CuboxTV = $99 OpenELEC player

[Kaido]

Tiny, cheap media player for your TV:

http://liliputing.com/2014/11/cuboxtv-tiny-100-linux-based-xbmc-media-center.html

OpenELEC just discontinued support of their AppleTV build and recommends a CuBox now:

http://www.solid-run.com/blog/openelec-says-farewell-apple-hello-cubox/

The recent pre-release of OpenELEC 5.0 from alpha to beta1 status has big ramifications for users.

For various reasons, including the removal of CrystalHD acceleration support in the latest Kodi version, OpenELEC has decided to discontinue its support of the mk1 (silver) AppleTV build. But there’s good news! For their AppleTV users seeking a more modern, efficient and high-quality viewing experience, OpenELEC recommends that they upgrade to a CuBox-i. Even better, OpenELEC users can currently get a 10% discount on the two high-end versions, the CuBox-i2eX and the CuBox-i4Pro – both of which can come pre-installed with OpenELEC instead of Android (when ordering, use the discount code “openelec-4-cubox” – without the quotes).

Take note that this new version also incorporates the rebranding of XBMC to Kodi!

Available in 2 weeks:

http://www.solid-run.com/product/cuboxtv/

* $99
* 2″ x 2″ x 2″
* 1ghz Quad-core CPU (Freescale i.MX6 SoC)
* Vivante GC200 GPU
* 1GB RAM
* 8GB Storage
* Gigabit Ethernet (due to internal i.MX6 buses, the 1000Mbps interface speed is limited to 470Mbp)
* HDMI output
* S/PDIF
* IR Receiver
* (2) USB 2.0

Control options:

* Smartphone
* Keyboard & mouse
* Infrared
* CEC (TV remote control)
* Wireless UPNP device
* Many other HID devices (ex. game controllers)

Note that this lacks Wifi, Bluetooth, and a physical remote control. If you want a tiny box that you can run an Ethernet line to, this is your ticket. If you want something a bit beefier, the PROBOX2 EX & MINIX NEO X8-H are good choices in the $150 to $160 range:

http://www.amazon.com/PROBOX2-Stream...dp/B00N3KEFT6/

http://www.amazon.com/Streaming-Andr...dp/B00LJZWBK2/

Amazing what they have available now!

 

[sourceninja]

I've been looking to redo my current setup. Currently I have this setup:

A mac mini running plex as a media server
A amazon fire tv with plex app for downstairs TV
A Roku 3 with plex app on upstairs tv

All tv shows and movies are stored on the plex "server" via a connected USB3 drive. Plex transcodes the shows for each player. There are also ipads and android tablets that sometimes watch shows. Lastly netflix and amazon apps are used on the fire tv and roku device.

The problem is the mini is dying. It's from 2010 and it's not doing well. I'd like to replace it. I have no problems leaving plex, but I need to know what that setup would look like with a server, 2 tvs, and a handful of handheld devices.

Any one care to explain how I might use something like the above?

 

[poofyhairguy]

I will be honest, for the price I would rather have a FireTV. A better SoC and twice the RAM for the same price or less (the FireTV has gone for $80 recently). And of course I would much rather have a Chromebox for Openelec over any ARM box made, but for $100 or less the FireTV is the clear winner. For the $150 range if you didn't buy a Chromebox you failed.

Still, you are correct OP that it is amazing what you can get now for not that much money. In 2012 I was happy to pay $300+ for kinda large Mini ITX HTPCs. Now a Chromebox does that job better for less than half that. Its amazing.

 

[mmntech]

It's an interesting concept that's a bit too late to the party. I'd rather an Android powered box that I can throw XBMC/Kodi on for my local playback needs. XBMC has never played nice with online streaming. Nor does it support things like Netflix or any commercial media apps.

 

[tential]

It's nice for ease of use but the extra time to setup the FireTV for use with Kodi/XBMC is worth it.

 

[poofyhairguy]

It's an interesting concept that's a bit too late to the party. I'd rather an Android powered box that I can throw XBMC/Kodi on for my local playback needs. XBMC has never played nice with online streaming. Nor does it support things like Netflix or any commercial media apps.

I can see that. It really depends on your priorities.

I mean, a Chromebox is going to give a superior experience than any ARM device for Kodi. But if you only have a little bit of local content then the priority becomes streaming options. I agree 100% that a Kodi doesn't do LEGITIMATE streaming well and so if that is something you need a FireTV is better.

OP was talking about boxes that are preloaded with Openelec. If you want an Openelec appliance than nothing is going to beat a Chromebox.

 

[Kaido]

It's an interesting concept that's a bit too late to the party. I'd rather an Android powered box that I can throw XBMC/Kodi on for my local playback needs. XBMC has never played nice with online streaming. Nor does it support things like Netflix or any commercial media apps.

I agree; very neat, but late to the party. I ordered the 2GB RAM model with Android 4.4 for a work-related project (standalone thin client; been using HP Slate 21 Pro's mostly lately), but I'll have to tinker around with different gaming & HTPC options for it.

I think part of the problem is integration. Even the $40 Fire TV Stick gives you a nice, integrated OOTB experience; with Android or OpenELEC, it's a matter of apps, plugins, configurations, etc., and the overall end-user experience is not quite as nice. Plus for $50 more, you can get a PROBOX2 or MINIX with better specs & a really cool air mouse.

I am interested in the idea of a CuBox for emulators since it runs Android, but I'll have to see how my Fire TV Stick fares for that as well.