Finally cutting the cable cord.Need advice.

[IdolEyes787]

I'm wondering what's the best reasonably priced option,full-on HTPC,media extender or android streaming device as I'm seeing this as a TV/movie playing device with no storage or gaming options needed(?)

Feel free to elaborate at length or talk down to me .I've built a couple of PCs but when it comes to this sort of home theater/ xmbc streaming stuff I'm an absolute noob.

[Skiz]

I can't speak for them first hand, but if you're looking to just stream, I continually hear good things about the ASUS Chromebox if you're looking to run XBMC/Kodi.

edit: Found this list on their boards and it also lists it as a good basic setup. http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=94268

I would go for the "futureproof" option but maybe that's just me. I just hate setting things up and they aren't to my picky high standards.

[The "I Want The BEST Kodi Experience Possible. Period. And I Demand it Be Future Proof!" Category]

This is still dominated by Nvidia+Linux (or Windows 7+AMD) in my opinion. But the difference between the best and a Chromebox is slight. You will need to build a custom rig, preferably with a GT 630 V2 GPU (aka the best HTPC GPU ever) or better to even make it worthwhile. That GPU plays all my h264 2160p files, and runs Aeon Nox at 4k perfectly at 60fps so I can recommend it also for older system you want to make into Kodi machines. Here is a good starting point for the quest of building a HTPC:

http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/rmp_sg_whirlpoolpcs_htpc

Honestly only freak shows like me who care that their interlaced VC1 files are played perfectly should be building a box for Kodi if you are starting from scratch. Or gamers. Like one of my primary systems is this overclocked i5 rig so it can launch Wii games out of Kodi. That needs more than a Chromebox, but none of that is Kodi.

The only REAL benefit just for media purposes is the upgradability. Soon we will have cheap Nvidia GPUs that decode the meanest HEVC like nothing, and that means a custom built box can accept that upgrade some day. But if you have a new nice 1080p TV you really like then just buy a Chromebox.

[IdolEyes787]

Thanks Skiz, the Chromebox certainly seems like the sensible choice but I'm concerned about the tiny storage if I decided I wanted to run a couple additional programs on it.
If I move up the Ausus line into something "better" I'm very quickly approaching mid range build your own HTPC price territory.

As much as I'm sick of paying $110 a month for cable when there's practically nothing ever on worth watching, I see I'm going to have to do some serious research and number crunching before I make a decision.
I think I really need to better wrap my head around it being built for a certain (limited) function and not needing to be another desktop computer.

I would go for the "futureproof" option but maybe that's just me.

No I'm pretty sure no one really needs a Rolex over a Timex either but they still seem to sell a lot of Rolexes

[megabyteme]

I didn't remember Chromebox being so inexpensive ($159). That does make it an interesting choice for XBMC. The plus with Amazon's Fire TV is that their dashboard gives access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, apps, etc. It has similar specs (2GB RAM/ 8GB SSD) and can be had on sale for $85 w/ remote.

As for storage, I've been fine with the 8GB. Use Plex for all of your network-saved files (on a PC) and you've got all the room you want.

[Skiz]

As much as I'm sick of paying $110 a month for cable when there's practically nothing ever on worth watching, I see I'm going to have to do some serious research and number crunching before I make a decision.

$500 for a badass Windows PC that delivers everything you could ever want, fully versatile to run bittorrent and everything else you're used to as well. And that's a PC that you won't have to upgrade for a very long time. Likely not until it just flat breaks and doesn't work anymore. Grab a remote to go with it if that helps. That's how I do it. The new-ish Kodi remote control app on iOS is also fantastic, not sure about Android; prob the same. Pay that $500 and never look back. Don't think about it too long or you'll have another $110 in cable that you could have put toward it.

You could always just load it all on your current PC and test it all out as well. I assure you tho, Kodi is the way to go.

[Gribley]

I'm wondering what's the best reasonably priced option,full-on HTPC,media extender or android streaming device as I'm seeing this as a TV/movie playing device with no storage or gaming options needed(?)

Feel free to elaborate at length or talk down to me .I've built a couple of PCs but when it comes to this sort of home theater/ xmbc streaming stuff I'm an absolute noob.

I have no problems at all with Raspberry Pi2. Kodi (OpenElec) runs very smooth, supports CEC over HDMI so can use normal TV remote to navigate (or use Yatse on your Android/XBMC remote iPhone)..... silent, small and now very fast with its' little quad core SOC.

All that for £30 don`t see how you can go wrong. Would definitely suggest you try one before investing in a HTPC (you can always sell it on with a minor if anything loss on ebay). OpenElec is free http://openelec.tv/get-openelec you just need a microSD card (and who doesn`t have a few of those hanging around)

I use mine with TVersity on my PC (it is on 24/7 anyway) but you don`t need a UPnP server stuff. I also have a few NFS shared drives available to my network with my collections of movies/tv and generally the Pi is used against those. It can also link to NextPVR TV tuner on the PC, stream icefilms etc (tvaddons plugin)... the little bugger can do virtually anything

[IdolEyes787]

Could you repeat that except this time in English?

You could always just load it all on your current PC and test it all out as well. I assure you tho, Kodi is the way to go.

Been doing that for a while as I'm not as dumb as Rart looks.

. The plus with Amazon's Fire TV is that their dashboard gives access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, apps, etc. It has similar specs (2GB RAM/ 8GB SSD) and can be had on sale for $85 w/ remote.

Basically none of those have any functionality in Canada.Even Netflix is a mere shadow of it's US counterpart.You have to be very aware here of what works and what doesn't.

And no I'm not gong to get a VPN or do a lot of elaborate hacks.

[Gribley]

Could you repeat that except this time in English?

I`ll take that as to me. Buy this > http://www.element14.com/community/c...-EU-RPI-LAUNCH

Install openelec on your MicroSD card (I am more than happy to talk you though that if you have a PC)
Be happy

Patches and addons get a bit more complex depends what you are after but again will help out. Limited really on that front as UK blocks a lot now but know the basic ideas

[IdolEyes787]

I`ll take that as to me. Buy this > http://www.element14.com/community/c...-EU-RPI-LAUNCH

Install openelec on your MicroSD card (I am more than happy to talk you though that if you have a PC)
Be happy

Patches and addons get a bit more complex depends what you are after but again will help out. Limited really on that front as UK blocks a lot now but know the basic ideas

On one hand you seem to be some kind nerd but on the other hand you have been helpful.Now my brain is conflicted on whether I should punch or thank you.Anyway Mom used to say that it's usually best to err on the side of mindless violence so I guess I answered my own question.

Btw please pay attention as I've don't have a bunch of microthings lying around and as I've stated on multiple occasions I'm determined to be the last person in the Americas without a mobile phone.
However to prove that I'm not stupidly knee jerk against new technology as long as it isn't insidious or ghey I do have two pair of these.

M-MotionIV-Side-copy-748x407.jpg

[IdolEyes787]

And yes the last one was for you Meg.