One Box To Rule them all

Dolby

Dolby

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Which box comes closest to offering all services?

My guess is Apple TV 4 - only lacking Google Movies (obviously)? It has things like Netflix, Amazon, Showmax and DSTV Now in up to HDR UHD if supported? Native apps?

My Samsung Smart TV had everything needed ... But I've just subscribed to a service called CuriousityStream and it doesn't support. This means I flip between an Android TV (which does) and back to the Smart TV for everything else.

I'd love ONE box and seems Apple is it?
 
Dolby

Dolby

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sand_man said:
Full blown HTPC, don't mess around..
Click to expand...

I think a HTPC is a messy solution.

How do you control it?
What software if you jump from app to app?

Unless there is software that gives the 10ft interface?
 
Hamish McPanji

Hamish McPanji

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Dolby said:
I think a HTPC is a messy solution.

How do you control it?
What software if you jump from app to app?

Unless there is software that gives the 10ft interface?
Click to expand...
Yup, since I got my Amazon fire box and Mi box, my hp microserver was basically running Plex for a while, and now is off for weeks...don't even notice
 
sand_man

sand_man

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Dolby said:
I think a HTPC is a messy solution.

How do you control it?
What software if you jump from app to app?

Unless there is software that gives the 10ft interface?
Click to expand...

Wireless KB and mouse, K830 Logitech KB and M235 mouse...

If I'm using Kodi or Plex than from the phone or tablet which is usually close by. My local library is substantial and my primary router is mid to top end, TP-Link D9 so range and bandwidth adequately supports local streaming of 4K content. Use Terrarium tv on android phone if I want to cast to Kodi, if there's content I haven't saved to library.

When we streaming music through iTunes, control that too using remote for iTunes which is installed on Android phone and iPad. Or Plex, Or Kodi, half a dozen means of accessing a music library of around 700gb's.

HTPC is basically a Dell Optiplex 7040 micro desktop with 8gb ram and ssd as primary drive, built in wifi module, throughput is excellent. No issues streaming 4k UHD content over the local network. Runs through a SR5012 Marantz AVR, with 5.1 Monitor Audio silver speaker set. Samsung 55" UHD set.

Yeah, there probably a lot more moving parts than a simple plug and play Google ultra or Minix or Mi thingy magik or stick what what, but it works for me. Have Office, Teamviewer, IDM, iTunes, Skype, installed on the HTPC so when I'm not at my desk I still have access to a pc for whatever... I work from home for the most part, so it's convenient for me to fire up Teamviewer from the couch if someone needs remote support. And when I'm at the office and the mood grabs me I can Skype home and have a chat to whoever happens to be chilling in the lounge at the time.
 
R

RossiRPI

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Just get a Xiaomi Mi Box from Gearbest. They are on special now for $55.90 which is a bargain. They run android tv with all the DRM you need to access the apps you have listed. I havent used my Samsing smart TV's smart features since I got the mi box.
I've been extremely tempted to get a Shield on a bunch of occasions but never got past the payment page on amazon. Just cant justify the price tag compared to the mi boxes I have.
 
Dolby

Dolby

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Nice system - but yea, comes to down the simplicity for me. Less is more.

sand_man said:
]Yeah, there probably a lot more moving parts than a simple plug and play Google ultra or Minix or Mi thingy magik or stick what what, but it works for me.]
Click to expand...

When I was younger, I had the HTPC , Kodi , extra storage and WiFi keyboard. But I really do find it messy and inefficient compared to simple plug in systems. The wireless keyboard and mouse sounded great in theory, but a small remote with few buttons was even better. I think my Samsung directional and 1 button! The UI of a HTPC isn't great either, if you switch Kodi > Netflix > DSTV > etc etc. I agree performance was great - but I felt it was at the expense of experience (opinion).

My Samsung Smart is good at streaming, I use it every single night. But now I've found an app it doesn't seem to have :/
 
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rodga

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Used to have a hp microserver running openelec for years. Sold it after I tried the Telkom LIT box. I have 2 of them now.
 
Sumen

Sumen

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Since you mentioned Apple TV that means you can afford the Nividia Sheild TV and that's the one box.
 
Dolby

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Do these UHD Android boxes output Netflix in UHD? I know the LIT can't - what about the rest? I'm sure I read somewhere that Android boxes battle with Netflix UHD?
 
Dolby

Dolby

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Sumen said:
Since you mentioned Apple TV that means you can afford the Nividia Sheild TV and that's the one box.
Click to expand...

It does look good, I'm not going to lie. If I bought, I'd do eBucks ...
 
Sumen

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Dolby said:
It does look good, I'm not going to lie. If I bought, I'd do eBucks ...
Click to expand...
Then if you using ebucks, then the one box is the Mi Box, I tested YouTube in 4k and it works fine, it can also do Netflix in 4k.

The Apple TV can't do YouTube in 4k.
 
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