Which 4k media streamer?

Amp34 · 11 Nov 2017 at 04:42

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?

Amp34 · 12 Nov 2017 at 00:15

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.

Amp34 · 12 Nov 2017 at 06:38

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.

Amp34 · 12 Nov 2017 at 18:03

Clov!s said:
My tv also plays 4K MKV files fine straight from my NAS, never had a problem.

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 · 12 Nov 2017 at 18:21

Oh ok. Which TV is that?

If it works on the Lg then a box may be completely redundant.

Amp34 · 12 Nov 2017 at 21:36

As I’ve said several times my NAS doesnt support Plex, so anything involving Plex means I need another box.

(I have a synology DS414)