RASPBERRY Pi 2

[jchoong]

RASPBERRY Pi 2 & 3

I have always been intrigued by the ultra lowcost Raspberry Pi, which is a very basic bare-bones PC on a small board. Recently the Pi 2 was launched in the US and priced at US$35 - same as the original Pi. Microsoft has said it will release a version of Windows 10 for the Pi 2 - free of charge! Below is a very nice overview of the Pi 2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeOeXao78MU

As I am a fan of KODI (formerly XBMC) - video streaming online - I decided to purchase a Pi 2. I went to the internet to do an online purchase and was surprised that I could order one from a local company (RS Singapore) for a total price of about S$50, inclusive of GST. It will be despatched to me in about a week's time - in time for CNY holidays! Below is a brief video clip to show KODI running on the Pi 2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq0u_1MO8qE

Come join me to explore the power (at a very low cost) of the new Raspberry Pi 2.

 

[jchoong]

Here is a video tutorial on how to install OpenElec/Kodi onto the Pi 2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DANttzEeq44

And below is the installation if you are using a Windows PC:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSLZCNkBI4I

 

[Rogue]

Remember to buy a teko case ...

 

[weeza77]

I have always been intrigued by the ultra lowcost Raspberry Pi, which is a very basic bare-bones PC on a small board. Recently the Pi 2 was launched in the US and priced at US$35 - same as the original Pi. Microsoft has said it will release a version of Windows 10 for the Pi 2 - free of charge! Below is a very nice overview of the Pi 2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeOeXao78MU

As I am a fan of KODI (formerly XBMC) - video streaming online - I decided to purchase a Pi 2. I went to the internet to do an online purchase and was surprised that I could order one from a local company (RS Singapore) for a total price of about S$50, inclusive of GST. It will be despatched to me in about a week's time - in time for CNY holidays! Below is a brief video clip to show KODI running on the Pi 2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq0u_1MO8qE

Come join me to explore the power (at a very low cost) of the new Raspberry Pi 2.

Bro, how many tv boxes do you have now?

 

[jchoong]

Bro, how many tv boxes do you have now?

Ha! Ha! ... lost count! It has become a hobby and I have been giving away my old tv boxes to family members and close friends. Its wonderful to ride along with technology to enjoy its capability - and its affordable too!

 

[jchoong]

Remember to buy a teko case ...

Yes, I have ordered a very cheap box (for the Pi B+ which will also fit the Pi 2) from China (Ali Express). Its only a few dollars and it will get delivered to your home. Wow!

 

[Epi_curean]

I have a couple of the older Raspberry pi rev b. am I able to combine them both for purpose of running Kodi or Plex Home Theater?

 

[jchoong]

I don't use Flex Home Theatre; I believe it is very similar to KODI - Flex uses "channels" and Kodi uses "add-ons". Kodi is more popular because of its very large availability of "add-ons".

OpenElec is the way to go and it is available for both Kodi and Flex. Since you have a few Pi B, why don't you set one up for Kodi, and another separately for Flex?

 

[lockweld]

Compare to Raspberry Pi B model vs Raspberry Pi 2, is the performance bump significant when running Kodi?

 

[jchoong]

Quote....."the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B is six times faster than the previous model and now boasts 1GB of RAM to run bigger and more powerful projects".

 

[jchoong]

I just found Element 14 in SG where you can get all your Raspberry devices and accessories.

http://sg.element14.com/raspberry-pi-accessories?ICID=ap-rpi-2-hwb&CMP=KNC-GOO-COM-RPI

 

[jchoong]

Last week I placed an online order with RS Singapore for a Raspberry Pi 2; but they are on back-order. Yesterday I ordered another one from Element 14 in Spore, as it appears (on their website anyway) that they have stocks on-hand for delivery.

I have already prepared 2 micro-SD cards (Class 10) - one for OpenElec KODI, and another for RasPlex.

Update: I just received order confirmation from Element 14, and the Pi 2 will only be delivered Mar 9. When I ordered online, system showed that the item was instock!

 

[weeza77]

Waiting for your review.. If you're kind enough can you pls check whether Kodi will passthrough DD/DTS 5.1 or better still DD TrueHD/DTS-MA... Thanks

 

[jchoong]

Sorry I won't be able to answer your specific questions as I don't use any pass-through. My box will go straight to the TV via HDMI, and that's it; no external speakers or audio enhancements.

 

[rainbatt]

Thanks for the update. Can go down and buy direct instead of waiting for delivery?

 

[jchoong]

I got a pleasant surprise today; the Pi 2 was delivered by Element 14 - way ahead of schedule.

Yes, you can order and self collect.

Edit: I also ordered the 5V. 2A power plug from Element 14 and this is of excellent quality. It includes 3 pcs of different adapters for other countries.

 

[jchoong]

I just ran up NOOBS from a 16GB Class 10 micro-SD, and installed Raspbian (Debian) and OpenElec Kodi. Very impressed with the Pi 2's capabilities!

 

[rainbatt]

I got a pleasant surprise today; the Pi 2 was delivered by Element 14 - way ahead of schedule.

Yes, you can order and self collect.

Edit: I also ordered the 5V. 2A power plug from Element 14 and this is of excellent quality. It includes 3 pcs of different adapters for other countries.

Can share the link to the power plug?

 

[lockweld]

Quote....."the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B is six times faster than the previous model and now boasts 1GB of RAM to run bigger and more powerful projects".

Yes i know that, but i want real life usage not some quote off their site. I believe u already have it running Kodi? Any pause when you navigate the menus?

 

[jchoong]

Can share the link to the power plug?

T5454DV - STONTRONICS - PSU, RASPBERRY PI, 5V, 2A, MICRO USB INT | element14 Singapore