Best media player to run XBMC exclusively?

Would that be a big deal? Using Windows rather than Linux?

I've not built my server yet (will go in cabinet under the stairs) and haven't decided if that should be Windows or Linux - for my needs I would probably just stick to using Win7. Not sure on the benefits if using Linux - other than cost and maybe size?

Going off topic a bit so apologies.
 
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I want to be able to access all the streaming services, internet access and streaming locally from my server (once built) I'll probably put 7 on the server too.
 
Yeah sounds reasonable, you could use plex though on your server and then maybe your TV has a plex client or you can get a cheaper player like the raspberry pi.

The reason why this thread ended with the NUC was the want to have a great XBMC experience.

Assuming you have a windows PC, try setting it up as the server and client and experiment with different software.
 
Thanks FB. I'll finish the server, probably get a NUC for the living room and go from there. If the NUC works out I'd want another for the main bedroom and I'll also be wanting streamers for the kids rooms but net access isn't required.
 
Although the NUC looks good, it looks a lot more expensive than the RPi if all you need is a streaming device. StevieP, did you try the Yatse mobile app out with the RPi at any stage?

I don't use the UI on the RPi itself in XBMC really, everything is controlled via Yatse, which is a pretty fine UI with good responsiveness. In that I can pretty much do everything I need! :)

I have my Synology NAS acting as my general purpose utility device with Sickbeard/Sab/CouchPotato/MYSql DB for XBMC/Storage etc. Works really well for me with Yatse as the controller!
 
I did try the mobile apps but for me half of the appeal of XBMC is the showing off of the UI to your mates so I took a deep breath and splurged on an i3 NUC! :D

Fingers crossed that it ticks all the boxes for me and an added bonus would be if the CEC works so I can use my existing remote!

I'll update the thread with my progress once it lands!
 
I reckon one of the new Kabini based SFF PCs would be ideal for XBMC. The Acer Aspire XC is the only one I've seen on sale so far but I' sure there are others on the way (Gigabyte Brix for instance).

A good bit cheaper than a NUC too.
 
Quick update on the thread, I've gone for an Intel NUC with the i3 processor, 8gb of DDR3 RAM, a 32gb Crucial SSD and a Pulse8 CEC for controlling it all.

Having tried a number of different options to get XBMC smooth on my TV, this looks to be just the business!

Don't get me wrong, it's not a cheap setup (see below) but I'm my opinion it's the best option out there if like me you want a smooth as silk UI and flawless playback through XBMC!

Eulogy said:
How much was the NUC in total out of interest?
Click to expand...

Roughly £350 all told for my setup!

All in all I couldn't be happier with the outcome!

Thanks again Ferretboy for all the help!!
 
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£350, whoa !

I am currently using ATV with XBMC installed, menu is a bit slower than I liked (vs. the copy I installed on the MBP), it is only 720p and it doesn't play WMV that well.

That said, it is tiny, I can control it with my phone if I ever lose the remote, it does HD audio like DTS just fine.

Best of all, it was free, as I had it for like a year before realising its potential.
 
StevieP said:
Quick update on the thread, I've gone for an Intel NUC with the i3 processor, 8gb of DDR3 RAM, a 32gb Crucial SSD and a Pulse8 CEC for controlling it all.

Having tried a number of different options to get XBMC smooth on my TV, this looks to be just the business!

Don't get me wrong, it's not a cheap setup (see below) but I'm my opinion it's the best option out there if like me you want a smooth as silk UI and flawless playback through XBMC!



Roughly £350 all told for my setup!

All in all I couldn't be happier with the outcome!

Thanks again Ferretboy for all the help!!
Click to expand...

What OS did you put on it?
 
I'm running a Lenovo Q190 (i3) downstairs on the 46" and a Intel NUC Celeron upstairs - both using Openelec with the Aeon Nox skin.

I've tried Raspberry Pi, WDLive TV and other so called media players but nothing comes close to a dedicated HTPC - yes it is a bit costly but worth every penny.
 
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