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myztery · 2012-11-09, 22:22

Been using WDTVs in my house for Netflix and running movies/stuff to my TVs. Was told that XBMC on a HTPC is the easier/better way to go for how I use my systems. After some reading, seems like G-Box might be a good hardware idea to try it. Anyone else come from WDTV to XBMC?

I don't really want to build something myself.

**PatK** · 2012-11-09, 22:54

I've owned one of the original WDTV players and set-up two of the new plus versions for a few buddies. I'm quite partial to XBMC and look for hardware that can run it to take the place of the WDTV box and it looks like we're finally getting hardware that fits the software. Although with a bit of a cavet, now with Frodo getting close to the door, I'm not sure how these new boxes will hold up... some may 'just barely' work with a modified version, so there's no guarantee's. I personally wasn't even aware of the G-Box until your question.... after watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zesJ5dbq04E and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MKnlH4HTYQ I'm plenty impressed, especially the part of XBMC part of the installed software. But as noted... I'm not sure how far along the android version of XBMC has come.

I do know that the Xios has XBMC dev help http://www.pivosgroup.com/xios.html and it's in the ballpark... and was my choice for a WD replacement. I've heard the Raspberry Pi works for some.

The move from a WDTV device to XBMC not only brings flexibility, but down the road.. you can update the hardware for all sorts of reasons. If you don't want to dig in too deep... one of these media players might offer more than the WDTV, and you can still re-coupe value from your old box.

myztery · 2012-11-09, 23:36

After reading your post, you favor (and own) the Pivos product?

I owned the original WDTV, and now have a couple live boxes and the WDTV live hub. I havent had any real issues with them, but moving data to and from the hub sucks using twonky or whatever its called. Since none of them have a built in wifi, I have to use usb devices and have had some communication errors. I am also not a fan of the interface at all. Given my complaints, would the Pivos be the ideal solution for me? (Already sounds like its worth a try).

**PatK** · 2012-11-10, 01:39

I'm sure you've noticed this thread.. http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=143720 with a number of contributors messages and owners. XBMC is so good, it's software that can drive hardware sales now. But if the hardware is not up to snuff, it can give a bad XBMC experience and in turn leave users looking for the safe harbour of dedicated media players. I'm always looking for good hardware to show case XBMC to those who I know drool over my set-up.

I spent far too much on my PC, and never had an issue with XBMC running on it, it's just fun.

myztery · 2012-11-10, 02:07

I read that post and there is not 1 statement that compares the 2, haha. Shipping, costs and potentially better hardware, but no relevant info to the argument imo.

**PatK** · 2012-11-10, 02:42

There's some Youtube videos of the various contenders for your dollars.... You can tell how good they operate by the screen action, but I'd be a tad wary of 'custom XBMC builds', and small glitches that are placated with a word 'update' which may never come. I guess $100 is still a bunch of cash, It's not like this is a mortgage, but if you're unsure, find a brick & mortar store with a good return policy or bite the bullet for a few bucks and flip it if you're unhappy.