Serviio

Hi all,
I operate a small movie library in Kenya, where the members pick up the DVDs physically from the library. We are in a remote area with minimal internet connection and most people have analogue TVs.I'm looking for an alternative way of providing the library service through the TV instead of going online since it's not practical. I've checked Zapelin Media server,WD TV Live Streaming Media Player,Plex etc, but all seem to have a shortcoming of one sort or the other. I need the member to be able to access the computer remotely through the analogue TV and be able to select movie of choice using the TV as the monitor. Zapelin had suggested a WI-FI solution but it looked expensive as the member has to buy a Set Top Box and WiFi AP costing over 200 euros.Does any one have an inexpensive way of how i could use Serviio and distribute to many analogue TVs using either RJ45/CAT 5 or a normal transmitter (not WI-FI)? For direct response, kindly use my email address weekbreaker@gmail.com
Regards,

Cat5/6 cable has a distance limitation of roughly 330' between switches. I've never seen any testing about how far you can go through cascading switches. There might be some somewhere. Another issue with this scenario is that the entire network would have to be on the same subnet, unless routers/firewalls are used. Not very secure.

I don't believe you will find any solution that doesn't require the purchase of some sort of media player. I know of no analog TVs that have any sort of networking capability. For players, Roku makes some fairly low cost ones, and there are other options. Not sure what might be available there. Here there are numerous options under $50 US. Most Blu-Ray players will work as well. Serviio or Plex would be my two suggestions for the server, with Serviio being my first choice.

The major issue is going to be the connectivity. Wi-Fi sounds like the most logical choice, since most media players would have it built-in. The problem is having a powerful enough wireless access point to serve the area. Depending on distance, you may need more than one. These can cost anywhere from $100 to over $1000 US, depending on power and features.