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Post by IT Troll on Apr 27, 2014 12:42:29 GMT
Like I imagine others here, I used the dynamic DNS service from DynDNS to connect to my Media Center and other systems when away from home.
As of next month DynDNS are breaking their promise by removing their free service. Now you must pay or lose your domain. DynDNS are no longer unique in the marketplace and there are many other providers of this service; both free and paid for.
After reviewing a number of the options I have now switched to using FreeDNS which takes a more community-based approach to providing dynamic DNS. It might not have the gloss of some of the other providers but it works well, is rich in features and yet free of charge. They have many community donated domain names to choose from including a great one for the UK; uk.to |
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Post by Oliver on Apr 27, 2014 18:00:28 GMT
Funny enough, I've been looking into this too.
I've just installed CCTV and having a dynamic IP with talktalk I need to set this up. I'm new to all this and currently doing some research.
I hadn't thought of accessing my media centre from remote locations but it sounds interesting, I'll probably do that next.
Oliver
Sent from my phone, using Tapatalk
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Post by IT Troll on Apr 28, 2014 15:55:38 GMT
As you have probably discovered, for dynamic DNS to work you need a way updating your record. This can either be done through a small software utility which needs to be left running all the time, or alternatively through a feature option on your router. Doing it from your router is the most desirable method but relies on your router having this facility and even then it may only support certain services. So check your router as this may dictate your options. I also use TalkTalk and my router is a Netgear DGDN3700. The standard firmware only support DynDNS but there is a third party firmware which opens this up to many more providers including FreeDNS which I am now using. For remote access to Media Center I use Remote Potato which gives you full web browser access to all your media and your scheduled recordings. It is particularly great for adding recordings when you are away from home. It will stream your music or TV to you anywhere in the world but this is highly dependent on your upload speed. The main server app which enables browser access is free of charge, however the companion apps for iOS and Android have to be purchased if you want them. Unfortunately like many other Media Center related things, development and support for Remote Potato has ceased. However it still works well for Windows 7. |
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Post by IT Troll on Aug 16, 2014 22:44:12 GMT
Since my original post I have now discovered Namecheap who are a domain name registration company. Their prices, as you might expect, are very cheap, but what is more interesting is that they provide a dynamic DNS service for domain names you purchase from them. I don't know of any other domain company which offers this service.
This means that for a very low cost you can buy your own personal domain name (perhaps one of the spangly new .uk ones) and then use dynamic DNS to enable you to access your HTPC or home network from remote locations.
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