Transcoding vs. Streaming

[caligula]

Hello, first post....

I have a newly built Windows Home Server box that streams media to my xbox360 and my Seagate FAT+ media extenders perfectly fine. However, I also have a Samsung PN50C550 Plasma TV that has DLNA capabilities, but it does not play media files from the WHS. However, it will play the exact same file when it is on my Windows XP computer. THe only thing that I can think of is that WHS uses "Windows Media Connect" vs XP which uses "Windows Media Player 11", and apparently the Samsung "likes" the WMP11 and doesn't like the WMC.

My question, will Mezzmo on my WHS allow me to stream (not transcode) the avi (xvid) files my TV? That is, I just want my TV to see a network share and play a file without unnecessary server resources used to transcode? I know definitively that the file/codec plays on my TV. (My apologies if "Stream" is not the correct term)

PS..I haven't actually tried mezzmo yet, just wanted to see if this is possible.

[Paul]

Mezzmo does have options to just stream native files to your device. You can turn transcoding off at any time for a particular device using the Media Devices dialog, or you can turn transcoding off for all devices using the Transcoding Settings dialog.

If you find that your TV does not play some files with transcoding turned off, then I recommend turning transcoding back on. Mezzmo has device profiles for many popular DLNA devices - including the Xbox 360 - that specify what formats are supported by the device. For the formats that a device supports, Mezzmo streams these files natively. For formats that the device does not support, Mezzmo transcodes them to compatible formats.

Finally, if you have all your files organized in a folder structure on your computer and would like to browse using this on your Xbox 360, I suggest you add a folder to your Mezzmo library (using "Add To Library" toolbar button and then click "Add Folder" menu item), so that the folder and sub-folders are added to your Mezzmo library. Mezzmo will also analyze all the files and automatically organize them by artist, album, file type so that you can easily navigate them on your device - or, if you wish, you can navigate using your folder structure. Also, adding folders are dynamic in Mezzmo. That means, if you add a new file to your folder/sub-folder on your computer, then Mezzmo will automatically detect it and list in on your device as you browse your folders. There is no need to update you Mezzmo library or use the Maintain Library feature.

[caligula]

Thanks Paul, that was what I was hoping, I will give mezzo a try tonight and see how it goes.

Btw, the streaming from my WAS to the xbox works ok (though it doesn't show the video thumbnails anymore). It sas the streaming to my samsung plasma that wasn't working.

[Paul]

Let us know if you have any further questions or problems.