(2013-01-31, 18:25)akabob Wrote: (2013-01-30, 02:25)zebraitis Wrote: Frodo is great on Linux Xios, and plays everything that I throw at it... from 1080p DTS mkv's to FLAC music.
...
(PS... I think the "supercharged" relates to the recent M3 processor change... If you buy today, you will get an M3, unless you buy it form someone that wants to sell their older M1 box)
Seems very exciting !
I currently own a Popcorn A110 I won some years ago in their contest forum. I'm still happy with it as it's able to play flawlessly 1080p rips from a C2D 2009 mac mini throught 200Mbits PLC plugs.
The popcorn replaced my first gen XBox and I always missed XBMC
I was considering buying a recent mac mini (ivy or sandy bridge) but abandonned this idea because of the 24p stutter problem... and the price !
Do you think this little Xios could replace my Popcorn A110 ? Does it handle every framerate without frame drop ? I don't care if XBMC user interface is a bit laggy or slow, the most important to me is the playback.
I've also read that there are 2 options to install XBMC on a Xios :
1. ICS + XBMC android app
2. Custom Linux distro + XBMC for linux.
Am I wrong ? Which one is the best for an XBMC only use ? I have to admit I didn't read the entire thread...
Last question : Where to buy the Xios in Europe to be sure it's a M3 version ?
Regards,
Aka.
OK... You are asking for my opinion...so you will get my opinion.
( And it is just that. I am no "Expert"... I'll leave that to the self-appointed experts that are easy to find in these forums. )
I took a look online and saw your Popcorn A110 ... In many ways, it reminds me of the secondary systems that I am choosing to replace: My Jetway Mini-Top (
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6856107072 )
For me, while there is nothing "wrong" with my Jetway, and it does play XBMC... However, the Xios is just simpler, and more elegant. And, since the Jetway is a full blown PC (albeit in a "mini" platform. Think "laptop"... but no keyboard or screen), I will likely recover my $$$ via craigslist.
The Jetway:
I'm choosing the Xios because it is smaller, quieter (Silent!), and designed more elegantly.
While I have an gen1 iPad version of XBMC running, I have never been attracted to ATV boxes, or Macs... I just do not prefer apple. (again, one person's opinion).
SIDEBAR re: 24p issue: Let's just say that 24p is a real pain-in-the-butt... I have purchased an Onkyo TX-NR818 that has astounding capabilities, but it STILL has issues in dealing with 24p ... and that is WELL over the price that we are discussing. I tried to hook up a 24p Blu-Ray player to the Onkyo set at 24p, and * BAM * jerky dropped frames everywhere... (They say new firmware will address, but we will see).
Now, back to the Xios: TODAY, there are two ( Edit: THREE OR MORE ) settings in System / Video output / Resolution to choose from:
1) 1280 x 720p
2) 1920 x 1080i
(EDIT / IGNORE THIS: Yes " i " , not " p ".My understanding is that this will be raised in the future (in this same platform), but today it is just 1080i)
Please see Post # 260 (two down from this one). The Xios does 1080P as well !
But the real question is: "How is the picture?" Well, it's great, with no dropped packets or jerkiness that I see with my local (SMB-based) data.
And that is the important thing, right? The playback, for me, of my 10+TB of data is smooth as butter.
In full disclosure, I did have one of the boxes die early, and I was able to RMA it and receive a replacement... not like the old days of hacking an XBOX, eh?
So, if you are asking me if you should replace your system... I would say: Depends !
I know for me, the choice was easy. I would say that you would likely be very satisfied with the purchase.
And... since the Popcorn A110 does NOT play XBMC... well... Duh ! lol...
Regarding Installation options... YES ! You have TWO options:
1) Android XBMC, or...
2) Linux XBMC
The great thing to know is that Pivos supports BOTH of those flavors, and does so extremely well on their Forum.
You can visit it at
http://www.pivosforums.com/viewforum.php...390a3ec3be
Now, as to which is "better"... well, you are getting back to the "opinion" section again...
Here is my experience: I have a LOT of computers around. And smart phones.
For me, I did not need my HTPC to do double duty as a computer. well... OK... let me clarify, my PRIMARY machine is a Win7 system in a HTPC case that displays on a 65" plasma screen... THAT one I have running as a computer & XBMC ... However, for all the secondary systems, I don't need that.
So, while the Xios can do Android, and have XBMC running as an application. I chose to run the Linux flavor.
I want to be clear: I don't know ANYTHING about Linux.
But I have found the Linux XBMC for Xios to be VERY easy to manage. It has a mSD slot that I have a 16GB card, and I use XBMC File Manager to move around all the "stuff" that I need.
(Strongly recommend that you get a 16GB mSD if you purchase a Xios, as you can keep thumbnails there)
Finally...for the spouse acceptance factor... well to her (and guests)... it just "acts" like the XBMC that they have been familiar with for years.
And THAT has a lot of value. To me.
... because I HATE to play "tech support guy".
I hope this helps.