Need advice on Media Streaming TV Setup

donkeydoc on 11/04/2019 - 08:53

Hi OzBargainers,

I'm having some difficulty in deciding what's the easiest media streaming set up at home.

At the moment I have my laptop hooked up to my TV, but I'd like something standalone that has more capabilities than Google Chrome/Smart TV.

I'm looking for a device that can do the following:
* Store Media Files
* Use utorrent
* Use AceStream (live P2P streaming program)
* Be able to Cast to from Android phone
* Receive DTV

Is there any HTPC setup with an OS that suits these capabilities?
Would Nvidia TV be my best option?

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • frondono on 11/04/2019 - 09:03

    Nuc or a shield? maybe intel compute card…

  • macrocephalic on 11/04/2019 - 09:15
    +1

    Just buy one of the refurb desktops that you see on here all time for about $250, and plug it into your tv. Get a wireless mouse and keyboard.

  • trankillity on 11/04/2019 - 09:27
    +1

    I use a combination of devices to achieve what you're looking for. Shield TV for all the streaming (and old game system emulation), and a Synology NAS for hosting of all files. The NAS also runs my Plex server and operates as a download box.

    But seeing as how you have a few very niche use cases, you would likely be best off building your own HTPC solution. Definitely won't have the best user experience, but will get the job done.

  • Bid Sniper on 11/04/2019 - 09:48
    +2

    What TV do you have?

    Samsung- Plex app
    Andriod (Sony) - Plex or Kodi app

    If no, then a dumpster Dell PC is fine. Large drive, wirelss keyboard and IR remote if you want. Run Kodi

  • donkeydoc on 11/04/2019 - 10:59

    Thanks for your inputs! I'll look into kodi and plex and see what hardware options are available!

    • Bid Sniper on 11/04/2019 - 15:02

      With Plex its more tricky as you need to setup the Plex server on a PC, then TV as a client. eg laptop as a plex server then TV client connect wirelessly to media on laptop. I use a NUC for utorrent and as a Plex server, then use plex client on my QLED Samsung TV. its 4w power consumption, so leave it on 24/7. Any server you decide on have power consumption in mind.

      Id prefer Kodi, can simply map a hard drive attached to your network router (via USB).

      • donkeydoc on 11/04/2019 - 16:24

        Can you recommend a device to run Kodi? Was leaning towards a HTPC with Kodibuntu with the Plex addon, your thoughts?

        • Bid Sniper on 11/04/2019 - 22:16

          Bravia TV did a great job running it IMO.

          HTPC depends on what else you going to use it for. Amd depends on what you habe om hand.

  • spackbace on 11/04/2019 - 11:44

    I use the home pc for torrent and storage, playback on main TV is all through an Xbox One using plex. I grabbed the Xbox one tv tuner and use that for FTA. Chromecast to stream on another TV

    • spackbace on 11/04/2019 - 14:58

      Woohoo my neg vote ghosts are out in force, using their 5 votes today lol

      • Bid Sniper on 11/04/2019 - 15:03

        plus vote from me, there needs to be balance in the universe. but i think your setup is a bit cumbersome.

        • spackbace on 11/04/2019 - 15:06

          Cheers lol
          Use the Xbox One for many things, gaming included, so for me it's a 1-stop-shop media player/gaming machine. Gaming/Plex/Netflix/Youtube/FTA, all controlled by Logitech Harmony remote, and all sound goes straight to my amp :)

          • Bid Sniper on 11/04/2019 - 15:13
            +2

            @spackbace: If you use it thats fine.

            I love my old Sony Android TV before it died. Can run all the apps to do the above, run retro arch and other emulators (all consoles up to PS2). All controlled by PS4 controller with native support. No cord no boxes or BS.

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