What is the ultimate streaming machine?

[Neoprod]

He uses Plex so how ever fast the server hardware is is what it supports.

I don't really like the Chromecast because it's not a standalone device, you can't use it without your phone/tablet or PC.

That's the same as a remote for any of the other devices really...people can misplace the remote, they can't misplace my phone

I think the Chromecast is fantastic value for what it does.

 

[Jared_k7]

That's the same as a remote for any of the other devices really...people can misplace the remote, they can't misplace my phone

I think the Chromecast is fantastic value for what it does.

Problem is I don't take my other TV remote to work every day. But I do like my chromecast.

 

[faniebraai]

That's the same as a remote for any of the other devices really...people can misplace the remote, they can't misplace my phone

I think the Chromecast is fantastic value for what it does.

I have the chromecast 1. Quite schitty tbh.

 

[Neoprod]

I have the chromecast 1. Quite schitty tbh.

I got mine for R500 bucks a few years ago...was quite happy at that price. It doesn't do HEVC but then my Plexserver does so that's OK. Can't be beat at that pricepoint, as far as I know.

 

[faniebraai]

I got mine for R500 bucks a few years ago...was quite happy at that price. It doesn't do HEVC but then my Plexserver does so that's OK. Can't be beat at that pricepoint, as far as I know.

Yeh sure, it does what it says, but I don't even have Plex, so.... it's gathering dust somewhere.

 

[chrisc]

Tidal and a PC, a good DAC. If you are keen, then Roon

 

[Thor]

I have the chromecast 1. Quite schitty tbh.

Chromcast 1 was amazing. Now it's Kark.

Tested the ultra, my god when Google does something it does it properly.

 

[Dan C]

This.





Well, I must state that it was easier for me as I had components laying around and just built 3 computers will all of those components. I installed Elementary OS on all 3 and Kodi works perfectly on all.
I don't use Netflix but if I really wanted 4K, then that will be Sonarr and SabNZBD's job in the background, during nightsurfer time.

As for surround sound, my receiver processes sound like it's supposed to, or am I missing something?

My point is, that I will rather use a device that can do a lot of other things as well instead of just streaming stuff.

Been using an HTPC for years and years now. Got a good looking case, so it blends in perfectly and is very quiet.

 

[falcon786]

Chromcast 1 was amazing. Now it's Kark.

Tested the ultra, my god when Google does something it does it properly.

I have the chromecast and love it, however its biggest weakness is the lack of native x265 streaming, so basically your server cpu takes a hammering especially if more than one person is streaming full hd on plex in the house. Also a normal NAS isn't an option then for high res HEVC.

The shield is undoubtedly the best option right now but quite pricey also.

 

[I.am.Sam]

not sure if you mentioned budget as yet, have you ?

 

[CamiKaze]

Been using an HTPC for years and years now. Got a good looking case, so it blends in perfectly and is very quiet.

View attachment 446516

I'm using a Lian Li PC-C60.

 

[Thor]

I have the chromecast and love it, however its biggest weakness is the lack of native x265 streaming, so basically your server cpu takes a hammering especially if more than one person is streaming full hd on plex in the house. Also a normal NAS isn't an option then for high res HEVC.

The shield is undoubtedly the best option right now but quite pricey also.

Does the ultra not have x265?

 

[Hemps]

I recently built an htpc , Dual Core, 4gb ram and 2x 4TB inside, 240W power supply.
Plex.
Cost me nothing as I had parts lying around.
Used to use a WD Mycloud 4TB but kept running low on space, I prefer having a large library available at once.

At the moment I only have lan cable into the back of the PC connected to my router which in turn is connected to apple TV 4.
So far so good, itll never play hevc and plays x265 series but not x265 movies.
My garage is behind the TV with small cable sized hole in the wall so PC sits in the cold garage.

Have not noticed a higher electric bill just yet.
Apps used on ATV4 are plex and Infuse which will use the ATV4 processing power.

 

[faniebraai]

So far so good, itll never play hevc and plays x265 series but not x265 movies.

Never play HVEC? But it plays x265 series?
HVEC = x265

The reason that the series play, but the movies don't is probably the 10bit colour encoding that some guys produce from blu-ray rips.

 

[Neoprod]

Never play HVEC? But it plays x265 series?
HVEC = x265

The reason that the series play, but the movies don't is probably the 10bit colour encoding that some guys produce from blu-ray rips.

Pretty sure no machines play HVEC...8bit, 10bit or 256bit.

 

[faniebraai]

Pretty sure no machines play HVEC...8bit, 10bit or 256bit.

My pc/laptop play it just fine... or are you referring to androidboxes?

 

[Neoprod]

My pc/laptop play it just fine... or are you referring to androidboxes?

Your PC / laptop plays HVEC? Pretty impressive...is it an Aleinware?

 

[faniebraai]

Your PC / laptop plays HVEC? Pretty impressive...is it an Aleinware?

Yes. Even my stupid HTPC at home plays it, which is an old AMD quad core. When things get a little hectic, it starts to stutter a bit though.

The laptop is a MSI Core-i7 (don't know which gen off hand), and my PC is i7-4770, those two play it no problem at all.

 

[faniebraai]

Actually, my S7edge play 10bit HEVC encoded movies flawlessly as well

 

[Neoprod]

Hehe, I was messing with you...you typed HVEC a few times instead of HEVC.