[Calado]

Hi,

I currently own a very obsolete Iomega TV with Boxee 1TB and rely on it to watch TV shows (old shows that I missed in the past or new ones that my TV service doesn't run). As expected, it started acting up. Random reboots, unresponsive to remote control, adding to the fact that it doesn't decode the increasing supply of H.265 files (runs audio only)

So, I'm looking for a new device...on a budget too (up to $100 maybe). I'm not really educated in this subject, so I'm asking for advice on watch to choose.

Requirements:

- HDMI;
- USB/Mini USB ports;
- Ethernet port;
- Ability to use external HDD (even use my current hardware as HDD if possible);
- Play H.265 files smoothly (1080p is enough);
- Able to install subtitle "auto-fetch" plugin or something like that;
- User-Friendly.


Whimsicalities:

- Ability to control it from a smartphone without IR blaster (wi-fi or bluetooth);
- Compact/discreet.


Grateful for any help.

Cheers.

[wrxtasy]

User Friendly in a silent, low power usage, Appliance like device that remains always ON running OpenELEC or LibreELEC distributions of Kodi:

- RPi3 (OpenELEC / LibreELEC)
- Upcoming WeTek Hub (Dual boot OpenELEC/Kodi and Android Lollipop)
- ODROID C2 (LibreELEC and also Android Lollipop capable)

The WeTek Hub will be plug and play, at least for Android Lollipop. The C2 can be bought with Android already flashed to a SDHC card.
(eMMC Recommended)

For the OpenELEC/LibreELEC/Kodi side of things on the Hub, RPi3 and the ODROID C2 you will need to follow some simple instructions and flash a micro SDHC Card and then insert into the machine and away you go. Samsung EVO+ micro SDHC recommended.

All will require either an externally powered Hard Drive or externally powered USB hub as they won't be able to reliably supply enough power to the HDD.
Kodi can be controlled with a smartphone via various Apps through your home WiFi / Ethernet Network, you can also control it using HDMI-CEC on these 3 devices and just use your TV's remote control.

The Hub and C2 can do 8/10bit Hardware decoding of HEVC(H265), the RPi3 relies on software to decode 8bit HEVC only. Decent bitrate 1080p 10bit HEVC will have no hope. Its actually a pretty underpowered device for decoding this codec and will have HEVC bitrate limitations. I actually would not recommend it as a reliable HEVC media player going forward particularly if you upgrade your TV to a 4K model.

[noggin]

Yes - wouldn't recommend the Pi 3 if HEVC is a high priority. The main reason to go with a Pi 3 these days is 3D MVC decode + Frame Packed output (i.e. the ability to play 3D Blu-rays in full quality in 3D) - with another, currently, being the ability to play multichannel lossless audio out in PCM - so multichannel FLAC, multichannel PCM etc. all play in full quality.

The C2 has just had DTS-HD MA support added, and also has Dolby True HD, but it doesn't yet have multichannel PCM. (I'm sure it will get it though)

If you are only listening to stuff in stereo through your TV speakers, and only watching 2D stuff, then I'd probably suggest the C2 (or a similar S905 product when they get the same patches as the C2) - particularly if HEVC is important to you.

[joelbaby]

I'd go ODROID C2 with LibreELEC installed. Reasons:

Plays h265 (the Raspberry Pi is not great at this)
Has CEC (very user friendly - you can use your TV remote to control Kodi - the TV sends the remote commands down via the HDMI cable to the Odroid).
Small, compact.
Is available now - whereas Wetek Hub is not.

You'll need to buy a box and power supply for it too, but total package will be in your budget.
I own a Raspberry Pi, and would normally suggest it as 1st choice because you can be assured of a great support community - but it was disappointing that RPi3 did not offer h265.

[noggin]

I'd go ODROID C2 with LibreELEC installed. Reasons:

Plays h265 (the Raspberry Pi is not great at this)

Yes - absolutely - the Pi is not a good fit for H265. I don't have any non-UHD H265 so it's a non issue for me - but I realise it is for others who source content 'differently'.

Has CEC (very user friendly - you can use your TV remote to control Kodi - the TV sends the remote commands down via the HDMI cable to the Odroid).
Small, compact.

Though these are also true of the Pi. It's only recently that the AMLogic stuff has caught up with the Raspberry Pi CEC implementation (and there are still a few rough edges to iron out)

Is available now - whereas Wetek Hub is not.

Yes - though the Wetek will come shipped in a nice box with a remote, PSU, integrated Wireless etc.

You'll need to buy a box and power supply for it too, but total package will be in your budget.

Yes. I would probably recommend an eMMC as well as there are the usual reports of dodgy uSD cards causing frustration. (Wrxtasy has also had a uSD reader fail I think)

I own a Raspberry Pi, and would normally suggest it as 1st choice because you can be assured of a great support community - but it was disappointing that RPi3 did not offer h265.

Yes - if you don't need HEVC and HD Audio bit streaming, or need 3D MVC + Frame Packed output and PCM multichannel (for AAC or FLAC) then the Pi is still a great solution. If you need a lot of support the Pi is also better. I'd also suggest that longterm support is going to be a bit better too, but if you are happy with what the C2 does now, then it's a great solution.

[noggin]

Whimsicalities:
- Ability to control it from a smartphone without IR blaster (wi-fi or bluetooth);

Any Kodi set-up on the same network as your smartphone should be able to do this, it is core Kodi functionality.

[wrxtasy]

Yes. I would probably recommend an eMMC as well as there are the usual reports of dodgy uSD cards causing frustration. (Wrxtasy has also had a uSD reader fail I think)

Yes the micro SDHC reader was dodgy from the moment I got my pre-release development board. Caused me a lot of Headaches. All the retail C2's I have now have not had a problem.

You'll need to buy a box and power supply for it too, but total package will be in your budget.

What brings the price down a bit is unlike the RPi3 you don't need a specialist Power supply. The more modern AML SoC's consume quite a lot less power than the RPi's. I run mine off an old cell phone charger, with a decent thickness usb -->> to mini usb otg cable. Has not missed a beat yet, and this in in permanent Performance mode. The included Heatsink comes in very handy as well.

[noggin]

What brings the price down a bit is unlike the RPi3 you don't need a specialist Power supply. The more modern AML SoC's consume quite a lot less power than the RPi's. I run mine off an old cell phone charger, with a decent thickness usb -->> to mini usb otg cable. Has not missed a beat yet, and this in in permanent Performance mode. The included Heatsink comes in very handy as well.

Yes - though the cost different is pretty small. The USB to ODroid adapter cable is around GBP£2, the ODroid PSU is around GBP£5 and the Pi 3 PSU is around £7. If you have a decent PSU then you save a fiver with the C2 USB cable compared to the official Pi PSU. If you buy the ODroid PSU then you save a little, and get a less useful PSU (it has an integrated plug - the Pi model comes with UK, US, EU and Aus plug tops)

You are right that the PSU quality is the biggest cause of issues with SBCs like the Pi - though if you go through the ODroid forums you see that dodgy USB cables and PSUs also cause issues with their products.

[Calado]

Thank you for your input on the subject.

Although I had to google a few acronyms, it seems The general consensus points to ODROID C2 as the current available option.

I have a 42" LG TV 1080p and I'm not planning on buying another one unless my daughter finds a way to break it. So 4k or 3D isn't on my short-term to do list.

One thing I don't understand is the eMMC card. There are a few diferentes ones. Difference in size and OS. I also don't know what it's supposed to do.

As wrxtasy mentioned, I am aware that using my current hardware as HDD requires it to be powered. That is not an issue.

As far as I've seen, hardware + PSU + case is well inside my budget. The question remaining is that eMMC card.

Plus, is it worth waiting for the WeTek Hub? Is it superior? Will it be released in the next few months?

Grateful for all the input.

Cheers

[wrxtasy]

eMMC is Flash Storage that does not lose the information on it when the power is turned off, like a Mini Hard Drive.
SD cards are also NAND flash storage, but they are slower than eMMC, and subsequently cheaper.

The LibreELEC Operating system has to be flashed to a SD card or eMMC as there is no Flash Storage onboard. The SD card slots in and the eMMC is clipped on easily. You usually need a microSDHC to SD card adapter too to slot into a PC to do the flashing.

You can get away with just using micro SDHC cards like the excellent Class 10 UHS-1 Sandisk or Samsung EVO+ ones and everything will run fine and still be pretty nippy on the C2.
If you really want to see it perform, then eMMC is preferred. Depends on how many $$$ you want to spend.

[Calado]

eMMC is Flash Storage that does not lose the information on it when the power is turned off, like a Mini Hard Drive.
SD cards are also NAND flash storage, but they are slower than eMMC, and subsequently cheaper.

What about the Linux/Android options? Which one do I want? And what's the impact of buying a 8Gb/16Gb card instead of a larger one?

[wrxtasy]

It won't really matter which OS is chosen. I personally would get an Android one just to play around with it before flashing LibreELEC. You can always download whatever OS you want and reflash anyway.

The Chart linked to here appears to show 16Gb eMMC's are faster for R/W operations compared to the 8Gb ones:
http://odroid.com/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=e...ence_chart

I think the only ones sold by HK are Samsung Brands.

[Calado]

So I've been looking at Hardkernel and chose this build:

- ODROID-C2;
- 5V/2A Power Supply EU Plug;
- ODROID-C2/C1+ Case Black;
- 16GB eMMC Module C2 Android Black;
- Bluetooth Module 2 (because, you know...);
- WiFi Module 0 (mobility option);
- IR Remote Controller (I'll be using a smartphone, but just in case).

Totals ~$95

Do I need a coin cell module? Is there any need for a heat sink (black case hogging heat)?

I'll be using an old Mini-USB charger cable to connect to the Iomega TV for HDD purposes only.

Will this ensure me a good performance? Also, does this have IPTV, Deezer/Spotify or Youtube options?

And lastly (I promise), if this is enough, could I get a tutorial link on how to act to install necessary software? Or I just need to go to play store or something, since it's an Android card?

Cheers

[noggin]

So I've been looking at Hardkernel and chose this build:

- ODROID-C2;
- 5V/2A Power Supply EU Plug;
- ODROID-C2/C1+ Case Black;
- 16GB eMMC Module C2 Android Black;

Yes - all make sense.

- Bluetooth Module 2 (because, you know...);

Unless you plan on using a Bluetooth remote control I don't see the need for this?

- WiFi Module 0 (mobility option);

OK - though remember that if you are running OpenElec you don't really have a browser - so if you plan on using WiFi out and about you may struggle to log in to authentication/account pages. The WiFi is really only for use at home. If you run Android (not great for Kodi) then this will be easier.

I have a C2 - and haven't bothered with WiFi or Bluetooth options. Cabled ethernet is the way to go whenever possible.

- IR Remote Controller (I'll be using a smartphone, but just in case).

Yep - not bad - i bought it and it is fine for casual use. I found the lack of transport buttons a bit annoying quite quickly.

Totals ~$95

Do I need a coin cell module? Is there any need for a heat sink (black case hogging heat)?

C2 come with a chunky heatsink already mounted.

I'll be using an old Mini-USB charger cable to connect to the Iomega TV for HDD purposes only.

Not sure what you are saying here.

Will this ensure me a good performance? Also, does this have IPTV, Deezer/Spotify or Youtube options?

Spotify should work in Android. Not sure if SpotiMC works in LibreElec on the C2 - there may be complications due to the 64 bit architecture of the C2.

And lastly (I promise), if this is enough, could I get a tutorial link on how to act to install necessary software? Or I just need to go to play store or something, since it's an Android card?

Cheers

Most of us would recommend ditching Android after a bit of a play and instead installing LibreElec (which is Linux-based not Android) which will deliver higher quality video and audio.

[wrxtasy]

@Calado.
I would not be buying a C2 for Kodi Android use only. There is a whole bunch of broken Kodi features that simply do not work properly on the C2 with Android. Audio Passthrough is a big issue using Kodi with Android on the C2. Its fine if you don't need AC3/DTS passthrough.

Connected Hard Drives, depending on how they are formatted can have issues with Android as well on many different Hardware platforms.

You would be better off waiting for a Wetek Hub or getting a WeTek Core if Android is a priority in the price range already stated in Post #1.