Best XMBC Box

drumlegend

drumlegend

drumlegend

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8 Apr 2013
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322
I don't know a lot about these boxes but everyone raves about that and I wanted to know what boxes are best. I heard they grab content from lots of websites so you can watch lots of films and TV's.

If the information about Netflix blocking VPN's is correct then I want to move to one of these. Thanks :)
 
CaNsA said:
My R-Pi has been running Raspbmc (now Kodi) for the past many many years.

It's simple enough for the missus to use it.

Raspbmc installed to 8gb USB
Hooked into a DTS a/v receiver.
Media served over NFS from a storage server.
Shared library running from the storage server accessed by raspbmc and xbmc on an adroid phone and a couple of laptops.

Current config.

arm_freq=1000
core_freq=500
gpu_freq=500
sdram_freq=500
over_voltage=6
disable_overscan=1
gpu_mem_512=256

Rock solid, no reboots, no buffering.
Click to expand...

After posting this I realised it has no AV output. This will sometimes be used in the bedroom and the tv in there isn't HD
 
Scottland said:
By the sounds of it you're not that familiar to XBMC/Kodi. I'd suggest installing it on your PC/Laptop to have a play around with it and make sure it does what you expect it to. Some of the plugins that let you stream content aren't very good.
Click to expand...

So what people have said is untrue?

People are cancelling their tv packages because supposedly they can watch anything via XMBC
 
Scottland said:
I didn't say you couldn't do that, just that some of the plugins aren't very good. If you expect a nice polished interface that always works (ala Netflix) for free, then you might be a little disappointed. Hence my suggestion to try it on your PC or laptop first.
Click to expand...


I was thinking about that earlier. I will look at some tutorials online and set it up and see how good it is before I consider buying one then.

I knew it wouldn't be nicely polished like Netflix, I was expecting that it might be a bit cluttered and it might take some getting used to.

Thanks for you help
 
CaNsA said:
My R-Pi has been running Raspbmc (now Kodi) for the past many many years.

It's simple enough for the missus to use it.

Raspbmc installed to 8gb USB
Hooked into a DTS a/v receiver.
Media served over NFS from a storage server.
Shared library running from the storage server accessed by raspbmc and xbmc on an adroid phone and a couple of laptops.

Current config.

arm_freq=1000
core_freq=500
gpu_freq=500
sdram_freq=500
over_voltage=6
disable_overscan=1
gpu_mem_512=256

Rock solid, no reboots, no buffering.
Click to expand...

I'm new to Raspberry PI but I've tried Kodi out on my laptop and I love it. What do I need to get started?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Raspberry-P...8&qid=1420800328&sr=8-3&keywords=raspberry+pi

Is this all I need?
 
bledd. said:
Personally, I'd get a fast USB2 stick too.

I use OpenElec, prefered it to Raspbmc. I tested all 3 for a week each.

http://openelec.tv/forum/124-raspberry-pi/65267-the-fastest-pi-ever-working-like-a-dream
Click to expand...


I will check that out then.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Raspberry-P...id=1420794120&sr=8-1&keywords=raspberry+pi+b+

With what the guys said below you would this be enough?

Can I set this up and plug it in the tv and I will be good to go? I will just use the XMBC app on my phone as the remote.
 
Skeeter said:
OP, I think you need to do some more reading up on XBMC/Kodi and other supporting technologies.

XBMC is a media player, which plays content from the sources you tell it too. Its how you get this content that is key, and a lot of the methods and sources are not going to be suitable for discussion on this forum.

It is not a case of just installing XBMC, turning it on, and getting all the TV and Movie content you want.
Click to expand...

Skeeter, you clearly haven't read the entire thread.

I went to test out Kodi on my laptop for the past two days and have installed many addons.

I am aware of how it works now and that is why I want something like a raspberry pi as it will cost a lot less to run than a laptop
 
meandu229 said:
Runs full windows x86 so can install anything and use windows apps. Cost £65 with a years office 365 sub. Very low power usage as it uses atom baytrails. So much potential for torrenting/ using browsers or as a full pc aswell which many android boxes wont do.
Click to expand...

I'm not fussed about using Windows, I love Linux and this will strictly be used as a media device anyway running Kodi and I will hook my NAS to it as long as it doesn't draw too much power.
 
Skeeter said:
Raspberry Pi + remote + USB hub + SD card + PSU + WiFi + ...

The Fire TV will be back down to around £60ish again soon. I had a Pi and when you start adding up all the extra cost of a Pi it soon adds up.
Click to expand...

40 for the complete pack and 5 for usb. Comes with wireless and has 4 usb ports. As I said earlier, I will be using my smart phone as a remote. You clearly aren't reading this thread at all.
 
Skeeter said:
Why the hostilities? I've had all manner of media PC. XP MCE, Vista MCE, 7 MCE, Media Portal, Chromecast, Windows and XBMC, Linux and XBMC, RPi with various OSs, OpenELEC and now a Fire TV.

The RPi will work, but it's not the best, even at this price point. I'm just trying to offer advice as I've learnt the hard (read: expensive) way.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention. I have heard great things about the Kindkle Fire but it's just another box that won't get fully used. Already have a smart tv th st doesn't get used, the ps4 doesn't really either and now the You View box had Netflix on it we didn't need to use Netflix on the tv or ps4.

So really, this basic little thing seemed ok, use it when we want to watch a film or tv shows.

I do appreciate your help though
 
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