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[jimbob54]

I recently acquired a TCL TV with built-in Roku. I’ve been using an old Mac Mini to access a home video library on another Mac, but the old Mac mini has developed a disconcerting audio buzz, which I don’t know how to cure. Rather than acquire a replacement Mac, I’m wondering if there’s some way to enable Roku to access a remote OS X file system via wifi - anyone have any suggestions?

[Ello2022]

@jimbob54  You have a TCL Roku TV. It’s a streaming tv made to stream channels such as Hulu, Netflix and Disney. You can even hookup an gaming console to it, cable box or an antenna. But you cannot use it to access a computer. Windows or Mac. It’s a TV

[jimbob54]

Thanks. Actually, I was able install an app called (I think) Plex on the Roku, which does seem able to be able to access the OS X file system via wifi. But I don’t like the interface, so I’m hoping for other alternatives

[Ello2022]

@jimbob54  I have never used Plex. Yes it’s a media file player but your still asking a lot from a TV. Not sure if anyone else can lend a hand. Have you tried a Google search?

[jimbob54]

Thanks. AFAIK, the Roku device is really a computer, almost certainly more sophisticated than the 15 yo old Mac Mini I’m currently using. I think it’s just a matter of software. I haven’t tried the Plex app for a while, I will take another look

[Ello2022]

@jimbob54  Everything is a computer now a days. Even a Nest thermostat. But you wouldn’t expect your thermostat to play media files right?  I think you completely have the total misconception of what a Roku TV is. It’s designed for streaming. Just like a Roku Streaming Stick is. I own 3 TCL Roku TVs. It’s how I watch Netflix, Hulu, Prime, YouTube TV, Paramount+, Disney+ and more. I want an expected to do anything else

[AvsGunnar]

@jimbob54 

You can certainly use various media servers for what you are trying to accomplish.  

I believe most recommend the Plex  server for Mac and Roku.  I know nothing about Mac, so not much help to you there.

(https://www.macinstruct.com/tutorials/how-to-stream-movies-from-mac-to-roku/).

I have a simple setup with a hard drive at my router that shares files to my network and Roku devices over DLNA.  I usually just run everything through handbrake to work with Roku and then use the Roku Media Player to play files.  Otherwise, I use Kodi in a roundabout fashion in order to get to work on Roku.

For those with extensive libraries, they prefer the media servers that handle all the codecs. (Plex, Servioo, Emby, Jellyfin, etc).

Has been a while since I have played with the above.  Others will certainly be by and vastly improve upon my suggestions.

[DBDukes]

@jimbob54 

You can certainly use the Mac as a Plex server. I set up my mother's Mac Mini as a plex server, and she used it for 2-3 years before she passed.

I've run Plex on Mac, Windows, and even Raspberry Pi Linux. It works well if you follow the file naming convention.

As @AvsGunnar said, there are other options, and the concepts are the same. If another interface is more to your liking, then perhaps one of those will work.

What I don't like are the Plex defaults of "Recommended," nor the Home Screen. I always go to Movies and display Library (or sometimes Collections). It remembers the last selection, so that's good. It's not fancy, but it is a simple, standard interface. I just don't like the "Recommended" display, but it's easy enough to get and stay off that.