[thos]

Hey there,
I'm looking for a small frontend system to go with my backend server. The backend system will look after all downloads, storage, shared library, content scraping, TVHeadend+DVBs, so the frontend needs to be relatively lightweight but still be able to handle HD.

I've currently got a Raspberry Pi, which is OK, still has some bugs on TVHeadend playback, I'd like to play with some different skins and this is when it becomes a little too sluggish. I've also got a ATV2 with XBMC, which is better, but really want something to boot straight into XBMC and avoid the ATV interface. Also optical out doesnt seem to work on this config - which would be nice to have.

So, what is the next step on the ladder? Is there any other ARM based solutions that are a step above the Pi/ATV or am I into the Intel based solutions like the Zotac?

Ideally I'll want 4-5 of these front ends, so would like to get some cost effective.

Thanks,
Tom

[Budwyzer]

Sounds like an Android box is the next step. Probably replacing the Android OS with Linux though. Like the Pivos Xios, The Little Black Box, or G-Box Midnight MX2. Since you're wanting 4-5 of these devices, this seems like your most affordable solution.

Also, you have a dedicated server, and a lot of end devices, are you sure Plex wouldn't be more suited for this task? I'll probably get a lot of hate for suggesting it, but it is a more server based solution.

[michaelstone]

I've also got a ATV2 with XBMC, which is better, but really want something to boot straight into XBMC and avoid the ATV interface. Also optical out doesnt seem to work on this config - which would be nice to have.

You can make it boot straight to xbmc. The optical out works perfect on both of mine, sure you have it set right?

[nokdim]

I like the ATV1's with Broadcom Crystal HD card installed running Crystalbuntu.
I feel it is a step above the Pi's I have but don't have an ATV 2 to compare it to.

They are stable, boot into XBMC direct and handle anything I can throw at it as far as video quality.

[thos]

Thanks for the repies.

I'm not interested in Apple TV long term, I dont think the situation with jailbreaking is reliable.

I'll take a look at the Pivos Xios, The Little Black Box, and G-Box Midnight MX2.

Apart from that is the next step up to the likes of a Zotac, or is there anything else in between?

[stuCONNERS]

you tried running amber skin on your pi, hows you pi setup?

[Budwyzer]

Thanks for the repies.

I'm not interested in Apple TV long term, I dont think the situation with jailbreaking is reliable.

I'll take a look at the Pivos Xios, The Little Black Box, and G-Box Midnight MX2.

Apart from that is the next step up to the likes of a Zotac, or is there anything else in between?

Or a NUC

[Ned Scott]

Thanks for the repies.

I'm not interested in Apple TV long term, I dont think the situation with jailbreaking is reliable.

I'll take a look at the Pivos Xios, The Little Black Box, and G-Box Midnight MX2.

Apart from that is the next step up to the likes of a Zotac, or is there anything else in between?

Just an FYI, but the ATV1 doesn't use a jailbreak. The ATV1 is a very different machine from the ATV2. ATV2 is iOS based and needs jailbreak, while ATV1 is pretty much a very low power computer that runs a desktop-class operating system (but you would only want to run a linux-based OS on it).

That being said, it's hard to find them for a good price and in good condition these days. If you can snag one for about $50, then it's a great deal.