vlc streaming question

[spectral_knight75]

Hello,

I currently have a Kubuntu box with 8.10 64bit setup as a file/media/print server. 

The query I have is that, when I view media files (avi/mpg/mkv) from the server using my windows xp box, I can view the content immediately without caching the file locally first.

However, when I attempt to view my media files over wifi from my IBM Thinkpad R51 1829 KCF running Vector SOHO 5.8 Gold, using vlc as the player of choice (or any player for that matter : xine, mplayer) it ends up downloading a local cache copy in its' entirety first before it starts play back.  Is there any way I can view my media without downloading the full file first?

Feedback appreciated, thanks.

[StrayBit]

I've been running streaming audio on Win98 and it also buffers - nowhere near as long as VL, however.

[EyesOnly]

I'd be curious spectral as to whether or not it just may be the difference in a setting somewhere within VLC itself? The basic settings of VLC are just that---pretty basic. But have you clicked around to see the more "advanced" settings? (Ergo "MPlayer" and "Xine", especially the latter where it has "Master of The Known Universe"?) These "advanced" settings would require a rocket scientist to figure out half the time with a doctorate in spatial physics!

Most of these in the advanced settings have such a section dealing with "immediate play" or "play from cache". They may not be worded exactly like that but similar enough that you'll know it when seen. I know Xine does seems so from all the times I've set that up.

That's about all I can offer for advice at the moment. Sorry it's not more. I hope it helps though.

Cheers,

Eyes-Only
"L'Peau-Rouge"

[spectral_knight75]

Thanks for the replies so far, I'll do some "click" digging through vlc to see if I get any positive results.  If I do, I'll post here.