2014-06-08, 22:46
Hello everyone. I'm a recent joiner, but I've read a bit in looking for answers and support, and thank you all. That said, I am looking to replace a poor excuse of a living-room media player and network media storage. To explain: my current setup consists of two mid towers, one for storing/sharing media, and the other for streaming on TV. The former is a rather old Core Duo system in a mid-tower with five sata 2 drives of varying sizes totaling 4TB, with a 700W psu, running win 7 and bit torrent. The second is an old Core i3, a low-profile vga card, 4gb ram and an 80 GB sata 3 drive, with a 450W psu, running win 7 and xbmc. The real pity is that the two of them sit side by side - and I'd have sought another solution if these were not given to me freely. That said, there are far more elegant devices which might serve as replacements, from what I have seen. I was hoping to keep the price less than 250 USD, if possible, but might spend more if it includes significant storage is included. I would prefer to stick with xbmc for ease of use. What I list below are things I'm debating between, but I am open for new ideas.
G-Box Midnight MX2 (http://www.amazon.com/G-Box-Midnight-MX2...26&sr=1-1&)
-Looks simple and helpful, but does nothing to replace the storage. The cost might allow pursuit of an NAS solution.
-Have read mixed reviews regarding 1080p playback
Micca EP950 (http://www.amazon.com/Micca-EP950-Digita...2&sr=1-25&)
-Provides chance to add storage (up to 4TB at some point)
-Lacks xbmc support from what I know
-Native interface lacks web browser and certain other plugins, to my knowledge
Kdlinks HD720 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CHDS...devices-20)
-Storage and media player
-No xbmc or web browsing
ASUS chromebox (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IT1WJZQ#productDetails)
-xbmc support, web browsing, various computer functions, Celeron or i3 processor, support for 4k
-Not sure if storage can be replaced
OUYA (http://shop.ouya.tv/products/ouya-console)
-xbmc, web browsing
-No known storage expansion (at least nowhere near my needs)
ODROID (http://www.hardkernel.com/main/)
-Variety of options, minimalistic
-OS and setup more involved
-Pretty configurable
So my priorities as a replacement are a media player - especially for MKVs with subtitles in 1080. Additionally, I tend to use the current system for light web browsing, internet radio, and sometimes for watching livestreams/speedruns. SD card capability and bluetooth a definite plus, but not a priority. Likewise, SNES/PSP emulation support is a good thing. I'm looking for input as I've only ever built/worked with mid to full ATX systems, primarily running windows, but have experience with ubuntu.
I know it is a lot to ask of strangers, but I am completely unsure of how to continue. I feel I can simply ask for any and all help any of you are willing to offer me on this. Thanks.
G-Box Midnight MX2 (http://www.amazon.com/G-Box-Midnight-MX2...26&sr=1-1&)
-Looks simple and helpful, but does nothing to replace the storage. The cost might allow pursuit of an NAS solution.
-Have read mixed reviews regarding 1080p playback
Micca EP950 (http://www.amazon.com/Micca-EP950-Digita...2&sr=1-25&)
-Provides chance to add storage (up to 4TB at some point)
-Lacks xbmc support from what I know
-Native interface lacks web browser and certain other plugins, to my knowledge
Kdlinks HD720 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CHDS...devices-20)
-Storage and media player
-No xbmc or web browsing
ASUS chromebox (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IT1WJZQ#productDetails)
-xbmc support, web browsing, various computer functions, Celeron or i3 processor, support for 4k
-Not sure if storage can be replaced
OUYA (http://shop.ouya.tv/products/ouya-console)
-xbmc, web browsing
-No known storage expansion (at least nowhere near my needs)
ODROID (http://www.hardkernel.com/main/)
-Variety of options, minimalistic
-OS and setup more involved
-Pretty configurable
So my priorities as a replacement are a media player - especially for MKVs with subtitles in 1080. Additionally, I tend to use the current system for light web browsing, internet radio, and sometimes for watching livestreams/speedruns. SD card capability and bluetooth a definite plus, but not a priority. Likewise, SNES/PSP emulation support is a good thing. I'm looking for input as I've only ever built/worked with mid to full ATX systems, primarily running windows, but have experience with ubuntu.
I know it is a lot to ask of strangers, but I am completely unsure of how to continue. I feel I can simply ask for any and all help any of you are willing to offer me on this. Thanks.