Solved OpenVPN - remote users to play content not download


jimbo45

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Hi folks
I've managed to set up OPENVPN and remote users can access allowed directories -- however what I'd like is for content say on .mkv files or audio as well to play in the remote users application rather than download the file.

Is it possible ??? -- should be but I can't seem to make it work -- files are always offered for download. I've tried as a remote user with both Firefox and Edge.

OpenVPN works brilliantly on a firestick but any ideas on how to access the files on the remote server -- the built in firestick browser is fine (For example NordVPN allows access to web streaming sites). What I want is also for streaming from my remote server (static files).

Anybody know how to get this going. Seems I've got stuck at what should be the easiest bit. The network stuff is working OK.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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I think the only way to do it is by running some sort of media server on the host machine, like Emby or Plex Media Server
 

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I think the only way to do it is by running some sort of media server on the host machine, like Emby or Plex Media Server
You can also do it with the media server on the client machine accessing the files stored on a network computer. Kodi and Plex will both play media files from a network computer without downloading the entire file. VLC media player should be able to do it as well. The trick is to access the file using the media player, not with just Windows explorer.
 

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It's been years (maybe decades) since I played around with streaming media files over the network :wink:
 

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    ASUS ROG Strix LC Performance RGB AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - 360mm
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    Logi Ergo
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    Logitech MX Master 3
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Hi folks

problem solved

Logon to your VPN on the remote firestick for example - and the KODI app thinks the "local machine" is actually your remote machine.

You then select from the KODI menu (installed on the firestick) the "Video" folder (from KODI) which lists the files that you have enabled to be acessible.

Then just play -- plays m2ts,avi,mp4,mkv and probably a host of others. For Audio select the Music folder (from KODI) and kodi plays m4a, mp3.flac,ape etc etc.

BTW kodi also plays ripped DVD ISO's including the menus too.

Marking as solved.

BTW when setting up the openvpn it's best to use a FIXED IP address on your lan and a fixed port.

To save disconnecting when you want to access say NETFLIX on the remote TV without problems of country etc enable "VPN Tunelling" so you can "exempt" apps from the VPN control.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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