yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] nmyshkin:
To set up MX player Lite (just general set-up, you customize to suit yourself), create folders for Music and Video on the sdcard (external storage). Copy the custom codec zip (do not unzip) to internal storage. It just sits there, even when installed, so don't wonder about it someday and delete it. Install MX Player Lite.

IF I had you download the correct version it should go OK. See image 2 below (3-dot menu>Help>About), At some point the app will begin pestering you each time you open it about updating it. You DO NOT want to update. There is a way to make it stop pestering. Later.

The app "home" screen looks like image 1 below (except your Music and Video folders will probably not show because they are empty). The "view", or what shows in the "home" screen is governed by the setting in the 3-dot menu called "view". I have mine set to "all folders".

From the 3-dot menu, select "Settings". See image 3 below. Then select "List".

See image 4 below. Then "Folders. See image 5 below.

On this screen you will see something different. Check whatever is present and then tap "delete" at the bottom of the screen. Then tap "add" and try to find the "Music" and "Video" folders on the external sdcard. The starting directory is always /storage/emulated/0 (i.e., internal storage) so tap on (Folder up) and look for your sdcard. Often when MX player is first opened it can't see the sdcard. If that happens to you, just exit and come back in again. It should be able to find the sdcard the second time around. So you select "Music" and "Video" one at a time and that's how it knows where to look for your music and videos.

Back to "Settings" and tap on "Audio". See image 6 below. Check to use the app as an audio player.

Back to "Settings" and tap on "General". See image 7 below. Check to add the "exit" button to the 3-dot menu.

Finally, back to "Settings" and tap on "Decoder". See image 8 below. Way down at the bottom of the page is the codec. Tap there. If it doesn't find it right away, you will have to navigate to where it is (/storage/emulated/0). The app will restart to apply the codec.

That's the basics. Lots of other settings to get things the way you want them.

IF I sent you after the wrong version of the app, these instructions will still be good when we find the right one!

Oh! Almost forgot. To get rid of the nagging "update" each time you open the app, use the file manager to get to /data/data/com.mxtech.videoplayer.pro/shared_prefs/a.xml. Put a check by this file and then return to the external sdcard and use the 3-dot menu at the bottom corner to copy the file to the external sdcard. Now tap on the copy of the file and use the file manager editor to change the value <boolean name="advertise_new_version" value="true" />. Change the word "true" to "false". Save the file. Then check the little box next to it and navigate back to where it originally came from. When you get there, use the 3-dot menu at the bottom left to copy the file (overwriting the old one). Then you can delete the copy you made on the external sdcard.
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] aykov77:
==> I've attached how YouTube respond to every started video, after 30-40 sec about every video is stopping for download of the next batch of data and not resuming any more... now completely deinstalled YouTube and no more with to install it back... I stay with tested and approved apk that you have in use!

==> "Android is supposed to do its own house cleaning." sounds great if not additional apk is required to maintain the tablet in good condition.

==> Here I didn't cacth you... P.2 showing the right down little square, but I don't keep open any apk and the system stay clear of any running apk in the background... Is that what you mean? no idea now...

==> I see going to the cyanoboot mode in SD card in the system is so complicated and not comfortable to do it in stead of apk doing itself self check & cleaning routinely ... no option to do it with the system SD card...

==> downloaded already but was waiting for the instructions to see what & how

==> Thanks for the uploaded file will install the codec package to enable more encoding option playback as you advised together with MX player pro lite v1.11.6, both with below another message instructions

==> Nothing was installed, I was waiting for your instructions in the next message

THANKS!
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] aykov77:
==> You said "so don't wonder about it someday and delete it"

The custom codec zip file I put in the external SD card in a folder with all apk in use as storage for future if I need... should I delete it and when? I did all below! If I delete the zip codec than it will not be in use and the MX player will not locate it to use it... ?

==> My version turned out is PRO, could be better? I think... P.1 and no update request at all...

==> See P.2-6, looks like all is OK now as per instructions...

==> Done

==> Done

==> I did P.7-9, please check if ok

==> Version is Pro, could be better than Lite... do you think I need Lite?

==> P.10 I cannot locate "a.xml." file not existing ?

Check p.10 please

==> Hope all is OK and no action on this matter MX Player :)
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] nmyshkin:
You can put it anywhere. I suggested internal since most of your general interaction is with the external sdcard. Just don't delete it. Or go ahead and move it if you want. You'll just need to tell MX Player where it went.

BTW, speaking of internal and general housekeeping, you can delete all those 0-byte folders that the ROM creates--mostly phone stuff--like "Alarms", "Ringtones" and so on. The only folders in /storage/emulated/0 that are strictly needed are Android, Download (some apps will not download to the external sd card), and Pictures (Screenshots are stored in there--no way to change that). MX Player will create a "Subtitles" folder and will just replace it if you delete it.

Yeah, I finally figured out where I had stored my copy. Comes of having too many devices. But the one you have looks fine. It may be that someone fixed the nagware problem in your version, or it may not happen until you are connected to WiFi and open MX player. Either way, you're good.

Well, I can't explain that. Everything I open shows up there (se screenshot below).

I'm not sure why you think it's complicated. You just reboot then press the "n" button and select "Internal (emmc) Recovery". This brings up CWM and you wipe ALL the cache from there, then reboot back to the system. By using the internal recovery you don't have to swap around the sd cards. But as I said, unless there is some serious issue with the whole system, this is overkill. One misbehaving app can have its cache cleared (or even data, if needed) from the Settings app.

So what's left? Any more questions/issues?
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] aykov77:
==> If there is problem with present location inside of the external SD card in folder where I keep all installation oftware, and presenly I have notified MX Player about its location... hope it is ok, only if you say that is better to be inside the internal disc space will transfer and change the path of the location...

==. Where that location is not to mistake in deleting wrong folder... /storage/emulater/0 ??? in emmc?

Folders:

-B&N Downloads: Books, Extras, Magazines, Newspapers

-DCIM

-Notifications

-Podcasts

-storage

-Subtitles

All these above are empty folders, 0 MB, should I delete them all? bI did, following below... Remaining folders:

-Android, Download, Movies, Music & Pictures, remaining, right?

==> I activated WiFi and started MX player and no notification for update... nothing to bother for the moment :)...

Ooops, "Product update, A new version is available. Would you like to upgrade now? (Current 1.11.6 Latest: 1.57.4...

Should I update or back to P.#144:

Oh! Almost forgot. To get rid of the nagging "update" each time you open the app, use the file manager to get to /data/data/com.mxtech.videoplayer.pro/shared_prefs/a.xml. Put a check by this file and then return to the external sdcard and use the 3-dot menu at the bottom corner to copy the file to the external sdcard. Now tap on the copy of the file and use the file manager editor to change the value <boolean name="advertise_new_version" value="true" />. Change the word "true" to "false". Save the file. Then check the little box next to it and navigate back to where it originally came from. When you get there, use the 3-dot menu at the bottom left to copy the file (overwriting the old one). Then you can delete the copy you made on the external sdcard.

==> I did as per instructions, works same with notification at start of MX Player when in WiFi active session :( May be after reboot?

? Yes, after reboot is fine, no more message with Update request :)

==> IF "there is some serious issue with the whole system, this is overkill. " Better to stay on the safe side to avoid trouble causing me headache of Tablet disaster, better not to take such serious risk... If there is no reasonably very special recommendation or high-class advice not to overkill the Tablet.

==> This I didn't get??? You mean one by one to clear cache & data from the Settings app, got it now... :) I'm seeping already at 0130 am

==> As a final if all is OK now to preserve all with a BackUp of present ROM with all adjustments, it will be great in case of problem in future to recover easily back all done these last many days... Do you think that is good to have on the recovery SD card together with the original ROM before installing this Cyano ROM?
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] nmyshkin:
Yes, that was going to be my "last" comment. When you're comfortable with the basic setup you should do a backup of CM13. Then after you get all the apps you want in place, do another backup. There should be enough room on the Cyanoboot card for that and more.
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] aykov77:
Thanks, I did back up on the Cyanoboot card, 8GB is ok... Only I don't remember if I asked you about Bluetooth for this Nook? Is there some chance to pair my earbuds for music?
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] nmyshkin:
No Bluetooth. There is no hardware for it. The Nook Color has an undocumented Bluetooth radio but there is no antenna so you have to be really close (or so they say).
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] aykov77:
Good day dear Friend,

Do you have a clue about Nook Simple Touch 6" with GlowLight, BNRV350... Yesterday I received the new battery and after proper replacement now is working back to normal. The old battery was completely dead and after few seconds when power cord is unplugged the unit was falling asleep with no life & spirit. Actually, this e-book belongs to my wife, and she is pushing me to make her book working normal. I need to flash the ROM as well as mine, B&N is not supporting the website and is it is not function properly. Do you have any idea for best ROM and apks for?

Thanks Bro!
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] nmyshkin:
See https://xdaforums.com/t/the-nstg-turns-10-time-for-a-makeover.4488695/ and then let's continue over in that forum.
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] nmyshkin:
Yes. Sort of.

I thought this was hopeless on the BNTV250. It's a little tricky and YMMV, but here is what I discovered.

First, your SmartTV must have a DLNA receiver. I suspect most do, even though it's an old protocol. I have a Samsung and it has both MiraCast and DLNA. If yours also has Chromecast, that may work.

Download and install Castify. This is a free version but I have not seen any ads or any limitations. I do use an adblock app (AdAway 4.3.6) so that may make a difference. After installing Castify but before running it go to Settings>Apps and grant it the three permissions. It's hit-or-miss if you wait for it to ask.

I've tried versions from 11.897 up to the current one. I settled on 11.986 because it had the fewest annoyances and good behavior overall. On the newest versions "seek" is broken on the player interface and there are some annoying animations that just won't stop. The last version with "Folders" on the home screen was 11.897 but connection with a receiver was slow. "Files" does not seem to work on any version with any of my devices. It's possible files must be in internal storage. I had some mixed results there. But "Folders" is really all you need and that is still available from the left slide-out menu.

With an AnyCast dongle, connection was quick. With my Samsung TV (using DLNA) I got an on-screen error message (which I ignored) and then a connection. Some screenshots below.

The app includes its own browser which is specialized in that it detects when a website page (like m.youtube.com) has video available. It places an icon in the addess bar (sort of like Chromecast?) and also one lower on the page. Tapping there opens a list of the various video stream qualities available. We have pretty ordinary DSL, only about 12 Mbps down, so choosing 720p streams resulted in some buffering. Part of that is probably also the tablet itself. There are not many resources. If you can stomach an SD stream, it works very well and often does not look too bad. The actual video that might play in the special browser is BAD. It's choppy and sound is crackly, so not a good place to just browse around.

Where the app really shines is streaming local video to your SmartTV. This brings a capability to the tablet that it sadly lacked. I never saw any buffering. Video and sound were great.

As for NewPipe, it is possible to do what you asked, I am amazed to tell you, although it may really strain the tablet. One of the options that shows if you tap on the "more" arrow-icon in NewPipe is "share". And one of the options there is "Castify". That opens its web browser to the equivalent page so you can select a video stream.

Takes some getting used to, and no way to close except with "Recents".

Speaking of "Recents", the app slowly accumulates a list on the home screen of what you've watched. The only way I found to get rid of this is to use the slide-out menu, tap "Recents" and there is a little trash can at the upper left. The "Recents" button on the home screen is useless (like so many of the others).
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] aykov77:
YMMV?

No idea, Samsung 9 Series (65) DLNA but I could not identify what model it is exactly :( No label on the back of the TV and in the Menu as well

Location, Phone and Storage Permissions... If I leave Location as not granted? will be working properly?

AdAway 4.3.6 installation is done.

Thanks, will stay with 11.986, I follow every your advice.

I don't have AnyCast dongle...

As a good place do you mean with fast WiFi net signal for download?

Something I discovered is in Settings/Date&Time once I choose Automatic date & time is giving wrong time & date... So I turned off the permission for Automatic date & time and set date& time manually. Time zone I selected Athens +02:00 Eastern European Standard Time.

I have attached a video file how New Pipe is not broadcasting via YouTube website and very bad interrupting sound :( and could not connect to the TV :( with message "low system resources" I disabled Battery optimization...

AdAway was enabled and update hosts files was done
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] nmyshkin:
"Your mileage may vary" OR "you may have different results". Do you even use the word "mileage" with the metric system?! Maybe YKMV?

Doesn't matter. It either works or it doesn't.

It's always a risk. Depends on how the developer put things together. Anyway, your location is probably turned off right now, so granting the permission is just a matter of checking off a box.

Doesn't matter. Only one of our TVs is "smart". I got the dongle for one of the other "dumb" ones.

A better signal (and a faster downstream speed) is always better to minimize buffering, but the device itself has limitations and the processor can only do so many things at one time.

This I can't explain. Automatic time is supposed to be derived from the network provider. So maybe there is a protocol in use by your provider that doesn't like this old device? I once asked someone to explain to me how tablets and even my e-ink reader can know what time it is when you turn them off and then on again months later without any internet connection. There is no little battery like in very old PCs. I did not understand the explanation so it's just magic.

Actually, you didn't. But that's OK. I just mentioned the NewPipe thing because you had asked. It's not something I would do normally. Trying to keep both NewPipe and Castify running at the same time is asking for trouble.

To see if Castify is even working with your TV it's best to have a local video. Then there is only the variable of the tablet and the TV. As for YouTube, as clumsy as it is I think the best behavior comes from using the built-in browser in Castify, but not playing the videos in the app, rather sending them to the TV (if that works).

It's good to remember that these tablets are really for casual use. Most smartphones are way more powerful than these "very old" (by technology standards) devices. They have only a single core processor that is much slower than current devices and limited RAM. They make excellent readers with a good reading app like Koreader (if you don't mind the backlight) and display local videos beautifully. They are very bad at browsing. Modern websites can overwhelm the processor. They are not great at running several apps at once (unless they are very small apps). They can sometimes do surprising things (like the DLNA), but in general, they are for simple uses. I have my 16 gb tablet set up just like my Alcatel tablet, as a backup if something should happen to the Alcatel, but I don't use it otherwise except to check on it's health periodically. Screenshot below. All this stuff works, but it's slower and I can crash it by trying to do too much. The 8gb tablet has even less stuff installed.

One more discovery about NewPipe. If you select a video it does not play right away because the app is set for an external player. Just by fooling around I noticed the "Popup" option (next to "Download"). If you tap on that you get a tiny little popup of the video playing. A long press on that gives you almost full-screen within the app! The status and navigation bars are still visible. To exit the popup, pull down the notification and tap on the "x".
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] nmyshkin:
US, California, on the coast, half-way between LA and SF.

You've got the idea. It's just like a Chromecast dongle (in fact it's styled suspiciously like one). An actual Smart TV has all that stuff inside without any need for external devices (unless you want something it does not support).

When I "fix" things for my friends who are having problems with PCs or Android devices I often say that the thing just wanted someone to pay attention to it for a bit. Maybe say a few nice (or not so nice) words.

Well, my tablet runs OK with what I have on it, but it's certainly not as fast as my Alcatel. On the other hand I don't really use YouTube, so... It's partly expectation and maybe a shakedown to see how you are really going to use it on a regular basis. Those things which don't work so well or which you almost never use can be removed.

The old version of TuneIn Radio is pretty good. The current ones are way bloated. I hope there is no geo-blocking. If you just want to use it casually, it's ready as-is. If you want to save Favorite stations to easily access them, you need to create an account (email, password).

I don't know if you are familar with Pandora Radio. I also have a very old and modded version.

No ads

. There you make your own "radio" station based on a particular performer or genre. That requires sign in (again, email and password). Just one continuous stream of music. Hopefully not geo-blocked.

I think it's a nice general-purpose reader app, originally based on Kobo Reader, really designed with e-ink in mind, so very spartan looking, but lots of customization settings. Reads many different formats. The only issue is that the hacking of the tablet is a little non-standard and in particular Koreader cannot interpret when the device is in portrait or landscape mode. For that I had to install a rotation app that can be set on an individual app basis to lock the screen in portrait.

But if you already have another reader app you are familiar with, I'd use it, at least as a first guess.

Well I love my BNRV350. Like I said before, I use it every day and spent a long time working on customizing it, creating apps, etc. It's old, but hey, it's just a reader! It's more than capable of keeping me company with a good book.

Well here we are probably seeing the difference between CM13 and AOSP 7.0. Castify would not install at all on my 8 gb tablet which runs CM13, so I had to try it on the 16 gb tablet (like yours) which runs AOSP 7.0. Clearly there are differences since I never saw anything like that.

Like I said earlier, you need to see what will work for you and the way you eventually use the tablet.
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] aykov77:
Never been on the West Coast :(

So, no need anything to connect with any apk... Got it.

All is good! With or without Auto update of Date & Time... Finally, it is working, will keep on eye if that happen again.

Exactly, I will hold everything I installed for short observing period to see if is reliable, then will uninstall the not effective ones...

TuneIn Radio is working :) no geo-blocking.

I'm not familiar with PR & "Sorry, Pandora is not available in this country." :( Intention to uninstall it, no sense to keep it... geo-blocked

I downloaded the latest available KOreader F-droid 2023.10, 100423, but not functioning :( May be some older version could be reliable, but which one?

No another reader app... Following your reliable apks

Exactly, I cannot expect anything else from this reader, except giving me relaxed way to read and relax properly. Everything else is inside of the mobile smart mobile phone... I'll be waiting for my time to flush the ROM with you whenever that is comfortable for you. I hate the officials.

No idea about AOSP 7.0, CM13 is good & I like it

You mentioned somewhere that your Tablet is running with CM13, or I'm wrong.... no idea abt Castify reliability and ROM version...

Right, will keep till I need to see that is better to give up with uninstall as Pandora radio... nothing could do to make it work.

Abt You Tube I'm very disappointed with a lot of advertisements interrupting the playing time, starting time and so heavy and consuming resources... That's why is not installed but was using via the web browser and same headache... No more YouTube! ;)

Most probably when I have time to see how Castify is not so soft and reliable will uninstall it as well...

What apks are Kodi & Libby fm yr Print screen?
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] nmyshkin:
Sorry about that. Too bad.

Did you check the permissions? I have installed v.2022.11. It's been awhile but my recollection is that KOreader is fussy to get started. It often crashes the first few times you open it and then suddenly everything is fine. If you get it going an like what you see but are frustrated by the inability of the app to reliably read the screen state (portrait/landscape) of the device, let me know. I have an app to fix that.

Part of my difficulty here is that I have two tablets. One is like yours, BNTV250. That has 16GB RAM and 1GB internal storage. But on that tablet I am running AOSP 7.0. Then I have a second tablet, BNTV250a. This version has half the RAM and internal storage of it's big brother, so it is less capable. I actually purchased a Nook Color to experiment with but the seller didn't even know what he had. It was too much trouble to return for the price so...

That's how I came to start this thread because I wanted to see how far you could take this more limited hardware. That turns out to be CM13, not AOSP 7.0. So you can see there is a mismatch when we compare.

Kodi is an all-purpose media player/organizer (also DLNA server). There are many official addons to customize it but also a minor industry of unofficial addons which scrape sites for uploaded movies and TV programs.

Libby is a common library program here in the US for making available ebooks and magazines for checkout.