Suggestions for media player to run XBMC

[shampoo]

There are so many options that I am getting confused, and also cost is a factor. Basically what i want to do is have a media player which can run xbmc so i can stream live ethnic (indian/desi channals) and also have the ability to expand it ie have a hard drive.
I like AIOS but as far as i know i can't run xbmc on it. Apple TV2 can run xbmc but is not expandable. What are my options guys? Is a custom built HTPC is the way to go? But then it it will cost much more. One last thing, it has to be user friendly so my parents can run it.

Thank you

[Zamboni]

Pivos XIOS DS just got XBMC-should fit your needs.

[BobSagget]

Here's a good page if you want to build an XBMC HTPC. I have bookmarked it for future reference for myself.

Your Very First HTPC? But Where do You Start? (http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=94199)

[shampoo]

Pivos XIOS DS just got XBMC-should fit your needs.

The only thing is you can't install a HD like with AIOX, but AIOS doesnt support XBMC :(
How about Apple TV 2?

[DougO]

You absolutely need a hard drive? Flash memory not going to do it then? It's what I use on my jail broken IPad 2. Going to watch some vids as soon as I finish this post...

You might get a powered HDD to work on the IPads. Don't know about Android devices as I don't have one but there is a version of XBMC coming out for Android devices, so you may want to wait a bit...

[Magoomba]

Aren't xbox 360s selling for abt $150 on CL?

[poorwingman]

The problem with an ATV2 is that you need to leave a server on whether it's a NAS or another PC and the ATV2 itself will not function as your downloading machine. You will need the NAS, if possible, or the PC to do it. So.. if you're starting from scratch, it's not the cheapest..

ATV2 works.. but it's trouble to JB.. and it's a bit slow and doesn't run all the skins well.. and you may have to address potential network issues (i.e. get a dual band router) to ensure that you can stream flawlessly.. so far, it's choked on 1080p but i don't know if that was bc of my modem/router or bc the ATV2 can't really handle it.

Overall it's been great because I never bought it with the intent to JB and run XBMC... but I think long-term, I am looking for something like a mac mini bc I like the form factor. I hear a lot of other complaints of noise and overheating of other small HTPC set ups...so the mac mini is appealing.. but I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger bc it's so $$$ so I may just stick with what works...

[poorwingman]

Aren't xbox 360s selling for abt $150 on CL?

http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=40236

[edturon@hotmail.com]

ebay, search: apple tv 1, apple tv 40gb, apple tv 160gb.apple tv 1 with 40gb is an apple tv first version with a 40gb hard drive to record to, these can usually be had for under $100.00 shipped, ask the seller,probably u.s.a to ship only usps first class mail international.. you want a larger hard drive, use a program called apple tv cloner.use this program on a mac computer.what it does is clone a good hard drive and then transfer the clone to as large a hard drive as you want (ide hard drive only)this is used by the indian community, here in the gta.there are places that will program these apple tv 1's to the indian community for cheap.

[Magoomba]

http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=40236

Can the Ouya open source console (kickstarter.com) possibly do it?

[NeilMcduck]

Can the Ouya open source console (kickstarter.com) possibly do it?

That's exactly what I was going to suggest. Have to wait until Q2 2013 (assuming no delays), but $120 shipped is a great deal if everything comes together as planned.

[ah802]

Xios with XBMC is almost here... or you can DIY with a Rasberry Pi..

I like in the box storage... but out of the box isn't bad and is a bit more flexible.

Better links and discussion of this very issue http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=137249

[MrRockstar]

I'm in a similar situation and weighing a few options.
1. Get a full-blown nano-PC (AT-5600) from Foxconn that are due to come out in a month or two. They are supposedly sub-$150 or sub-$200. They're packed with AMD Brazos e-450 so you can enjoy full blown XBMC or Plex and an unrestricted Internet. No fuss setup. Personally, I think this is a power-user setup.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XtsP50EB-nk

2. I'm waiting for Vizio Co-star reviews. Horrible name but awesome remote that has keyboard and touch. I don't know but I can't imagine having a remote for Android without a keyboard or touch. Its supposedly $99.99. My only complain is the lack of gigabit port and missing support for advance audio formats which shouldn't be an issue for you. I'd say this is a "mom & dad" solution.

Here's a Vizio Co-star commercial, look pretty interesting.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQkC3C73Rk0

[noshow33]

I was thinking about Odroid-X and XBMC myself. The board supposedly is faster than Tegra.

[BenK]

1. Get a full-blown nano-PC (AT-5600) from Foxconn that are due to come out in a month or two. They are supposedly sub-$150 or sub-$200. They're packed with AMD Brazos e-450 so you can enjoy full blown XBMC or Plex and an unrestricted Internet. No fuss setup. Personally, I think this is a power-user setup.


Expected launch in Sept with prices around $260+

http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/07/foxconn-nano-pcs-get-priced-dated-and-tweaked/

And no point in suggesting ATV2 as they're pretty much unavailable except through eBay, Kijiji and CL where the mark-up is ridiculously. Would be better off getting a nettop of some sort.

[joo]

I'd also recommend a Nettop.. don't bother with the media player boxes and such.
The variation on video containers and codecs pretty much means the media player will not be able to play at least some formats / resolutions.
Or you may miss out on sound quality since it will be down converted to 2-channel.

Go with something running Win7 home premium and you're set.

[MrRockstar]

Expected launch in Sept with prices around $260+

http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/07/foxconn-nano-pcs-get-priced-dated-and-tweaked/

AT-5600 is top of the line "nano PC" so its priced accordingly. Overall, there are 6 models due for launch. A few targeted for price-conscious consumers. For example, A3700 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856119070) is in the sub-$200 category. Check the official Foxconn channel for details.

[poorwingman]

Can the Ouya open source console (kickstarter.com) possibly do it?

I have no idea.. Given time constraints I would prefer a Win7 solution as it seems easier.. the foxconn nanoPC's look mighty good...

[shampoo]

Seems like XIOS DS is the only decent choice or maybe wait for Foxconn nano pcs.

[ah802]

XBMC is pretty full featured, comparing it to something like the WDTV live is the difference between night and day... on the surface WDTV live seems to have most of the bases covered...until you start to play with it a bit, see it's sluggishness, 3 minute loads... loses focus in the middle of some activity. Scrapes are a joke, foreign covers.. and naming is a nightmare. The more I look at the media boxes and their software solutions the more I like XBMC and to run it with any kind of smoothness you needed either a dedicated box, or a full fledged modern PC. So the guys that enjoy 720p on an Apple TV2 (if you can find one) are lucky... but streaming content means you've already into a NAS so your costs climb... The next few months we will see how XIOS works... sit on your hands and wallet for the summer, enjoy the nice weather outdoors..

Here's a new device already to go form Asrock..http://hothardware.com/Reviews/ASRock-Vision-3D-252B-HTPC-Review/?page=1
but a $1000 is what it takes..

[comicbookguy]

XBMC is pretty full featured, comparing it to something like the WDTV live is the difference between night and day... on the surface WDTV seems to have most of the bases covered...until you start to play with it a bit, see it's sluggishness, 3 minute loads... loses focus in the middle of some activity. Scrapes are a joke, foreign covers.. and naming is a nightmare. The more I look at the media boxes and their software solutions the more I like XBMC and to run it with any kind of smoothness you needed either a dedicated box, or a full fledged modern PC. So the guys that enjoy 720p on an TV2 (if you can find one) are lucky... but streaming content means you've already into a NAS so your costs climb... The next few months we will see how XIOS works... sit on your hands and wallet for the summer, enjoy the nice weather outdoors..

Here's a new device already to go form Asrock..http://hothardware.com/Reviews/ASRock-Vision-3D-252B-HTPC-Review/?page=1
but a $1000 is what it takes..

I have to echo your statement on the WDTV versus HTPC solution. I've used my WDTV extensively over the last two years and it has served its purpose. My biggest disappointment is the fact that it's very sluggish at times, and scraping information for new TV shows/movies are such a drag using ThumbGen. It's a very manual process. It's asking a lot for a $90 device so it's not fair to compare it to a PC's functionality, but if you're looking for a true solution you have to go with an HTPC.

I'm currently going this route and planning to build my own. Using Assassin HTPC's hardware guide (you can Google it), I'm going to build an i3-based box for about $500 with taxes. I'm saving a bit since I already have a case, PSU and input devices. I think I will have a full-fledged solution to my theatre needs, which are pretty basic as it is.

[comicbookguy]

This was the guide I was referring to: http://assassinhtpcblog.com/?page_id=160

I think it's more up to date than the one previously referenced by ah802.

[balance]

I had xbmc on my original xbox but when HD MKV came out. it could not handle the play back

the wd tv/asus media player is good for just playing files but organizing a library is just a pain. With so many itx motherboard coming out and good looking itx case. Building one shouldn't be too hard :D

[BobSagget]

Has anyone here tried XBMCbuntu? I installed it tonight on an old laptop and it runs really smooth. Only problem is I can't figure out how to get the HDMI out on the laptop to work so I can use my TV as a monitor instead of the laptop screen.
I was thinking about building an HTPC to run XBMC on, but now I think it might just stick with this. Would save a lot of money. Was able to stream 1080p over my home network with no issues at all. Turned on the web interface and downloaded the android app to control it completely and now I don't even need a remote.