NT, convince me "cutting the cord" is a good idea

[superb]

Anyone have a Gbox? I hear that's the best

Yea I would wait to get the new Google TV or just buy a old pc like the other poster said.

A older pc box with media server software will outperform. You won't even need a monitor or screen for it.

You can find or build a media box pc for like $200

The only thing I'm unsure of is how to wire it to your TVs I know it can be done via hdmi but would if you have multiple TVs?



I got rid of my gbox. Now I just stream from my phone to my TVs via Chrome cast and my dish network box that have slingshot

 

[shoelyesses]

Any models you recommend?

Intel NUC just off the top of my head... although building on is cheaper and would cost maybe a few hundred dollars.... like 200-400 range and that is largely depending on how big of a hard drive you want and whether you want a drive ala dvd/bluray etc... tv tuner to which i personally wouldnt get a dvd drive because if you can d/l or stream movies and back up on flash drives etc... why the need for a drive...also its not like you would rent movies since you can d/l stream them anytime.

Also why get a tv tuner if your not planning on using tv service... you would be using xbmc so another thing you wouldnt need to buy. Hard drive i mean iuno thats a personal preference thing... 1tb might be a nice size for one person while 250gb might be more then enough for the next person. I dont tend to save movies/tv shows as much cause with stream etc... i can watch on demand anytime i want so no need to archive but do like a large hard drive for pc games/apps and roms/emulators. 

Plus you would still have the features of a reg pc ie... internet etc... think of it as a desktop pc/tablet but in a nice little box about the size of a router....actually many models look like routers.

Yea things like atv, gbox etc.... are cool and not bad to be honest but dont stream as seemlessly, picture output isnt as good, and cant provide as many features etc... as a mini pc or hell even a reg pc or laptop.... the processors just arent powerful enough, and the memory isnt as fast etc... amongst other things.

 

[Undefined]

 

nah def a mini pc... esp windows based. They have some as small as a cable receiver. x86 processors, high end graphic/sound cards. larger ram/rom. The ability to play cpu games/roms/apps etc right thru xbmc. 1080pc without any stutter, can play 3d content as well. Even an older mini pc will outperform any standalone ie atv, amazon fire gbox etc.... and it isnt even close. 

Any models you recommend?

Try asking/checking this subreddit. You can ask someone to build you one and give them a budget with the features you want (bluray drive, hard drive, etc).

http://www.reddit.com/r/htpc/

 

[shoelyesses]

Yea I would wait to get the new Google TV or just buy a old pc like the other poster said.

A older pc box with media server software will outperform. You won't even need a monitor or screen for it.

You can find or build a media box pc for like $200

The only thing I'm unsure of is how to wire it to your TVs I know it can be done via hdmi but would if you have multiple TVs?



I got rid of my gbox. Now I just stream from my phone to my TVs via Chrome cast and my dish network box that have slingshot

no and you would hook it up just the same as you would a cable box etc... most have more then one hdmi ports..I have an older pc i use and i simply use wireless hdmi... and it has a flash drive type component ie like chromecast and connects to the tv that way.

But a minipc or a htpc like i said pretty much is the same as how you would hook up a satellite/cable box. 

Btw another cool little app for streaming tv shows and movies..including theater releases is one called zona... the other popcorntime. They are pretty much a newer upgrade to moviebox/showtime.

zona: http://zona.ru/ its in english and russian

popcorntime: http://www.time4popcorn.eu/

both can be used on standalones ie... atv/gbox/chromecast as well as on pc's and laptops or tablets that are rooted/jailbroke.

 

[luckyluchiano]

Intel NUC just off the top of my head... although building on is cheaper and would cost maybe a few hundred dollars.... like 200-400 range and that is largely depending on how big of a hard drive you want and whether you want a drive ala dvd/bluray etc... tv tuner to which i personally wouldnt get a dvd drive because if you can d/l or stream movies and back up on flash drives etc... why the need for a drive...also its not like you would rent movies since you can d/l stream them anytime.

Also why get a tv tuner if your not planning on using tv service... you would be using xbmc so another thing you wouldnt need to buy. Hard drive i mean iuno thats a personal preference thing... 1tb might be a nice size for one person while 250gb might be more then enough for the next person. I dont tend to save movies/tv shows as much cause with stream etc... i can watch on demand anytime i want so no need to archive but do like a large hard drive for pc games/apps and roms/emulators. 

Plus you would still have the features of a reg pc ie... internet etc... think of it as a desktop pc/tablet but in a nice little box about the size of a router....actually many models look like routers.

Yea things like atv, gbox etc.... are cool and not bad to be honest but dont stream as seemlessly, picture output isnt as good, and cant provide as many features etc... as a mini pc or hell even a reg pc or laptop.... the processors just arent powerful enough, and the memory isnt as fast etc... amongst other things.

well if XBMC is the magic link that everything has in common can I put it on my Mac and Stream the content via Chromecast? Or is XBMC a standalone program?

 

[shoelyesses]

well if XBMC is the magic link that everything has in common can I put it on my Mac and Stream the content via Chromecast? Or is XBMC a standalone program?

yes... well xbmc is a standalone program.. the thing is streaming/apps etc... ad the latency/fluidness of the feed as well as the quality and speed of the feed is based on processor power. thus why a pc is better then those standalone devices/boxes. 

Stream XBMC from computer to chromecast

Step 1. Download and Install Blue Stacks at http://www.bluestacks.com/

Step 2. Download XMBC XAF version with External Player and Install it. It will not work without this special version.

XAF Link - http://www.xbmcandroid.com/2013/05/0...ndroid-is-out/

Download and Install XMBC XAF Custom Build for NON-NEON Touch Screen Devices

It downloads with an extension of .zip. It wouldn't install so I changed the extension from .zip to .apk and then it installed with no problems.

Important: Before continuing, you need to run xbmc once immediately after installing in order 
to create the .xbmc folder preceding /userdata in the following path. Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/userdata/

Step 3. Start Blue Stacks and download File Manager from the Playstore within Blue Stacks.

Step 4. Download playercorefactory.xml at http://www.mediafire.com/view/a3y3by...orefactory.xml

Save playercorefactory.xml to C:\ProgramData\BlueStacks\UserData\SharedFolder\

Open File Manager in Blue Stacks. Go to 

Home/bstfolder/BstSharedFolder/Playercorefactory.xml

Click Multi, highlight the playercorefactory.xml and then hit Move

Paste playercorefactory.xml to 

Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/userdata/

Step 5. Download Avia Player from the Google Playstore within BlueStacks for free. You will need to go into Settings of the Avia Player and unlock the Chromecast Add-on for $2.99.

Step 6. Start Chromecast

Start XBMC - Start your show- Click the Cast Button and it automatically finds Avia Player and casts from the computer to the Big Screen.

There you go

 

[luckyluchiano]

yes... well xbmc is a standalone program.. the thing is streaming/apps etc... ad the latency/fluidness of the feed as well as the quality and speed of the feed is based on processor power. thus why a pc is better then those standalone devices/boxes. 

Stream XBMC from computer to chromecast

Step 1. Download and Install Blue Stacks at http://www.bluestacks.com/

Step 2. Download XMBC XAF version with External Player and Install it. It will not work without this special version.


XAF Link - http://www.xbmcandroid.com/2013/05/0...ndroid-is-out/

Download and Install XMBC XAF Custom Build for NON-NEON Touch Screen Devices


It downloads with an extension of .zip. It wouldn't install so I changed the extension from .zip to .apk and then it installed with no problems.


Important: Before continuing, you need to run xbmc once immediately after installing in order 

to create the .xbmc folder preceding /userdata in the following path. Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/userdata/


Step 3. Start Blue Stacks and download File Manager from the Playstore within Blue Stacks.


Step 4. Download playercorefactory.xml at http://www.mediafire.com/view/a3y3by...orefactory.xml

Save playercorefactory.xml to C:\ProgramData\BlueStacks\UserData\SharedFolder\


Open File Manager in Blue Stacks. Go to 


Home/bstfolder/BstSharedFolder/Playercorefactory.xml


Click Multi, highlight the playercorefactory.xml and then hit Move


Paste playercorefactory.xml to 


Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/userdata/


Step 5. Download Avia Player from the Google Playstore within BlueStacks for free. You will need to go into Settings of the Avia Player and unlock the Chromecast Add-on for $2.99.


Step 6. Start Chromecast


Start XBMC - Start your show- Click the Cast Button and it automatically finds Avia Player and casts from the computer to the Big Screen.

There you go

Thanks for the info, but I assume this is windows instructions? I have a mac.

 

[shoelyesses]

Thanks for the info, but I assume this is windows instructions? I have a mac.

you would use the same software/concepts thing is i dont use my mac for it cause its a windows based program so i wouldnt know the exact specifics, but i do know that the concept is the same and the software and programs are the same (except of course you would be using the mac versions) 

 

[superb]

SORRY SHOE I JUST SAW YOUR POST IN REPONSE TO MINE

 

[lokid300s]

alright bros....In my previous posts I recommended the GBOX due to its pricing at $99, but since then...I am now using this beast:  ASUS CHROMEBOX

I flashed it with OPENELEC and it is running now as a standalone XBMC machine, and it is about 300% better in everything the GBOX was, and only for $70 more!!  Amazon - $169.00

Start up time is about 3seconds, it plays everything, and XBMC is outputting 1080p with no problems.  Before when I would use an addon say 1channel or Icefilms, it would take like 20-30sec to buffer/launch the video...but now it is INSTANT! I thought it was the host file server but it was due to weak power from the GBOX.  Ask away and I can help assist on how to set it up or give tips.  

 

[luckyluchiano]

So I assume buying a desktop PC with hdmi>>>>> all

 

[lokid300s]

So I assume buying a desktop PC with hdmi>>>>> all

kinda. it really depends on peeps priorities.  some people i know are fine with dusting off their old laptop, slapping a form of xbmc on there and letting "serving" content from the laptop to their home theater (via network).  for me, my priority was:

- price 

- reliability

- small foot print (form factor)

- keep it on w/out costing $$ 

- high speed streaming

With the GBOX, I was happy with it for quite sometime....until I noticed that the speed of it couldn't keep up with my DL speed at home.  When running speedtests, I'm getting 50mb down...when on GBOX, it would cap out at around 10mb.  With the Chromebox, i'm getting 50mb down consistently on live stream, and the HD Sports is so siik you can't even tell its a stream.   I wanted a pure reliable build of XBMC w/out the Android or another OS taking up resources so I decided to go the standalone route using OPENELEC.....my gawwwwd i'm so happy.

**Ohh....and the chromebox comes with a mount so you can attach to the back of your TV to make it super stealth.  

 

[currensy]

What kind of internet are you guys running?

 

[lokid300s]

What kind of internet are you guys running?

50mb down / 15 up ......Cox Internet $65 a/month

 

[crystalmethod]

So I'm planning on getting a fire tv soon...

But I just jailbroke my iPhone.. Got XBMC.. But I can't get anything to work..
Tried ice films and a bunch of other stuff but I keep getting a "dependencies not met" error on the last step.

I'm on an iPhone 4(old I know) but I'm on the newest iOS.. Is it cause my phone? Or am I doing something wrong?

 

[quincy powell]

I only have cable because of women and sports

 

[SneakerProSr.]

I move tomorrow, only getting internet. See if can last til the Mavs' season starts.

 

[beh235]

'bout to chuck the deuces to directv

 

[Undefined]

I move tomorrow, only getting internet. See if can last til the Mavs' season starts.

You can use mash up on xbmc to get live channels with average stream quality.

 

[captnaj phd]

I thought I was doing it with my little Roku + PlayOn feat. FirstRow and 1channel setup...this has to be what Woody felt like meeting Buzz.

Anyway, gotta look into this gbox and read the hell out of the whole thread, but thanks for the info NT...this looks like a game-changer.

 

[carver]

 
alright bros....In my previous posts I recommended the GBOX due to its pricing at $99, but since then...I am now using this beast:  ASUS CHROMEBOX

I flashed it with OPENELEC and it is running now as a standalone XBMC machine, and it is about 300% better in everything the GBOX was, and only for $70 more!!  Amazon - $169.00

Start up time is about 3seconds, it plays everything, and XBMC is outputting 1080p with no problems.  Before when I would use an addon say 1channel or Icefilms, it would take like 20-30sec to buffer/launch the video...but now it is INSTANT! I thought it was the host file server but it was due to weak power from the GBOX.  Ask away and I can help assist on how to set it up or give tips.  

 

So I assume buying a desktop PC with hdmi>>>>> all

kinda. it really depends on peeps priorities.  some people i know are fine with dusting off their old laptop, slapping a form of xbmc on there and letting "serving" content from the laptop to their home theater (via network).  for me, my priority was:

- price 

- reliability

- small foot print (form factor)

- keep it on w/out costing $$ 

- high speed streaming

With the GBOX, I was happy with it for quite sometime....until I noticed that the speed of it couldn't keep up with my DL speed at home.  When running speedtests, I'm getting 50mb down...when on GBOX, it would cap out at around 10mb.  With the Chromebox, i'm getting 50mb down consistently on live stream, and the HD Sports is so siik you can't even tell its a stream.   I wanted a pure reliable build of XBMC w/out the Android or another OS taking up resources so I decided to go the standalone route using OPENELEC.....my gawwwwd i'm so happy.

**Ohh....and the chromebox comes with a mount so you can attach to the back of your TV to make it super stealth.  

Will have to peep that Asus box.. at the moment I'm pretty satisfied with the gbox.. but I struggle with the same problems, 50mb down and max of like 10 on the gbox. You're making me see the light brah..same with the 20-30sec buffer, I just assumed that was files server. Gonna have to check this out some more while I'm at work today.

 

[Mark Antony]

If that drops under 100 I'll look into it. I use my tv for the commercial apps anyways.

 

[legendairy stinson]

Just got into Plex... I know I'm late but just got it to cast to my Chromecast. Going to work on getting Amazon Prime to cast also.

Wish I can just livestream links to cast.

 

[lokid300s]

Here is my current setup using ASUS Chromebox running standalone OPENELEC.

This shows the following features:

- stream movie
- stream tv shows
- stream sports

Good luck STREAMERS.....and cut the cord ya'll!! I'm here to help if you need anything. Holler

 

 

[RickBlast]

 
Here is my current setup using ASUS Chromebox running standalone OPENELEC.

This shows the following features:

- stream movie
- stream tv shows
- stream sports

Good luck STREAMERS.....and cut the cord ya'll!! I'm here to help if you need anything. Holler

 

Repped. How much of this do I need to set up to get all these streaming features you have? Or does the chromebox find the best available streaming site?