What is DirectStream, and what does it do?

DirectStream is the communication method used by Orb when it sends streams directly from your Orb PC to your Orb client device (i.e., other PC or PDA) without going through Orb's stream servers. Orb will use this method by default whenever the following conditions are met:

• your Orb PC is not part of a LAN, and connects directly to your broadband modem (i.e., it is the only device using the public IP assigned by your ISP);

• your Orb PC accesses the Internet via a router that has UPnP capability and the UPnP functionality is enabled on that router;

If UPnP is enabled on your router but the Use UPnP for DirectStream checkbox is greyed out (in Orb tray icon > Configuration > More info (or Advanced, depending on your Orb version)), Orb cannot detect the UPnP feature on your router, possibly due to an older firmware version. Try to upgrade your router's firmware to make its UPnP functionality accessible again and re-enable DirectStream in Orb.

If you believe that all the ports Orb needs for streaming are open but the media player on your Orb client device does not even start to buffer when you attempt to stream, uncheck the box Use UPnP for DirectStream on your Orb PC (Orb tray icon > Configuration > More info (or Advanced, depending on your Orb version)) to disable DirectStream and force your Orb PC to send all streams through TCP port 82, and try again.