Media Player device (no PC) options

[grimstoner]

Can anyone recommend any a media player with the following :

• Not PC based
• Has WiFi and Ethernet
• Includes a remote
• Preferably something I can put XBMC on
• Preferably something under R2k

I've been looking at the following :

• JB'd Apple TV 2 with XBMC
• Mede8er (not a fan)
• Roku
• Boxee Box

Failing finding one I like, I'd look at some ITX based mini-pc.

 

[hellfire]

Raspberry Pi
(doesn't have wifi, but meets other requirements)

 

[CraZee]

I have a PlayTime which has Wifi, ethernet and a remote.
Havent really used it, so don't know what OS its got.
I'd be willing to sell it for 1100 if you want

 

[czc]

Someone posted this in another thread.

HP Microserver is great, I run one as a NAS / download server and many here use it as an all-in-one media solution.

It is, however, not not nearly as small as the Sapphire Edge.

If size really is important to you I would suggest a AMD Brazos based system with a mini-itx enclosure. You really just need to add memory - CPU, GPU, sound, network is all included on the Brazos motherboard.

Some examples: MotherBoard, Case

Another possibility is to re-purpose an old core-2 laptop. Fits really well with most hifi-equipment. Just make sure it has discreet graphics. This is the route I went - picked up a 2nd hand one with a busted screen for very little.

 

[Yotch]

All of these Egreat media players have Ethernet and WiFi (either via adapter or built-in). You can replace the firmware with an XBMC skin if necessary. The Realtek processor has the most comprehensive format compatibility currently. The Android based players do not support nearly as many audio and video formats but can stream flash content and run other Android software such as web browsers etc. The Realtek processors also have a simple web browser and will also support html5 video streams.

Some ideas ...
http://www.loot.co.za/product/egreat-r6aii-digital-media-player/kglk-1846-g330
http://dx.com/p/egreat-r6s-android-...-usb-esata-lan-hdmi-black-512mb-123352?item=1
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Egreat+&_sacat=0&_odkw=Egreat+R6S&_osacat=0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jXoYF3j-ak
New Mede8er 1000X3D (same processor as Egreat R6S)
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/448565-Mede8er-MED1000X3D?highlight=Mede8er+1000X3D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4WF8W09n2o

Popular Android media players ...
http://dx.com/p/mele-1080p-android-...-optical-3-x-usb-hdmi-av-lan-sd-119913?item=1
http://dx.com/p/mele-a2000-1080p-an...-sata-usb-hdmi-lan-vga-wifi-4gb-131566?item=1
You could also look at the Patriot Alpine or the A C Ryan Veolo.