4Flix

4Flix: A Private Player for Your Media Library

4Flix is a dedicated private media player application designed for users who store their personal video collections locally. Unlike streaming services, 4Flix provides a secure, self-contained environment to organize and play your owned movie and TV show files directly from your device's storage or a connected network drive. It serves as a private hub, putting you in complete control of your media without relying on external subscriptions or internet connectivity.

Organizing a Personal Library

Users begin by granting 4Flix access to their device's folders or network-attached storage (NAS) locations where video files are stored. The application then automatically scans these directories, identifying media files and fetching relevant metadata like titles, cover art, plot summaries, and cast information. This process creates a visually rich, categorized library within 4Flix, sorting content by genre, release year, or personal playlists without altering the original files.

Streaming from Network-Attached Storage

A core function of 4Flix is its ability to connect to and stream content directly from a home Network-Attached Storage device. Users input their NAS credentials or access details within the app's settings menu. Once connected, 4Flix treats the NAS as a remote library, allowing users to browse folders and play videos seamlessly over a local Wi-Fi network. This eliminates the need to copy large files to a mobile device, saving storage space while providing access to an entire collection.

Customizable Video Playback

During playback, 4Flix offers a suite of tools to enhance the viewing experience. Users can tap the screen to bring up the player controls, which include options to select different audio tracks or enable subtitles from external files. The player also supports gesture controls; for instance, swiping vertically on the left side of the screen adjusts brightness, while swiping on the right side changes the volume. Playback speed can be modified, and a sleep timer can be set for hands-free operation.

Creating and Managing Playlists

The application allows for the manual creation of custom playlists to curate a viewing schedule. Users navigate to a movie or show, select the option to add to a playlist, and either choose an existing list or create a new one. These playlists are saved within the 4Flix ecosystem, enabling users to quickly access a predefined set of content for events like a movie marathon without searching through their entire library each time.

Cast to External Displays

For a larger screen experience, 4Flix integrates casting functionality. With the video playing, users tap the cast icon to see a list of compatible devices on the same network, such as a smart TV or Chromecast. Selecting a device will instantly beam the content from the user’s phone or NAS to the chosen screen, with 4Flix acting as the remote control for playback, pause, and volume functions during the session.

Parental Controls and User Profiles

To manage content access, 4Flix includes a parental control system. In the settings, an administrator can set a PIN code and then apply age ratings to specific titles or entire folders. When activated, any media that exceeds the set rating is hidden from the main library view and requires the PIN to be unlocked and played. This ensures that the private library managed by 4Flix remains appropriate for all viewers in a household.