Now I have HTPC (Ubuntu) with both PMS and PHT on it. I would like to move the server with all the attached hard drives to a closet and buy dedicated player for my projector.
I'm trying to understand what device is closest to my expectations. And I need your help to build the list and understand major caveats with every option.
I'm looking for HW player like Dune, Popcorn Hour, etc that will:
a) (must) connect to my PMS for content that is supported by Plex, (thus iconBIT falls out)
B) (must) have Plex plugin (like emplexer or PlexNMTHelper) with some support,
c) (must) be able to "advertise as player" so I can browse library on tablet/smartphone and then initiate playing from the device,
d) (must) be able to play (by it's own means) 3D that is not supported by Plex. Media itself is stored on NAS, (thus FireTV, PHT-based HTPCs and Roku falls out)
e) have passive cooling,
f) be small (no BluRay tray or internal HDD drive required) like Roku or Dune HD TV-303D,
g) be able to play (by it's own means) BD remux video, various containers like wavepack, ISO files, etc
h) support DTS;
What devices covers most of my needs?
What options do I have to sacrifice if no device fits all of them?
i'll say it before anyone else does: the best device for you would be an HTPC w/ linux/windows + PHT.
you can build your intel NUC which shares the form factor of a slightly larger roku, can be fanless, and has an i3 which can do transcoding if needed (if you should happen to run PMS on it as well). my understanding is that with PHT running, it'll advertise to your other devices as a "player". plus PHT will always have the best dev support.
my years of looking for the perfect plex client i've realized two things: 1) when you have a lot of needs, it's best to roll your own. 2) active plex dev support is a MUST for any platform.
I'm with leshake, your list is comprehensive enough that a Windows PC is probably the best thing.
Some of the newer, higher-end Android boxes "should" be able to do everything you want, but I'm waiting for someone to tell me they've found one that lives up to its potential.
I'm pretty interested in the Probox2 EX (especially), the EzMediaXperience MX3, and the SkyStream X4, all of which have high-end hardware CPU and GPU, dual band wifi, customized launchers that are better for the 10ft UI, XBMC pre-installed, and good customer support, but I'm a bit leery of all of the negative comments on this forum regarding Plex on Android 4.4.
I have a couple of Sony GTV boxes that really work pretty well, but I'd like to pick up something without the app and playback limitations of Google TV and Android 3.2.
The Popcorn Hour A-410 should give you everything you ask for (and even DTS-HD). I'm not sure about plugins but it is able to do everything else. I'm getting mine by the end of the month. I'll keep you updated if you didn't choose a solution by then.
The Popcorn Hour A-410 should give you everything you ask for (and even DTS-HD). I'm not sure about plugins but it is able to do everything else. I'm getting mine by the end of the month. I'll keep you updated if you didn't choose a solution by then.
Are you going to use it mainly as "player" for PMS? If yes, it would be great if you share your experience - I was interested specifically how robust is A-410's integration with PMS. Spec-wise it looks good.
The Popcorn Hour A-410 should give you everything you ask for (and even DTS-HD). I'm not sure about plugins but it is able to do everything else. I'm getting mine by the end of the month. I'll keep you updated if you didn't choose a solution by then.
Thank you, it will be interesting to hear your feedback if you use it mostly as plex client .
Based on your experience using the device, how does it map to my demands I listed in the first post?
RasPlex does the same as PHT. Rasplex runs on Linux. VLC media player is available for Linux, it plays almost everything. Read the documentation. I do not use 3D, ISO, DTS so I cannot speak from experience... just telling you where to find more information.
Though I would like to stay with only one device, it looks like it's not possible at the moment.
Maybe, I'll find one later on.
Dune's interface and capabilities/usability both as Plex player (does not support "seek" at the moment) and also as viewer of non-files content (youtube, surfing, etc) are, unfortunately, pretty limited, I ended up with combination of:
a ) Dune TV-303D for "heavy" content (3D, remuxes, etc) and
b ) Chromecast as day-to-day solution for "light" content and other media like youtube, photos, browsing, etc
sunriser, please still post your experience using new Popcorn once you get it!
I have been looking for a similar device for quite a few months...
I am currently running Kodi RC with the PlexBMC plugin and it works great as using XBMC also by passes the few short comings in the PHT such as DD+ bitstreaming to my AVR and Dolby Atmos support...
None of all the devices I have seen so far can do the job, there is always one trade-off or the other, so I resulted in keeping my HTPC,
I own a PopcornHour A-210, satisfied. I would suggest the new A-410. The user community is also trying to develop an updated plex app, still working the old version in anycase.
