[robbryjo]

Hello Kodi community,

i'm searching a new Kodi solution.. I'm using my old notebook for kodi since it has been laying only around.
The problem i have is, the notebook is very loud and annoying

I need following specifications:

- Built in CEC support or a delivered remote control (optional if the price is perfect without this)
- HDMI
- Fluent playback of most common formats (optional 4K)
- 2 or more USB (3.0?) ports (4 would be better)
- Gigabit Ethernet (for faster transfer speed)
- Wi-Fi , Bluetooth (optional but preferred)
- QUIET solution
- as cheap as possible (i'm student)
- optical audio port (optional for the future)

The only reason I'm not buying the RPI 3 ist the slow ethernet connection port..

I've already read this thread (http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=252916) but i can't decide.

Is it possible to upgrade Wi-FI to the Odroid C2 ? Is there an alternative with Wi-Fi?

Thank you !

[wrxtasy]

Yes you can add WiFi to the Odroid C2.

Any of the Realtek Wireless usb2 adapters are supported with LibreELEC:
RTL8188EU
RTL8192CU
RTL8192DU
RTL8192EU
RTL8812AU

Then you have stuff like HardKernels cheap, WiFi, Modules 3 and 4:
http://www.hardkernel.com/main/products/...7447734369
http://www.hardkernel.com/main/products/...1630348024

For Bluetooth any dirt cheap common CSR 4.0 Chipset BT usb dongle will work.

Optical S/PDIF uses this dongle, and only then running on Linux, LibreELEC:
http://www.hardkernel.com/main/products/...0081048224

LibreELEC is still a WIP on the C2, for 4K refresh rate autoswitching with Kodi and DTS Passthrough. HDMi CEC, 1080p and AC3 is fine. You can even simply program any Spare IR remote to work with LibreELEC, if you fancy a bit of DIY.
Android Lollipop using Mediacodec decoder is fine as well.

USB3.0 and GigaE ports are not required for even the most demanding local Bluray playback. The RPi3 would be a Solid choice as well. The only word of caution is you will run into HEVC decoding bitrate issues eventually on the RPi3. 10-bit 4K/1080p HEVC decoding will not be possible at all.

A more complete and integrated package would be the upcoming AML S905 WeTek Hub. Ironically you would need a cheap usb Hub to expand its 1 usb port.

[robbryjo]

What about this box "Beelink i68 TV Box". Why is it so cheap ? (70 Dollar) From its specs it should be a very nice box or am i wrong ?

[wrxtasy]

Please stop looking at tech specs alone. Its a common error buying these cheap as Android devices only to find there is no after sales support and the Firmware is lousy and a bunch of stuff just does not work properly. Listing Tech Specs does not mean everything works properly out of the box. Most of the time the Marketing of these Android devices is completely deceptive and untrustworthy. We see it time and time again.

Unless you like a bit of DIY and can find a good support forum for the Hardware, like the Freaktab website for Firmware updates and bug fixes for these sorts of devices selling out Asia, then it is best to stay well clear. No one on the Kodi foums will help either, there is too much fragmentation from the thousands of cheap Android devices selling that help is impossible.

Firmware is the Key with these devices and the best I've seen for AMLogic devices comes from WeTek, who have a firm grip on the bugs fixes required for the AML Kernel for Kodi compatibility. They should have as they have Codesnake, an ex AML developer working for them for a while now. Around the $70 price bracket you are now in WeTek Hub territory, that device will be released pretty soon.

[noggin]

What about this box "Beelink i68 TV Box". Why is it so cheap ? (70 Dollar) From its specs it should be a very nice box or am i wrong ?

Specs tell you next to nothing about how a box will work. You need to know how well supported it is with firmware etc. Never buy a box based on specs alone.