Chromecast or Roku 3 as Plex client

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pbolger

241 posts

Master Geek

#147460 19-Jun-2014 23:00

I've finally got Plex running on my little home server and now am looking for a client device to replace my aging WD TV live. Can anyone fill me in on the relative merits of the Roku3 over the Chromecast or the Raspberry Pi running Rasplex? The Chromecast is probably the cheapest of the bunch - Fishpond are doing them for under $55 with delivery included at the moment.

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#1069648 19-Jun-2014 23:59

I use Plax with a Roku 3 along with Netflix, Dishworld and few other media streaming apps. Its cheap and the Roku remote works very well with Plex.

Do whatever you want to do man.

Sounddude

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#1069651 20-Jun-2014 00:07

I really love my Roku device!

Its been my sky replacement device and I haven't looked back.

I have a Chromecast too, but hardly use it.

pbolger

241 posts

Master Geek

#1069777 20-Jun-2014 09:33

One advantage I see with the Roku is that the remote has an audio out which means you could use it as an audio streaming player (without having to turn the TV on). I'm not sure if I'd bother using a dedicated remote as any of these can be controlled by any idevice with the app installed. One of the main points of domestic friction using the WD is constantly having to track down that tiny remote.

jonolynn

44 posts

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#1070796 20-Jun-2014 10:04

I've got 2 Chromecast working with my Plex server and it's great. Wife Acceptance Factor (WAF) was low for a start not being able to use the universal remote anymore but it has subsided over time.

I'm hoping for a new Apple TV at some point that supports Apps (like Plex) and other new stuff and then I will consider replacing the Chromecast in the lounge.

Plex Android plays very nicely with the Chromecast with Play/Pause button on the lock screen, iOS is a bit annoying as you have to launch the app to get the controls and cannot control from the lock screen.

Sounddude

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#1070824 20-Jun-2014 10:18

jonolynn: Wife Acceptance Factor (WAF) was low for a start not being able to use the universal remote anymore but it has subsided over time.

I have a Roku3, which fortunately allows the use of a IR remote.

I have a Roku streaming stick too, which is great! but lacks any IR.

skewt

750 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1070851 20-Jun-2014 11:33

I use plex on my roku

Only thing I would turn on is "surround sound" in roku settings or you cant decode AC3
(Your tv still has to be able to decode but this means it gets passed through the hdmi)

garvani

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#1070869 20-Jun-2014 11:44

Have you considered the amazon fire tv?

Runs a slightly modified android, which allows for a lot more apps (xbmc for example). Far superior hardware to any of the other devices. And root was just released this week which opens it up even further (usb hard drives now accessible from the usb port for example)

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pbolger

241 posts

Master Geek

#1070905 20-Jun-2014 12:17

The Fire TV looks interesting. Would it work with the IOS apps as well? What's its format support like?

pbolger

241 posts

Master Geek

#1070911 20-Jun-2014 12:21

And the Fire TV qualifies for Amazon free shipping! Too bad you have to move to the US to qualify. I must say that having to go through the checkout process to discover that Amazon won't sell you something because you don't live in the US is a major annoyance for me. Why can't they just tell you up front?

toast

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1070927 20-Jun-2014 12:42

If you don't mind Apple, the Apple TV makes an excellent plex client using plex connect (https://github.com/iBaa/PlexConnect).
The Apple TV can learn commands from other remote controls which makes it easy to integrate with your setup

Edit: Added link

garvani

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#1071153 20-Jun-2014 16:56

You will find many IOS apps on android. The roku and chrome cast have very limited uses, your basically assigned to whatever channels or apps they release.

You can get an amazon fire relatively easily through a freight forwarder such as NZ posts youshop service.

isis

49 posts

Geek

#1071916 21-Jun-2014 23:26

jonolynn: I've got 2 Chromecast working with my Plex server and it's great. Wife Acceptance Factor (WAF) was low for a start not being able to use the universal remote anymore but it has subsided over time.

I'm hoping for a new Apple TV at some point that supports Apps (like Plex) and other new stuff and then I will consider replacing the Chromecast in the lounge.

Plex Android plays very nicely with the Chromecast with Play/Pause button on the lock screen, iOS is a bit annoying as you have to launch the app to get the controls and cannot control from the lock screen.

I got Apple TV3 and managed to get Plex going on it Works a treat!

richms

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#1071934 22-Jun-2014 00:07

My fire tv has largely replaced my chromecast but it seems my tv will of ever see 3 hdmi cec devices so have removed the chromecast for now.

You can cast youtube to the fire tv even better than the chromecast since you can then pause/skip etc either with the tv or the fire tv remote. Whereas the chromecast you have to re open the youtube app and hope it doesn't lose your tv play list.

Richard rich.ms

NZtechfreak

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#1071989 22-Jun-2014 10:09

richms: My fire tv has largely replaced my but it seems my tv will of ever see 3 hdmi cec devices so have removed the chromecast for now.

You can cast youtube to the fire tv even better than the chromecast since you can then pause/skip etc either with the tv or the fire tv remote. Whereas the chromecast you have to re open the youtube app and hope it doesn't lose your tv play list.

Thanks for that, useful as I mull over getting a Fire TV to replace my Chromecast (which has underwhelmed a little with poor codec support).

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

eXDee

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#1071991 22-Jun-2014 10:15

The chromecast afaik only supports 2.4ghz wifi which is not ideal for a device designed to stream video imo.
The roku streaming stick is dual band, and the roku 3 is dual band with an ethernet port.

The plex app on roku is great, and RARFlix is a nice mod to it that adds even more features.

Perhaps a second gen chromecast will remove this massive oversight, but i've just completely avoided recommending it for this reason.

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