Suggestions for a HTPC device

Speedster

Speedster

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I'm currently running Kodi (OpenElec) on a Rapsberry Pi, with an attached external HDD as my HTPC. We use it mostly for the kids (3 girls under 6) to watch their movies - it is a stack easier than finding the DVD when they want to watch something.

Only thing is this setup can't get DSTV streaming so I'm looking to convert to something that'll allow for this - maybe a Android device of some sorts (I have access to a DSTV Premium subscription). So basically I'm looking for something that can run the Supersport Android app, and play ISO files over USB from a HDD.

Any suggestions on what could be a viable, cost-effective solution?
 
I would get a Chromecast and then when you want to watch DSTV you switch to hdmi2 and you cast from chrome on any pc in your house to your chromecast in the TV, assuming your TV has 2 hmdi ports.


It's cheap and it works
 
Thor187 said:
I would get a Chromecast and then when you want to watch DSTV you switch to hdmi2 and you cast from chrome on any pc in your house to your chromecast in the TV, assuming your TV has 2 hmdi ports.


It's cheap and it works
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That could work. I'm running through a Yamaha AV receiver, so that might work nicely!

I do think I'd prefer a device that can run supersport natively though
 
latest version of Rasbian for Pi runs chrome browser , will test tonight to see if supersport runs on it now.
 
Speedster said:
That could work. I'm running through a Yamaha AV receiver, so that might work nicely!

I do think I'd prefer a device that can run supersport natively though
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Chromecast is 800 bucks and it has dual purposes since you can cast ANYTHING.

But yes I guess the native dstv app would be ideal although I can't tell the difference when I watch it on my tablet via the app or on the TV chromecasted from the Pc.
 
I hear you, definitely a lot of merit to what you're saying. I guess I'm hesitant to have to fire up my laptop (and keep it charged) to watch some sport
 
Speedster said:
I hear you, definitely a lot of merit to what you're saying. I guess I'm hesitant to have to fire up my laptop (and keep it charged) to watch some sport
Click to expand...
No no sir.

Chrome on your phone.
 
Having owned the first gen Chromecast. I would rather get a standalone mini PC instead of a Chromecast. With a Chromecast you'll need 2 x devices (Chromecast + PC or phone/tablet).

My current setup is an old HP Microserver connected via HDMI + Kodi (windows) + Flirc IR receiver + universal remote.
 
Park@82 said:
Having owned the first gen Chromecast. I would rather get a standalone mini PC instead of a Chromecast. With a Chromecast you'll need 2 x devices (Chromecast + PC or phone/tablet).

My current setup is an old HP Microserver connected via HDMI + Kodi (windows) + Flirc IR receiver + universal remote.
Click to expand...

Mine's almost identical - except the Pi on OpenElec (Kodi) instead of the HP Microserver. That Flirc is a thing of beauty. I also tend to use Yatse on my phone quite a lot. The kids have to use the remote when I'm not around though.
 
I dont understand.

if you are already running kodi, why not run excedus for streaming, and some sort of devil dased sports add on (hint hint) to watch the sport you want.

the only reason I watch sport via browser is because I have a 2 meg line and cant steam sport though kodi on that line the HD content buffers too much.
and knowing that I cannot use the supersport service because of the same buffering issues, you must have a better line then I do.

kodi all the way man. forget about DSTV.
 
Baxteen said:
I dont understand.

if you are already running kodi, why not run excedus for streaming, and some sort of devil dased sports add on (hint hint) to watch the sport you want.

the only reason I watch sport via browser is because I have a 2 meg line and cant steam sport though kodi on that line the HD content buffers too much.
and knowing that I cannot use the supersport service because of the same buffering issues, you must have a better line then I do.

kodi all the way man. forget about DSTV.
Click to expand...

I kind of like the range, and quality, of DSTV sports. Since I have access to a premium account login I figured that would be the easiest solution to satisfy my sports craving since I've signed up for the MTN Black Friday deal.

This "devil dased" sports add on you refer to, does it have a reasonable bouquet of top SA & international sports?
 
Speedster said:
I kind of like the range, and quality, of DSTV sports. Since I have access to a premium account login I figured that would be the easiest solution to satisfy my sports craving since I've signed up for the MTN Black Friday deal.

This "devil dased" sports add on you refer to, does it have a reasonable bouquet of top SA & international sports?
Click to expand...
More specifically does it have rugby and cricket becuase then dstv can go fck themselves
 
Thanks for all the input thus far. So if I framed the question this way - what would be your recommended setup for streaming supersport, supporting showmax & youTube and playing ISO DVD files off a hard drive? Let's also try keep costs as low as possible.
 
Speedster said:
Thanks for all the input thus far. So if I framed the question this way - what would be your recommended setup for streaming supersport, supporting showmax & youTube and playing ISO DVD files off a hard drive? Let's also try keep costs as low as possible.
Click to expand...
Firstly convert the ISO DVD files to .mkv or mp4 or download the Linux distro. No need to muck about iso's or dvd's anymore...
 
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