I currently have an old Win7 notebook running PIA connected to my TV. Its controlled by a Logitech keyboard (USB dongle). Its uses are torrent browse and download, media storage (external HDD), media player (Kodi) and it also shares media on the home network. Because of its age it struggles with any movie over 1Gig. Would an Android box be able to perform the same functions and if so, what would be a good one (<$100) to look at? Or should I just buy a new notebook?
Android Box for Home Entertainment
LOzimodo on 03/11/2017 - 12:58
Comments
And it works with PIA and torrents too?
You can use PIA with it, you just need to install a VPN addon.
https://seo-michael.co.uk/vpn-manager-for-openvpn-openelec-k…
Xiaomi Mi Box is Android TV, load on Kodi or Plex and it'll play anything. Deals often posted for it around $80
I used an Rpi3 for Kodi media streaming and have a Synology NAS with SMB shares which it connects to.
I think you're pushing a little hard to get the Rpi3 to do all the tasks you want, suggest you get a NAS or buy two Rpi3 and use one for streaming and the other for media sharing.
Or i could keep the existing pc for downloading and storage, and get an Rpi3 for playback. That could work.
I would do that but IMO there's plenty of more convenient devices for a Plex or Kodi client. Xiaomi Mi Box, Roku streaming stick (Plex only), even Chromecast.
Yeh do that!
Think I'll go the Mi Box and point Kodi at the network share. Thanks all
Raspberry Pi Model 3, put on Openelec (Kodi backend) and you're laughing. You can easily pick one up for well under $100. I've seen some deals around recently for them too.
My rPi3 plays 1080p 50fps x264 files with absolutely no problem. It can also handle x265 encodes up to about 720p before it overheats (this could be alleviated with cooling attachment)