Help me cut the cord for as little money as possible

[murphy55d]

Long story short, our DirecTV contract is up soon, and we are seriously considering cutting the cord from any provider. Almost everything we watch is off our DVR, nothing live except Steelers games, which I do know i will need an OTA tuner for. And with the NFL season coming to a close, by the time we do cut the cord, I won't have to worry about that until fall again.

That being said, I want to be able to use Plex, Netflix, Hulu, etc on our downstairs TV, with my receiver. Non-HDMI receiver.

What's the cheapest way to do all that? I do have a PS3 which I run all that off of now, but had planned on moving it upstairs to our bedroom to replace the DirecTV box we have there now. Wondering then, is a dedicated PC the best choice? Maybe another PS3? I don't want to spend $500 building a mega HTPC, just enough to do all that. My desktop now is only a Phenom with an older GeForce. Maybe move it downstairs and build a new desktop on the cheap?

Also if this is the wrong forum let me know. Its kind of OT/HTPC/Home A-V all in one.

Thanks!!


Edit: Would something like this work? If it runs android, can't I just install Netflix, Plex and Hulu apps on here from the Play Store and have it do everything?

http://www.amazon.com/Matricom-G-Bo...7451_1_24?s=tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1418656006&sr=1-24

 

[poofyhairguy]

If what you want is streaming stuff like Netflix, Plex and Hulu then a dedicated box like a Roku is the best bet over a HTPC. The streaming quality is actually better sometime on the dedicated boxes than a computer, because those apps get a lot of use and therefore a lot of development support. The app quality on a Roku 3 should be comparable or better than what you are used to on a PS3. Roku is the cord cutters best friend.

With that said, the Roku 3 (and 2 I think) has only HDMI outs. Something like this could split off the sound from the HDMI:

http://www.amazon.com/Panlong%C2%AE-.../dp/B00ISQ8VB8

 

[murphy55d]

If what you want is streaming stuff like Netflix, Plex and Hulu then a dedicated box like a Roku is the best bet over a HTPC. The streaming quality is actually better sometime on the dedicated boxes than a computer, because those apps get a lot of use and therefore a lot of development support. The app quality on a Roku 3 should be comparable or better than what you are used to on a PS3. Roku is the cord cutters best friend.

With that said, the Roku 3 (and 2 I think) has only HDMI outs. Something like this could split off the sound from the HDMI:

http://www.amazon.com/Panlong%C2%AE-.../dp/B00ISQ8VB8

Well I did look at the Roku3 but the lack of an audio output actually is what made me look elsewhere. I don't want to jump through hoops with converters and adapters which some people say won't decode Netflix and DD+ signals properly. The android box I posted has its own audio output. It would almost be easier though at this point to get a new receiver which actually has HDMI, but the one I have now works just fine.

Does anyone have any experience with those android boxes?


Ok another edit. My TV has digital coax out. If I run the Roku3 to my TV via HDMI, can't I just run the digital coax out to my receiver? Will that work?

 

[Raincity]

Well I did look at the Roku3 but the lack of an audio output actually is what made me look elsewhere. I don't want to jump through hoops with converters and adapters which some people say won't decode Netflix and DD+ signals properly. The android box I posted has its own audio output. It would almost be easier though at this point to get a new receiver which actually has HDMI, but the one I have now works just fine.

Does anyone have any experience with those android boxes?


Ok another edit. My TV has digital coax out. If I run the Roku3 to my TV via HDMI, can't I just run the digital coax out to my receiver? Will that work?

I Doubt it. In my experience, all the TV's that I have owned in the past. The digital output only passes DD5.1 from the TV tuner. HDMI audio sources are down-mixed to 2 channel stereo when outputted through the digital out.

 

[DesiPower]

Well I did look at the Roku3 but the lack of an audio output actually is what made me look elsewhere. I don't want to jump through hoops with converters and adapters which some people say won't decode Netflix and DD+ signals properly. The android box I posted has its own audio output. It would almost be easier though at this point to get a new receiver which actually has HDMI, but the one I have now works just fine.

Does anyone have any experience with those android boxes?


Ok another edit. My TV has digital coax out. If I run the Roku3 to my TV via HDMI, can't I just run the digital coax out to my receiver? Will that work?

Well, there is a thread about chromebox... In my experience, nothing can replace a good old fashioned PC/HTPC running a full blown Windows, the versatility and flexibility is irreplaceable, plus, HULU is FREE!!!

They dont cost $500, you can buy old core two duo PCs for much less, make a few small upgrades and its ready to go! Will blow any "android/chrome box" out of orbit.

 

[murphy55d]

Well, there is a thread about chromebox... In my experience, nothing can replace a good old fashioned PC/HTPC running a full blown Windows, the versatility and flexibility is irreplaceable, plus, HULU is FREE!!!

They dont cost $500, you can buy old core two duo PCs for much less, make a few small upgrades and its ready to go! Will blow any "android/chrome box" out of orbit.

I think honestly this is what I'd prefer to do. i like the idea of the windows environment. Price-depending of course.

Can you point me in the right direction as far as what I'd need spec-wise?

 

[poofyhairguy]

Ok another edit. My TV has digital coax out. If I run the Roku3 to my TV via HDMI, can't I just run the digital coax out to my receiver? Will that work?

Nope, it won't work well probably.

Given everything you have said I throw my full recommendation behind an Amazon FireTV.

It would give you the best access to streaming services, with an optical out.

Unlike some random Android box it has a lot of support. You get a random Android box and its up to YOU to kludge together all those apps in a way that is driven by remote easily. It sucks. With a FireTV Amazon did that for you.

This is one of those times with a clear best answer.

 

[poofyhairguy]

. In my experience, nothing can replace a good old fashioned PC/HTPC running a full blown Windows.

Any pc running windows is going to be an inferior 10 foot experience than something like a Roku or FireTV. Just is, just will be. I have tried for YEARS and you simply CAN'T beat back Windows and computerness enough to make it easy for someone like your mom to just sit down and watch a show with a remote control.

If you are building something for you, sure Windows and a mouse and free Hulu is great. If you want ANY person who is NOT a nerd to use it, the closest I would get to a computer is a Chromebox running Linux.

Windows simply just wants to be a computer, not your personal entertainment appliance. That is what rocks about something like a FireTV- all the apps are right there, in an easy interface, MEANT to be driven by a remote. You can waste days not getting quite there in Windows.

 

[murphy55d]

Nope, it won't work well probably.

Given everything you have said I throw my full recommendation behind an Amazon FireTV.

It would give you the best access to streaming services, with an optical out.

Unlike some random Android box it has a lot of support. You get a random Android box and its up to YOU to kludge together all those apps in a way that is driven by remote easily. It sucks. With a FireTV Amazon did that for you.

This is one of those times with a clear best answer.

FireTV looks interesting. Definitely makes more sense than that Android box or a ROku for my setup. Probably cant put together a PC for that price either.

 

[DesiPower]

This is a $200 PC

Add a $30 - 40 low power video card, something like a GT610, and you are ready to go. Maybe even put a SSD later is performance is slow. For $250 - 300 you are good to go.

You can find more computers from this era for $150 or less, maybe even $100. The memory might be 2GB and OS might be XP... depends on what you are trying to play. I have played BRD ISO on Pentium D systems with a decent video card and I almost had no issues...

 

[murphy55d]

This is a $200 PC

Add a $30 - 40 low power video card, something like a GT610, and you are ready to go. Maybe even put a SSD later is performance is slow. For $250 - 300 you are good to go.

You can find more computers from this era for $150 or less, maybe even $100. The memory might be 2GB and OS might be XP... depends on what you are trying to play. I have played BRD ISO on Pentium D systems with a decent video card and I almost had no issues...

Yeah that is a solid price. I am wondering though if it wouldn't be easier for my wife if I just got the FireTV. If it were just myself I'd go the PC route, now I am wondering if it wouldnt just be easier to do the FireTV for her sake.

 

[poofyhairguy]

FireTV looks interesting. Definitely makes more sense than that Android box or a ROku for my setup.

Pretty awesome little box. Can run XBMC/Kodi pretty well, and has a lot of community support if you want to play local content:

http://kodi.wiki/view/Amazon_Fire_TV

Plus it is actually pretty powerful and could emulate every console up to about the PS2. Oh and Netflix/Hulu/etc. stock.

 

[DesiPower]

Yeah that is a solid price. I am wondering though if it wouldn't be easier for my wife if I just got the FireTV. If it were just myself I'd go the PC route, now I am wondering if it wouldnt just be easier to do the FireTV for her sake.

yap, as someone mentioned above, if other people in your home are accessing these, then definitely PC can be a pita. Go for Fire TV

 

[NutBucket]

Any pc running windows is going to be an inferior 10 foot experience than something like a Roku or FireTV. Just is, just will be. I have tried for YEARS and you simply CAN'T beat back Windows and computerness enough to make it easy for someone like your mom to just sit down and watch a show with a remote control.

If you are building something for you, sure Windows and a mouse and free Hulu is great. If you want ANY person who is NOT a nerd to use it, the closest I would get to a computer is a Chromebox running Linux.

Windows simply just wants to be a computer, not your personal entertainment appliance. That is what rocks about something like a FireTV- all the apps are right there, in an easy interface, MEANT to be driven by a remote. You can waste days not getting quite there in Windows.

Eh, agree to disagree. My HTPC runs Windows Media Center. My wife has no issues watching TV, Netflix and other "acquired" content. Interaction is only with a Logitech Harmony. The only downside, that I know of, is Hulu and Amazon Prime integration is lacking.

I wouldn't say it is flawless but the 10ft experience is great for our usage.

 

[poofyhairguy]

The only downside, that I know of, is Hulu and Amazon Prime integration is lacking.

Yeah, but for someone who is trying to "cut the cord" and isn't planning on loading up on "local content" then not having access via some remote clicks to Hulu or Prime or ESPN3 or Vudu whatever is a deal breaker. That is my point- for most people a set top box will be a better experience.

In my house my wife watches 90% of the tv, and 90% of that is on a computer I built. So it can be done. But it takes HOURS of configuring stuff for setup to get it right (plus you pretty much HAVE TO have a Harmony to pull it off), compared to a FireTV/Roku you plug in and go.

 

[murphy55d]

I know my wife is capable but I also know that if with 1 click, she can go right to Plex, Netflix, or whatever and have it streamlined, it benefits me in the end. I have plenty of "local content" but if FireTV has a Plex app then it's taken care of. She doesn't have any issues doing now with DLNA on the PS3 so this is even easier.

 

[murphy55d]

Oh and just for the record I do appreciate all the input. If/when we do this it's going to be a large change from what we are used to, and we already have a plan b if we don't like it(switch to Dish as a new customer for the big discounts) but I want to try and make this work.

I think the biggest hurdle is going to be live sports but the Steelers are local (ota tuner) and I think I can get NHL GameCenter for the PS3 if I want to watch Red wings games. (I usually get NHL Center Ice)

 

[wtfcowisown]

- Chromecast
- Roku
- Wireless All-In-One Media Keyboard
- Basic HTPC with storage
- Decent internet connection to handle it all
- Hulu Plus
- Netflix
- Plex
- XBMC (If you're into that)

That's all you need

 

[piasabird]

This is what is in the fine print:

*1080p decoded videos are scaled to 720p in XBMC.

Seems like Horse Dung to me.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Seems like Horse Dung to me.

Yeah those ARM boxes "made for XBMC" actually do a VERY poor job of running the software.

The FireTV is the only ARM Kodi box anyone should consider.

 

[Burpo]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GEGFVPS

I added a wireless mini keyboard w/touch pad for greater convenience, and it works best with wired internet.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

- Chromecast
- Roku
- Wireless All-In-One Media Keyboard
- Basic HTPC with storage
- Decent internet connection to handle it all
- Hulu Plus
- Netflix
- Plex
- XBMC (If you're into that)

That's all you need

Or in my situation just do other things besides tv. I have so much to do around the house, or I'll go exercise, etc. I'm not sure why watching tv for hours a day has become an acceptable practice. I mean if that's what someone enjoys then that's fine but imo it's a huge waste of time.

 

[NutBucket]

That is the outcome of dumping pay TV. There's enough OTA when I want to watch TV but otherwise I just do other things.

 

[whoiswes]

We cut the cord about 5 years ago and have been slowly refining our configuration for a while. I'm pretty settled on the following (for our household, this is what works)

HP Microserver running Debian + Plex/Sickbeard/SabNZBD - acts as our media server for movies/downloaded TV.

Upstairs TV has a Roku + Plex. Wife/kids/grandma can all manage this just fine for both local media as well as OTA/Netflix/Amazon/PBSKids. Honestly, the Roku3 + Plex does 99% of what I need out of the box.

Downstairs TV in a semi-dedicated theater has a Chromebox running OpenELEC. Also have a Chromecast hooked up to the receiver for Netflix. I also have a Roku 2 down there but it is hardly used. The Chromebox is great for all of my local media playback and handles everything I throw at it.

Antenna in the attic provides perfect signal for OTA.

Another benefit to the NAS/Plex backend is that all of my mobile devices can stream stuff over uPNP, SMB, or the native Plex app.

The only thing I'm considering adding to the mix is a HDHomeRun for live TV streaming, but honestly, we only watch maybe 1-2 hours of OTA per month.

I know this isn't exactly your scenario, but I wanted to provide feedback as we're pretty happy with how things work. Plex + Roku has been a mainstay for both local and streamed media and there is nothing that our previous digital cable setup provided that we miss, in any way.

 

[SolMiester]

We use Plex and stream to TV via Apple TV3 via Plexconnect. You could also use ATV3 for your Netflix and Hulu!