Update based on all the great feedback I have updated the list below… removed the NVidia and added the amazon fire tv… still looking forward to getting your opinion on this.
Hi I have read some other similar threads but would still like the most up to date suggestions from the community.
I currently have my Plex Media Server on Synology 1812+ and several streamers connected hardwired with a gigabit network (Roku 3, older mac mini, xbox one, apple tv 3 with plexconnect).
I am looking for a new all in one solution for the bedroom that will serve as a mediaplayer for plex, amaxon prime, Netflix and sling tv. I want a plex player that can handle the various large mkv files I throw at it from the sinology without any audio or subtitle issues.
I am currently looking into the following three but am of course open to other suggestions
Roku premiere
apple tv 4
Amazon Fire TV
Anyone have any key suggestions for my set up or on user interface. This would replace the older mac mini which still does its job as a plex player but is slow in starting up etc. compared to some of the more modern streamers.
What I am using today
Synolgy 1815+ NAS as storage.
I3 NUC or the NAS as server.
As players I have 2 shields, Xbox one, ATV4 , and Roku 4.
ATV 4 best picture - fiddly remote
Xbox best remote - 2nd best picture
Roku next best remote. picture ok
Shield - nice layout worst (but still good) picture. Remote just Ok
Hi everyone thanks for the suggestions! keep them coming Couple of questions as some of these are just new to me (heard of them never looked into them).
I like the idea of the Raspberry Pi3 as it seems to deal with everything people throw at it. questions as I have never seen it in use before:
Does it start up quickly
what is the general UI like
will this still serve as my all in one solution for other apps as well such as amazon/Netflix/sling. One of the key reasons I am getting a new device is to bring sling.tv to the bedroom as the mac mini and ATV3 there currently don’t support it.
I presume its a build your own so you buy the remote pi board and install yourself?
I have somewhat the same questions for the NUC. first time I heard about it (I know I am loyal to older products that just kept on working)
Rasplex on the Pi3 is just perfect. I now use it in place of the Samsung Plex App which I have on my TV (with the exception of when I want to watch MVC 3D files, but that’s another story, lol).
It loads quickly, just a few seconds. The UI is excellent, best one I’ve used on any player. Sorry, can’t comment on 3rd party apps as I don’t use any…
Yep, you install the Remote Pi board yourself, it just slots into the pins on the Pi. I also got the case from the same website that gives a neat solution to housing them both and gives access to the power button. Setting up the remote is fairly straightforward, you just need to train the remote for the Power on/off function, all other functions work perfectly with the “MS Media Centre” preset on the Harmony.
@Neodude said:
Rasplex on the Pi3 is just perfect. I now use it in place of the Samsung Plex App which I have on my TV (with the exception of when I want to watch MVC 3D files, but that’s another story, lol).
It loads quickly, just a few seconds. The UI is excellent, best one I’ve used on any player. Sorry, can’t comment on 3rd party apps as I don’t use any…
Yep, you install the Remote Pi board yourself, it just slots into the pins on the Pi. I also got the case from the same website that gives a neat solution to housing them both and gives access to the power button. Setting up the remote is fairly straightforward, you just need to train the remote for the Power on/off function, all other functions work perfectly with the “MS Media Centre” preset on the Harmony.
Thanks sounds good. will wait for some feedback from others on whether it is meant as a dedicated plex player or if there is an option to install third party apps. Looking for an all in one solution under the tv. I saw that case by the wat… the transparent one? looks great
@asaweli said:
I am looking for a new all in one solution for the bedroom that will serve as a mediaplayer for plex, amaxon prime, Netflix and sling tv. I want a plex player that can handle the various large mkv files I throw at it from the sinology without any audio or subtitle issues.
@asaweli said:
I am looking for a new all in one solution for the bedroom that will serve as a mediaplayer for plex, amaxon prime, Netflix and sling tv. I want a plex player that can handle the various large mkv files I throw at it from the sinology without any audio or subtitle issues.
If you plan on using this device for more than just Plex, then the Pi probably isn’t the best option as it (afaik) can’t use more than Plex client itself. Don’t get me wrong - I love the Pi and have several of them myself - but I wouldn’t recommend it for someone who has the need for Netflix, Sling etc too. There are other options then that might be more suitable.
@Peter_W said:
If you plan on using this device for more than just Plex, then the Pi probably isn’t the best option as it (afaik) can’t use more than Plex client itself. Don’t get me wrong - I love the Pi and have several of them myself - but I wouldn’t recommend it for someone who has the need for Netflix, Sling etc too. There are other options then that might be more suitable.
That is what I thought… based on everyone’s feedback I have changed my list somewhat which I will edit in the original post… Will continue to shop around for some more opinions here for the next few days after which I will make up my mind…
will go for the roku premiere+. it is a tough choice as each player seems to have issues with some formats. I see audio sync issues with the roku on the forums now and playback issues with all mkv’s with the apple tv4. not sure what to pick will go with the roku as it seems to offer the broadest selection of apps/services
Couple of questions as some of these are just new to me (heard of them never looked into them).