Trying to pick streaming media player...

[Hulky_J]

Hello, first time poster here. I am looking to perhaps buy a streaming media player, but would really appreciate opinions/recommendations from people with experience in this area.

One aspect that's a must but doesn't seem to be a problem is that I want to be able to play my own files from my network drive. I also only watch HD content - I literally never watch anything in standard def.

I think I've narrowed it down to either the Roku 3 or the "Matricom G-Box Q Quad/Octo Core XBMC/Kodi Android TV Box [2GB/16GB/4K] (Rev 1.3.1+)" on amazon... here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Matricom-G-Bo...&qid=1433729260&sr=8-6&keywords=streaming+box

or if someone else has a recommendation, I'm all ears. I've read about the app 'Genesis' that looks really appealing, basically any show and movie at your fingertips, right? Hopefully most of them in HD...

I also use Netflix but I would assume that's not a problem for either to handle.

If anyone has input on the two I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance!!

 

[ImpulsE69]

I'm sure you already know this, but Roku really doesn't do local streaming w/o Plex.

The new Roku 2 is last years Roku 3 if you want to go cheaper. The new Roku 3 only difference is voice commands via the remote. If that doesn't interest you, the Roku 2 is 20-30 dollars cheaper. Either way a Roku is awesome for internal streaming if you use Plex, of course the down side being you need a system running Plex. The plus side is that you can stream Plex and your content to any of your devices at home or away. Android and iOS both have remote control apps you can use as well. It is simple and easy for anyone in the family to use. I own 3 of these them and can't recommend them enough. They aren't something you can tinker with settings on, but novel in their simplicity that anyone can use them.

The Matricom looks like it might be more customizable, (I used to have a Patriotbox so I'm familiar with the idea), but I am not familiar with this particular one.

I'll just say that tinkering is fun for awhile, but at some point you just want it to work w/o having to mess with it (espeically if it is not just you using it), and that's why I'm such an advocate of Roku with Plex.

 

[Hulky_J]

Thank you so much for your response.

OK so what do you mean I need a system running Plex? I do not want to have to attach a computer or whatever in my entertainment system.... all I have down there is my router and network drive. Plex isn't something that runs on the Roku box?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[Necrolezbeast]

The plex app is on your Roku, but you must have a PC loaded with Plex somewhere on the network to host all your files and act as a server.

 

[Hulky_J]

Oh I understand, thank you.

 

[smitbret]

Get a FireTV and load Kodi onto it. Much more seamless for everything you wanna do.

 

[heatsink101]

I'm also very interested in this. I had the Roku but I'd prefer Android based devices.

 

[npaladin-2000]

If your stuff is on a DLNA server a Roku will do the trick, its media player will pick up your media over a network.

If you need to access it over SMB/file sharing I'd go with a SHIELD Android TV device instead (it's really the only Android TV device worth buying right now).

 

[cmdrdredd]

If these boxes like FireTV and Roku weren't so inexpensive I'd just recommend a small PC because a PC is the only thing that does what I really want in a streaming box. It might not have a remote and such but it'll support any file. All the other options (I have a fireTV in the living room) have their share of things that are a bit limiting. I don't want to buy Plex to stream my content. Rather be able to browse through like I can on a PC or even my Xbox One(although the XB1 has issues with certain file types).

 

[Hinda65]

One drawback to the ROKU 3 is it's HDMI only output...If you don't have a receiver with an extra HDMI...your stuck with 5.1 stereo (at least when hooked up to my dads Vizio)

 

[cmdrdredd]

One drawback to the ROKU 3 is it's HDMI only output...If you don't have a receiver with an extra HDMI...your stuck with 5.1 stereo (at least when hooked up to my dads Vizio)

5.1 Stereo? Do you mean 2.0 stereo? The FireTV has an optical output so you can run an optical cable to the receiver instead of HDMI if you don't have enough ports. I suppose for some that's a bonus feature.

 

[Hinda65]

5.1 Stereo? Do you mean 2.0 stereo? The FireTV has an optical output so you can run an optical cable to the receiver instead of HDMI if you don't have enough ports. I suppose for some that's a bonus feature.

all 5 speakers play the same thing....it's not typical surround. the optical out from the tv to his home theatre spits the same audio to all 5 speakers.

whats that called?

 

[cmdrdredd]

all 5 speakers play the same thing....it's not typical surround. the optical out from the tv to his home theatre spits the same audio to all 5 speakers.

whats that called?

Multichannel stereo I guess. My receiver has that mode

 

[rivethead]

I found the Roku 3 to be a pretty weak unit. Could never get it to stream well at all....lots of caching.

Put a new Wii U in the exact same spot and haven't had a single issue since (that was in January).

I'm guessing the Roku's wifi antenna was just too weak to pick up my home wifi. We now use the Wii U for steaming and the handheld controller/touch screen makes it super easy to search for content.