(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best streaming media players

Easycap clones ($5-10~)

If you're extremely short on funds you can play the easycap clone roulette and hope you get one that kinda works maybe.

You might end up getting one that just happens to suite your needs fine.... or you might not.

Not Reccomended, but cheap

Used Dazzle DVC100 ($20~)

Dazzles can be somewhat cheap used, they're still not the best capture cards money can buy and have some driver issues, but it's a popular choice and works for a lot of people well enough. Can be found on ebay for pretty cheap.

Probably the cheapest option aside from the "Easycrap" clones

KWorld ($30~)

/u/TLoZSR mentioned a while back that he was a fan of This KWorld Capture card.

I've seen a few of his videos with it and they look perfectly fine.

EZCaps ($30-$35~)

I've heard ok things about the legit EZCaps (not the cheap clones)
If you go this route make sure you're not ending up with a fake!

I don't have any personal experience with them.

GV-USB2 ($50~)

This defiantly deserves an honorable mention, although isn't anywhere as cheap as a used dazzle. Default settings out of the box are great, picture quality is very good, good drivers, and pretty much no complaints. Oh and here's an amazon link I guess (can be hard to find elsewhere). Box / driver installation is in Japanese, but not too difficult to figure out.

I use it personally and I really like it

These are all SD capture cards with composite/S-video, composite will look not so great regardless of a powered splitting setup, however it's defiantly recommended if you use S-Video (powered splitters can cost $30-50~), alternatively you may be able to get by without splitters if you have a video cable with both S-Video and composite (s-video would go into your capture card), but you may also lose a bit of quality that way if the cables aren't too good.

https://kb.speeddemosarchive.com/Splitters explains a fair bit

Good Luck!

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-2500R-HD-Streaming-Player/dp/B007KEZMX4/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1347302993&sr=1-2&keywords=roku

I refuse to pay for cable when I am barely home to enjoy it but I also don't like missing the shows that I DO love and enjoy. The solution? A roku box. This wirelessly picks up your internet service and allows you to stream Netflix, HuluPlus, Amazon Video, YouTube, NASA Channel, Crackle and many many more channels straight to your TV. The only thing I pay for is my subscription for Netflix, Amazon and Hulu. I can basically find anything I'm looking for on any of those channels and there are plenty of free movie channels available as well. It's saved me a TON of money and it's honestly the best money I've spent.

I am unfamiliar with the exact setup you are looking at doing but WD has a 1TB live hub for around $200 or 126 pounds and it gets you more storage. Might not be able to skin it but I hear it has a very intuitive UI and is set up to stream all kinds of net services, free and otherwise. Doesn't require you to jail break anything and is also a Media server, and I believe you can expand your storage with networked drives or an usb external HD, it also reads full dvd menus. May not be the ultimate solution for you but definitely worth looking at maybe. Good luck :)

I can't really remember the plex differences off hand, but I remember liking it better. I'll try them both out tonight and let you know. WDTV definitely has more connection options. Such as Plex (DLNA), NFS, and SMB.

That isn't to say that the WDTV isn't without it's problems. The ideal way to hook up media is using the SMB option where it stores meta data in a .wdtv folder on the SMB/NFS share itself, but I couldn't get this to work reliably with the current firmware. Using a Windows server was unreliable. The share would disappear randomly and was unable to reconnect the share without deconfiguring the share, rebooting the device and trying again. And using Linux/Samba or NFS as the server wouldn't even work claiming it didn't have write access (it did). So I use Plex on Windows and it works well, although some movies might take 30 seconds or so to start up, but once they're playing it's fine. There is a newer firmware revision out that I haven't had a chance to check out yet. I'm sure other people have it working fine, but there's something about my network (possibly the Linux Samba server) that it doesn't like.

If I had to buy it again, I'd opt for the version with the hard drive as all the SMB/NFS/DLNA woes would not be an issue, and hopefully everything will just work as there's no other computers that need to be configured, turned on, etc. 1TB wouldn't store all my media, but at least all my home videos, pictures and music would have fit...


EDIT:

I have this:

http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Streaming-Media-Player/dp/B005KOZNBW/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1347034810&sr=1-1&keywords=wdtv+live

But would rather have this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GK0GKO

To echo others in the thread, most tablets and laptops will be more expensive than some of the small set-top boxes for digital media, like the Roku 2 XS, Roku 3, Amazon Fire TV, or WDTV. All have their trade-offs, but I know the first 3 at least can connect to a few varieties of media server on a separate computer, such as the very popular Plex, or play local media from an attached USB device. They all sell at $100 USD or less right now.

I have used both the USB and Plex options personally on Roku 2 XS and Amazon FireTV and really enjoyed the experience, though my preference of the two is Plex for a home setup, while USB is fairly convenient if you want to go binge a show at a friend's house.

The Plex client for the device should support more than one server machine, so if you have other members of the household with their own media, they can fire up a Plex server of their own when they want to watch on the set-top box.

I cannot say anything about the WD TV from first hand knowledge, only the Roku series and Amazon Fire TV.

one question i have is do you get internet from your cable provider? if so, you might still get some unencrypted channels from them. i only pay for cable internet, no tv service. i put a splitter from the cable line from the wall, then one goes off to the cable modem, and the other you can either plug into a tv that receives dtv signals, or i purchased an HDHomerun Extend: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GY0UB6I/
checking that link, its unavailable, and there is a newer version available for more money, but basically any model that pics up OTA. that network tuner connects to your home network then thru ethernet cable to your router.

Either way you connect it (TV or network tuner), i still receive A LOT of channels, over 100, mostly in standard def, but a few in HD, that i actually watch. i have a computer running 24/7 as a server using NextPVR to run the backend for the tv channels, then i only added my favorites, now all my devices in my house use SPMC or KODI with the Live TV section working with about 30 of my favorite channels all in HD, and some local channels too for news and with DVR functionality. It did take a me one long night to get it all working how i wanted but now its working great, i almost never have to leave SPMC/KODI for my media viewing, i have live tv, and my locally saved movies and tv shows from my NAS.


this is just list i use and weeded out tons of channels i dont watch (but still recieved) and all that gets loaded into kodi after you set up nextpvr on the server computer. All in HD:

• ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, 69News (local news), PBS, TNT, TBS, CNN, MTV, VH1, CMT, USA, Comedy Central, Food Network, HGTV, NASA, ESPN, ESPN2, FX, Discovery, A&E, Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Bravo, History, Travel, SYFY, AMC, Game Show Network, E!
  
  
  TL,DR; if you get internet from your cable provider, you might still get some channels for free just by plugging the cable into your tv or OTA tuner without an antenna.
  
  

Perhaps the most important and expensive is making sure you have a good computer or laptop that can handle streaming. Hopefully you or a friend in the scene can make that happen, 'cause that will be the biggest expense.

In terms of actual stream equipment, I'm going to assume you want the cheaper options:

1. Capture Cards
   
   

• Dazzle: https://www.amazon.com/Dazzle-DVD-Recorder-VHS-Converter/dp/B00EAS14KI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481658680&sr=8-1&keywords=Dazzle+DVC+100
  
  
• Elagto: https://www.amazon.com/Elgato-Video-Capture-analog-iPhone/dp/B0029U2YSA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1481658918&sr=8-7&keywords=elgato
  
  You will also want a crt that has an output area in the back or a seperate device called a splitter!
  
  
  

2. Microphone:
   
   

• Snowball: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B006DIA77E/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1481658986&sr=1-2&keywords=snowball+mic
  
  I super recommend this, $50 for a good quality mic that is durable and super easy to set up. Since it is an open mic it will capture extra noise aside from a commentators but I think starting hear is best!
  
  
  

3. Stream Software (Free):
   
   

• OBS
  https://obsproject.com/
  
  
• Xsplit (extra $5 fee, but not necessary to access base features)
  https://www.xsplit.com/
  
  
  
  Old, but this thread can be helpful, even though it's for melee. Has a bunch of products with prices and quality tests.
  
  https://smashboards.com/threads/beginners-guide-to-capturing-and-recording-melee-footage.298260/
  
  
  
  For people who just want to record matches for cheap, there are a variety of recording cards, such as:
  
  
• Ezcap https://www.amazon.com/EZCAP-TV-EzGrabber-Capture-Converter-Windows/dp/B003YGJLWU
  
  
  If you have any questions, lemme know! Stream shit is complicated at first, but once you get into the groove a lot of it makes sense. :)
  

This is by far better than a PC solution for what you say you want.

I recommend Roku because of the huge amount of free streaming as well as support for all the paid services like Netflix/Hulu/Amazon. If it streams, and isn't iTunes based, Roku does it.

https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Premiere-Streaming-Media-Player/dp/B01LXUZPQU/ref=sr_1_7?s=tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1505174410&sr=1-7&keywords=roku

4k resolution, wifi remote with a headphone jack in case you want to listen and not disturb others, works well on wifi or Ethernet.

If all you want is to watch TV/video it's perfect for you.

I'm kind of like you, haven't been around much lately (having a baby drains you from doing much), but I'll enter for the heck of it. I understand if I don't qualify.

The Hobbit Trilogy: Extended Edition because although it's not as epic as LotR it's still great to be back in the world of Middle Earth!

1TB Hard Drive you can never have too much storage space on your PC.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Four-Movie Collection it's such a classic series that everyone should own.

Roku 3 if you love streaming movies / TV shows as much as me then this is a must have.

The Day the Crayons Quit (Book) if you have any kids then this is one of the best selling books. Never hurts to build your collection.

They estimate their delivery window of the physical product to Kickstarters as August, 2015. They don't specify which dual core chip they're using, but I suspect it's already showing its age. In 1 year, it's going to be ridiculously outdated.

I love the display tech, but I'm not a fan of the integrated android device. I would be far more interested in backing this if, instead of "smart glasses," they just developed it as a general-purpose display and input interface for smart devices, and used HDMI to connect them. Then you could plug in your choice of device - phone, tablet, smartstick.

Things like the CX-919 would be perfect for this kind of thing, if it were a connectible display rather than a self-contained android device of its own.

They look great, but on Amazon it looks like there $150+? I know that's not expensive, but I was hoping for sub-$100. But I've heard that's a great one, so maybe it's worth it...

Actually, this one is $60.

I'd LOVE a Roku! since I don't have TV and i'm tired of watching my shows on my laptop :p

can you direct my to the nearest Elephant Barber

I'm Chris, I love making music, drawing, piercings, tattoos, I program for fun, and am currently attending a 4-year univaersity for computer science!

It's nice to have you here, maybe you could tell me a little about yourself? xD

The death of the PC is greatly exaggerated, but this trend is also a worrying sign for the PC's role being secure or healthy. When the PC boomed in the early 80s, it was the death knell for the then-called "mini" computer. Think: a computer about the size of a refrigerator that serviced anywhere from 4 to 100 dumb terminals. At first, the PCs coexisted with the minis, acting as "smart" terminals, doing further processing on the data received and doing file transfers to/from the "main" mini computers.

But the PCs grew in power and pretty soon, the PC took the dominant role, particularly after LAN technology took off. If you've ever used a terminal, you'd understand why. PCs were faster, more flexible, more responsive.

But what's funny is that the role of the mini never went away! Instead of calling them "miniframes" we call them "servers" and they are, almost universally, using some variation of PC hardware. And, today, if a majority of people are using Android/iOS devices to get to the Internet, and it's "good enough", at what point do they no longer run back to the PC?

We're dangerously close to that tipping point. Quite a number of households use smart phones as their only access to the Internet. Yes, they are more often the poor, but what happens when an ambitious poor person becomes a leader, and everybody notices that he/she does everything on his/her phone or tablet?

I already have a keyboard for my phone, I've already moved my music collection from my PC to my phone, I already stopped using my PC for calendaring anything at all. If I'm working at my computer, and somebody wants me to ask if I'm available Wednesday, I reach for my phone. Recently, the Mac mini in my bedroom that I primarily used for streaming video was replaced with a $45 TV stick running Android and it does the job beautifully at 1/20th the power consumption. As a computer programmer, I still use the PC for "real work" but for everything else except (high end) games, my Android phone is either good enough or close.

Really, just how long do you think everybody's going to have a PC when the phone/tablet does an adequate job anyway?

WD live drives are about $90, I have all my movie/show folders on my computer shared wirelessily through the network. Every type of file format works flawlessly and the drive has netflix, hulu and other applications.

Or if you prefer you can attach a portable hd to the wd and it will work just fine.

• I have mine set up so it torrents my favourite shows after they are done on tv, extras them in my shared folder and I can watch them on the WD drive about 5 minutes after they are done on TV.
  
• 
  
• without Hard drive:
  
• http://www.amazon.ca/WD-Live-Streaming-Media-Player/dp/B005PLHF4S/ref=pd_cp_ce_0
  
• With 1 TB HD:
  
• http://www.amazon.ca/Live-Hub-Media-Center-1TB/dp/B004GK0GKO/ref=pd_cp_ce_3
  
• both have all the bonus' that you want, netflix, hulu, iphone/android app. etc.
  
  Don't bother with apple tv, or others. Jailbreaking them is a pain in the ass. Why not just get something that works right out of the box.
  
  Source: Have been doing media streaming for 10 years+

Certain Roku models will work. The Roku website bills the Roku 1 as for older TVs, but googling around, the Roku 2 seems to handle composite video too, so I don't know why it's not marketed as okay for older TVs.

An Amazon page for the Roku 2 shows it with composite ports, but Roku's website doesn't show a photo of the Roku 2 ports (but it does for Roku 1 ports). Curious.

Maybe (?) only the Roku 1 comes with a set of composite video cables.

An Amazon stick seems unlikely... do older composite video TVs have USB ports?

If you can manage it, the Roku 2 has a nicer remote. The remotes where the OK button is below the arrow keys (instead of in the middle of them) have more responsive keys and the remote doesn't require line-of-sight.

I see, that does clear it up quite a bit. If the other TVs are not smart TVs and you want to use Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc. on them then you will need something connected to them that can do those things. Probably your best bet is to get a Roku which has most of the functionality of the SmartTV. They have built-in wireless so you shouldn't need to have network cables run to them or anything provided your router is in a good spot. They're pretty amazing little devices and you can always switch them to another TV, provided that it has an HDMI input on it.

Let me know if you still aren't sure.

>Would it be possible to encode video in a format compatible with 1080p and save it to a DVD?

Yeah, most HD releases on torrent sites are kept under 4.7GB or 9.4GB specifically so they can fit on a DVD.

>Would any DVD player play this?

Most DVD players won't. You'll need one that both outputs to 1080p, and also supports the video codec (most commonly h264 now). Those DVD players cost almost as much as Blu-ray players themselves. You're better off getting a media player that uses a hard drive like This. Or just connecting your computer to your TV.

I won't help you with illegal options, but if you want a legal way, the best way is a HDHR, or a TiVo. The TiVo Romaio, (not OTA), will allow you to insert a CableCard, (the "brains" of the unit that decodes QAM64 signals so you can watch them), as well as ClearQAM signals). Well, technically, you don't even need a CableCard capable device to descramble them, (it's unencrypted cable). Just any TV other than an Emerson. ClearQAM is the new "analog cable".

If you're looking for a compliant CableCard ready device, I reccomend the Samsung GX-SM530CF. It will get you the full rental cable box experience, (but you own the damned thing), but no PPV. Also, this model does not have DVR capabilities). (if you want that, go with a TiVo Bolt. While not cord cutting related, this is "cord shaving", so I petition the mods to let this post stand.

Great. I love my Premiere+. For what it's worth, Amazon is selling them for $49 as well.

Still, depending on what you want, the new Streaming Stick runs everything just as well as the Premiere+ does.

For optimal CBS reception you'll want a VHF/UHF designed antenna. The Mohu may have issues, but if you have the previous version of the AmazonBasics, which was based on the Winegard FlatWave, then you'll probably be ok.

Otherwise consider a Winegard FlatWave or Winegard FreeVision, available from Home Depot and easily returnable.

The TiVo is the most polished DVR experience available and if you can get it with a lifetime subscription then it is a great deal.

It's a video player that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV. It has a ton of apps that can play videos from different services, like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and most importantly for our purposes, WWE Network. You can also use it to play videos from an iPhone or Android device, kind of like a Chromecast. I got one for traveling, and I actually ended up using it more often than my HTPC at home. It's great.

http://smile.amazon.com/Roku-3500R-Streaming-Stick-HDMI/dp/B00INNP5VU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&keywords=roku+stick

Unfortunately the Apple TV doesn't work like the Roku. It still works like any other streaming device but you can't program your favorite channels.

Basically the favorite channels for the Roku act like your cable/satellite favorites. You can make custom activities (ex. Watch Netflix) and set your starting channel.

You can still do this with an Apple TV but it takes extra programming and might not work as well.

I'm not aware of any other media players that have these abilities at the moment.

The new Roku Ultra has 4K and HDR and it goes for $130:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M05030B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_iA9yyb3CE4HZN

The Premiere+ goes for $100:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXUZPQU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7A9yybTJPPG44

Both seem to be on sale on Amazon.

Hey guys, I'm one of the people that works at 1Sale. We're really excited about sharing our deals with reddit - we've gone out of our way to make this as cheap as we can afford to make it, even cheaper than amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Roku-XS-1080p-Streaming-Player/dp/B005CLPP84) & with free shipping.

If you guys have any questions or feedback, we're watching this thread closely. Thanks!

If you like TV, how about a Roku Box?

I hope this thread gets lots of love. I need the gift ideas.

I honestly would love this too. But in the mean time, just get a Roku. Their like 25-30 bucks.

Roku Express | Easy High Definition (HD) Streaming Media Player https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075XN1NZC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xZXzCbZB179R2

Well I have this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DQ6UPIW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1395707357&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

I have had it since october of last year and it has been working great. Wifi is awesome on it. I mainly use it to stream movies off of my home media server using es file explorer. I also play some snes and n64 emulators on it and it runs those great too. I really have nothging to complain about other than the stock launcher I run nova launcher on it again no problems. Overall for the price its probably the coolest gadget I have bought in recent time. Ot runs at 720p but upconverts the video to 1080p. If you go to www.freaktab.com you can find a really big community of people that are always releasing new roms and can even find some true 1080p roms but at least for me the 720p runs fast and cool

For your application, I would suggest either a thin client/small business server setup or a "pc on a stick" solution.

The advantage of the former is that you can have one more powerful server that just serves up a desktop remotely and the other is that it's ultra compact.

I have a slightly higher model of this one:

http://www3.lenovo.com/us/en/outletus/commercial-desktop/thinkcentre/thinkcentre-m-tiny-series/ThinkCentre-M700/p/10JRX50100

These are more "business-oriented" solutions, so the support options are better and they're tough as nails. Seriously, this thing is a brick. HP also has tiny computers/thin clients.

If you keep an eye on Dell/Lenovo outlet sites, you can find coupons, cash back with Ebates, etc and good deals on modest servers. What you want is a server that facilitates all of your data being run off of and/or backed up to a cloud service.

This might also work for you:

https://www.amazon.com/Intel-Corp-BOXSTCK1A8LFC-Compute-STCK1A8LFC/dp/B00W7KAABK/

Roku, easily. Chromecast is great for a $35 device, but the Roku 3 is the way to go for a standalone set top player. I'd even rather have the Roku Stick than the Chromecast. I just prefer a device that doesn't rely on my computer, phone, or tablet to function.

The Amazon Fire TV also appears to be gaining in popularity.

I use the WD TV player with custom firmware that lets you mount local NFS shares. It's a great setup -- it can stream anything on the local network and supports many formats (including MKV).

There's a new version coming out that has native network support.

Well it does Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, media player etc, has chrome browser, youtube, tv guide flash player, app store.

Lots of good stuff.

I have this one although I paid about $150.
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NSZ-GS7-Internet-Player-Google/dp/B008BDBPTS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369962157&sr=8-1&keywords=sony+gs7

The hisense pulse is supposed to be pretty good.

Exchanges are free. An HD upgrade from an SD box is going to cost you ~$10/month. Alternatively, you could get a cablecard from comcast possibly rent free depending on where you live and buy yourself a set top box that supports them. This set top box, apart from showing your channels (both SD and HD), comes with netflix, other apps, and media center functions.

I use this Western Digital box connected to a hard drive so I can scroll through and play my shows/movies on my TV. I highly recommened this setup if you don't want to hook up an actual computer to the TV. It creates a database of all media (music, photos included) and displays them in a decent interface. The video format support is great also- haven't had an issue playing any formats.

I would maybe post this question to/browse https://www.reddit.com/r/cordcutters

I currently have this configuration. I have a HDHomeRun Extend and two Apple TV's. The HDHomeRun Extend will only give you access to over the air tv, where I live that is about 15-20 channels. I wouldn't go as far as saying its a replacement for a 100 VIP cable package. There will be channels that are simply not offered OTA for free. It is more along of the lines of local or basic programming.

You can go here and input your location to see available channels and what type of antennae you would need
https://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29

Here are some links to what I have for pricing.
http://www.amazon.com/SiliconDust-HDTC-2US-HDHomeRun-EXTEND-2-Tuner/dp/B00GY0UB6I
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BN5Z2WM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

I've run across this Samsung box a few times in my searching. I don't know much about it, but would love to hear if it's worthwhile. It features a cablecard slot, plus the usual streaming apps.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-GX-SM530CF-Streaming-Player-Built-In/dp/B00EYO241Q

I have the Sony Media Player with Google TV

I like it so far. The remote is pretty awesome.
I think the only thing it doesn't have that Roku does is Hulu. Roku doesn't have Youtube though that Google TV obviously has.

Yeah. Browsing through Amazon it looks like the selection has gone down a lot since I got mine back around the DTV transition in 2009. It used to be the SD ones were around $20 and a decent HD one was $50 or so and there were tons of different ones.

These were the only nice ones I found:
http://www.amazon.com/Zenith-DTT901-Digital-Tuner-Converter/dp/B001BNT3FS/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1380637035&sr=1-3&keywords=dtv+tuner

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-DTBH260F-HDTV-Terrestrial-Receiver/dp/B000JV6TQY/ref=sr_1_22?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1380637035&sr=1-22&keywords=dtv+tuner

If you can find a Tivo for cheaper than that then go for it but I wouldn't consider the Tivo to be an exceptionally good tuner. It's decent but I live on the edge of where you can get OTA signals with a small indoor antenna and my Premiere actually had a harder time locking in on the channels than the tuner that's built-in to my TV.

Right now you can get an Intel Compute Stick off of Amazon for $35. It only has 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage but it can take up to 128GB of microSD storage if you want to expand that. If I hadn't just got a RasPi Zero W I would have bought this instead as a solution for rsync backups.

Personally I think it's an alright deal for a very cheap x86 board that's 64 bit and comes with Ubuntu installed.

I have something like this Mini MK802 Android 4.0 Google TV Box and it works great. This one is much less expensive. It works just like an android tablet would. You can put on all your apps and stream.

You don't want a "converter box" but a "HDTV tuner" or "HD ATSC tuner" or "ATSC set top box". Samsung used to make a great one. It seems that Channel Master makes one currently.

You can get an Intel Compute stick for $45. It has a "Bay Trail" processor. Though Ubuntu 14.04 LTS probably doesn't run Vulkan. I put Fedora 25 on mine and it works great (except the Wi-Fi).

Any Bay Trail laptop will run Vulkan, such as the Acer R11 for $250 or so.

There is a Tivo Roamio (ota and cable card), a Roamio OTA (ota ONLY), a Roamio plus & pro (cable card only).

Then the Bolt. All require service ($15/mnt) and need to be online to get guide data. They work well as DVRs, guide data has worked well for me, and its worth the $15 to the family for ease of use.

Amazon has a deal right now for the OTA version (no cablecard support) w/lifetime service for $300
http://www.amazon.com/TiVo-Streaming-Product-Lifetime-Service/dp/B0148ZRFVO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453349933&sr=8-1&keywords=tivo+ota

Great deal on the Roamio OTA w/ lifetime:

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0148ZRFVO

I'd jump on that in a heartbeat. Throw in a 3TB drive and you are set for the next 5 years unless you care about 4K....

Unfortunately I don't know of any streams for live 24/7 news. I get all my news from the internet and friends now. Essentially all I really have is a glorified DVD collection, and other than missing hockey that's good enough for me.

If you live in a large city, you may be able to pick up DVB-T signals for something like CP24 in Toronto. That would at least allow you to pick up a card to roll your own PVR, or just pick up a terrestrial receiver. If you're seriously paying $60 a month for just the news channel, you should look into that. It would pay for itself in 4-5 months.

Sports including baseball you say? My girlfriend just ordered a Roku Box off Amazon. I've heard good things from my friends who have one too. I don't watch enough TV to justify buying it, but definitely give it consideration if you aren't into getting bent over by a cable company.

You can get a decent Android machine on a stick for less than $100. Amazon sells the MK808B for $45. If you have a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, those'll serve as your input devices, otherwise you should add a powered USB hub to it for connecting input devices.

While it's true that the Raspberry Pi is cheaper at $35, it will need an SD card and a power source, a wired LAN connection or a USB WiFi dongle, and either USB input devices or a Bluetooth USB dongle. The Raspbian OS and GPIO on the Pi are definitely more appealing to the tinkerer/builder, but if you just want an inexpensive and tiny HTPC device, the Android on a stick is a good choice.

Because when you use a CableCARD you have to give your MSO (i.e. cable company - Charter, Cox, etc.) three pieces of information in order to activate/authorize the device/CC to receive & decrypt signals:

• CableCARD ID
  
• Host ID
  
• Data ID
  
  More often than not any Scientific Atlanta, Motorola, Pace, etc. set top box that you see for sale online is stolen/non-returned equipment. Generally MSOs will only allow STBs they own on their network. IIRC they keep a database of stolen/non-returned equipment and those devices will be blacklisted from receiving service (I also think the various MSOs share lists of these devices so that if you try to take a box from Cox and try to activate it on Comcast it will also be blacklisted). These STBs remain the property of the MSO, so even if someone paid the non-returned equipment fee the STB would still have to be returned once discovered.
  
  In order to guarantee that you're being 100% legal you would need to use a TiVo, Samsung GX-SM530CF (mentioned by u/MeowMixSong), or a HDHomeRun Prime (you'll also need a device to display content on a TV. Check out the section for HDHomeRun App requirements for Live TV at the bottom of the link).
  
  Just curious, but does Optimum not offer a TV app for devices like a Roku like the other MSOs do?
  
  Edit: Accidentally a word.

I was intending on realtime streaming, and I don't own a tv so having something to both display on my laptop screen and run it in realtime would be a big bonus for me.

I'm looking into just standard-definition capture stuff, which I hope doesn't suffer lag like the GC1000 and other HD capture equipment.
http://www.amazon.com/Ezcap116-Camcorders-Satellite-Playstation3-Software/dp/B003YGJLWU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Here's some info on the setup:

OpenCV install with Python on Windows

EZGrabber
Once you purchase EZGrabber, you can sign up for the forum. In the forum,they have an old driver that will cause Windows to treat EZGrabber as a webcam which OpenCV will accept. The included driver seems to treat EZGrabber as a different device that OpenCV doesn't like. From there you can connect the receiver video feed to the EzGrabber sending the video to the PC and thus OpenCV.

NTA look on amazon for a roku or similar streaming device, you can find one for under $20-25

Roku Express | Easy High Definition (HD) Streaming Media Player https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075XN1NZC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qO9lDbKDTAYR8

Edit: I also play musical TV’s with my whole family, get into Pc gaming ;)

What you need is a set top box media player.

I own the older version of one of these and it plays practically any type of video file except the new 4k stuff:

https://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-WDBYMN0000NBK-Streaming-Refurbished/dp/B00X60CGSU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473291442&sr=8-1&keywords=wd+tv+live

Western Digital doesn't make these anymore so you're going to have to look around a little if you want a new one.

You could also try a different media player but I can't vouch for anything other than the WD TV Live. What I suggest is to read the reviews on the other media players that Amazon carries and buy the one where the least amount of people complain about.

Any device that supports a CableCARD can be activated on Comcast and used as your own. CableCARDs start at $2.99/mo. and can be provided free in some instances.

This media player supports CableCARD as a cable box.

Note: Not every device that uses a CableCARD can access guide data and On Demand content.

My parents have a Roku 3 and use wifi across the house and never have any issues.

It probably is a little outside the budget you're wanting to spend, but honestly I can't believe they have little to no issues using wifi in their house with the router upstairs in another room!

This one would be even better https://www.roku.com/products/roku-premiere

The one they have:
https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Player-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B00UJ3IULO/ref=sr_1_1?s=tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1497549747&sr=1-1&keywords=roku%2B3&th=1

If I may suggest for myself...

Roku: 49.00
Twin Peaks - Fire Walk with Me: 13.86
Find Momo: 11.67
disc golf disc: 17.99
rapid ramen cooker: 6.99 add-on item

TOTAL: 99.51

Haha, my first list came to 100.01 (doh!) - swapped disc golf disc and ramen cooker for The Casual Vacancy and LEGO earrings. :)

Remember that a "converter" box is meant to retrofit old SDTVs that don't have an ATSC (digital over-the-air) tuner in them. The put out standard def only, with stereo sound only. You have a HDTV, you don't want a "converter".

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-DTBH260F-HDTV-Terrestrial-Receiver/dp/B000JV6TQY/

You won't be disappointed with one of those.

edit: If you want a DVR this is your best non-Tivo bet for OTA:

http://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master-CM7400-Internet-Compatible/dp/B0065EQ45U/

I'd recommend a WDTV from Western Digital. I used this for years and there was nothing I found that it wouldn't play (apart from .rmv files.. but no one really uses those anymore). I haven't used it recently since I got a Alienware Alpha which became an all in one solution (KODI and game rig) so I don't know if it can handle x265/HEVC codecs. But I know it plays everything else.. x264, divx, xvid etc. even 3D 1080p mkv files. You can manually scrap meta data for your files as well. The interface is a little chunky (compared to Kodi) but it gets the job done.

as it's running android, you should be able to connect your computer to it sure. not positive via what connection protocol...dlna, samba shares, etc...but something i would think.

compare the costar to what seems to be the more popular googletv product though, just in case... http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NSZ-GS7-Internet-Player-Google/dp/B008BDBPTS

The Roku 3 does great... except the Plex UI sucks. The Plex developers have said it's due to the way the Roku API works, and they could create custom screens, but it would be so much more work than they have time to devote to it now.

I say get a Google TV device. I have this one and aside from the overly-complicated remote (which is not hard to use, it's just a LOT of buttons), it's my preferred TV device all around. I've also in the past had Roku 1, 2, and 3, as well as Logitech Revue. The Google TV device is the most functional overall.

I've used a WDTV for many years. They're great. Plug in a USB or hard drive, plug into TV. plays almost all formats. Relatively cheap. Simple.

https://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-WDBYMN0000NBK-Streaming-Refurbished/dp/B00X60CGSU/ref=pd_sim_504_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00X60CGSU&pd_rd_r=ZBKSXKWZHQ4ZQP0M541Q&pd_rd_w=dlouD&pd_rd_wg=fGEVs&psc=1&refRID=ZBKSXKWZHQ4ZQP0M541Q

It looks like Amazon does this by default. Here's the Roku 2 XS. I've been thinking of picking this one up for myself, but I'm wondering if I should wait to see what will support Redbox streaming.

I got this version of the Roku 2 http://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Player-Black-2720R/dp/B00F5NB7MW/

I didn't know they had an XD and XS versions too. Those go in the $80+ range. I guess they have a lot more features.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0148ZRFVO/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_ARuNwb7EHMWXB lifetime subscription is key here

Make your own antenna http://www.popularmechanics.com/culture/tv/how-to/a6608/build-your-own-digital-tv-antenna/

You can stream any of the services you want on a 15mbps connection.

Edit: forgot to mention magicjack has been great for me for 3-4 years now.

I want to buy this android internet tv device
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008BFXOZE?cache=1f6d2f5e9c54e1090953ff2eb2a4db27&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1414280519&sr=8-4#

It would be great if you could do it.

I'm using this antenna
along with this converter. Works great! I'm able to pull in approx 25 channels in my area, just North of Metro Atlanta.

It looks like your TV doesn't have Audio Return on the HDMI, nor would your home theater system support it, so you're pretty much out of luck.

Something like http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-DTBH260F-HDTV-Terrestrial-Receiver/dp/B000JV6TQY/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header
might work for TV, but it's expensive and redundant.

why get the XS model over the LT?

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-XS-1080p-Streaming-Player/dp/B005CLPP84

best comparison I could find ^^^ (scroll down a bit); just adds 1080p and motion control for games..

I have had this Android Dongle in my bedroom for years. Wireless mouse and keyboard connected and works like a charm.

this right here :https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Express-Definition-Streaming-Player/dp/B075XN1NZC/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=roku+stick&qid=1573655545&sr=8-4

roku is the best media streaming box for a reason

Samsung used to make really high-quality ATSC or "OTA" tuners. You might look at the used market:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-DTBH260F-HDTV-Terrestrial-Receiver/dp/B000JV6TQY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373578781&sr=8-1&keywords=samsung+hdtv+tuner

Also, search e-bay for "samsung hdtv tuner". The SIR-T150, 151 and 165 are all great.

Which Roku are you using? That sounds a lot like my experiences with the CW app. I found our newer Roku 2 2720R, and the app seems to work fine there. I'm starting to wonder if the apps aren't backwards compatible, basically. Our older model was the the Roku 2 XS.

The overkill DIY option. Biggest problem is motherboards supporting only HDMI 1.4, you will need to add a dedicated GPU for all the functionality of 2.0.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Pentium G4400 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor | $64.99 @ Newegg
Motherboard | MSI H110I PRO AC Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard | $88.98 @ Newegg
Memory | Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory | $47.98 @ Newegg
Storage | ADATA Premier SP550 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $38.49 @ NCIX US
Case | Fractal Design Core 1100 MicroATX Mini Tower Case | $29.99 @ Newegg
Power Supply | EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply | $38.98 @ Newegg
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $309.41
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-01 21:53 EST-0500 |


The Roku option:

https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Premiere-Streaming-Media-Player/dp/B01LXUZPQU

The Google option:

https://www.google.com/chromecast/tv/ultra/

While the latest WD TV Live (WD TV Live Streaming, Released 2011) is less than $100 it doesn't have Composite inputs.

The one before the latest (WD TV Live Hub, Released 2010) does have component and composite inputs but currently costs more than $150 on amazon.

Edit: The latest one does have a composite input.

Find Momo: 11.67

Roku: 49.00

Twin Peaks - Fire Walk with Me 13.86

That's everything marked high priority, for $74.53.

Catching Fire: $15

My Best Friend's Wedding: $9.16

Total: 98.69

I've used the headphone jack a few times on mine and it's always worked well, the 3 should be just fine for you.

Amazon has it for $88.50 right now (cheaper if you don't mind certified refurbished).

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Player-4230R-Search/dp/B00UJ3IULO/ref=sr_1_1?s=tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1454075370&sr=1-1&keywords=roku+3

Yeah. I picked up an AppleTV the week before WWEN launched, specifically for the purpose of viewing the network. It's small, runs smoothly, and is portable if necessary. It was worth the $90.

But the new Roku Stick is supposed to be a really impressive device and it's only $50. I'll be picking one up just so I can have the portability it brings. I know it's too late for WM, but here it is....

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-3500R-Streaming-Stick-HDMI/dp/B00INNP5VU

It's the Roku 2 with the curvy shape instead of the more boxy one. It has the remote with the headphone jack. I can check in the morning for a model number.

Looks like this one, based on a quick Amazon search.

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Player-2720R-Headphone/dp/B00F5NB7MW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I bought one of these about a year ago, works decently for the cheap price. You don't have to mess with the software at all.
I run it on a 52" Samsung, just makes it into a smart TV. I also got the wireless keyboard to go with it.

30$ express ( cheapest)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B075XN1NZC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524022340&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=roku+express&dpPl=1&dpID=31V0CkvZQnL&ref=plSrch

50$ streaming stick ( version I have)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B075XN5L53/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524022416&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=roku+streaming+stick&dpPl=1&dpID=31ORC5nJj7L&ref=plSrch

64$ streaming stick +(4k enabled) same as stick with 4k

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B075XLWML4/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1524022439&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=roku+streaming+stick&dpPl=1&dpID=313XSCJk0CL&ref=plSrch

I would recommend the streaming stick but the basic version would work fine.

Consumers do have options. They're all just kind of expensive.

The cheapest solution is to buy a TV or a set-top box with a CableCard slot: When you use a CableCard, you get almost all of the channels in your package plus the HD variants without having to pay the HD tech fee. Comcast usually gives you the first two CableCards for free, and then each additional CableCard for around $2 a month. Also, Comcast will credit your account around $3 a month for using your own equipment (sometimes you have to ask for them to do it, but they will do it).

Some newer HDTVs have CableCard slots built in. Most don't, though. If yours doesn't, you have three options:

• [Buy a TiVo.] (http://amzn.to/1VpiHsm) This is what most people do when they want a HD DVR without paying $20 to Comcast. The upside: You get almost everything with a TiVo that you'd get with a Comcast box, including XFinity On Demand in most areas, and almost all TiVo boxes can stream Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and YouTube. Most newer TiVo boxes also work with [the TiVo Mini] (http://amzn.to/1PwsCvE), a $150 device you hook into every other TV set in the house that eliminates the need for additional boxes. The downside: You have to pay $15 to TiVo every month (really $12 when you consider Comcast credits your account $3 for using your own equipment), or spring for a lifetime subscription, which can run upwards of $600 these days.
  
  
• Buy a used TiVo with lifetime subscription. This is what frugal people do when they don't need the latest features, but still want to stick it to Comcast. eBay and Craigslist are littered with older-model TiVos that don't require a monthly fee because the previous owner paid for a lifetime subscription. Most people who are selling these TiVos will post an image of their device's menu showing the lifetime subscription listed in the account screen — if they don't, either ask for it or don't buy it. For HD service, look for either the TiVo Series 3, the TiVo HD (or HD XL), the TiVo Premiere (or Premiere XL) or the TiVo Series 4 (or Series 4 XL). You may also find a used Roamio or Bolt on eBay, but they'll be considerably more expensive than the older models. Don't get anything that's Series 2 or older — they won't work.
  
  
• Last, if you don't care about DVR functions or On-Demand and you only want live TV and maybe care about HD, get your own cable box. Samsung [makes a streaming device that doubles as a cable box] (http://amzn.to/1ZB17nx) — it costs $129 retail and again you'll need a CableCard. There's no monthly fee with this box — you pay for it once and you're done. You get a TV guide, HD channels without the HD fee and a couple of streaming TV services like Netflix and Amazon Instant Video. It's not a DVR, though, and you won't have access to XFinity on Demand, but if you don't use either of these — or you feel you can live without them — this is absolutely the cheapest route to go. Sometimes you can find these boxes on eBay or refurbished units on Amazon or at Walmart for a cheaper price.
  
  There are other cable boxes you can buy — eBay is littered with used Motorola and Arris boxes — but be careful which ones you buy. Some of them are stolen, and if Comcast thinks you're trying to activate a box that has been stolen or was "lost" by a customer, they won't activate it.

So do you need a player thats component or competent?

If HDMI is not an issue then check out a Roku with Plex. Does exactly what you want it to. Youll want to atleast hardwire the player into your network so the video stream does not constantly pause.

My Roku remote doesn't have any channels on it.
https://www.amazon.com/Roku-1080p-Streaming-Player-Model/dp/B005CLPP84 Bought it at least 8 years ago. Apparently still make/sell
Fell down rabbit hole where my Roku keeps rebooting on certain channels. Quick glance it's a memory issue. Reboot solves.

> Roku Premiere+

https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Premiere-Streaming-Media-Player/dp/B01LXUZPQU

> HDMI port (4K video via HDCP 2.2 HDMI)

Isn't HDCP like bad? How I'm supposed to get one like this? In my country they aren't even sold as far I know...

I know you want Tivo Mini functionality but the Roamio OTA with Lifetime is on Amazon right now for $300 (http://www.amazon.com/TiVo-Streaming-Product-Lifetime-Service/dp/B0148ZRFVO/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1452913415&sr=1-4&keywords=tivo+roamio)

But usually you can get refurbished Tivo minis for $70. Woot just had a sale but they're all sold out.

But to answer your question about MRV with the subscriptionless Roamio OTA, the answer would be a no.

Yes:

http://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-MK808B-Android-Rockchip-Cortex-A9/dp/B00ALSZNLW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8

http://www.amazon.com/Androset-Android-Google-Player-Allwinner/dp/B008BFXOZE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8

Another option besides wireless HDMI with your IOGear, is a tuner that would be hooked up to your antenna, and then streamed to other streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV) at your television(s).

Are you interested in that option? Will you want to record/DVR television shows?

If so, you have choices like a:

• HDHomeRun (can be used to DVR programs onto another computer or Raspberry Pi or network hard drive)
  
• Tablo Live Stick (no DVR)
  
• regular Tablo (includes DVR)
  
• Tivo Bolt, or a Tivo Roamio with Tivo Stream or Mini (includes DVR)
  
• Mohu AirWave (no DVR)
  
  

Those are Android "PC's" - they arent a windows computer.

They would work fine for what you want to do, but arent considered an HTPC by most. I was concerned you were looking at some of the cheaper computer sticks - like this one here ... which would not be a good choice IMHO.

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-XS-1080p-Streaming-Player/dp/B005CLPP84/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1375403690&sr=8-3&keywords=roku

is better for tube TVs since you dont need an adapter

Hmmm, looks like the plus only $112 on amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/SiliconDust-HDHomeRun-Compatible-Streaming-HDTC-2US/dp/B00GY0UB6I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418822544&sr=8-2&keywords=hdhomerun&pebp=1418822579300

So do i just need the right software + knowledge of my parent's IP address to connect?

I searched for "cable card tuner" on Amazon and this was the second result:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EYO241Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6jt3Ab0JX8628

I'm sure many of the search results would do the trick.

We have a nice surround sound system and just a normal 42 inch flatscreen. For netflix & related we got this thing.

I use an MK808b, it was $44 and runs Android 4.1 so you can also play Android games and run other Android apps, and one of these $17 combo keyboard/mouse remote controls.

maybe something like http://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-MK808B-Android-Rockchip-Cortex-A9/dp/B00ALSZNLW ?

There was discussion about these on http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/1g75ps/advice_on_android_sticks/

Something like this? http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Live-Media-Center/dp/B004GK0GKO/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

>Roku HD Streaming Player

Does the device look like this one from 2012? https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Player-Old-Model/dp/B007KEZMX4

Something like this would fit the bill.

Premium Monoprice 5.1 system $139.99

Denon E200 5.1 AVR $159.99

Roku 3 $89.99

Yep, android mini pcs have everything your looking for! Also does much more.

http://www.amazon.com/MK802-Android-Google-Player-Allwinner/dp/B008BFXOZE

As the other guy mentioned the Roku is a better choice than the Firestick. Among other downsides one of the bad things about the Firestick is that it doesn't have official youtube support.

They have a $30 1080p version and a $60 4k version. Assuming the sale is the same as last year the 4k Roku should get down to around $40 on Black Friday.

I don't have a smart TV, but I do have a Roku - I use that to watch things like this on my TV, that are on YouTube. As long as you have a router, you can use a Roku since it doesn't require a smart TV to work. You just plug it into your TV using the HDMI cable, or if you have an older TV, you can get a Roku Express+, which uses the older composite cables.

Roku Express (with HDMI cable): https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Express-Definition-Streaming-Player/dp/B075XN1NZC/

Roku Express+ (with composite cables): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M2AJZ5P/

Yep, the Roku Premiere+ has an ethernet port.

Yep, use PLEX for local streaming and it has other channels for streaming.

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-2500R-HD-Streaming-Player/dp/B007KEZMX4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1377610630&sr=8-3&keywords=roku

There's an even cheaper version, and prime eligible.

Oh, sorry. Of course. I had the link copied and apparently forgot to actually paste it into the comment:

Built-In Harddisk:
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Live-Media-Center/dp/B004GK0GKO/ref=sr_1_1?s=tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1343363604&sr=1-1&keywords=hard+disk+tv+out

Empty enclosure to put your own in:
http://www.amazon.com/Micca-Slim-Portable-Digital-2-5-Inch/dp/B002ABX29I/ref=sr_1_10?s=tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1343363604&sr=1-10&keywords=hard+disk+tv+out

I do not really think there is a good market for those, considering many new TV sets have USB ports, and even if someone has one without, they can just get one of these and basically add them for 25€.

I bet that Roku 3 is really fucking futuristic, no wonder its above the rest! Probably plays files that wont be invented for almost 1000 years!

I vote for Roku 3 over Roku 2, having a remote that doesn't need to be pointed at the TV is freaking awesome, plus the headphone jack has come in handy several times.

The roku 3 is only $10 more then the Roku 2 right now

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Player-4230R-Search/dp/B00UJ3IULO/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1450232049&sr=1-1&keywords=roku+3

For instance.

Other reasons why I'm reluctant are:

• Only supports 720p
  
• no GIO ports
  
• Processor is 800Mhz
  
• No touchscreen support
  
  If I want something with low hackability then this has a better spec and same price.
  

You could buy something like this but you would still have to rent a cable card (usually $2-3/month)


I would second the antenna suggestion

There isnt an official one, and I suspect that the one on Roku hasn't been updated to be compatible with the new backend.

You can get one of the new model Chromecast (the older ones will stutter), or there's these which I bet would give good access via the website, since it's just running Windows 10.

link for desktop users, instead of amazon mobile page.

Here is the amazon page. Its a media box that has apps that let you stream your movies/shows to your TV

That's really helpful. I had no idea those boxes couldn't do Netflix. I'm curious though how the Roku 2, being so small is able to do it.

Perhaps in this case I should make a Micro ATX PC...there is a real lack of PC stores around here, though

> I don't think there's a way to interface SickBeard/SABnzbd with an OTA program guide. So your scheduling of living recordings would be independent of your automated downloads.

So I need a shim. Tacking on another piece is no big deal. Easy enough to fix that. Hell, easier, since I have a bunch of sourcing shims already.

> Your internet speeds mean nothing to broadcast television either.

I know what numbers I am talking about. I did not say IP, I said bridge for a reason. They are not ethernet, wireline bridge, or standard WiFi, and they are old. They don't have a lot of bandwidth on the bridging segment.

Either way, I'm used to doing the math in different context. 1080p straight typically requires ~11.5Mbit/sec excluding overheads not taking into account latency penalty etcetera. And I don't know exactly what format and overheads the HD HomeRun would introduce. Baseline for two of them on one bridge would be 46Mbit/s before overheads.

And I really do not want to find out that people watching TV is going to break that. I am not a nice person when my development environments break. If that means using a comparable ATSC unit with built-in 11-pick-your-letter, okay then. If that means putting them on separate bridges, also okay. But $300+ a unit's a depleted uranium blimp.

> I don't think you're grasping how TabloTV works.

Yes, I am grasping it quite well - I said it was per TV for a reason. It's already 2 tuners per-set and regular complaints about that. So why would I waste $440 on hardware, $300 on subscriptions, plus the Roku 3s, and another $200 for less than half the disk I have sitting around just to be in the same place? Oh, and a tablet and so on.

Not to mention, there's NO cost savings there - it's at least a $1200 proposition. Before Netflix or anything else. "Just get a quad tuner"? That's still $900+, still the same place. Feel free to check the math. At which point, it would be CHEAPER to keep the cable and add HBO. Even factoring in the regular increases in BS fees.

Whereas a brand new pair of HD HomeRuns providing 4 tuners costs less than a single refurbished Trulo 2 tuner - the HDTC-2US is all of $89.99 each. Let me drive that particular point home. The total for 2 Roku 3's, 4 ATSC tuners, the antenna, and about 5TB of available hot storage is $390.

Just don't try to equal this price at home folks - you need to have already spent at least $5k on hardware so you can pretend it doesn't cost anything.

You can buy a brand new one of these for $74 on Amazon. Not sure saving 4 bucks is worth the refurbished baggage.

What are your requirements?

I'm seriously considering this for my next HTPC - http://www.amazon.com/MK802-Android-Google-Player-Allwinner/dp/B008BFXOZE

Partly because I am tired of the sound of fans running :) - and also because my major requirements are playing DVDs, streaming Netflix, and streaming stuff from my fileserver.

even with the $10 off list, these prices seem higher than other deals i've been seeing. Roku 3 on this deal is $89.99 and $79.99 at Amazon. And that's not the lowest price ever.

Intel Corp. BOXSTCK1A8LFC Compute Stick STCK1A8LFC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W7KAABK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4ijIAbVW8D6GQ

Appears to have a usb input. Runs Ubuntu but there are others that run Windows


I just want this thing to be able to stream a live feed to the TV (I’m a dentist, using this for patient education). Not trying to capture or manipulate/save images

I would not get the Roku streaming sticks. I have a Roku Express and a Streaming Stick+ and I regret getting the stick. I've had so many problems with it, including the remote randomly un-pairing and heat problems. I definitely suggest the Roku Express for $24 or the Roku Premiere for just under $40 if you want something a bit nicer or 4k.

I apologize, Sony - GS7. Its google TV so a TV overlay.

I have a Roku Premiere+ - HD and 4K UHD Streaming Media Player with HDR
with no problem. Huge upgrade from using a PS3. No buffers, just some loading time. Love it.

Might also want to consider the MK808b

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-3500R-Streaming-Stick-HDMI/dp/B00INNP5VU/ref=pd_cp_e_0

Technically you can just buy this and some rabbit ears: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-DTBH260F-HDTV-Terrestrial-Receiver/dp/B000JV6TQY#productDetails

roku 3 https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Media-Player-Search/dp/B00UJ3IULO/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_504_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WE4CW2R7557QXSFKCPEN

It's a Roku HD. This pre-dates the 1,2 and 3 naming scheme Roku now uses.

This HDMI stick and a bed sheet collection to bring you in at $75.95?

They're already available on Amazon and other places without the subscription, so....

Samsung makes what you are looking for, full disclosure they is a fairly old box at this point.

Samsung GX-SM530CF Cable Box and Streaming Media Player with Built-In Wi-Fi (2013 Model) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EYO241Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_95t3Ab57QG4J1

power bank

compute stick

monitor

mouse+keyboard

mounting solution

A Roku doesn't cost much.
https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Express-More-Powerful-Streaming/dp/B075XN1NZC

Can confirm: lynk

Another alternative:

https://www.amazon.com/Intel-Corp-BOXSTCK1A8LFC-Compute-STCK1A8LFC/dp/B00W7KAABK

Dudes. Don't do that. Do this

http://www.amazon.com/EZCAP-TV-EzGrabber-Capture-Converter-Windows/dp/B003YGJLWU there's one for windows too

Do you have 300 dollars to blow right now? If so you should get a tivo ota with lifetime service if you plan to keep the tivo for a few years.
www.amazon.com/TiVo-Streaming-Product-Lifetime-Service/dp/B0148ZRFVO

How does this really differ from the mk808b?

What about the Roku 2 XS - is that much difference with Roku 3?

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-1080p-Streaming-Player-Model/dp/B005CLPP84

Amazon.com, search "roku", second item in the list is.... $50.

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-2500R-HD-Streaming-Player/dp/B007KEZMX4/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374843439&sr=1-2&keywords=roku

http://www.amazon.com/MK802-Android-Google-Player-Allwinner/dp/B008BFXOZE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348280028&sr=8-1&keywords=MK+Android

• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IHXFQK
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GAVCNZI
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B5RGAWY
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002N2XJ8I
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CHU9ZDE
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051D3MP6
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00INNP5VU
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EIHY56
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032XVNMQ
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IT37Z6
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CRFOMK
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007K4UKXG
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006V4WNYU
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ACTN54
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0061LW0PK
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EBFJXS
  

Not sure why this device never caught on, but you could use this http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-GX-SM530CF-Streaming-Player-Built-In/dp/B00EYO241Q
and you would just need a CableCard (small fee).

$48 USD Compute stick with 1GB ram

Not the best reviews but shouldn't need much juice for displaying websites without user interaction

I recommend this Samsung cable box.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EYO241Q/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_uIoitb1VG4NBP

It supports over the air and cable cards. If you ever get cable such as comcast(no cost for cable card)or verizon ($5 month card rental) it can also be used it place of the cable providers box.

I can't tell you if the xbox one has the remote commands for it, but I can vouch for the device.

Warning: cable box picks up guide info from cable provider. Verizon FIOS guide is not compatible. (Xbox one has its own guide.)

WD TV Live Hub Media centre with no hard drive... Worth $20?

unfortunately it does not. but here's a link:

http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-WD-Media-Player/dp/B001JZFQU4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1252624903&sr=8-1

Samsung GX-SM530CF Cable Box and Streaming Media Player with Built-In Wi-Fi. [$75]

Works on any cable provider and costs less than renting a cablebox. If you use it as your "first" cable box with Comcast, they'll actually pay you $2.50/month.

Would consider trading it for a 2TB+ hard drive, decent road bicycle, or an Xbox 360 Slim.

This Not quite as many) is what I think he's talking about.

Way better than that Via chipset (ever use a Eken M001? shudder). No onboard lan, and I have no idea about GPIOs.

Check here for kernels and whatnot.

https://www.amazon.com/Intel-Corp-BOXSTCK1A8LFC-Compute-STCK1A8LFC/dp/B00W7KAABK and a solid USB NIC...wifi sucks on these things.

What's the point of media centers, htpc's, when they have standalone devices for that that probably use up much less electricity?
wd live hub with 1tb hd

wd tv live plus. can attach fat/ntfs hard drive to this, or stream off the network/internet

>massive and expensive inconvenience

This streaming device costs less than $25 and uses fewer wires than a cable box.

Do you have internet access at your new apartment? The chromecast and the DS213j needs to be connected to the same local network.

Unfortunately there is no way to directly connect the NAS to the TV, since it is not a Smart TV and does not support DLNA, you can't browse the NAS directly.

The Chromecast is different from the Wireless Display Adapter, since it does not mirror screens, etc. What the Chromecast will do is allow you to point your NAS to your TV by using your phone or tablet as an intermediary.

Another option you have is to run Video Station and Media Server on the NAS, and purchase an inexpensive Roku HDMI stick which lets you install DS Video on it. That will allow you to browse the NAS and watch your videos without using your phone.

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-3500R-Streaming-Stick-HDMI/dp/B00INNP5VU

What about a [Roku Express?] (https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Express-Definition-Streaming-Player/dp/B075XN1NZC/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1543333356&sr=1-4&keywords=roku)

I have used the Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast, and the Apple TV is definitely the fastest and smoothest operating out of the 3.

I really only use my Chromecast to cast my laptop or phone screen to the TV. The fact that you have to cast the app from a phone or other device is a bit annoying to me.

IMHO, the Roku is a decent compromise between the two, and it's only $30. The only gripe about the Roku is that navigating menus seems a little slow and not as smooth. Once you play a show, it doesn't buffer or anything (unless there are issues with the internet connection, obviously). I know "regular" Hulu works on it, I'm not sure about Live TV.

There's also the Fire TV Stick, which I haven't used much. I've heard good things, but it's not compatible with YouTube TV, so I won't be getting one until they are. It's a little pricier than the Roku ($40), but it may be worth it. The one time I used it, it seemed more smooth to navigate than the Roku. I also can't vouch for whether Hulu Works on it, but I am assuming it does. Someone else can chime in.

As long as your TV has an HDMI port, you can use any of the devices. The Roku Express is similar to the Chromecast in that you can either plug it into the USB port for power (which is the only reason it plugs into a USB, there's no data being transferred or anything), or you can buy a USB adapter to plug into a normal household outlet (like you'd use for a cell phone). The Fire TV Stick may use the same thing, but I'm not 100% sure. The Apple TV and larger Roku use a standard household plug for power.

> /u/SZOR

• $49.00 Roku 3500R Streaming Stick Indicated as highest priority
  
  
  
  
• $13.86 Twin Peaks - Fire Walk with Me (2000) Indicated as high priority.
  
  
  
  
• $11.67Find Momo: A Photography Book Indicated as high priority.
  
  
  
  
• $9.99 Ladies Square Neckline Cut Out Shoulders Stretchy Mini Dress
  
  
  
  
• $10.73 Women Ruffled Front Scoop Neck Long Sleeve Shirt
  
  
• $2.42 10 x NAIL ART DISPLAY & PRACTICE WHEELS Nails Tip
  
  
  
  TOTAL: $97.67

I just bought the WD TV Live Hub, which has Hulu Plus "coming soon". The wait is killing me though, I'm dying to be able to watch all of the Criterion films on my TV.

I see a lot of people suggesting a RPi for this setup - but the RPi isn't built to be a media player. It's a bit of a pain to set up.

Why not spend about the same money and get something that's actually built to do the job?

http://www.amazon.com/WD-TV-HD-Media-Player/dp/B001JZFQU4