaphod said:

The specs for that device show that the "4K" encoding is up to 2160p30 not 2160p60.  Is that an issue?

Almost never.  Content providers don't broadcast 4K at 60hz (other than a handful of tech demos).  It is more efficient for them to send 4kp24 or 4kp30 and then let the downstream equipment do the necessary frame rate conversions.  In terms of video distribution, you also get the best result by performing the frame rate conversion at the last stage (the TV).  

[videostorm]

36 minutes ago, zaphod said:

Can you integrate Blue Iris with Video Storm or would you need to get the feed directly from the IP cameras?

NetPlay Home can use any HTTP url as a source, so Blue Iris should be an option.

[zaphod]

1 minute ago, videostorm said:

Almost never.  Content providers don't broadcast 4K at 60hz (other than a handful of tech demos).  It is more efficient for them to send 4kp24 or 4kp30 and then let the downstream equipment do the necessary frame rate conversions.  In terms of video distribution, you also get the best result by performing the frame rate conversion at the last stage (the TV).  

Is this true of TV channels?  The last two seasons of Toronto Blue Jays home games have been broadcast in 4k, although I am not sure the exact format, and many Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leaf games are also broadcast in 4K.  By broadcast I mean - distribute over cable or satellite.

[videostorm]

16 minutes ago, zaphod said:

Is this true of TV channels?  The last two seasons of Toronto Blue Jays home games have been broadcast in 4k, although I am not sure the exact format, and many Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leaf games are also broadcast in 4K.  By broadcast I mean - distribute over cable or satellite.

It is true of all broadcast, because bits cost money.  They try to achieve the best picture based on the bit budget they have.   If they have to send in 4K, they will nearly always optimize the frame rate down because hevc is most efficient than way.  The box will still output either 30hz or 60hz based on the EDID it is connected to, but they will be identical other than the frame rate conversion algorithm.

[zaphod]

Ok thanks, I am trying to find out from my cable provider - Rogers cable.  I know what you are saying but I wonder if content with high speed movement, like sports, would suffer at 30 fps.  Currently there are not a lot of 4K channels nine at Rogers.

[eggzlot]

I have blue iris and VS.   Cameras go direct  into VS and no need to worry about blue iris 

[videostorm]

1 hour ago, zaphod said:

Ok thanks, I am trying to find out from my cable provider - Rogers cable.  I know what you are saying but I wonder if content with high speed movement, like sports, would suffer at 30 fps.  Currently there are not a lot of 4K channels nine at Rogers.

On a decent TV, everything you watch will be converted to 120 hz or 240 hz using good frame rate conversion.  That is all designed to give you smooth motion for fast action.  I have seen TVs that did a bad job, but the norm is pretty good now.

[zaphod]

On 03/01/2018 at 1:53 PM, videostorm said:

As a NetPlay Home decoder it must support Google Safetynet, secure decode, and HDCP.  You can install the NetPlayTV app on it and the first screen will tell you if it is compatible (you don't need a license for that).

I installed the app and I didn't see anything mentioning compatibility.  I had to scroll through a long legal screen and now it is saying something like "you need a license"