Which Media Streamer for me

[2canSAM]

My needs are pretty basic but just now diving into the world of media streamers. I use an HTPC for main viewing and it is running Plex for local Media. Running Windows 8.1 and has the Netflix app and a custom launcher for PrimeVideo. The metro interface works really well for that type of setup. I am looking for a streaming device that will support the following. Thanks for any feedback.

***Requirements***
1. Netflix
2. Amazon PrimeVideo
3. Plex or DLNA support for Local Media Playback
4. YouTube

***Would Like to Have***
1. USB playback
2. Backlit remote
3. Support for an old Analog TV

 

[poofyhairguy]

Hmm. Your requirements are easily met, an Amazon FireTV stick could do all that for $40.

But your like to haves? Eeeeeeee

-Usb playback is somewhat achieved on a new Roku, but it doesn't support as many formats as some players do.

-I don't know of any mainstream boxes with a backlit remote. Something like a Roku will take IR signals though, which means you can use a backlit Logitech Harmony like the tech gods intended.

-Analog TV? As in not HDMI? You will have to get some sort of HDMI adaptor, which can be hit or miss. All new boxes come with HDMI out.

 

[2canSAM]

Hmm. Your requirements are easily met, an Amazon FireTV stick could do all that for $40.

But your like to haves? Eeeeeeee

-Usb playback is somewhat achieved on a new Roku, but it doesn't support as many formats as some players do.

-I don't know of any mainstream boxes with a backlit remote. Something like a Roku will take IR signals though, which means you can use a backlit Logitech Harmony like the tech gods intended.

-Analog TV? As in not HDMI? You will have to get some sort of HDMI adaptor, which can be hit or miss. All new boxes come with HDMI out.

Thanks man. I ended up picking up the Amazon FireStick last night and so far works well for what I need. Also allowed me to justify the purchase of a new TV to replace the old workhorse CRT TV in the office.

 

[JeffMD]

I like my firestick for my plex setup quite a bit as far as its footprint vs experience

... I do still wish I could find something that can play high end 264 streams like level 50+. Almost nothing is streamed and all has to be transcoded, but otherwise works well.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I like my firestick for my plex setup quite a bit as far as its footprint vs experience

... I do still wish I could find something that can play high end 264 streams like level 50+. Almost nothing is streamed and all has to be transcoded, but otherwise works well.

Hey that's the point of Plex though, transcoding takes away any sort of guessing. You need a real PC, a Shield TV or a Pi to avoid transcoding in the middle.

 

[JeffMD]

Hey that's the point of Plex though, transcoding takes away any sort of guessing. You need a real PC, a Shield TV or a Pi to avoid transcoding in the middle.

Pi can only do 4.1 in hardware though. I can't find any hard testing but I see hi10 is still out of the picture for it.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Pi can only do 4.1 in hardware though. I can't find any hard testing but I see hi10 is still out of the picture for it.

Yeah it can't do Hi10 or anything HEVC really.

Where the Pi(s) excell is with the codec pack it can natively play anything you get off of a Blu Ray- VC1, high bitrate 4.1, high bitrate MPEG2, interlaced content. It can also match the display to the framerate perfectly. It really is great if all of your sources are Blu Ray rips. A LOT of Android boxes choke on VC1.

 

[npaladin-2000]

The Fire stick is OK but I would have gone Roku instead. Some actually are available with SD connectors.

If you really want the mother of all streamers though, you want a SHIELD Android TV, or you want to build a dedicated PC.

 

[JeffMD]

npal, roku hardware is pretty crappy, and it is a custom linux OS. Fire stick at least will run the android version of any media apps you want to use like plex and kodi, and runs at a decent clip. Shield is definitely the mother of all streamers, but is more then 3x the cost. Also it looks like he quickly replaced his analog tv. The roku you are suggesting is first generation only.

 

[npaladin-2000]

npal, roku hardware is pretty crappy, and it is a custom linux OS. Fire stick at least will run the android version of any media apps you want to use like plex and kodi, and runs at a decent clip. Shield is definitely the mother of all streamers, but is more then 3x the cost. Also it looks like he quickly replaced his analog tv. The roku you are suggesting is first generation only.

Plex is available for Roku as well...and Roku can get away with such crappy hardware because their OS is so light. Fire, on the other hand, is an Amazon-corrupted version of Android, so why not just get the real thing and go with a Nexus Player or SHIELD? Besides' the Fire stick's hardware is pretty crappy too.