Network Sharing

Network sharing allows non-Windows computers and mobile devices on your network to stream movies through your PC. Other Windows PCs should simply install their own copy of Jackpot.

Sharing is off by default. From the main library window, click Menu and select Options. Use these checkboxes to enable network sharing.

Jackpot supports the VLC app and the web browser. Most devices support one or the other. Jackpot must be running on your PC in order for other devices to stream movies.

For both forms of network sharing, Jackpot needs to know your PC's IP address or hostname. Other devices will use this address to connect to your PC.

Web browser

Your library can be reached at the web address shown in the Options window. Click "Copy" to copy the address to the clipboard. Simply bookmark this address on your other devices.

VLC

Sharing for VLC works in conjunction with Windows file sharing (SMB). Jackpot will generate small .M3U8 files that link to the movies in your library. The VLC app on all platforms (including Apple tvOS) is capable of browsing SMB file shares and playing these .M3U8 files.

1. Click Start and search for "Manage advanced sharing settings."

2. Make sure "File and printer sharing" is turned on. Close the Settings window.

   

3. Click Start and search for "File Explorer Options."

4. Under the View tab, un-check "Use Sharing Wizard" and click OK.

   

5. Use File Explorer to create a folder on your local hard disk. This will store the .M3U8 files and should not be used for any other purpose. Jackpot will delete files in this folder and replace them with its own .M3U8 files.

6. In File Explorer, right-click your new folder and select Properties. Go to the Sharing tab and click the "Advanced Sharing..." button. Check "Share this folder," then click OK. Close the Properties window.

   

7. In the Jackpot Options window, enable VLC access and choose your folder. Click OK. Now you're ready to play some movies in VLC.

8. On mobile devices, open the VLC app and use the "Remote" tab to browse your file share. On non-Windows computers, mount the Windows file share and browse from the system's file manager.