2015-10-21, 03:57
Thanks j-m-s and wrxtasy. Wrx, like you, I'm based in Perth. That's why I want to keep away from the US-centric proprietary boxes.
What's wrong with Rockchip boxes, particularly RK3288 ones? How are they at playing mpeg2 content in .vob files?
Are there any sticks worth considering?
I don't think that we would be bothered if we were limited to streaming at 720p from internet sources. That's DVD quality, which is fine for a bedroom TV. I honestly don't think we'll stream much that isn't already stored on our network. We don't currently have a Netflix or other paid subscription but that's not to say that we won't at some point in time. Still, unless being limited to 720p would mean that we would not have access to certain content (i.e. it is only available at 1080p or higher), I don't see a problem with the limitation.
I anticipate that 80% or more of the box's use would be streaming from our network and most of that would be recorded TV from the WIn 7 box in .wtv format or a networked Panasonic Blu-Ray/PVR in whatever format it uses, about 10% would be streaming from online sources (predominantly YouTube unless we subscribe to Netflix or some other subscription service, in which case this might increase to 15-20% with a corresponding decrease in network streaming) and the remaining 10% browsing and my wife playing Solitaire. I would prefer to view all network-stored videos in Kodi and avoid other apps, like MX Player or VMC, for the convenience and, most importantly, WAF (and KAF).
If 720p is fine for streaming from online sources, do we need an s812-H box or can we get away with something lower powered like an S802, S805 or even an MX dual-core box? Keeping in mind that this is not for home theatre use but for the bedroom on a smallish screen from a fair distance where picture quality is not as important as ease of use and stability. I guess that the biggest issue will be to find something with 5GHz wifi built-in.
Again, for this mix of uses, is it okay to just run everything, including Kodi, under Android or should I consider dual booting with OpenELEC for Kodi?
Where can I find a list of Kodi sponsors as I see the benefit in buying a product from a business that actively supports it.
What's wrong with Rockchip boxes, particularly RK3288 ones? How are they at playing mpeg2 content in .vob files?
Are there any sticks worth considering?
I don't think that we would be bothered if we were limited to streaming at 720p from internet sources. That's DVD quality, which is fine for a bedroom TV. I honestly don't think we'll stream much that isn't already stored on our network. We don't currently have a Netflix or other paid subscription but that's not to say that we won't at some point in time. Still, unless being limited to 720p would mean that we would not have access to certain content (i.e. it is only available at 1080p or higher), I don't see a problem with the limitation.
I anticipate that 80% or more of the box's use would be streaming from our network and most of that would be recorded TV from the WIn 7 box in .wtv format or a networked Panasonic Blu-Ray/PVR in whatever format it uses, about 10% would be streaming from online sources (predominantly YouTube unless we subscribe to Netflix or some other subscription service, in which case this might increase to 15-20% with a corresponding decrease in network streaming) and the remaining 10% browsing and my wife playing Solitaire. I would prefer to view all network-stored videos in Kodi and avoid other apps, like MX Player or VMC, for the convenience and, most importantly, WAF (and KAF).
If 720p is fine for streaming from online sources, do we need an s812-H box or can we get away with something lower powered like an S802, S805 or even an MX dual-core box? Keeping in mind that this is not for home theatre use but for the bedroom on a smallish screen from a fair distance where picture quality is not as important as ease of use and stability. I guess that the biggest issue will be to find something with 5GHz wifi built-in.
Again, for this mix of uses, is it okay to just run everything, including Kodi, under Android or should I consider dual booting with OpenELEC for Kodi?
Where can I find a list of Kodi sponsors as I see the benefit in buying a product from a business that actively supports it.
