Suggestions for a HTPC device

[Speedster]

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?

 

[Thor]

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

 

[Speedster]

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

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

 

[nemisiz]

latest version of Rasbian for Pi runs chrome browser , will test tonight to see if supersport runs on it now.

 

[Thor]

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

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.

 

[Speedster]

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

 

[Thor]

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

No no sir.

Chrome on your phone.

 

[Speedster]

Ah. That's sweet

 

[Soul Assassin]

latest version of Rasbian for Pi runs chrome browser , will test tonight to see if supersport runs on it now.

It doesn't.

 

[backstreetboy]

Install Android on the Pi. That way you can still use Kodi and also download the mobile DSTV apps.

https://git.embedded.rwth-aachen.de/rtandroid/downloads/raspberry-pi/

 

[Speedster]

Install Android on the Pi. That way you can still use Kodi and also download the mobile DSTV apps.

https://git.embedded.rwth-aachen.de/rtandroid/downloads/raspberry-pi/

Thanks. The link is for a Pi3. I have the original Model B (512MB RAM one), will android work on that?

 

[backstreetboy]

Thanks. The link is for a Pi3. I have the original Model B (512MB RAM one), will android work on that?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/raspberry-pi
Not sure if there's something there otherwise rather upgrade to the Pi 3.

 

[Park@82]

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.

 

[PsYTraNc3]

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

I ended up getting this
https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-other-c...w-pc-remote-control/1001519640410910001636609
And it works perfectly.

 

[Speedster]

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.

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.

 

[Baxteen]

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.

 

[Speedster]

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.

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?

 

[Thor]

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?

More specifically does it have rugby and cricket becuase then dstv can go fck themselves

 

[Speedster]

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.

 

[backstreetboy]

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.

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...