Hi Guys,
I have been doing a TON of research. I did not even know what XMBC was, but my GOD…what’s the use of having DirecTV? I want to find a device that I can connect to my flat screen TV (Sony KDS60A3000) to make it a smart TV. Long story short, I have considered the amazon Fire, Roku 3, building a HTPC running XBMC, raspberry pi, Google Chromecast, Asus Chromebox… I am new to this smart TV thing and my only experience to a smart TV is using a Comcast xfinity device which made my parents ask me to find or build a device that allows them to use YouTube and the flat screen TV we have. Anyways, here is what I want to use the device for:
MAIN USE:
- USE YOUTUBE!
- Viewing pictures that I take with my camera
- Movies that I download
- Browse the internet every now and then
- Wireless keypad with built in track pad (mouse pad)
OPTIONS that I like:
- Steam videos from online
- Watch videos on other sites like LiveLeak and things
- Watch golf and golf related things (for my dad)
- Maybe very low end gaming (that doesn’t require a dedicated video card)
Now I already have my desktop which I use to transfer photos and such, I have Wi-Fi and will upgrade the speed to allow me to stream/use YouTube, I also already have my own laptops and such too. I have built many desktops and my brother in law owns a computer shop if I needed to build a HTPC. I also have an extra external HDD that I can connect to a device if needed for pictures and downloaded movies. At the moment, we have DirecTV.
The budget would be great if kept low. Basically, the budget is the lowest option that allows me to do the things I listed above. I will be checking up on this regularly as feel free to ask me anything for more clarifications if needed.
On another note, XBMC is freaken awesome! Being able to watching live TV, all the channels and stuff available through one device is amazing. Is golf regularly available on XBMC? My dad is a HUGE fan and if it is, that might be the winner.
Thanks in advance for any input!
BV
I have been doing a TON of research. I did not even know what XMBC was, but my GOD…what’s the use of having DirecTV? I want to find a device that I can connect to my flat screen TV (Sony KDS60A3000) to make it a smart TV. Long story short, I have considered the amazon Fire, Roku 3, building a HTPC running XBMC, raspberry pi, Google Chromecast, Asus Chromebox… I am new to this smart TV thing and my only experience to a smart TV is using a Comcast xfinity device which made my parents ask me to find or build a device that allows them to use YouTube and the flat screen TV we have. Anyways, here is what I want to use the device for:
MAIN USE:
- USE YOUTUBE!
- Viewing pictures that I take with my camera
- Movies that I download
- Browse the internet every now and then
- Wireless keypad with built in track pad (mouse pad)
OPTIONS that I like:
- Steam videos from online
- Watch videos on other sites like LiveLeak and things
- Watch golf and golf related things (for my dad)
- Maybe very low end gaming (that doesn’t require a dedicated video card)
Now I already have my desktop which I use to transfer photos and such, I have Wi-Fi and will upgrade the speed to allow me to stream/use YouTube, I also already have my own laptops and such too. I have built many desktops and my brother in law owns a computer shop if I needed to build a HTPC. I also have an extra external HDD that I can connect to a device if needed for pictures and downloaded movies. At the moment, we have DirecTV.
The budget would be great if kept low. Basically, the budget is the lowest option that allows me to do the things I listed above. I will be checking up on this regularly as feel free to ask me anything for more clarifications if needed.
On another note, XBMC is freaken awesome! Being able to watching live TV, all the channels and stuff available through one device is amazing. Is golf regularly available on XBMC? My dad is a HUGE fan and if it is, that might be the winner.
Thanks in advance for any input!
BV