Advice on cheap XBMC set up please...

Magic_x_uk

Magic_x_uk

Magic_x_uk

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11 Oct 2005
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Derbyshire
Hi. I want to sort out a XBMC for my sister and her family.

My nephew (5) is slowly getting into Star Wars etc and there present DVD player (which you can connect a external HD to) doesn't support MKV files that I put my films onto for them.

So I though a nice gesture would be to build them a basic XBMC machine.

Just needs to be cheap, with a remote and HDMI to there Samsung TV.

I am just out of the loop so to speak on what is out there.

I would like to use there external 1TB USB HD in this as would make sense.


Thank you
 
Why not just look at a WDTV? Costs circa £70 and has never let me down since I owned it. It's handled everything I've thrown at it, from 700MB DIVX to Bluray ISO and everything in between.

Just connect via HDMI, then shot a 1TB USB in the rear rather than network streaming.
 
Raspberry Pi should be able to play MKV files, maybe post in the linux subforum and quite a few members there have them.
 
As far as I know there should be only three variations;

(1) WDTV Live, the one I'm referring to which I have, which was then discontinued and now....
(2) WDTV Live V2, which is the main one you'll find for sale now, just firmware/hardware changes
(3) One which has a built in HD, just avoid this one

It's the middle one, at this link: http://www.wdc.com/en/products/homeentertainment/mediaplayers/
 
I have had a HTPC, WDTV SMPv3 and a Pi.

A HTPC is the most expensive (unless you have bits lying around) and will require maintenance etc. (although OPENELEC XBMC build does make it more of an appliance). It plays everything and also allows a full range of internet streaming and other apps (games as well).

WDTV plays everything and is simple to setup/maintain. It can be buggy though and in some online apps (netflix etc.) quite slow. A USB hard drive plugs straight in if required.

Raspberry Pi has the benefit of a full XBMC platform but it is more enthusiast and needs setup and ongoing updates etc. It is also SLOW in the menus, with fanart and in starting to play a file. There are ways to speed it up (overclocking, simple themes etc.) but it will still feel slow. Also it will cost more that you think as you will hav eto go for a fast SHDC card (plus a USB drive to off load XBMC), a powered USB hub if you want to attached a hard drive and a IR adapter (unless you TV can use HDMI CEC) to allow a remote control. Also a wireless adapter if needed is more cost.

There is also cheaper android media players (around £25) that do the job nicely of playing MKV files although you do get what you pay for.

My suggestion for a non PC literate family member would be the WDTV...unless you are happy to be remote support! It also works out to be the cheapest in the end.
 
Thanks pal, despite me not being the OP, it did get me interested in Raspberry PI. I like to consider myself relatively comfortable with things like that but there appears too many potential issues. I'll be sticking with my WDTV, suggest OP does too :D
 
I am just watching one 'Western Digital WD TV Digital HD Media Streamer' that finishes tonight.

This would be perfect wouldn't it? for my sisters needs?

Just this attached to her External 1TB USB HD to this WDTV and all her films, whatever format will be played fine. No problems. Easy peesey ?

Just don't want to waste money on something that will not be up to the job.


Thank you everyone.
 
A WDTV is perfect for your needs. I've got one in the bedroom and it's never missed a beat.

Even my wife can use it and she struggles with the kettle.

And yes, plug your USB HDD in and you'll be good to go. If you can get the one with Netflix access, it's pretty much all I use mine for and it has quite a few other services on there too (iPlayer for one)
 
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