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+--- Thread: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated Dec 2020) (/showthread.php?tid=252916)
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RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - wrxtasy - 2019-11-05
(2019-11-03, 01:19)magkaki Wrote: I am looking well NVIDIA`s new tv shield but i am reading some stuff about colorspace. I am very confused.
(2019-11-03, 05:14)wrxtasy Wrote: For all the 2019 4K HDR DV - Shield Pro hype - it has been released with what we would classify as Beta Firmware with broken (auto) color outputs when watching mixed 4K HDR and then 1080p SDR video content. This really is disappointing from Nvidia for a new, expensive retail product.
As an update...Nvidia have thankfully made this Priority #1 for a bug fixing with a Nvidia Hotfix custom test image (click).
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - wrxtasy - 2019-11-05
(2019-11-04, 21:36)Juno Wrote:CE is pre installed with the N2 - CE edition - and runs from the supplied microSDHC - out of the box.(2019-10-24, 22:43)wrxtasy Wrote: Yes via Petitboot. Research the HardKernel forums about that and the HardKernel WiKi.
You can select either SD card or eMMC Android with the A2 remote to boot to either OS.
OK, i read on Hardkernel, but i would like to get know if understood correct.
1. I can buy N2 with preinstalled CE i.e. from here:
https://www.hardkernel.com/shop/odroid-n2-4gb-coreelec-edition/
Here i get N2 in case with power supply with CE on SD card. CE is not really preinstalled on N2?
Quote:2. What i need to buy more is Android on i.e. eMMC card like this, i.e. from here:You need a dirt cheap eMMC > microSDHC adapter if you want to re-flash any other OS image to the eMMC module:
https://www.hardkernel.com/shop/16gb-emmc-module-n2-android/
Adapter is not needed?
https://www.hardkernel.com/shop/emmc-module-reader-board-for-os-upgrade/
That whole contraption then slides into a microSDHC > SD card adapter for flashing.
Quote:3. Next i read on hardkernel wiki i can upgrade Petitboot (using SD card with SPI switched to eMMC):Yes Petitboot is already installed. It can also be upgraded.
https://wiki.odroid.com/odroid-n2/os_images/petitboot
But its said on site: "This instruction is suggested only when you have Petitboot which can boot from SPI flash memory"
It means i should have Petitboot installed previously. Is Petitboot really preinstalled on N2?
You can do it from the microSDHC card. (temporarily move all CE files into a seperate Temp directory)
Quote:4. After somehow i install/upgrade Petitboot, i can plug eMMC with Android, SD card with CE.Yes there is a basic text user interface, that is also user configurable to boot to either OS. You can also manually select either from a Wireless remote that uses a USB Mini receiver dongle like a MINIX A2 lite.
I can change boot OS from SPI selector.
If selector i set to SPI it means that Petitboot runs and i can choose SD (CE) or eMMC (Android) using remote?
Quote:Is anything else i should have? I already have Airmouse H1 instead of MINIX A2 lite.The Airmouse H1 needs to use it's own USB Mini dongle RF receiver otherwise Petitboot - user selection of either OS will not work.
Bluetooth only remotes will not work.
WiFi Module 5A needed if you want AC WiFi.
Any old cheap Bluetooth CSR USB dongle will work.
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - johndowe - 2019-11-05
Quote:Most interesting Dual Boot - DIY Bargain device of the moment:Would anyone be able to point me to the right sources that somehow guide this (KM9 Pro)? I would prefer to dual boot to CoreELEC instead of using the Android TV Kodi. Thanks!
The Google Certified - MECOOL KM3 / KM9 Pro, that can dual boot Android TV OS 9 Pie <<->> CoreELEC Kodi Leia.
Downside = No Android TV Netflix and only 100Mbps Ethernet. 2GB/16GB KM9 Pro "Classic" have very weak 2.4GHz only WiFi.
Android or CE Kodi can use the Kodi Leia Netflix Addon.
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - magkaki - 2019-11-05
(2019-11-05, 06:09)wrxtasy Wrote:(2019-11-03, 01:19)magkaki Wrote: I am looking well NVIDIA`s new tv shield but i am reading some stuff about colorspace. I am very confused.
(2019-11-03, 05:14)wrxtasy Wrote: For all the 2019 4K HDR DV - Shield Pro hype - it has been released with what we would classify as Beta Firmware with broken (auto) color outputs when watching mixed 4K HDR and then 1080p SDR video content. This really is disappointing from Nvidia for a new, expensive retail product.
As an update...Nvidia have thankfully made this Priority #1 for a bug fixing with a Nvidia Hotfix custom test image (click).
@wrxtasy does this mean that maybe i should wait before buy ODROID N2? maybe watching 4k hdr content in Kodi with auto color space settings and refresh rate on Nvidia Shield will be ok after this hotfix?
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - wrxtasy - 2019-11-05
(2019-11-05, 12:16)magkaki Wrote:(2019-11-05, 06:09)wrxtasy Wrote:(2019-11-03, 01:19)magkaki Wrote: I am looking well NVIDIA`s new tv shield but i am reading some stuff about colorspace. I am very confused.
(2019-11-03, 05:14)wrxtasy Wrote: For all the 2019 4K HDR DV - Shield Pro hype - it has been released with what we would classify as Beta Firmware with broken (auto) color outputs when watching mixed 4K HDR and then 1080p SDR video content. This really is disappointing from Nvidia for a new, expensive retail product.
As an update...Nvidia have thankfully made this Priority #1 for a bug fixing with a Nvidia Hotfix custom test image (click).
@wrxtasy does this mean that maybe i should wait before buy ODROID N2? maybe watching 4k hdr content in Kodi with auto color space settings and refresh rate on Nvidia Shield will be ok after this hotfix?
Yes very likely. It’s in the testing phase at the moment. Should be just fine for 4K HDR Kodi if there are no hiccups.
Ultimately it depends what you want personally, a versatile, fast, virtually Plug n Play Android TV media player that does a bit of everything or a scalpel focussed, fast Linux based 4K HDR Kodi Leia media player ?
The ODROID N2 will, after minor configuring be simpler for running 4K HDR CoreELEC Kodi. These sort of minimal Linux Kodi devices have always been that way vs Android plus there are some extra Kodi tweaks included you don’t get in regular Android.
There are more Linux Kodi developers vs what is happening with Android Kodi. It’s been like that for a while now.
Firmware updates are a LOT simpler. You can back everything up very easily. Networking is better.
File server functionality is also included. HDMI CEC is more flexible and user configurable.
For FLAC audio guys you get > 48kHz Multichannel LPCM output too.
You can also tweak away easily if you are into that.
There are really no surprises.
In the end do you want more than just 4K HDR HD audio Kodi ?
If so then the 2019 Shield is packaging a lot of Apps & features out of the box.
PS. I actually use two media player devices to pretty much cover all streaming needs, resulting in very few compromises.
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - magkaki - 2019-11-05
(2019-11-05, 13:12)wrxtasy Wrote:(2019-11-05, 12:16)magkaki Wrote:(2019-11-05, 06:09)wrxtasy Wrote: As an update...Nvidia have thankfully made this Priority #1 for a bug fixing with a Nvidia Hotfix custom test image (click).
@wrxtasy does this mean that maybe i should wait before buy ODROID N2? maybe watching 4k hdr content in Kodi with auto color space settings and refresh rate on Nvidia Shield will be ok after this hotfix?
Yes very likely. It’s in the testing phase at the moment. Should be just fine for 4K HDR Kodi if there are no hiccups.
Ultimately it depends what you want personally, a versatile, fast, virtually Plug n Play Android TV media player that does a bit of everything or a scalpel focussed, fast Linux based 4K HDR Kodi Leia media player ?
The ODROID N2 will, after minor configuring be simpler for running 4K HDR CoreELEC Kodi. These sort of minimal Linux Kodi devices have always been that way vs Android plus there are some extra Kodi tweaks included you don’t get in regular Android.
There are more Linux Kodi developers vs what is happening with Android Kodi. It’s been like that for a while now.
Firmware updates are a LOT simpler. You can back everything up very easily. Networking is better.
File server functionality is also included. HDMI CEC is more flexible and user configurable.
For FLAC audio guys you get > 48kHz Multichannel LPCM output too.
You can also tweak away easily if you are into that.
There are really no surprises.
In the end do you want more than just 4K HDR HD audio Kodi ?
If so then the 2019 Shield is packaging a lot of Apps & features out of the box.
PS. I actually use two media player devices to pretty much cover all streaming needs, resulting in very few compromises.
@wrxtasy Again thank you for the very good and straight answers. You know what my main concern is? I worry because yesterday i visited ONDROID UK site to buy Odroid-N2. With all the extra peripherals and transportation fees to Greece i was about to pay 170 euros. If I buy the new 2019 shield pro i will pay 250 euros (transportation fees included). I also read that for ONDROID you get only 1 month guarantee from the company. I am 40 years i have wife and two children and i wanted a device easy to handle and almost ready or minor tweaked for 4k hdr 10bit Dolby atmos and future ready. I don't care much about Dolby Vision Netflix and YouTube as i own LG 65E9 tv and my tv can handle better these services than any box. I think it will be easier for them to handle the shield that's why i have second thoughts about the ONDROID and i think to give a chance to Shield. Maybe i should wait for two weeks to see if Nvidia really fixed the color space issue for kodi....what is your opinion?
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - wrxtasy - 2019-11-05
Jeez media player hardware is expensive in Europe !
If you want Plug n Play, a remote already included and cannot be fussed with minor DIY and want - a longer warranty, and really do not need gaming, Plex servers, Netflix etc. and already have a NAS to home network stream files from - then get the cheaper Shield TV Tube/stick.
If that is you then you really do not need the minor extra ports or extra 8GB of extra storage the 2019 Shield TV Pro provides.
Usually with boards like the ODROID N2, they either work out of the box of they do not. You quickly know if you have a dud.
If you have patience - yes then wait a couple of weeks - there might even be Christmas sales resulting in cheaper prices.
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - magkaki - 2019-11-05
(2019-11-05, 14:00)wrxtasy Wrote: Jeez media player hardware is expensive in Europe !
If you want Plug n Play, a remote already included and cannot be fussed with minor DIY and want - a longer warranty, and really do not need gaming, Plex servers, Netflix etc. and already have a NAS to home network stream files from - then get the cheaper Shield TV Tube/stick.
If that is you then you really do not need the minor extra ports or extra 8GB of extra storage the 2019 Shield TV Pro provides.
Usually with boards like the ODROID N2, they either work out of the box of they do not. You quickly know if you have a dud.
If you have patience - yes then wait a couple of weeks - there might even be Christmas sales resulting in cheaper prices.
Thank you very very much
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - JustATest - 2019-11-05
(2019-11-05, 13:40)magkaki Wrote: @wrxtasy Again thank you for the very good and straight answers. You know what my main concern is? I worry because yesterday i visited ONDROID UK site to buy Odroid-N2. With all the extra peripherals and transportation fees to Greece i was about to pay 170 euros.
https://www.pollin.de/p/odroid-n2-coreelec-edition-2-gbyte-ram-811103 ; N2 2GB for 80€
https://www.pollin.de/versand-bezahlen ; shipping to Greece 16€
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - Sjors125 - 2019-11-05
(2019-11-05, 13:12)wrxtasy Wrote:Just being very curious. The Odroid N2 and which other one?(2019-11-05, 12:16)magkaki Wrote:[...]
PS. I actually use two media player devices to pretty much cover all streaming needs, resulting in very few compromises.
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - noggin - 2019-11-05
(2019-11-05, 20:03)Sjors125 Wrote:I'm going to guess an Apple TV 4K (and particularly for DRM-ed UHD HDR services like Netflix) ?(2019-11-05, 13:12)wrxtasy Wrote:Just being very curious. The Odroid N2 and which other one?(2019-11-05, 12:16)magkaki Wrote:[...]
PS. I actually use two media player devices to pretty much cover all streaming needs, resulting in very few compromises.
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - magkaki - 2019-11-06
(2019-11-05, 19:26)JustATest Wrote:hello my friend. I write Odroid WITH the extra peripherals.(2019-11-05, 13:40)magkaki Wrote: @wrxtasy Again thank you for the very good and straight answers. You know what my main concern is? I worry because yesterday i visited ONDROID UK site to buy Odroid-N2. With all the extra peripherals and transportation fees to Greece i was about to pay 170 euros.
https://www.pollin.de/p/odroid-n2-coreelec-edition-2-gbyte-ram-811103 ; N2 2GB for 80€
https://www.pollin.de/versand-bezahlen ; shipping to Greece 16€
Look https://www.pollin.de/p/odroid-n2-coreelec-edition-4-gbyte-ram-811104 ; N2 CoreElec Edition 4gb for 94.50 €
https://www.pollin.de/p/odroid-n2-emmc-modul-16gb-mit-linux-811041 ; ODROID-N2 eMMC Modul, 16GB, mit Linux for 20 €
https://www.pollin.de/p/odroid-n2-gehaeuse-transparent-schwarz-811038 ; ODROID-N2 Gehäuse transparent - schwarz (black protective case) for 7 €
https://www.skroutz.gr/s/7352719/Minix-Neo-A2-Lite.html ; Minix Neo A2 Lite AIRMOUSE & KEYBOARD for 34 € in Greece (no shipping needed)
https://www.odroid.co.uk/odroid-accessories/odroid-connectivity?product_id=870 ; Odroid WiFi Module 5A [77729] for 12 € in UK (the German site you sent me doesnt have this module)
and https://www.odroid.co.uk/odroid-accessories/odroid-os?product_id=853 ; ODROID USB3.0 eMMC Module Writer [77748] for 13.19 € in UK (the German site you sent me doesnt have this module)
So to sum up from the German site 121.5 € + 16 € (shipping)=137.5 €
and from UK site 25.20 € + 27 € (shipping !!!!)= 52.2 €
PLUS 34 € the Airmouse from Greece
TOTAL 223.7 € for the ODROID.
If i order all of these from UK site (except the Airmouse but WITH this https://www.odroid.co.uk/odroid-accessories/odroid-connectivity/odroid-ir-remote; Odroid IR Remote Controller for C1+/C2/N2 for 8 €) with the shipping its around 170 euros. I couldnt find the Odroid IR Remote Controller for C1+/C2/N2 in the German site you sent me.
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - wrxtasy - 2019-11-06
To make it cheaper..
You only need the 2GB Odroid N2 - CE edition to run Kodi at Max speed, with no limitations.
ODROID-N2 Gehäuse transparent case - is NOT needed. CE edition already comes with a case.
ODROID USB3.0 eMMC Module Writer - is NOT needed. You issue an ‘installtointernal’ command to copy CE from microSDHC to eMMC.
See this https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=340809&pid=2894545#pid2894545
Odroid IR Remote Controller for C1+/C2/N2 - is NOT needed, the MINIX A2 lite remote is far superior and will be a hell of a lot more responsive.
Odroid WiFi Module 5A Is only needed if you are Not using hardwired Ethernet.
In fact high bitrate 4K HDR Bluray Rips requires you to use Gigabit Ethernet only otherwise expect trouble.
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - wrxtasy - 2019-11-06
(2019-11-05, 20:53)noggin Wrote:(2019-11-05, 20:03)Sjors125 Wrote:I'm going to guess an Apple TV 4K (and particularly for DRM-ed UHD HDR services like Netflix) ?(2019-11-05, 13:12)wrxtasy Wrote: [...]Just being very curious. The Odroid N2 and which other one?
PS. I actually use two media player devices to pretty much cover all streaming needs, resulting in very few compromises.
Yes because as you know the ATV 4K has wide spread Apps auto Frame Rate Matching functionality which is definitely needed in 25fps/50Hz territories when used in combo with watching 24p copy protected video content.
Apple’s tvOS has better Apps support here locally as well vs Android TV.
RE: START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box (updated October 2019) - Sjors125 - 2019-11-06
@wrxtasy for what apps do you use your apple tv?