Andriod tv box vs Media player

[tech_oasis]

Currently considering to purchase either an andriod tv box or media player and looking at the pros and cons of each. Just got a Synology 214se and hope to link it up with the media box for viewing videos. Need to have fast boot up and clean user interface.

Android tv box

Multi function and able to explore installing different apps. Cheaper compared to media box. Hit or miss for user interface.

Media player

Had good experience with Asus oplay but no ability to connect to network. Considering getting a WD player live. Cost a bit more but usually have better user interface.

Others streaming player
Xiaomi tv box. Previously tried them and very slow video stream for china tv programs, some don't event work. Not sure if if it interface well with NAS.

Care to recommend?

(btw i got a typo on my poll placed xiaomi under andriod)

 

[surefire888]

I hv tried android boxes (minix n many others), media players (ac ryan, zinwell etc) and htpc - at the end, my preference is htpc for the extreme flexibility. With htpc, u can run xbmc (not possible with most media players), download chrome apps, use browser, stream videos etc. It can also be upgraded easily - say, to support 4k in the future

Used to be that htpcs were large and ugly but nowadays there are also many small units like the NUCs, Brixs, Zotacs etc. For fast bootup, use an ssd. If u dont want full Windows, can run openelec, xbmcbuntu or any other linux flavour

 

[tech_oasis]

I hv tried android boxes (minix n many others), media players (ac ryan, zinwell etc) and htpc - at the end, my preference is htpc for the extreme flexibility. With htpc, u can run xbmc (not possible with most media players), download chrome apps, use browser, stream videos etc. It can also be upgraded easily - say, to support 4k in the future

Used to be that htpcs were large and ugly but nowadays there are also many small units like the NUCs, Brixs, Zotacs etc. For fast bootup, use an ssd. If u dont want full Windows, can run openelec, xbmcbuntu or any other linux flavour

Thanks for the advice. I spent some time looking small units you suggested. They look NICE! Will put me back about ~$400 to get one though, looking at something around 100 plus.

Thanks

 

[surefire888]

Thanks for the advice. I spent some time looking small units you suggested. They look NICE! Will put me back about ~$400 to get one though, looking at something around 100 plus.

Thanks

I forgot to mention another that caught my eye at the recent PC show - the Asus VivoPC.

There are 2 models VM42 ($399) and VM62 ($799) - slightly cheaper at the last PC show. Good thing about the Asus models is that u can fit EITHER a single 3.5" HDD OR 2 x 2.5" SSD/HDD. Most other small form factor PCs only allow u to fit a single 2.5" drive. Personally, i prefer to set up my own SFF PCs but otherwise, the Asus would be on top of my list

For $100+, the closest i can think of is the Zotac ID18 which i bgt for $180 (but without ram or hdd) but i think either an android box or media player would be more feasible. Between the 2, an Android box would give you more flexibility - some can even run XBMC

 

[tech_oasis]

I forgot to mention another that caught my eye at the recent PC show - the Asus VivoPC.

There are 2 models VM42 ($399) and VM62 ($799) - slightly cheaper at the last PC show. Good thing about the Asus models is that u can fit EITHER a single 3.5" HDD OR 2 x 2.5" SSD/HDD. Most other small form factor PCs only allow u to fit a single 2.5" drive. Personally, i prefer to set up my own SFF PCs but otherwise, the Asus would be on top of my list

For $100+, the closest i can think of is the Zotac ID18 which i bgt for $180 (but without ram or hdd) but i think either an android box or media player would be more feasible. Between the 2, an Android box would give you more flexibility - some can even run XBMC

I did saw it while window shopping and the box looks nice and it's Asus Throw in and SSD most system will add up to about $400+. Seems like most box are based on 阿里YunOS, this isn't android right? Come to think of isn't Xiaomi interface is based on android?

 

[surefire888]

I did saw it while window shopping and the box looks nice and it's Asus Throw in and SSD most system will add up to about $400+. Seems like most box are based on 阿里YunOS, this isn't android right? Come to think of isn't Xiaomi interface is based on android?

Have not come across that OS. But yes, i believe Xiaomi is based on Android. I have the Xiaomi phone and it is def android-based. There is a thread here on the Xiaomi box - u can find out more there

 

[Rogue]

Currently, the most value for money mini-PC is currently Alienware Alpha. Alienware -> value, Surprise? lol.

Alienware Alpha | Dell

The important portion, it uses 860m GPU instead of Intel HD. Thus significantly improves 3D gaming and video playback performance.

Secondary portion , it comes with OS, HDD, and RAM. So you don't need to buy them separately.

Pity it's US only for now, you can try buying and shipping it. Take note of the power supply voltage and it uses an external power brick...

Added a video link showing how to replace parts
http://www.gamespot.com/videos/how-to-easily-upgrade-the-alienware-alpha/2300-6421859/

That's comparison to the other pre-built mini-PC kits like NUC, BRIX, etc. They tend to come bare-bone ...

 

[surefire888]

Currently, the most value for money mini-PC is currently Alienware Alpha. Alienware -> value, Surprise? lol.

Alienware Alpha | Dell

The important portion, it uses 860m GPU instead of Intel HD. Thus significantly improves 3D gaming and video playback performance.

Secondary portion , it comes with OS, HDD, and RAM. So you don't need to buy them separately.

Pity it's US only for now, you can try buying and shipping it.

That's comparison to the other pre-built mini-PC kits like NUC, BRIX, etc. They tend to come bare-bone ...

Interesting! Yes, Dell has some pretty good deals in the US - my bro bgt the Dell 8" Windows tablet for only US$99!

 

[Rogue]

Intel's Compute Stick puts Windows 8.1 on your TV for $149

USB sized PC... Install XBMC or whatever media software and you are good to go.

Not for gaming though, but should be able to Steam stream games from your main PC.

But best to wait for reviews.

Availability during march/april.

Cheaper version -> http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box/pp_128507.html called Meegopad

 

[Rogue]

Just an update on Alienware alpha in Singapore.

Price gouging to the max !

1700 freaking singapore dollars !!!

In US, you can get one for 500 USD or about 700 singapore dollars or the highest end version(i7 4765T Intel CPU) is about 850 USD or about 1190 singapore dollars.

Recommendation? Avoid at all cost in Singapore. lol.

 

[Streetwise]

Maybe look at Minix Z64? It have two versions....android or Windows.

 

[VaVroom1]

What about asus chromebox? How does it compare to android tv box?

 

[audeze]

I personally prefer using a Windows-based mini-pc for eg NUC, Brix , Zotac or Asus. Prices are not much higher (the HP Stream Mini will prob be launched at below$200). With these, you have much more flexibility on usage plus proper HD audio passthrough

 

[audeze]

What about asus chromebox? How does it compare to android tv box?

When it was selling at $339, it made no sense buying it when you could get a full Win 8.1 Asus VM42 for only a bit more at $399. But at the recent PC Show, they were off-loading the Chromebox at only $199 which made it a lot more attractive. In the end, I personally opted to get the VM42 (bargained for $380) for the additional flexibility - Win 8.1, Dual-bay drive, etc.

You can check out the Kodi forum - there's a very useful thread discussing the use of the Chromebox for Kodi. You will need to get your hands dirty to make some slight modifications but nothing too difficult