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Google Nexus Player Via Amazon US for AU $140.94 Delivered (10 Days to Arrive)

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Google Nexus Player Via Amazon US for AU $140.94 Delivered (10 Days to Arrive)Affiliate
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SteveAndBelle on 10/04/2015 - 13:56 amazon.com (496 clicks)
Last edited 10/04/2015 - 13:58
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I already have Chromecasts and I'm a big fan of them except for the fact that they're Wifi only :( Never really had a problem with this but I'd prefer permanent devices such as this to communicate via copper and leave my Wifi network dedicated to the mobile stuff. Disappointed that the Nexus Player also didn't have an ethernet port I started doing some research and found a few others have had absolute success using generic MicroUSB OTG LAN Adaptors and thought I might give that a go myself so I went on the hunt for a player. Tried Amazon US about a month ago but of course they didn't want to ship to Oz so then saw them on eBay from local sellers for around $190 but just couldn't bring myself to pay that much for something I'm only going to use a fraction of just as a basic Media Player running Plex. For some reason something made me try Amazon again a week or so ago and this time it worked!! AU$140.94 & 10 days later I have a Nexus Player in front of me!

Not the be-all-end-all solution for many but a hard-wired Chromecast is all I was really after. Embedded Bluetooth and other features are kinda cool though allowing keyboards & gaming controllers to connect to it so I might find myself using it for other things later on. Of course there may be regional limitations but I'm willing to risk that.

Here's a link to the OTG adaptor I bought for it however it hasn't yet arrived so I can't report on its success: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251774239717?_trksid=p2057872.m27… Note that it also offers USB ports so I can't see any reason why USB memory couldn't also be used. Again, it's a good 2-3 weeks away from arriving at this stage so I can't comment on this further.

Here's a link to one of the many articles on the use of an OTG LAN cable: http://liliputing.com/2014/11/surprise-google-nexus-player-s… and another about USB storage: http://www.androidcentral.com/about-nexus-player-and-usb-sup…

Hope this helps someone in the same boat anyway.

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  • [Deactivated] on 10/04/2015 - 14:04

    Be cheaper for you to get an AC router than this, Wireless works pretty good.

    • ashanrath on 10/04/2015 - 14:13
      +5

      OP is after a hard wired ethernet solution. How does an AC router help? Sure they're fast, but never as fast or low latency as ethernet.

    • quaddie on 10/04/2015 - 14:15
      +4

      Wireless is the tool of the Devil.

    • SteveAndBelle on 10/04/2015 - 14:18

      I agree, my "Wireless works pretty good" too however still not as rock-solid & bulletproof as copper! I've got copper right throughout the house so I may as well use it and leave my nice Wifi for other things.

  • jarrodb on 10/04/2015 - 14:16

    Great post OP, how does it go with Plex?

    • SteveAndBelle on 10/04/2015 - 14:19
      +2

      Sorry, not sure yet. I'm still at work so subscribe to this thread and I'll be sure to update later tonight or tomorrow.

      • jarrodb on 10/04/2015 - 14:22
        +1

        I would be interested to hear about UI performance and whether the device can be controlled via an iOS/Android remote app.
        I currently run several rasplex boxes and am looking for something with better performance. Thanks in advance

        • SteveAndBelle on 10/04/2015 - 14:28
          +2

          Why not just go for a bog standard Chromecast? I run my few with Plex on daily basis, control them with my SGS4 and have never had a problem except for the bugbear of 'Wifi only'… or did you want to do more than just play media & cast stuff?

        • jarrodb on 10/04/2015 - 14:44
          +2

          @SteveAndBelle: Am concerned about the wifi not coping with multiple 1080p streams running through the house. Plus I have dual cat 6 in every room so may as well utilise it.

        • MrFunSocks on 10/04/2015 - 15:03
          +1

          @jarrodb: The Amazon FireTV is fantastic, has ethernet, and is cheaper than this Nexus Player.

        • jarrodb on 10/04/2015 - 15:08

          @MrFunSocks: Great info thanks. But from what I can see Amazon does not ship to Aus without going via on onshipper.

        • MrFunSocks on 10/04/2015 - 15:13

          @jarrodb: Nah they don't unfortunately. I used PriceUSA and it ended up being like $40-$45 overall, though the exchange rate was a bit better back then lol.

        • SteveAndBelle on 11/04/2015 - 15:58

          OK, out of the box it worked really well! Setup was a breeze, it connected to my Wifi & Google account without any dramas and I was happily watching purchased TV Shows & Movies within about 5 minutes of powering it up. The included RF remote is stupidly simple but is sensitive & accurate enough for the few games I played and is all that's required for basic menu navigation. The voice search is better than expected but I know I wont be using it often so 'meh' to that.

          I installed PLEX and it found my Plex Server instantly. Browsed through everything without a hitch but whenever I tried to play something it would throw up the 'unable to resolve' error. Looked into it and it's just an incompatibility between the Plex versions I was running so I updated my Plex Server and it now works perfectly. Only thing is that when I use my phone to cast video to the Nexus Player it only seems to play in PillarBox, not full screen however doing the same to the Chromecast dongle still sitting in another HDMI input it works fine! Strange but I'm sure there's some setting on the Nexus Player to fix that (at least I hope so anyway).

          Downloaded 'Android TV Remote Control' on my phone and it connected no problem. Used it to navigate and play a few things and was surprised how fast it reacted! Played some games and it worked really well however the feel of the physical buttons on the original Nexus Player remote are obviously far better for gaming. I also connected a Logitech diNovo Bluetooth Keyboard and it too works perfectly but after playing a few games I'm already considering getting a controller as that would add so much more functionality. I'm not a 'gamer' as such and even though I've played a few basic games on my phone over the last few years I haven't owned a console or played PC games for over a decade however this Nexus Player has introduced me to a whole new world of 'big-screen' gaming from the comfort of my Loungeroom, great!

          So, all in all it seems to doing everything I need so far but I do have to figure out how to cast video to it in full screen. Not a dealbreaker as it works perfectly using the installed Plex App but just a bit of a mystery and would be good to sort out.

        • snuke on 12/04/2015 - 16:02

          @SteveAndBelle:

          You should try installing Kodi on it. A little bit of fiddling to start, but I personally far prefer it to Plex.
          That said I do use it with a universal remote so that give me more button options.

        • SteveAndBelle on 12/04/2015 - 16:04

          @snuke: Yeah, I was looking at trying Kodi because I also need to run a NAS based Media Player that doesn't rely on an internet connection and someone in another OzBargain deal (may have even been you!) suggested Kodi was a good alternative. Cheers for the info! Always helpful.

      • WhiteY_au on 10/04/2015 - 14:51

        I've been looking for a new media player for Plex lately, so this may be the answer to my investigation. Be useful to hear your thoughts

        • MrFunSocks on 10/04/2015 - 15:02
          +2

          The Amazon FireTV and FireTV stick are fantastic for Plex. I have both, and the FireTV Stick is my main one now. Even without Ethernet it's able to stream everything without any problems. The FireTV Stick is only like $30 too, absolute bargain.

        • SteveAndBelle on 10/04/2015 - 15:03

          @MrFunSocks: Nice info!

        • snuke on 10/04/2015 - 15:26

          @MrFunSocks:

          Unfortunately neither Amazon device can handle with DTS. Unless that has changed, it is what stopped me from getting a Fire TV. The NP handles DTS just fine.

        • mathew42 on 10/04/2015 - 16:35

          Try RasPlex - The Plex Home Theater port for the Raspberry Pi mini computer. Under $50 and if you have kids, Kano is worth a look.

    • snuke on 10/04/2015 - 15:24
      +1

      I have an NP, I have uninstalled Plex because even with direct play selected, it still tries to get the server to transode. My NAS can re-mux, but does not have the grunt to transcode.
      Instead I have loaded Kodi, which I must say as a lifetime Plex Pass purchaser, I prefer Kodi in every way expect the initial setup to index titles. It is also more fiddly to set a central library instead of just a local one.

      With Plex, Kodi, YouTube, Netflix etc… it can all be used via iOS & Android apps, either with actual apps that have controllers, or via casting.

  • kapone on 10/04/2015 - 15:09
    +3

    I think many people would be better off going an Amazon Fire TV Stick. Picked up one yesterday from eBay for under $100. Doesn't need a phone to work, and apparently is one of the best platforms for XBMC/Kodi.

    Plus don't need to worry about device enforced DNS settings like with Chromecast devices.

    http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-W87CUN-Fire-TV-Stick/dp/B00GDQ0…
    http://kodi.wiki/view/Amazon_Fire_TV_Stick

    • MrFunSocks on 10/04/2015 - 15:15

      Can vouch for the FireTV Stick, I use Kodi on it every day.

      They're only USD$39, so if you just use one of those third party shipping companies (they order and get shipped to them, then ship to you) you should be able to get one for <$70 even with our terrible exchange rate. I used PriceUSA and can't recommend them enough.

      • kapone on 10/04/2015 - 17:19

        Maybe I should have shopped around a few shipping companies. I looked at one and the shipping was going to bring it to close to $100.

        • snuke on 10/04/2015 - 17:23

          Comgateway cost me USD $30.51 to get the nexus player over here.

          There are no DNS issues with the NP.

    • SteveAndBelle on 10/04/2015 - 15:19

      But the FireTV Stick has no ethernet either… or am I wrong? Can the FireTV Stick accept an OTG LAN Adaptor? The normal FireTV looks great but not for twice as much money as this 'Nexus Player & OTG' hack/solution.

    • snuke on 10/04/2015 - 15:27

      As above, Amazons devices can't handle DTS audio, so that is a deal breaker for many including myself.

      • ozblogger on 10/04/2015 - 18:41

        Have a Fire Tv running Kodi 14.2 - DTS passthrough no problems

        • snuke on 10/04/2015 - 20:12

          Great hear, all reports had it that it wouldn't do that. An Android issue apparently. If only it had an IR receiver I would just get one.

          Will Netflix output 5.1? The NP Netflix app will only do stereo.

  • belbo on 10/04/2015 - 15:30

    Interesting post. I have also wondered about a wired chromecast - but I don't understand the cost / benefit if you already have chromecasts that are currently handling your content over wifi. This thing is more than 3x the cost of a chromecast. Why not wait until you actually have problems over wifi - you may never - streaming bitrate of HD video isn't THAT high - and when/ if you do there will probably be better, cheaper products on the market.

    (BTW - I have ethernet at home too and an AC wifi router (Nighthawk). Have a server machine with multiple tv tuners in the garage running mythtv, plex server and storing all tv recordings, tv shows, movies, music. Each room has a chromecast (currently using mainly for Netflix but also google music, looking at our photos etc) and a micro itx as frontends for mythtv and xbmc access to the server media - which could be on a rasbpi or similar cheap solution if not for mythtv deinterlacing requirements and wife's preference for a device with a dvd drive so she can play a dvd if she wants to or the other options are down for some reason.)

    • SteveAndBelle on 10/04/2015 - 15:47

      All very good points but you see I'm a tinkerer from way back so cost/benefit basically goes out the window on a lot of things I hack. OzBargain deals help me save money so I can then blow it on silly stuff like this ;)

      • belbo on 10/04/2015 - 15:59
        +2

        Fair enough - can't argue with that. Whether OzBargain helps us save money or spend more money buying things we wouldn't have otherwise is the million $ question.

    • snuke on 10/04/2015 - 16:16

      I have had 3 Chromecasts, still have one, and in all cases they have been next to useless for me. They have all struggled to offer a decent connection, while only been 4m from the router, which is around a corner with no door, so line of site is through two walls. The NP which is in a worse location for WiFi has never had any issue when connected via WiFi. It will direct play everything with Kodi installed an pass through 5.1 sound to the receiver.

      • SteveAndBelle on 10/04/2015 - 16:28

        This is very interesting as I've read similar complaints from other OzBargainers however I've never had a connectivity problem with any of my Chromecasts nor the many I've helped setup for friends & family. I have noticed very small glitches in both audio & video when I'm purposely pushing all Chromecasts hard while streaming different high-ish def material to all simultaneously (hence the desire to go copper) but I've never had any other issues… and I'm just running cheap TP-Link 'N' WAPs in a few places around the house!

        • snuke on 10/04/2015 - 17:03

          The NP is decent, but not great. I wouldn't buy one again based on how I use it. I use a Harmony 650 universal remote, so I had to ad a IR receiver. It works, but it takes a while for the unit to wake up to commands after not being used overnight. Once it does wake up, it's all good.
          The WiFi dropping issue is annoying, it can then also forget the wifi password and static IP settings. If you do end up with a decent USB to Ethernet adapter then it should be much better.
          Plex has a nice layout, but the lack of direct play and not being able to delete an item after watching are real killers for me. Kodi works far better, is easy as hell to install, and will direct play.
          Netflix being stereo only until Netflix fix the app is annoying.

          With all the negatives, I still like it overall, but it could be so much better. All that said, I still haven't found something else I like that also doesn't have it share of issues too.

        • Trishool on 13/04/2015 - 12:44
          +1

          @snuke: Please also note that the Chromecast has a single Wireless N antenna (2.4Ghz only) while the Nexus Player uses dual MIMO wireless AC.

          Chromecast: https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/3046409?hl=en-A…

          Nexus Player: https://support.google.com/androidtv/answer/6123321?hl=en

          You pay what you get for :-P

  • snuke on 10/04/2015 - 15:38
    +1

    For OTG cable, I can recommend these mutli input ones - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/For-Galaxy-S5-S4-S3-Table-Micro-U…

    It helps you have USB to Ethernet, and Infrared receiver if you wish (I have one) and then any other USB devise such as a drive or mouse.

    BEWARE that not all USB to Ethernet adapters are the same, or will work. This comes down to drivers. I have tried 3, one is useless and I am stuck with, the other is Apples one, doesn’t work, so retuned. I currently have Kogans USB 3 to Ethernet adapter. It does work however the throughout is lower than my WiFi (tested via Speedtest App). It seems that USB 2 to Ethernet will have the best results. All those that were recommended were around $40.

    WiFi on the NP can be patchy. That is to say it can drop out. I am not alone with this issue, there are several reports on it in a few forums. I have the USB to Ethernet as a backup, if the WiFi drops out, I still have a connection. Some have said the 2.4GHz is more stable than 5GHz, I have not tested this yet.
    Via WiFi (N)I have no issue in playing back 18GB MKVs

    Netflix on the NP is only in Stereo, not 5.1. This is Netflix’s issue, they need to fix their App.

    Kodi works very well, and it is my normal interface with the NP. Plex will not direct play even when chosen, Kodi will.

    My WD TV while a million times slower will still handle local playback better than the NP. Every now and then the NP will hang, as does the WD, but the WD never does it during playback.

  • bargaino on 10/04/2015 - 17:23

    success using generic MicroUSB OTG LAN Adaptors

    This is not specific to the Nexus player. Any Android media player device should be able to do the same.

  • gizmomelb on 10/04/2015 - 18:13

    or something like a Tronsmart Orion RK3288 android media player.. which has gigabit ethernet, 2.4GHz b/g/n wireless, bluetooth 4.0, HDMI 2.0 and SPDIF optical audio output for $99 USD (free shipping).

    http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Tronsmart-Orion-R28-Pro-RK328…

    forgot to mention, it runs Android 4.4 and has XBMC / Kodi installed (this guide might also be useful - http://www.cnx-software.com/2015/04/08/how-to-easily-install… )

    • snuke on 10/04/2015 - 20:16

      How is that with Netflix? I have not found an Android box outside of the NP and Fire TV that will output 1080P on Netflix. They are all 720P or 480P.

      Edit, Google told me. Like the others, no 1080P Netflix. Deal breaker for me.

  • silverx on 10/04/2015 - 21:37

    Why not roku? For 150 dollar you could have roku 3 delivered using mail forwarder

    • snuke on 10/04/2015 - 22:58

      Because then you are basically stuck with Plex as your media player. It has far too many restrictions and limitations associated with it.
      I had a Roku 3, sent it back for a refund after a few weeks of use with a lot of headaches.

    • SteveAndBelle on 12/04/2015 - 12:32

      Can the Roku be used for light gaming?

  • bosanceros on 10/04/2015 - 23:20

    So does Amazon fire tv play plex direct with dts pass through?

  • rokkz on 11/04/2015 - 04:54

    Why not get a Roku 3? , hardwired, chrome cast builtin and voice search on the new units.

    • SteveAndBelle on 12/04/2015 - 12:31

      As below, I didn't buy the Nexus Player for games but I'm actually really enjoying the 'light gaming' it offers far more than expected. Not sure if any other 'Media Player' can offer the gaming the Nexus Player can as I've never really investigated it as I never thought I'd enjoy it this much. All I need now is to pay someone to mow the grass while I continue to play games :P

      • rokkz on 12/04/2015 - 18:48

        Np but appears to be overlooked.

        Ruko 3

        Games
        Chromecast built in
        Mirroring
        Hardwired ethernet
        Optic out
        Voice search across multiple SERVICES
        Has the following services plex hulu plus. Netflex youtube hbo etc

        Plus wireless remote. With headphones
        Native roku phone remote

        Headphone plug into wireless remote with volume on remote.

        $99 usd

        • snuke on 12/04/2015 - 21:26

          As per my reply to the exact same question posted before yours. It does have issues and restrictions. I sent mine back because of it. Thought I may get one again, then re-read my issues again (Whirlpool post) and remembered what a nightmare it was with the restrictions.
          It's a great simple unit, but the restrictions and issues I had were simply unacceptable. The NP is also not ideal.

        • rokkz on 12/04/2015 - 21:56

          @snuke:

          Restrictions? I have had mine for 1 year and setup another 3 with zero problems.

  • bosanceros on 11/04/2015 - 19:52
    +1

    The Samsung Smart TV 7000 I own has a Plex app and supports direct stream with HD video and dts passthrough. I wanted to buy something like a nexus player but what's the point, for my needs the TV has everything I need. Not worth it spending over $100 for a better looking UI.

    • SteveAndBelle on 12/04/2015 - 12:28
      +1

      Hit the nail on the head here. It's all about what the individual needs. I'm still running an 7 year old Full-HD 52" Panasonic Plasma and it's still working perfectly so there's no point for me to replace it at this stage. $40 Chromecasts or this Nexus Player breathe new life into it quickly & easily but I have to admit, I'm actually really enjoying the 'light gaming' the Nexus Player offers. I don't have the time for hardcore gaming so having instant access to these slick 'lighter' games without the need to buy a console etc. is a far better feature than I had originally expected! This does mean that I'm now hunting around for decent BT Gamepads to suit it though because the ASUS ones are very expensive ($70-$100).

  • snuke on 21/04/2015 - 10:17
    +1

    Aus sales start next week for $129, good price.
    http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/04/google-nexus-player-finall…

    • SteveAndBelle on 21/04/2015 - 10:36

      Excellent update Snuke, cheers! I'm liking the Nexus Player a lot and it has only struggled once or twice when under big Wifi load however I'm still waiting patiently for my OTG LAN cable to arrive as I hope that'll be the icing on the cake.

  • SteveAndBelle on 24/04/2015 - 18:44

    Received the aforementioned OTG LAN & USB Adaptor today, came home, connected it to my wired network and booted it up. It instantly connected to the LAN and automatically added it to the network options, brilliant! I can change that back to Wireless if I want to but I think I'll be cruising with copper from now on :)

    Now onto playing media from USB memory via the OTG Adaptor…

    • snuke on 24/04/2015 - 19:32

      What one did you get? Install speed test and see the results of this vs wifi, for me and my Kogan USB to Ethernet adapter, WiFi is faster.

      FYI ES File Explorer will no longer install on a NP.

      • SteveAndBelle on 24/04/2015 - 20:21

        The OTG Adaptor is the one I mentioned in the original post: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251774239717?_trksid=p2057872.m27… It came in a Samsung box and at first I thought it was just a knock-off but when I opened it I found a tiny yet thick booklet about the size of a box of matches which makes me think it could well be a genuine Samsung item. Either way it seems to work perfectly so I'm not too bothered.

        Yeah, very quickly realised ES File Explorer can't be installed plus it seems they've blocked a lot of other stuff too as I can't even install Speed Test the usual ways. Looks like I may have to sideload them but tonight is the only time I have to play around with this as I'm busy/away for the next week.

        The above hurdles aren't really a problem for me as all I wanted was a hard-wired Chromecast and that's what I've ended up with. It works very very nicely and is a cinch for the wife to figure out so it definitely passes the easy-to-use test. Big pity they've decided to lock the unit up as it'll just force everyone to create work-arounds. Oh well, I'm sure something far better will be released within a few months and for half the price so no big deal. Chromecast 2 may just be exactly what the doctor ordered!

        • snuke on 24/04/2015 - 21:46

          Speedtest has to be sideloaded, which is hard now the ES isn't loading. I just emailed the devs for ES to let them know, they are looking into it.

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