movies offline while boondocking

Running a generator to watch TV. That's a good one.

A bit more complex, but superior way, would be to take all of your DVDs and rip them to digital form. Put all of those on a Plex server running on something like a headless MAC Mini. I have that running along with a very small wireless router (no internet connection required) and a Roku stick plugged into the HDMI on the non-smart TV. Works incredible well and everyone can see movies on a large screen TV or a tablet/iPad/phone at the same time.

As said, it is a bit more complex and involved initially getting it up and running in the RV but it is pretty cool to have all my purchased movies on a single 8" x 8" very quiet MAC Mini.

A Plex server is free software, or there is a purchase option for added features, and it arranges all of your content as though the movies or series are available from a professional content server with movie posters, meta data (descriptions, actors, directors, date, etc). Yes, you will want an internet connection when you are ripping your DVDs/Blu-Rays so it can download all of that meta data. I run the Plex at home and then when out in the RV, move it to there for our trips.

It did take a while to get all of my owned movies ripped but once it is done, it is done.

TenOC wrote:
You are boondocking. Don't run your generator and sit inside and watch movies. Sit outside by the campfire (if allowed) and enjoy nature. . . :B . .

There's times when the wind blows and rain going sideways that I don't enjoy nature. Staying in a TC for 2 days straight isn't fun.Movies pass the time in those cases.

Laptop, 1-2TB external portable hard drive, and VLC.

Can't stand watching movies on a tablet. We use the laptop...often linked to the TV with an HDMI cable.

For movie storage, 32GB won't hold a lot, so you will constantly deleting and downloading new.

You can pick up a 5 Terrabyte portable hard drive for a bit over $100. That will hold a lot of movies.

TenOC wrote:
You are boondocking. Don't run your generator and sit inside and watch movies. Sit outside by the campfire (if allowed) and enjoy nature. . . :B . .

True and that's how I like it, but DH likes his movies and that's how he relaxes, so I say more power to him. I always lure him outside with a margarita anyway!

fj12ryder wrote:
Why would you encourage copyright infringement?

LOL that is so precious. Why do you encourage people not to panic?

Are you saying you have never recorded any sports or entertainment event from your TV before getting the express permission of the broadcaster?

Anyway I did not encourage anyone to infringe. I pointed them to a web site that details how to copy DVDs to storage devices. It is up to them to determine the legality of their actions not me.

Judge not, less you be judged. ;)

You are boondocking. Don't run your generator and sit inside and watch movies. Sit outside by the campfire (if allowed) and enjoy nature. . . :B . .

DVDs. Holly Cow! Are you people made of money?
I've got some great movies on VHS I'll let you borrow. I've even got a spare $5 yard-sale VCR.

I always check the Walmart bin
I have bought brand new DVDs of movies I did not have, but wanted