Looking for a way to stream your media collection across the Internet?
Or perhaps watch and record TV remotely?
Today we are going to look at how to do all that and more with Orb.
Requirements
Windows XP / Vista / 7 or Intel based Mac w/ OS X 10.5 or later.
Installation and Setup
Download and install Orb on your home computer.
(Download link below) You’ll want to take the defaults for the initial portion of the install.
Choose your language and clickNext.
We’ll need to create and user account and password.
A valid email address is required as we’ll need to confirm the account later.
Now you’ll want to choose your media sources.
Orb will automatically look for folders that may contain media files.
To add a folder, choose the plus (+) button and browse for the folder.
you might add local folders as well as shared folders from networked computers and USB attached storage.
When you’ve selected all your media files, clickNext.
Orb will proceed to index your media files…
When the indexing is complete, clickNext.
Orb TV Setup
Note: Streaming Live TV to Macs is not currently supported.
Or, chooseSkipif you don’t wish to configure Orb for TV.
Select a TV provider from the list and clickNext.
If not, clickSkip.
SelectAuto Scanto let Orb find more channels or block the ones with no reception.
Next choose an analog provider, if necessary, and clickNext.
Select “Yes” or “No” for a set top box and clickNext.
SelectAuto Scanto let Orb find more channels or kill the ones with no reception.
Now we’re finished with the setup.
Accessing your Media Remotely
Media files are accessed through a web-based interface.
Before we go any further, however, we’ll need to confirm our username and password.
Check your inbox for an email from Orb Networks.
nudge the enclosed confirmation link.
You’ll be prompted to enter the username and password you selected in your surfing app then clickNext.
Your account will be confirmed.
Now, we’re ready to enjoy our media remotely.
To get started, point your web client to the MyCast website from your remote computer.
(See link below)
type your credentials and clickLog In.
Once logged in, you’ll be presented with the MyCast Home screen.
you might add, remove, or customize channels.
To add additional channels, click onAdd Channelsat the top right…
…and select from the dropdown list.
To access your full media libraries, clickOpen Applicationat the top left and select from one of the options.
To watch or record a show, hit the program listing to bring up a detail box.
Then hit the red button to record, or the green button to play.
Playback should begin shortly.
Click theStop MediaCenterbutton and then take another crack.
Audio
On theAudioscreen, you’ll find your music files indexed by genre, artist, and album.
Playback will begin in the default media player for the streaming format.
Video
Video works essentially the same as audio.
press a selection and press the green play button, or double-press the video title.
Video playback will begin in the default media player for the streaming format.
Streaming Formats
you’re able to change the default streaming format in the control panel parameters.
SelectGeneralfrom the drop down list and then choose theStreaming Formatstab.You are provided four options.
Flash, Windows Media, .SDP, and .PLS.
Sharing your Media
Orb allows you to share media playlists across the Internet with friends and family.
There are a few ways to accomplish this.
You’ll be prompted to choose a method by which to share your playlist.
You’ll have the option to share your playlist publicly or privately.
it’s possible for you to share publically through links, blogs, or on your Orb public profile.
The private sharing option allows you to invite friends by email and requires recipients to register with Orb.
you might also give your playlist a custom name, or accept the auto-generated title.
Portable Media Devices and Smartphones
Orb can stream media to many portable devices and 3G phones.
Streaming audio is supported on the iPhone and iPod Touch through the Safari online window.
However, video and live TV streaming requires theOrb LiveiPhone App.
Orb Live is available in the App store for $9.99.
Browse for your media or playlist.
Make a selection and play the media.
We found streaming music to both the Droid and the iPhone to work quite nicely.
Video playback on the Droid, however, left a bit to be desired.
The video looked good, but the audio tended to be out of sync.
System Tray Control Panel
By default Orb runs in the system tray on start up.
Login with your Orb username and password and clickOK.
If you’d rather not run Orb on Startup, click theGeneralicon.
Unselect the checkbox next toStart Orb when the system starts.
Orb is available for both Windows and Intel based Macs.
It also supports streaming to many Game Consoles such as the Wii, PS3, and XBox 360.
Downloads
Download Orb
Logon to MyCast
