Play-Fi - Issue With DLNA Dropping

Eug7

I just bought the Omni S2 off Amazon as a test run for the Play-Fi capability. My need is primarily for streaming music from my Plex server. I've been using Plex for 3-4 years now so I know the ins & outs and my network is solid. I can stream from Plex to all my devices hardwired and over WIFI.

Play-Fi media server option is tenuous at best. It can take up to 3-4 try's to connect (close the app, re-open the app). Once connected it will more often drop connection to the Plex server when navigating. If I manage to play content invariably at some point it will lose connection either by attempting to navigate to other content or pausing and restarting.

This is a Play-Fi issue I'm sure of it because as I test I installed Bubble UPNP on the tablet and the Plex server always remains connected. What's disappointing is the fact that the Omni S2 is an impressive little speaker but I can't justify investing in additional Play-Fi devices. Pandora and internet radio have no issues.

As an aside, DLNA is a dud when compared to using the Plex app in presentation and use. What Play-Fi needs is Plex native but I see where Plex is on the Google Cast Audio bandwagon. Hopefully this doesn't preclude Plex from developing an app that will work with Play-Fi in the future.

Actually, these issues need to be addressed with DTS unless Polk CS has some knowledge of how to rectify the dropping issue.

[Deleted User]

Hello,
Welcome to Polk's forum. Give a call to Polk's wireless helpline at: 1-800-638-7276 I'm sure they can be of help.
Regards, Ken

Eug7

Ken, I called. Apparently, DLNA is the weakest aspect of the Play-Fi software. A revamp is in the works for the future I'm told. The suggestion was to try JRiver's Media Center software and use its server service. I will try.

Eug7

There's no difference between the Plex server and JRiver. Constant drops of the server especially when navigating. It's possible it may be my router. It's a Cisco router provided by the cable company but I have no other types of issues. Bottom line the Media Server on Play-Fi doesn't work so that means the speaker has to go back. Lost sale and possibly lost future sales if Play-Fi can't cut it.

Here's the thing, you have speaker manufacturers such as Polk, Phorus and Definitive Technology producing high quality speakers with the emphasis on streaming sub par audio form online services. This makes no sense. It makes sense to DTS because they can license to their respective partners while bird brain customers fork over big dough to get audio quality from streaming services over WIFI with little better than Bluetooth sound. Well, the bonus is they can get that sound all around the house. What good is it to have the capability to stream CD quality over WIFI if you can't connect.

[Deleted User]

I'm sorry it didn't work out, I've heard that the router is an important part of getting the best from WiFi based systems. Thanks for giving it a try.

Eug7

I see the JRiver server fine just that the connection get dropped just like the Plex server (you have to use tools/media server to allow broadcasting on the network). Very frustrating. My router is a Cisco provided by Cox Cable. I think Play-Fi has issues negotiating with certain routers perhaps. That would be a Play-Fi issue as in; inadequate capability. I can't say 100% positively that the router is not at fault. But, when you consider that the rep on the phone admitted there's total revamp in the works due to the fact that the DLNA side pf Play-Fi is junk and the fact that I have no issues using Plex to stream media throughout the house and Bubble UPNP doesn't drop the Plex server. It also sees the JRiver server and I can flip flop back and forth between Plex and JRiver, play whatever, maneuver around it it remains connected over WIFI it tells me all these factors add up to a Play-Fi issue.

D2Lo

My router was fine until I got my 5th play speaker and I had some house guests that had 3 WiFi devices each (phone, tablet, laptop)... my router just said no. I upgraded to a super fast 5g router and everything got better. PlayFi performance went way up, but no more skinny wheels ever with streaming video or anything like that. Made the interwebs better overall. I spent about $160 as well. Was worth it.

I had a Cox provided cable gateway router too. I called them up and got a Netgear 5g dual band. I can check the model if you want. I got it through them and they just put it on my next cable bill.

Eug7

Yes please, can you share the model?

D2Lo

Let me check when I get home. It is a nether cable gateway with dual band. The 5g bands work much better because everyone in your neighborhood is on 2.4, plus microwave and phone interference in that range. 5g is much cleaner and there are more channels in the band and typically the router's auto selection works much better in 5g.

I'll get the exact model name when I get home.

Also, if any of your neighbors have Sonos, it blasts on all WiFi channels simultaneously . Technically not allowed, but they are not WiFi certified so they do it anyway. It greatly reduces the performance of any non Sonos WiFi products in range, i.e. your phone, tablet, or laptop. I had a PlayFi and a Sonos set up running in parallel. As soon as I unplugged the Sonos bridge, the performance of all the other WiFi products jumped.