Media centre\streaming thingy...

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DarrenFord

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Hi All...

I am looking for a device to hookup to the tv, so I am able to connect externals, stream and also access the web and stream from any website.

What is the best device to do this, I have heard of "Popcorn time" and "Mede8er" but thought i would get opinions on this forum.

I want to essentially have all of the above functionality and a browser to stream from any site , I am also looking for something with a decent menu interface etc.

Thanks in advance..
Regards
Darren
 
HP Microserver connected to a router that streams to the whole house. Works for me...
 
Well Firstly, There are a few factors that swing this choice between:
(a) Custom built
(b) Manufacturer Built


1. The first issue is Software updates.
- Do you want constant updates to your software (Custom Built)
- or are you ok waiting for your chosen company to fix bugs/etc? (Manufacturer Built)

2. Hardware Updates
- Do you want control to add new stuff to your HTPC (Custom Built)
- Or do you just want a simple plug-and-play, but that might not work in the near future (Manufacturer Built) <--think of new media decoders (H264)

3. Hard Drive capacity
- Do you want to add a drive, 2,3,4 or 5 drives? (Custom Built)
- Or are you ok with wifi/cable streaming? (Manufacturer Built) <-- your OTHER device will have to be ON to stream, so keep this in mind

4. Do you want XBMC?
- Custom build will enable you to install whatever you want
- Manufacturer build will most likely not - although there are in fact systems that can run anything.



1) If you want custom build with plenty hard drive space and don't need a "stylish" unit (hidden somewhere) then get the HP Microserver.
2) If you want a stylish pre-built unit, that can have any OS like openelec (XBMC), but no HDD space, get an Xtreamer Ultra, or an Apple Tv*
3) If you want a plug and play, and want no HDD space really, and don't care about XBMC, get a Popcorn Hour.
4) If you want a plug and play, and want no HDD space really, and don't care about XBMC or a fancy GUI, and are on budget, get a mede8er.
5) If you are really on a budget, get an ACRyan.


*AppleTV might require some jailbreaking/etc to get XBMC onto it, which might be more difficult than a Xtreamer Ultra.
 
Last edited:
Note that the latest Apple TV, the 3rd Generation, there is no Jailbreak for this yet.
 
If you want to stream Netflix in HD (on a 4mb+ connection) then get the WD TV Live for R1,000.00 - Other devices seem to struggle streaming HD except this one. Haven't tried the Roku 3 but I swear by the WD TV Live
 
prodigyX said:
If you want to stream Netflix in HD (on a 4mb+ connection) then get the WD TV Live for R1,000.00 - Other devices seem to struggle streaming HD except this one. Haven't tried the Roku 3 but I swear by the WD TV Live
Click to expand...

My Roku 3 streams HD perfectly. I am on a 4mb line and once I select something to watch, within 5-7 seconds it is playing. Granted it takes about 10 seconds after that to show in HD but once it starts, it does not stop (tried it with movies and series and absolutely love the quality).
 
If you want to stream Netflix in HD (on a 4mb+ connection) then get the WD TV Live for R1,000.00 - Other devices seem to struggle streaming HD except this one. Haven't tried the Roku 3 but I swear by the WD TV Live
Click to expand...

This device always gets updates so support is good, I have not come across anything it cant play from iso to 50gb mkv copies.
 
weelzSA said:
My Roku 3 streams HD perfectly. I am on a 4mb line and once I select something to watch, within 5-7 seconds it is playing. Granted it takes about 10 seconds after that to show in HD but once it starts, it does not stop (tried it with movies and series and absolutely love the quality).
Click to expand...

Have to agree here, my Roku 3 streams HD content without any problems. Had no issues with it - it just works. . . . :love:
 
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