KD-55AG8 android tv on ethernet connection, when search for servers can only see my router

[Swisschef]

Bought the TV in November 2020.  Just got round to trying to get my Photos shown on the TV through the Album App.

My windows 10 Dell PC can see the TV.  But the TV & The Album App can only see the router despite there being 1 or 2 laptops and a desktop connected to the router, not to mention 4 Phones (2 Android & 2 Apple) 

The Dell is connected by Ethernet to the router.  The Laptops & Phones via WiFi.

In case it was a security software problem I have defined the MAC address of the TV as a trusted Device to the Norton security software - I didn't think it was this as a File Manager App used through my Amazon Fire Stick could logon to my PC and display my Photo folders perfectly fine on the old Phillips HD TV and still can.

The Ethernet connection from the TV to the Router is achieved through Solwise plugs.  This is the same way that the Humax box was previously connected to the Router.

Anyone any ideas why I have this problem?

The other thing to say is that I am using Ethernet as the Sony TV wouldn't hold a WiFi connection properly, even though the signal was the strongest possible.  Tried this on all 3 WiFis in the house (one the routers WiFi, two from Solwise WiFi plugs which boost WiFi in the house and supply the Amazon Fire Stick attached to the old telly, which has now moved location in the house)

The Router is a Technicolor TG582n FTTC supplied as standard by Plusnet.

[Pascale_F]

Hi Swisschef,

Welcome to the community. I'll just see if I can find any help regarding this. In the meantime though, maybe another community member might have some ideas.

Thanks,

Pascale

[rooobb]

The tv stock app can show media only if shared by a dlna server. Like most tv.

Do you have any on your pc? 

As an alternative being an android tv you may Install whatever app you prefer that can access directly SMB shared directories.

[Swisschef]

Thanks very much for the prompt reply, which is much appreciated and very helpful, but I have no idea:

• what a "dlna server" is or if I have one on my PC ; or,
• what apps "can access  directly SMB shared directories".

I do however notice that the choice of apps from the Google play store, through the TV appears to be much more restricted than if you log on through a computer or phone.  On the Amazon fire stick I used to use "Network Browser" but I couldn't see that as an option through the TV.

Any suggestions for potentially suitable apps please? 

[rooobb]

The easiest way is to install nova player on the tv and access the nas. Than you can search on the internet the DLNA protocol and how to support it in your setup

[kinggo01]

or just try with media sharing service inside windows. Not using it but it should be there somewhere under networking.

And check what folders are shared, not sure if you can choose or you have to put your photos inside those predefined folders.

[rooobb]

Yes windows can do it and my favourite is serviio (www.serviio.org). But as you wrote you need to do at least a minimal configuration. Accessing directly the network drive via nova player is easier for people who don't know the basic

[The_Black_Rose]

Hi Swisschef,

I agree with Rooobb, I'd also add checking the file extensions

Cheers,
The_Black_Rose

[Swisschef]

Hi all!  Sorry for delay in reply, I really do appreciate the help but I have been away a lot. 

So this is where I have got to after managing to set to this evening for the first time:

1. When I went looking for the Nova app on the TV I found that the Network Browser app, which was not previously there, had turned up on the TV's App list.  So I tried it and it works, so I do now have a good access to my pictures & camera videos...
2. Out of interest :
   1. I tried adding the Nova video app, but I am not sure how to link it up with FTPS or FTP which seem to be the only options, and it seems to be mainly video.  I have a lot of jpegs.
   2. I looked at Serviio which from the blurb looked more promising, except that the Sony UK guidance video they suggest is for the pre Android Brava TV.  The video mentions using the TV's Xrossmmediabar as the method of access to Serviio from the TV (looks similar to the layout of my old non Android Phillips TV).  Does anyone know what is/are the Android TV equivalent(s) to the old Xrossmmediabar under which to find Serviio? (Once installed correctly on the computer, with media sharing). Is it the Sony standard  Album,  Video,  and Music apps; or, something else?

[rooobb]

  I think you should check better which sources you get from internet. Serviio is a server you can access it with whichever app you want from a tv (video album music vlc  Kodi nova player mx player ... you name it) xcrossmediabar is something related to 2010 TVs.

But if you found out the only app you are comfortable with it is ok.