How do I browse video from my windows pc?

by Pleiadez

I just bought a sony android tv and I am looking for a good way to watch content that is on my windows 7 pc. The only way I managed to do it is via windows media player but it is very buggy and windows media player does not support all formats. Is there a different way? To for example just browse folders that I share? Or maybe an app that can do that? VLC app does not seem to detect anything on my pc as it keeps saying "Directory is Empty". Any help would be truly appreciated. I would love to use the VLC app together with my pc is this possible?

skeletonbutt

Or use Kodi. In the Play Store, no sideloading, will play direct from your computer.

cheeto0

Kodi or Plex.

Izacus

If you don't want heavyweights like Kodi or installing a Plex server, Archos Video Player has SMB browse capability and a rather nice TV interface.

eoinster

Plex is perfect, exactly what you're looking for.

apot1

Look at emby.

nyteryder79

Install ES File Explorer and MX Player Pro.

Use ES to browse the network and open videos with MX Player Pro.

You'll also need the codecs for MX Player which you can get here:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/mx-player/mx-player-custom-codec-dts-support-t2156254

Just copy this zip to the sdcard and in MX Player, point it to that zip.

You may have to adjust if audio or video streams are handled by HW, HW+, or SW in MX Player settings HW = hardware, SW = software) if you get laggy audio or studdering video.

If you run into issues, PM me here and I'll sent potato photos of my MX settings.