Streaming BBC iPlayer Programmes Using Alternative to Kiss PCLink

I have finally worked out how to stream BBC iPlayer programmes to the Kiss 1600. Recently the BBC introduced the ability to save files to as Windows Media Video or MWV format, designed to run on Windows Media Player. At first i tried saving this to USB drive connected to the Kiss and I also tried streaming using Kiss PC-Link software, in both cases the video showed only one frame every few seconds and was unwatchable.

I'm not sure why it makes the difference but I got it working by using an alternative streaming program available as a free download from http://llamalab.com/kiss. It runs as a windows service so once you have set it up it will always be running and automatically refreshes the list of files when you change them, unlike PC-Link. Simply extract the files to a new folder in Program Files or you user area. Then edit LlamaKiss.ini file with Notepad. You just need add the folders where you files are stored eg under [VIDEO] I have
Saved=c:\users\db\my documents\limewire\saved
Downloads=c:\users\db\downloads
Then run the installservice.bat and then startservice.bat. From then on it will startup when your PC starts. You may need to right click these and choose Run As Administrator. Lastly if you are running a firewall you may need to add LlamaKiss.exe as a program that can allow traffic in and out - search your Windows Help for firewall details.
So far all programmes play fine this way! Good luck!

Freecom Kiss 1600 Can It Stream BBC IPlayer Programmes?

I quick answer is no. The problem is not with the wireless capacity or the capabilities of the 'Kiss'. The problem I believe stems from the DRM or Digital Rights Management that the BBC attaches to its programmes. This is how it prevents you storing programmes forever and why you can only watch the on your PC for a week. You can buy software that removes DRM but these are hard to come by. I usually login to www.isohunt.com and search for programmes I have missed eg search for Lost S05E01 to find the link to Lost Series 5 Episode 1. Then use Limewire from www.limewire.com to download the torrent. Believe it or not this is easier than iPlayer. But guess you'd struggle to find Eastenders or something on there. I'd be pleased to hear from others on this subject.

UPDATE: See my new post http://freecomkiss1600fanclub.blogspot.com/2009/12/streaming-bbc-iplayer-programmes-using.html

Connecting a NAS Drive to the Kiss 1600 Streamer

The 'Kiss' is equipped with a USB2 socket. I bought a 500gb NAS drive and connected this up and I can access all my music and photos from one place. This lead to a small problem, how do I update the NAS drive when it sits connected to the 'Kiss' streamer in the living room. I first tried to see if the USB NAS drive would be available on my network since the 'Kiss' sits on my wireless network. Unfortunately even using ip addresse it doesn't seem possible to map a drive to the NAS drive from my laptop or desktop PCs.

Then I had an idea how to get the NAS drive on the network (without rewiring the house with CAT 5 network cabling). I bought a box of Homeplugs which send data via the power circuits in the house. There are two speeds 85mb and 200mb - I wouldn't be updating the drive that often so I bought the "Twin Pack 85Mb Homeplug Ethernet Adapter" by Solwise for about £40. I connected one Homeplug to my router and one to the NAS drive and I can now see the NAS drive on the network.

This instructions will my NAS drive say not to plug in both the USB cable and Ethernet cable at the same time. I found that when I access the drive from USB the drive drops off the network. To get it back on the network I unplug the USB and switch the NAS drive on and off and hey presto. I'm happy with this, at least now when I want to update my NAS drive I don't have to move it.

Buying a Media Streamer

I bought the Freecom Kiss 1600 for two main reasons, I wanted a DVD player that upscales DVDs and connects via HDMI cable and I wanted to be able to stream photos, music and BBC iPlayer programmes to my TV. You know how DVD players often struggle to play non standard formats, well the 'Kiss' plays nearly everything. My broadband router sits in an office upstairs and the 'Kiss' is in the living room. Streaming works well across the wireless network. It may struggle with high definition but that is a wireless limitation I think.