What is the ultimate streaming machine?

faniebraai

faniebraai

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So I've been running a PC with Kodi for ages, but I think it's time for an upgrade, and looking to get a proper TV box.

Capability I'm looking for:
- Kodi, I'll keep the media stored on the PC as a replacement
- Netflix, and other such paid apps
- Needs to be able to play x265 HEVC codec

So from what I've been reading there is a couple of options:
- Nvidia Shield
https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/shield/
- Mi box
http://www.mi.com/en/mibox/
- Apple TV
https://www.apple.com/za/tv/
- Roku Ultra
https://www.roku.com/products/roku-ultra

Which ones should I be adding to the list, or removing from the list (here's looking at you Apple :p)

And let's say for now, price isn't an issue. Will cross that bridge when I get to the stage of making a decision.

Also if you can recommend the best places to buy the recommended devices, that'd be great too.
 
Last edited:
cerebus

cerebus

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The Nvidia Shield is the most powerful of the lot, by far. Although I wouldn't get rid of my Apple TV, it is limited in capabilities - but it's very easy for the family to use and the interface is nicer than the others. Nvidia Shield has some great features, like Gamestream from the PC with a decent controller and 4k. For R5000 though, it had better be a monster. I wouldn't get another Android TV box after my experiences before - you should also consider a Roku 4.
 
faniebraai

faniebraai

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cerebus said:
The Nvidia Shield is the most powerful of the lot, by far. Although I wouldn't get rid of my Apple TV, it is limited in capabilities - but it's very easy for the family to use and the interface is nicer than the others. Nvidia Shield has some great features, like Gamestream from the PC with a decent controller and 4k. For R5000 though, it had better be a monster. I wouldn't get another Android TV box after my experiences before - you should also consider a Roku 4.
Click to expand...

Ah yes, knew I was forgetting something. Will add Roku4 to the list.
 
cerebus

cerebus

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faniebraai said:
Ah yes, knew I was forgetting something. Will add Roku4 to the list.
Click to expand...

Yea that should be up at the top of the list, above the Mi Box I think. The one thing about the Apple TV that is quite useful for us is the Airplay capabilities - so it streams from my iTunes library upstairs. I have a bunch of audiobooks for the kids, podcasts and other content, that the family listens to downstairs during the day on the TV. Downsides are, lack of Kodi support (which can be a dealbreaker - we use Plex so not too bothered), Popcorn Time, and 4K/HDR. You can get kodi/popcorn time via Airplay, but...meh. And generally the interface is much nicer than the others - the high altitude video backgrounds are stunning and we just leave them on during the daytime. As always with Apple, I guess you sacrifice features and customization for a solid attractive experience.
 
crackersa

crackersa

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I got the apple TV 4th Gen and a Roku 4.

absolutely loving the Apple TV ,but I wouldn't recommend it unless you got access to leverage of someone's cable television account in the US. I got like 65 apps loaded to stream various shows from (and this weekend, I couldn't find feck all to watch :( )

the other thing that I really like the apple TV is the interface of what's trending, new movies listed (Based on the apps I have installed). they aren't new new movies, but new movies this month on HBO, Showtime, etc.

it also shows new TV shows and which shows are currently popular (found several series this way) as well as curated lists.

I don't use it for gaming, even though it's got a good size library of games.

tl;dr - don't get an apple TV unless you can stream on a US Cable Account (i.e .DirectTV, Comcast). go with something that supports Kodi.
 
crackersa

crackersa

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also, with my Roku 4, i'm waiting for lil cracker to turn 3, and I plan to put a small TV / Monitor in his room and hook the Roku up to that so he can watch his kids shows. i'm tired of having to fight for tv time :p
 
Neoprod

Neoprod

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I'd throw the Amazon Fire TV into the hat along with those others. Heard good things about it.

As to which to choose, I dunno...I use a Roku 3 upstairs which sometimes had issues with certain HEVC files (file server has Plex to transcode). I haven't looked at more recent devices in awhile...I use a PC with Plex in the lounge.
 
Muttley

Muttley

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Assuming you were looking at the Apple TV 4, you could go the route of jailbreaking it- just throwing another option into the mix.
You could then install Kodi etc...
I've got the gen 3 and it just collects dust - no jailbreak avail :(
 
Arzy

Arzy

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faniebraai said:
So I've been running a PC with Kodi for ages, but I think it's time for an upgrade, and looking to get a proper TV box.

Capability I'm looking for:
- Kodi, I'll keep the media stored on the PC as a replacement
- Netflix, and other such paid apps
- Needs to be able to play x265 HEVC codec

So from what I've been reading there is a couple of options:
- Nvidia Shield
https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/shield/
- Mi box
http://www.mi.com/en/mibox/
- Apple TV
https://www.apple.com/za/tv/

Which ones should I be adding to the list, or removing from the list (here's looking at you Apple :p)

And let's say for now, price isn't an issue. Will cross that bridge when I get to the stage of making a decision.

Also if you can recommend the best places to buy the recommended devices, that'd be great too.
Click to expand...
So I'll be the first to ask, what is your budget? And then do you intend to keep building your own media library?

I still have an old ultrabook setup at home running sabnzbd, sonarr and my Plex server. We are very selective in which series we watch and this setup is fit for purpose.

I currently have 2 devices at home being my old roku 3 and the new generation shield.

The roku has been demoted to the bedroom. It works great for Netflix, YouTube and Plex. No showmax or kodi but hey, bedrooms are for other things as well.

TV room has the shield and I couldn't ask for a better device. It runs Netflix, showmax, YouTube, Supersport app and plex client. If I wanted to it could be my plex server as well but my current setup is fine. I have kodi with all the add-ons set up but rarely use it. If I had a 4k TV I could also stream that without issue. Lastly, the shield has built in chromecast.

I mention the chromecast because DSTV now and Supersport are not native apps on Android TV yet. You can sideload them, they work but do have minor quirks. I've found it's a bit better at this stage to just cast from a chrome tab on the ultrabook for the time being. This is purely personal preference though. As I said, both apps work, quality is good, I just don't like using the controller as a mouse.

The shield is expensive though compared to the mibox which from my understanding can also do most of the above. It's the premium device and you can't do better. It's super fast, the ui is good and it's got the big names behind it.

The added bonus to the shield though is that it is a mini console. The nvidia games library is sufficient and you can even "stream" your games from pc as well to play on TV.
 
Arzy

Arzy

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That being said, and only saw your comment now, if budget isn't an issue get the shield. I ordered on Amazon UK and had it shipped here with postbox courier, came out to like R3.8k in total.
 
faniebraai

faniebraai

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Arzy said:
So I'll be the first to ask, what is your budget? And then do you intend to keep building your own media library?

I still have an old ultrabook setup at home running sabnzbd, sonarr and my Plex server. We are very selective in which series we watch and this setup is fit for purpose.

I currently have 2 devices at home being my old roku 3 and the new generation shield.

The roku has been demoted to the bedroom. It works great for Netflix, YouTube and Plex. No showmax or kodi but hey, bedrooms are for other things as well.

TV room has the shield and I couldn't ask for a better device. It runs Netflix, showmax, YouTube, Supersport app and plex client. If I wanted to it could be my plex server as well but my current setup is fine. I have kodi with all the add-ons set up but rarely use it. If I had a 4k TV I could also stream that without issue. Lastly, the shield has built in chromecast.

I mention the chromecast because DSTV now and Supersport are not native apps on Android TV yet. You can sideload them, they work but do have minor quirks. I've found it's a bit better at this stage to just cast from a chrome tab on the ultrabook for the time being. This is purely personal preference though. As I said, both apps work, quality is good, I just don't like using the controller as a mouse.

The shield is expensive though compared to the mibox which from my understanding can also do most of the above. It's the premium device and you can't do better. It's super fast, the ui is good and it's got the big names behind it.

The added bonus to the shield though is that it is a mini console. The nvidia games library is sufficient and you can even "stream" your games from pc as well to play on TV.
Click to expand...

Did you buy the $199 model?
 
M

Mariuspay

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Dec 6, 2012
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506
Giada from Syntech.
Small and very capable and not too expensive. Future proof too.
 
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