Open elec/kodi Help needed.

kaptainmarc · 13 Nov 2015 at 15:42

I have been looking at getting something small set up for under the TV

something that can stream and also have an external HD with my films/music/TV shows on

From what I can tell Kodi would be perfect for this, but searching it gets me all confused can someone explain in simple terms a cheap set up for it with minimal faffing around?

I got told to get one of them droid boxes off the bay, they seem a bit dodgy dealing to me

(sorry to not put this in kodi thread I wanted my answers in one place)

Heisenberg · 13 Nov 2015 at 15:55

Raspberry pi 2 loaded with openelec

StevieP · 13 Nov 2015 at 15:56

Personally I splashed out on an Intel NUC and only use it for OpenElec but from what I understand a lot of the stand-alone media boxes can be loaded/side-loaded with Kodi or you could even go for a Pi 2!

The Pi 2 is probably the cheapest way but my reading of the situation is that the lack of a power button could be an issue in that when you want to power it down, you are forced to simply "pull the plug" which can result in your memory card becoming corrupted!?!? (having said that you can just leave it in "hibernate" mode anyway which gets around the whole powering off issue all together!)

As far as side-loading Kodi goes, I understand it works very well with the Amazon Fire TV! (which is the option I'm currently looking at for my dad!)

GSXR Gaz Mc · 13 Nov 2015 at 16:14

i currently have a WDTV live box with a 4TB wd usb drive with all my films and some tv stuff..its pretty simple to use but its prob outdated now but i cant complain as its played everything ive tried....i fancy the kodi/htpc kinda thing but like u i cant be doin with the faffing around

danoliver1 · 13 Nov 2015 at 23:19

Openelec on raspberrypi 2 can be shutdown in the kodi menu so no chance of corrupt sd cards, also i turn it back on using a remote control powersaving plug, i have several comnected to various devices all using the same remote which has enought buttons for 8 such plugs.

I also use a fire tv but installng kodi on it is a bit of a faff but easy enough, the remote though is great. Out of the 2 the pi is faster and more responsive and easier to set up.

StevieP · 14 Nov 2015 at 08:35

danoliver1 said:
Openelec on raspberrypi 2 can be shutdown in the kodi menu so no chance of corrupt sd cards

I wasn't aware that the Pi 2 had any physical power off though? Surely there is still power going to the Pi??

danoliver1 · 14 Nov 2015 at 11:00

Its a bit like when you shutdown a pc in windows, you then have to pull the power plug to get it to reboot which is why i use the power remote. I use win 32 disk imager to save an sd image, that way if it does get corrupted its just a quick rewrite.

The fire tv is the same ie no off button just a sleep mode.

Vimes · 14 Nov 2015 at 11:31

^^^^^^ I found that the Amazon Fire TV when in standby also kept my media server awake, I use a utility for the media server to keep awake when the AFTV is on from its IP address.
I have needed to use a power remote to ensure that it is completely off.

Installing Kodi with the AFTV is very very easy with the Amazon FireTV Utility App and even better with a custom launcher, in access.

I am surprised that you found the Pi faster and more responsive...? Regardless of what I did with the PI, and I did spend a lot of time configuring, overclocking etc etc etc I was very pleasantly pleased at how fast the AFTV has been compared to the relatively slow response and sluggish menus etc of the Pi.

I am not completely happy with the AFTV, the remote being BT is good but lack buttons to map etc, but I'm reluctant to go down the full HTPC option again.