Android Media Streamers

For that price, it doesn't seem bad, but interface is what many people are after and thats what xbmc delivers in bundles.
Playback looks smooth going through the menus.
 
Yea, you're right :/

I do like XBMC - but other than building the HP server, what supports it from the box?

I've mentioned the Xtreamer Ultra which is a little HTPC - but anything else you can think of? If XBMC could be put on that system ,it'd be pretty cool. Even looks great!
 
The Xtreamer Ultra does in fact come with a version of XBMC. But you can download a version of Openelec for the Xtreamer Ultra from www.openelec.tv which works great and better than the packaged version ! Openelec is a XBMC distribution, pre packaged and and as I said a special version for the Ultra exists. I'm running it and it works great.
 
This looks awesome. I have been looking for a media device that supports Android apps.
Was thinking of getting a Google TV device, but this thing looks awesome.

Quick install of the Plex client and she is fully integrated with my home network. The way home theater should be. Zero configuration.
 
Thing is though - what is firmware support like with these things?
The Xtreamer and the Flexview.

I'd be inclined to go with the Xtreamer.
But from what I recall about the older versions, their support sucked on the firmware updates.
If the openlec can be flashed onto the xtreamer with regular updates, then that'd work.

Will read into this some more.
I definetely want the xbmc experience and I'm seriously considering the HP, but if there is another option that'll work on the fly - then I'm game.
The Xtreamer Ultra prices itself out of my range.
If the OpenElec experience can be had on the Prodigy - that'll be a good fit.

/goes reading

EDIT:

OpenElec and Xtreamer Ultra only it seems.

http://openelec.tv/find-help/supported-hardware/systems/itemlist/category/73-xtreamer
 
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Dion Disco said:
Also been looking for Android media players

Check here
http://flexiview.tv/en/index.aspx

In SA R1,500
http://www.androidtablet.co.za/19-flexiview-fv-1-android-tv-internet-box.html

Not sure about the codecs and highest resolution supported
Click to expand...

Had a look at this one. Android 2.2 which rules Plex out as it requires 2.3 or > :(

Did some reading on Xtreamer. Lots and lots of bad things said about the company and it's products. Also Android 2.2 unfortunately.

Looks like the hunt will continue.
 
Dolby said:
Yes, yes ... maybe not as good as the HP - but cheaper.

Anyone tried one of these?

http://www.xtreamersa.co.za/shop/xtreamer-prodigy-available-soon.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQtesNd1nJo

I still prefer XBMC, but just wanted to see opinions :/
Click to expand...

Never mind the Prodigy, it seems the Sidewinder3 is the new hawtness... Not that I know a great deal about it as yet.

But it really seems like the 'droid army is moving in on this space. Thing is though, have any of them got a UI that's got a patch on xbmc?
 
Mike Smit said:
Had a look at this one. Android 2.2 which rules Plex out as it requires 2.3 or > :(

Did some reading on Xtreamer. Lots and lots of bad things said about the company and it's products. Also Android 2.2 unfortunately.

Looks like the hunt will continue.
Click to expand...

That's what I recall from a few years ago too...
 
bdt said:
Thing is though, have any of them got a UI that's got a patch on xbmc?
Click to expand...

Yes, Plex! Makes XBMC looked dated.
With each new release of XBMC I do a download to see if anything has improved. I last 30 minutes of fooling around and remove it again. Plex is built on XBMC and looks very similar in a lot if places, but definitely improved.
Features like On Deck can't be beat either. Not to mention clients in LG and Sammy TVs, Sammy bluray players, Android and iOS devices, etc...
 
Argh - so the cheap ones don't take Plex?

I also think that if they did, I'd be able to stop searching. Seems it may be soon though ...
 
Dolby said:
Argh - so the cheap ones don't take Plex?

I also think that if they did, I'd be able to stop searching. Seems it may be soon though ...
Click to expand...

If you are just wanting a player for Plex Client, consider a Sammy BD5500 or greater bluray player. Another great device for plex is the LG ST600. The HP Micro server handles both the server and client very well.
I am after an Android experience in a big way, but because I am so hooked on Plex it has to be 2.3 or greater.
I have seen firmware updates for some of the Sammy bluray players mention Android apps so looking around that avenue too.
Options do seem to be popping up :)
 
How smooth and quick are units like the BD5500 with regards to browsing though?

I'm only really looking at running Plex on the main TV so that player would be pretty cool - but is there a disadvantage to using it over a HTPC?
 
Dolby said:
How smooth and quick are units like the BD5500 with regards to browsing though?

I'm only really looking at running Plex on the main TV so that player would be pretty cool - but is there a disadvantage to using it over a HTPC?
Click to expand...

Honestly as fast as my PC version. It works very very well.
The BD5300 is cheaper and can also run Plex, but read at the plex forums that is has issues. BD5500 and up are great.

I think an HTPC is overkill just to watch movies on. I use mine as a server too which gives it better use. Just for the lounge or a bedroom I reckon a nice slim player does the job better. Just preference though.
 
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I'm checking it now ... started a thread and went to see one earlier ;)

They had the BD 5500 for R1,395.00 and they showed me a new model (E5900, I think) at R1,699.00 - with wifi and a browser. Nothing I need really, but for R300.00 I may look at that if I get more info on it
 
Dolby said:
I'm checking it now ... started a thread and went to see one earlier ;)

They had the BD 5500 for R1,395.00 and they showed me a new model (E5900, I think) at R1,699.00 - with wifi and a browser. Nothing I need really, but for R300.00 I may look at that if I get more info on it
Click to expand...

Good price for that BD5500. I paid R1,599.

Whatever model you decide on, just double check compatibility. Some are flake and some are excellent.
 
Yea - on the forum :P

I'd actually rather take the older unit if it's more solid ...

Btw - thanks for letting me know about this. Was planning on R3,300.00 for an Ultra !
 
Dolby said:
Yea - on the forum :P

I'd actually rather take the older unit if it's more solid ...

Btw - thanks for letting me know about this. Was planning on R3,300.00 for an Ultra !
Click to expand...

Youch! R3300 is big tom.
What you going to run the Plex Server on?

And pleasure dude. If you have any questions, fire away :)

EDIT: Correction on the Sammy. It is a BD-D5500 and not a BD5500. Check this as you also get a BD-C5500 which won't do the job.
 
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Yea - was a D range ;)

I'm running the server on my normal PC and the client on my iPad so far. Works great!

I just need a client at my TV now.

You say the Blu Ray player actually has the Plex GUI? Not a Samsung overlay or anything?
 
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