Apologies if this is the wrong instance for this.
Is there a best option for HTPC streaming solutions besides throwing linux on an old desktop?
Plugging in a desktop for streaming doesn’t work too well for wall mounted televisions.
My options are mini pcs or a 3rd party streaming stick.
Even a raspi stick running osmc should do the trick.
These 3rd party sticks online are extremely tempting for power and features but I’m concerned about embedded malware.
Best option would be to wipe it and load osmc or rasparian to ensure its clean.
Anyone have experience with this?
Care to share your setup?
DQ06 ATV Mini TV Stick Android12 Allwinner H618 Quad Core Cortex A53 Support 8K Video 4K Wifi6 BT Voice Remote Smart TV Box https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNgjsEq
It might be the unpopular option but I love my AppleTV. I used several sticks, a FireTV and a raspi before.
On the AppleTV with Swiftfin for jellyfin and VLC as a fall back all my local streaming needs are met. The hardware is great and the price is - well, let’s say it’s okay (but quite far above you limit I think). And most of all: it blew all of the other option out of the water in terms of convenience and user experience.
So if you have the money I recommend giving it a try.
Similar boat. I’m still on the Plex train, but otherwise I share the same story and recommendation.
There are dozens of us!
Does the Apple tv pass/handle DTS/HD/X/whatever yet?
It decodes everything to 5.1/7.1 LPCM. So apps like Infuse or Plex it will play back lossless TrueHD or DTS, but the height metadata is lost.
It only supports Atmos for Dolby Digital Plus, used for streaming WEB-DLs.
Agreed. AppleTV with Infuse blows away everything else I’ve tried in terms of responsiveness and stability. I spend less time fucking with it and more time just…using it. It’s almost worth it for the screensavers alone.
Get an Nvidia Shield if you need atmos passthrough for Bluray rips, otherwise I recommend the AppleTV in every other way.
I can respect wanting to go with a custom built PC setup if you have the time and interest. But that’s not for me.