LUMENOIRWatch videos from a NAS or PC on Meta Quest
To watch films from a NAS or a computer on a Meta Quest without copying them, you need a player that speaks your server's protocol: SMB for shared folders (Synology, QNAP, UGREEN, Freebox, FRITZ!Box, Windows, macOS), DLNA for media servers, or WebDAV, FTP and SFTP for file servers. Meta's Files app does not open network shares, so the player does the work. In Lumenoir, network sources are part of Premium.
SMB, DLNA, WebDAV or FTP?
Most homes only need SMB. Use the others when your device offers nothing else, or when you want to reach a server outside your home.
| Protocol | What it shares | Found on | Lumenoir source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMB 2 or 3 | Shared folders, browsed like a disk | Every NAS, Freebox, FRITZ!Box, Windows, macOS | Network drive (NAS) |
| DLNA / UPnP | A media server's catalog | Freebox, Synology, Windows, Plex, minidlna | DLNA / UPnP |
| WebDAV | Folders over HTTP or HTTPS | Synology, QNAP, Nextcloud, ownCloud | WebDAV, FTP, SFTP |
| FTP / FTPS | Folders on a file server | Most NAS, routers | WebDAV, FTP, SFTP |
| SFTP | Folders over SSH | Linux servers, NAS, Raspberry Pi | WebDAV, FTP, SFTP |
Before you start
- The headset and the NAS must be on the same network.
- Turn on SMB 2 or 3 in the NAS settings. The older SMB 1 is not supported.
- Use an account that can read the shared folder, or allow guest access.
- Note the NAS address, for example 192.168.1.20 or nas.local, and the name of the shared folder.
- For 4K films above 80 Mb/s, use 5 GHz or 6 GHz Wi-Fi, close to the router.
Add a shared folder in Lumenoir
- On the home screen, choose Network drive (NAS).
- Lumenoir looks for NAS drives on your network. Pick yours in the list, or choose Type an address.
- Fill in the Shared folder (for example video) and, if you like, a Folder inside it (for example Films).
- Enter your user name and password, or leave the account empty for guest access, then Connect.
- Your films appear with posters, subtitles and resume, sorted into Films and Episodes.
If the NAS says "The NAS refused the connection", check that SMB 2 or 3 is enabled. Nothing is copied to the headset: the film streams while you watch.
Synology, QNAP and UGREEN
On a Synology NAS, the SMB service is in DSM under Control Panel › File Services. On QNAP, it is under Control Panel › Network & File Services. UGREEN NASync models share folders over SMB and WebDAV. Then create a user with read access to your video folder, or reuse yours.
Synology and QNAP can also run a DLNA media server, and both offer WebDAV, which is handy over HTTPS when you are away from home.
Freebox and FRITZ!Box
A Freebox shares its disk over SMB and also runs a DLNA server. Lumenoir's SMB source was tested on a Meta Quest 2 against a Freebox share with guest access.
A FRITZ!Box shares a USB disk plugged into it. In its settings, enable the storage (NAS) function, then turn on access via network drive (SMB) under home network sharing. AVM requires a FRITZ!Box user account for NAS access, and the box answers at fritz.nas. We have not tested a FRITZ!Box ourselves yet.
A Windows PC or a Mac
On Windows, share the folder that holds your films (right-click the folder, Properties, Sharing). A Windows PC never announces itself to Lumenoir, so type its IP address: you find it with the ipconfig command. Sign in with a Windows account that can read the folder.
On a Mac, turn on File Sharing in System Settings › General › Sharing, then add the folder. In both cases the computer must stay awake while you watch.
DLNA, WebDAV, FTP and SFTP
Choose DLNA / UPnP to browse a media server: Lumenoir searches your Wi-Fi for it. If nothing answers, check that DLNA sharing is on and that the server is on the same network.
Choose WebDAV, FTP, SFTP for a file server, at home or on the internet. Prefer HTTPS for WebDAV and FTPS over plain FTP, which sends the password in clear. For SFTP, Lumenoir remembers the server's identity on first connection and warns you if it changes.
Premium, and what stays free
Network drives and servers (SMB, DLNA, WebDAV, FTP, SFTP) are part of Lumenoir Premium, a one-time purchase on the Meta Horizon Store: €19.99 is the indicative price in France, and the Store sets the price in your currency. See Free and Premium.
If you would rather stay free, run Plex or Jellyfin on the NAS: both sources are free in Lumenoir. See Plex on Meta Quest, or copy the films to a USB drive.
Questions
How do I connect my Meta Quest 3 to a NAS?
Install a VR player with an SMB client, enable SMB 2 or 3 on the NAS, then add the share in the player with the NAS address, the shared folder and your account. In Lumenoir, it is the Network drive (NAS) source.
Can I watch movies from my PC on a Meta Quest 3 without copying them?
Yes. Share the folder on Windows or macOS, then add it in the player by typing the computer's IP address. The film streams over Wi-Fi while the computer stays on.
Does the Meta Quest 3 support SMB shares?
Not in Meta's Files app, which lists headset storage, USB drives, phones and Google Drive. A video player has to provide the SMB client.
Can a Meta Quest play videos from a DLNA server?
Yes, with a player that has a DLNA client. Lumenoir finds DLNA servers such as a Freebox, Synology, Windows or Plex Media Server on your Wi-Fi.
Does it work with a Synology NAS?
Yes, over SMB, DLNA or WebDAV. Turn on SMB in DSM, under Control Panel, File Services, and use an account that can read your video folder.
Why does video from my NAS stutter?
Usually Wi-Fi. Use 5 GHz or 6 GHz close to the router, especially for 4K above 80 Mb/s, and close other apps on the headset. A wired connection from NAS to router also helps.
Do I need Premium for NAS in Lumenoir?
Yes. Network drives and servers are Premium, a one-time purchase. Headset files, USB drives, Plex and Jellyfin are free.