Recommend an xbmc player

tunner

Can anyone recommend a good xbmc player that will play Netflix etc for my bedroom. I've an Apple TV 2 downstairs with everything on it but want something (max €60) for the bedroom

I was using a neotv 200 but had stopped playing Netflix now

Anyone got any recommendations?
Was going to get the Apple TV 3 as advertised here in bargains but I'd have no xbmc

Mickalus

I'm also looking at getting the same thing, but haven't got that far yet so I can't advise if any particular products are better than others..
Here's what I'm looking at currently:

You can get a raspberry pi with xbmc for around that price. There are variations on the OS, but they all do more or less the same thing. Prices vary, as does the amount of work you have to put into it.

That then led me onto these similar boxes on ebay:
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/2013-Dual-Core-Android-4-2-Smart-TV-Box-Pro-Media-Player-1080P-WIFI-HDM-XBMC-/131100383851?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Internet_TV_Media_Streamers&hash=item1e86311a6b

They look like they have everything you need, but again, I haven't got one.... yet!

Big Nelly

Just bought one of the following and waiting for it to arrive.....http://www.geekbuying.com/item/T-R42-Quad-Core-Google-Android-4-2-2-RK3188-28nm-Cortex-A9-1-6-GHz-Mini-TV-BOX-HDMI-HDD-Player-2G-8G-BT-RJ45-External-Wifi-Antenna-with-IR-Remote-Controller-Black-317424.html

Worth checking on this website as very good value compared to alot of other website I was looking at....only problem is you could get hit with VAT

Remouad

I think this is a newer version of the one that Big Nelly recommended
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quad-Android-1-8GHz-Output-HI718/dp/B00E7OSRBE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391088452&sr=8-1&keywords=mini+tv+box

It's from amazon so you won't get stung by customs

wibbleman

For Netflix I would go for a Chromecast.. Works great

Mickalus

Big Nelly wrote: »

Just bought one of the following and waiting for it to arrive.....http://www.geekbuying.com/item/T-R42-Quad-Core-Google-Android-4-2-2-RK3188-28nm-Cortex-A9-1-6-GHz-Mini-TV-BOX-HDMI-HDD-Player-2G-8G-BT-RJ45-External-Wifi-Antenna-with-IR-Remote-Controller-Black-317424.html

Worth checking on this website as very good value compared to alot of other website I was looking at....only problem is you could get hit with VAT

Did it arrive yet? Can you post up a quick review once you get it?

Big Nelly

Mickalus wrote: »

Did it arrive yet? Can you post up a quick review once you get it?

Will do

Hasnt arrived yet

degsie

wibbleman wrote: »

For Netflix I would go for a Chromecast.. Works great

Hmmm...Can't buy it here (easily) AND it doesn't run XBMC.

dealhunter1985

I've been keeping an eye out the last 6 months for a device to run xbmc off but there doesnt seem to be a perfect one. They all seem to have cons with the pros.

So I was thinking of building a micro server (running windows xp) and leave it connected to my tv (via HDMI) Something small and neat like this :

I still have to look into the costing of it but I cant imagine it would cost anymore than 300 spondoolas?
At least with the windows method, I know I wont have any performance issues and I can easily update xbmc

Nemeses2050

Windows XP - MS are shutting down support for it in April.

Big Nelly

dealhunter1985 wrote: »

I've been keeping an eye out the last 6 months for a device to run xbmc off but there doesnt seem to be a perfect one. They all seem to have cons with the pros.

At least with the windows method, I know I wont have any performance issues and I can easily update xbmc

300 quid just to run Xbmc is mad to be honest, there is loads of systems out there about a third of the price and would be deemed expensive to run Xbmc......

I wont say anything about you having no performance issues with windows:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p

dealhunter1985

Big Nelly wrote: »

300 quid just to run Xbmc is mad to be honest, there is loads of systems out there about a third of the price and would be deemed expensive to run Xbmc......

I wont say anything about you having no performance issues with windows:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p

Well to run something as simple as XBMC, Windows will be fine I think.
My friend is already doing this but he has a full size p.c connected to the tv. I want something a little neater.

I'd be interested to hear though about one of the systems you are referring to that can do the job with ease for a fraction of the price..

Big Nelly

Big Nelly wrote: »

300 quid just to run Xbmc is mad to be honest, there is loads of systems out there about a third of the price and would be deemed expensive to run Xbmc......

No it's not. There are different classes of HTPC.

Some people are happy with a slow system that takes 5 seconds to click into their library, 5 minutes to update the library, stutters with high bitrate content, always crashes and has basic playback capabilities.

Other people want something faster, more stable, maybe with HD audio, frame-packed 3D, enough grunt for HEVC when the time comes etc. Something that can run sabnzbd in the background and won't hang if sab is unpacking while they're watching a movie.

It's great that you can get a €50-100 box that will run XBMC but to say that a €300 system is 'mad' is simply wrong.

wibbleman

I run XBMC on an ION based small PC (ASROCK HD330) and also on an Apple TV v2.. The apple TV works great but the small PC is better (I have a usb tuner plugged in so I can stream live TV around the house). It is all a question of money.

MAJJ

If you are after a microserver, you should consider this. No OS and one small HD but lot's of room for expansion. I added a HDMI card and more ram, windows 7 and XBMC, works very well and low power. Very cheap too!

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056206048&page=98

dealhunter1985 wrote: »

I've been keeping an eye out the last 6 months for a device to run xbmc off but there doesnt seem to be a perfect one. They all seem to have cons with the pros.

So I was thinking of building a micro server (running windows xp) and leave it connected to my tv (via HDMI) Something small and neat like this :

I still have to look into the costing of it but I cant imagine it would cost anymore than 300 spondoolas?
At least with the windows method, I know I wont have any performance issues and I can easily update xbmc

Woodgate

Hi,
Is this any good and worth the money?
http://www.donedeal.ie/tv-for-sale/dreambox-xbmc-android-box/6127435
Any advice appeciated.
Thanks,
Woody

Agueroooo

Raspberry Pi with Openelec installed but set to run off a USB rather than SD card (still needed to boot) and away ya go.

I have had many XBMC set ups (ATV2, OUYA, Raspberry Pi) and I must say my current Rpi config is the best.

degsie

Woodgate wrote: »

Hi,
Is this any good and worth the money?
http://www.donedeal.ie/tv-for-sale/dreambox-xbmc-android-box/6127435
Any advice appeciated.
Thanks,
Woody

Does nothing that a €30ish Raspberry Pi cant do.

Nemeses2050

degsie wrote: »

Does nothing that a €30ish Raspberry Pi cant do.

Raspberry Pi costs lot more than € 30ish though. It's more like €100ish

degsie

Nemeses2050 wrote: »

Raspberry Pi costs lot more than € 30ish though. It's more like €100ish

Around €42 from CPC

Nemeses2050

degsie wrote: »

Around €42 from CPC

Don't you think you need a power adaptor/case/USB-Wireless Dongle etc it's going up to 70 when you add all those, then if you need wireless keyboard/remote it's another 20. so it's nowhere close to €30ish.

degsie

Nemeses2050 wrote: »

Don't you think you need a power adaptor/case/USB-Wireless Dongle etc it's going up to 70 when you add all those, then if you need wireless keyboard/remote it's another 20. so it's nowhere close to €30ish.

Yea, whatever. You win.

Nemeses2050

degsie wrote: »

Yea, whatever. You win.

I wasn't looking for win, I'm actually looking to buy one of these XBMC boxes and didn't see anything for 30ish. that's all.

neacy69

Nemeses2050 wrote: »

I wasn't looking for win, I'm actually looking to buy one of these XBMC boxes and didn't see anything for 30ish. that's all.

The only thing you really need is the unit itself. It will work perfectly without a case...I used an old sd card I had in the house, an old phone charger (micro usb) and a HDMI lead from the e2 store....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Raspberry-Pi-Model-512MB-RAM/dp/B008PT4GGC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391764114&sr=8-1&keywords=raspberry+pi
e34 + shipping to parcel motel free for the first time or about e3

Complete starter kit for about e50 + delivery
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Raspberry-Pi-100035-Starter-Kit/dp/B00ALW7WWQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391764114&sr=8-2&keywords=raspberry+pi

Nemeses2050

neacy69 wrote: »

The only thing you really need is the unit itself. It will work perfectly without a case...I used an old sd card I had in the house, an old phone charger (micro usb) and a HDMI lead from the e2 store....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Raspberry-Pi-Model-512MB-RAM/dp/B008PT4GGC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391764114&sr=8-1&keywords=raspberry+pi
e34 + shipping to parcel motel free for the first time or about e3

Complete starter kit for about e50 + delivery
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Raspberry-Pi-100035-Starter-Kit/dp/B00ALW7WWQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391764114&sr=8-2&keywords=raspberry+pi

I'm not looking for an argument but to make a decent a kit with USB/Wireless dongle and class 10 Sd card/case it'll cost nearly 70 euro's,

I know it works perfectly but I don't wanna leave my kit naked.

Johnboy1951

Woodgate wrote: »

Hi,
Is this any good and worth the money?
http://www.donedeal.ie/tv-for-sale/dreambox-xbmc-android-box/6127435
Any advice appeciated.
Thanks,
Woody

What does this device look like?

What about its specifications?

I cannot seem to find much info about it except price and claims about what it can do.

m8

I got one of these when they were on bargain alerts for €99 +€15 p&p.

Put openelect on it and got a remote for €5 on ebay, it's the business TBH.

Look for something like that or an old laotop that would be low power.

Nemeses2050

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

What does this device look like?

What about its specifications?

I cannot seem to find much info about it except price and claims about what it can do.

Here's another similar to it...

http://www.adverts.ie/media-players/dreambox-xbmc-and-vs968-free-mouse-android-box/4415030?notification=56985c5d73c70a08470773fa1d9199aa-1391786270#comment_23749519

BubbleBalls

tunner wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a good xbmc player that will play Netflix etc for my bedroom. I've an Apple TV 2 downstairs with everything on it but want something (max €60) for the bedroom

I was using a neotv 200 but had stopped playing Netflix now

Anyone got any recommendations?
Was going to get the Apple TV 3 as advertised here in bargains but I'd have no xbmc

Hi tunner,

So you start this thread stating that Netflix has stopped working. Then, the following day you post the neotv for sale - and in your add you state that Netflix, among other things, works. Again, in PMs, you stated Netflix worked before I met you to buy it. You have stopped replying to my PMs regarding a refund as Netflix Ireland or US does not work on this - the primary reason I bought it, which you were well aware of.

€45 may not be a huge amount of money to some but I am sickened that anyone can post an item for sale knowing that it will not work.

I have never before had a bad experience on this site. Anybody any advice on what I should do here? tunner's phone was BEING REPAIRED so I don't even have a number.

degsie

Get on to adverts.ie in the 'talk to..' forum.

runswithascript

BubbleBalls wrote: »

€45 may not be a huge amount of money to some but I am sickened that anyone can post an item for sale knowing that it will not work.

I have to admit I found it funny initially when you posted what had happened. That said, good for you posting and I too am sickened by tunner's actions. tunner, you are scum.

Getting back to the thread, albeit over €60, is there any reason nobody has recommended the Roku 3 running Plex? Plex as I understand it is a version of XMBC.

degsie

Plex and XBMC are not quite the same. Plex is a client/server solution where as XBMC is standalone. Each have their own merits.

cjlawlor

The ouya works superbly well as an xbmc device -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0050SZD18


http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=OUYA

runswithascript

degsie wrote: »

Plex and XBMC are not quite the same. Plex is a client/server solution where as XBMC is standalone. Each have their own merits.

Can you elaborate? I have ordered a Roku 3 and I was planning to build a Ubuntu server for it, what do you think of this solution? Might be best to answer in the thread I just created rather than steer this off topic.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057144294

beardybrewer

No one seemed to point out clearly that XBMC itself doesn't have a supported Netflix plugin. There was an unsupported one but I believe it has been abandoned several releases ago. As far as I can tell, the solution most people opt for is to use their XMBC in combination with WMC and have some software which switched between the 2 apps with a press of a button.

dealhunter1985

so does anyone wish to share their issue free XBMC setup so that I can copy it?

Mickalus

dealhunter1985 wrote: »

so does anyone wish to share their issue free XBMC setup so that I can copy it?

Check out XBMC Hub, they have an installer that does that very thing - installs a number of add ons

Big Nelly

Just go to Youtube, loads up there with links to downloads

beardybrewer

Just look at the FAQ on xbmc.org itself:

http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=General_topics

If you need more help there is a forum. Almost every problem imaginable has already been encountered so search through there and if you're still stuck just ask. On a Windows install it is child's play to set up. Linux install is harder if you aren't familiar with it.

Sgt Pepper 64

Agueroooo wrote: »

Raspberry Pi with Openelec installed but set to run off a USB rather than SD card (still needed to boot) and away ya go.

I have had many XBMC set ups (ATV2, OUYA, Raspberry Pi) and I must say my current Rpi config is the best.

I agree with this, you cant beat a pi!

keithclancy

Deleted User wrote: »

No it's not. There are different classes of HTPC.

Some people are happy with a slow system that takes 5 seconds to click into their library, 5 minutes to update the library, stutters with high bitrate content, always crashes and has basic playback capabilities.

Other people want something faster, more stable, maybe with HD audio, frame-packed 3D, enough grunt for HEVC when the time comes etc. Something that can run sabnzbd in the background and won't hang if sab is unpacking while they're watching a movie.

It's great that you can get a €50-100 box that will run XBMC but to say that a €300 system is 'mad' is simply wrong.

XBMC plays 1080p content on my Raspberry Pi and does passthru to my audio system.

I moved the database out to my NAS so thats offloaded and my main HTPC x86 system does all the heavy lifting with regards to indexing everything.

http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=11473.0

Granted its probably not the best as a main system, but as a tertiary system (TV somewhere else in the house) complementing an existing HTPC setup its perfect

BubbleBalls

Hi,

tunner had stopped replying to my PMs - took my money and sold me a peice of sh it.

You should all remember tunner - and avoid any dealings with him - totally untrustworthy - Don't make the same mistake I did.

tunner wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a good xbmc player that will play Netflix etc for my bedroom. I've an Apple TV 2 downstairs with everything on it but want something (max €60) for the bedroom

I was using a neotv 200 but had stopped playing Netflix now

Anyone got any recommendations?
Was going to get the Apple TV 3 as advertised here in bargains but I'd have no xbmc

BubbleBalls wrote: »

Hi tunner,

So you start this thread stating that Netflix has stopped working. Then, the following day you post the neotv for sale - and in your add you state that Netflix, among other things, works. Again, in PMs, you stated Netflix worked before I met you to buy it. You have stopped replying to my PMs regarding a refund as Netflix Ireland or US does not work on this - the primary reason I bought it, which you were well aware of.
QUOTE]

josip

Found this thread from the After Hours thread.
I just wanted to say that if Tunner knowingly sold something that was defective and is refusing to give a refund then I hope that Boards takes action against them under their "Don't be a dick" policy but that will be up to the mods to decide.
Perhaps Tunner can post their perspective of the sale?

runswithascript

josip wrote: »

Found this thread from the After Hours thread.
I just wanted to say that if Tunner knowingly sold something that was defective and is refusing to give a refund then I hope that Boards takes action against them under their "Don't be a dick" policy but that will be up to the mods to decide.
Perhaps Tunner can post their perspective of the sale?

m8

I hate conmen, it's times and actions like this that I think we should name and shame.