Which 4k media streamer?

Amp34

Amp34

Amp34

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I should be picking up a 4k tv on Monday so want to upgrade my media streamer. I currently have the standard Amazon fire TV box which has been great for streaming and using Kodi to play 1080p MKVs on but I want to upgrade to something that will do 4k.

I'll be streaming using Kodi (up to 4k MKVs), Amazon prime and possibly Netflix. Otherwise that's basically it.

Any recommendations? I hear the new Apple TV is supposed to be good (but can you side load Kodi?) or alternatively is the 4k Fire TV a better bet?
 
Maybe a old PC, convert it to HTPC front end? That way will support all new codecs now and in the future, and have enough power for 4K. You could get a 4K streamer, it'll probably last 1-2 years but it may not play as smoothly as a dedicated HTPC.

If you do get a streamer make sure it support H265, 10 bit video. I use a sumvision micro 4 and it support H264 but not 4K nor H264/10 bit.
 
The Apple TV 4k is excellent you can access a wide range of films in 4k with dolby vision, it now auto switches from SDR to HDR formats and its frame rate and has access to some of the most affordable software prices on the market.

When it comes to Kodi it depends what you want to do - if you want to access your own material on a network there are 'ports' of kodi like MrMC or even alternative media software like infuse that works pretty well.

If you want Kodi because you want to install the pirate streams add ons.. you're best looking elsewhere.
 
An old PC is too much faf and would make too much noise.

I think the Shield may be the best best so far after looking at it. The 3rd Gen Fire TV seems to have been gimped by Amazon now unfortunately, which is a shame as the first and second gen were great. I also like the gaming potential on it.

The Apple TV is tempting though, but it doesn’t pass through a lot of audio does it?

I’m not interested in pirate feeds, just playing my MKVs from a my NAS (which can’t do Plex ufortunately).

I may wait and see just what the TV can do before getting the streamer now, if I can get 4K netflix and Prime through the TV instead I may not need a 4K player for a few months as I don’t currently have any 4K content.
 
My 4K smart tv plays Netflix and amazon 4K really well, if I only had those 2 4K sources then all I’d need is a smart tv.
 
Yeah. I think I’ll keep the Fire TV I have now attached for my 1080p MKVs, and then when I get a few 4k MKVs then get a 4K streaming box.

Running Netflix and prime through the TV should solve the Dolby Vision/HDR etc conundrums so many of the boxes have.
 
i have just tested the new xbox one X and with Plex server running and my pc on the xbox one X will pick it up under it's media section and plays 4k media back perfect
 
Clov!s said:
My tv also plays 4K MKV files fine straight from my NAS, never had a problem.
Click to expand...

Direct play or via Plex?

I’m getting an LG B7

I did wonder about using this as an excuse to get an Xbox One or PS4, but presumably they won’t play MKVs direct, only via Plex?
 
Amp34 said:
Direct play or via Plex?

I’m getting an LG B7

I did wonder about using this as an excuse to get an Xbox One or PS4, but presumably they won’t play MKVs direct, only via Plex?
Click to expand...

Direct through the TV, when i choose source, i can see my NAS and it plays films through that, i did have the DSVideo app but had problems with some film types.
 
Amp34 said:
Direct play or via Plex?

I’m getting an LG B7

I did wonder about using this as an excuse to get an Xbox One or PS4, but presumably they won’t play MKVs direct, only via Plex?
Click to expand...

I've got the B6V, you won't need a steaming stick. The smart features are amazing. You can play pretty much anything. Stick XPlay on the TV, Plex backend and you're sorted. Even plays 4K HDR flawlessly.
 
As I’ve said several times my NAS doesnt support Plex, so anything involving Plex means I need another box. :p

(I have a synology DS414)
 
Nvidia Shield TV is the best streamer out there imo. It is a little pricey but its well worth it. Plays anything you throw at it without breaking sweat.

Im using it with synology DS413j and Kodi
 
Amp34 said:
I should be picking up a 4k tv on Monday so want to upgrade my media streamer. I currently have the standard Amazon fire TV box which has been great for streaming and using Kodi to play 1080p MKVs on but I want to upgrade to something that will do 4k.

I'll be streaming using Kodi (up to 4k MKVs), Amazon prime and possibly Netflix. Otherwise that's basically it.

Any recommendations? I hear the new Apple TV is supposed to be good (but can you side load Kodi?) or alternatively is the 4k Fire TV a better bet?
Click to expand...

Amazon have just released the new FireTV stick, also the current Fire TV Box does 4K I believe. With black friday coming up you should see a drop in the prices for them, always our best seller

Kimbie
 
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