What does it cost to run Rasplex

Dev Community Apps & Creations
1

So I run plex and I have a Roku 3.

 

I want to add a new device that has the format flexibility of my old WDTV with a real plex client and a bit more processing power would be nice. So far I hear a lot of good things about Rasplex but I'm surprised to find the pricing isn't at all what I expected. Perhaps I'm missing something? Perhaps I have way over spec-ed the thing and it's overkill.  

 

Rasberry Pi II Model B $35 (1 gig)

Case  $9

Power supply $8

IR board $22 (RemotePi Board Plus)

Remote $5

SD card $8

Rasplex $Free

Total $87

 

All items PLUS shipping so likely around $100 and this is with me using a wired connection.

 

This is about what a Roku will cost me. Why would a Rasberry Pi+Rasplex be better than a Roku 3?

2

You don't really need a case. My Pi is just attached at the back of my TV with a plastic strap. Nobody is going to see it anyway.

You can just plug in your Pi into the TV USB port, or any other device that's near your TV. If that's not enough, maybe you already have a USB charger sitting in a drawer.

No need for IR or a remote if your TV supports HDMI-CEC.

An 8GB Class 10 Micro SD card is less than $6, and you might be able to find a 4GB for cheaper. You don't really need a larger one.

And finally, if you outgrow it or it becomes obsolete, you can recycle a Raspberry into something useful. An obsolete Roku will just stay obsolete.

3

Rasplex is a lot more customizable than Roku. Don't like the Rasplex GUI? Load a different skin. Don't like the Roku GUI? You're out of luck.

4

I also have my Pi II naked behind my TV and also use CEC for control but the USB power output from my TV was not enough so had to add power supply.

As ChuckR said, I like the ability to change skins on the PI.

5

Also, even if your TV doesn't support HDMI-CEC, why bother with the remote board? an IR receiver and 3 cables to connect to the GPIO are a lot cheaper, and everyone has a spare remote of some old TV or DVD player around...then you must only take some time to follow the tutorials and set it up

6

Well, the client is much prettier than the Roku one, and like building a PC, it's also fun.  But if you are purely in it for content and don't care about the Wow factor, then Rasplex (or any PHT client) is not for you.

Here is my specific shopping list, because I wanted it to look nice as well as be functional.

Raspberry Pi 2: http://amzn.com/B00DG9D6IK

Case: www.amazon.com/dp/B00QMPKVUQ/  (clear case works best for the internal IR option)

SD card: http://amzn.com/B0085EG6OW

Remote & IR: http://amzn.com/B00GGX4XVW  (any MCE remote works well, but this is a nice small one)

Any HDMI cable

Wifi, if needed: http://amzn.com/B003MTTJOY  or  http://amzn.com/B00H95C0A2 for better range

Pi license keys, if needed for your media: http://www.raspberrypi.com/license-keys/

If you want to splurge:

Better internal IR receiver: http://www.rasptools.com/ir-receivers/21-ir-receiver-module-with-integrated-activity-light-for-raspberry-pi.html

Heatsinks: http://amzn.com/B00RKJG2HY