Bewildered over choice of media TV box

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Bewildered over choice of media TV box

littleheaven

2130 posts

Uber Geek

#166146 4-Mar-2015 09:55

I've been reading through all the posts regarding Raspberry Pi's and Chrome boxes and such - a massive wealth of information but I think I've just managed to confuse myself. I'm looking for something that's a little bit more fully featured than my Apple TV, which does a fine job for the services it has apps for, and it's relatively easy to switch regions to access the different countries' menus, but is missing apps for quite a few of the services I'd like to access, and has no browser, so I'm thinking I might be better off with some sort of cheap HTPC solution.

Streaming content from my PC isn't my main concern - I can already do that just fine from my Mac running Playback and streaming to my Sony home theatre system. What I'd really like is something that I can get all the apps for all the different SVOD channels around the world (in particular Netflix, Hulu Plus, the US free to air channels, iPlayer, 4oD, NowTV, Australian free to air like 7Plus and TenPlay) and have them all in one place without having to switch from region to region. Also a browser where I could visit the desktop sites of any channels that don't have compatible apps, like TVNZ on Demand, as well as normal internet surfing. I'd need to be able to change the DNS settings of the device to UnoTelly, as I prefer to do that via device rather than in the router (although I could always change the router if there was no other option - I can set up multiple networks on my Asus so could I dedicate one to media streaming with Unotelly DNS settings?).

I also saw someone mention something called... Genuis? Some sort of programme that searched for streaming media? I'd be interested to learn more about that.

Is there any one device that does all of the above? All advice gratefully accepted!

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

wasabi2k

2096 posts

Uber Geek

#1250824 4-Mar-2015 10:28

You won't get a device to do that sorry.

A PC with a wireless keyboard is your best bet, and you also won't be able to get access to multiple regions without switching at your DNS provider.

littleheaven

2130 posts

Uber Geek

#1250934 4-Mar-2015 12:10

wasabi2k: You won't get a device to do that sorry.

A PC with a wireless keyboard is your best bet, and you also won't be able to get access to multiple regions without switching at your DNS provider.

Thanks for the info. That's a shame -I thought the Android boxes looked hopeful in that regard, given they can run the same apps as a tablet. I guess I can AirParrot my laptop at a pinch.

I can access multiple regions, though. Unotelly has dynamic DNS, you just need to use their control panel to select which channels you want to access in each region, so I was hoping that there was a machine that could take advantage of that without needing to be rebooted (like I believe the Roku does). On the AppleTV I can flick from one iTunes account to another to select the relevant region, but it lacks most of the apps.

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

Glassboy

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#1250938 4-Mar-2015 12:14

I find that the Roku needs to be rebooted to see the Netflix region change reliably. Closing the Netflix app doesn't always seem to close the app.

It does look though that you could do everything you want with a Roku and a Miracast dongle.

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

Uber Geek

#1250942 4-Mar-2015 12:16

If you want a browser (that works with stuff like Flash/Silverlight) in the device then a proper computer is the only thing that will do this properly IMHO

If you're ok dropping that particular feature, I'd recommend a PS3 (or PS4 if you can afford it)

Buy one second hand from trademe for around $150-200 (only slightly more than an Apple TV

You can have all the major overseas apps on it - Netflix, BBC iplayer, Crackle, Huluplus, etc all in one place without switching regions in the device (apart from the first time you download the app) AND it is the most likely platform to get proper apps for NZ and Oz services.

It already has Quickflix and Lightbox for NZ, and is next most likely for TVNZoD to get one too.

Plus you can play games on it too :)

ZollyMonsta

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#1250943 4-Mar-2015 12:18

Do a Google search for PIPO X7. Running windows 8.1 and has access to the store. Also works for YouTube and TVNZ On Demand (all that I have tested so far.)

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littleheaven

2130 posts

Uber Geek

#1250964 4-Mar-2015 12:52

NonprayingMantis: If you want a browser (that works with stuff like Flash/Silverlight) in the device then a proper computer is the only thing that will do this properly IMHO

If you're ok dropping that particular feature, I'd recommend a PS3 (or PS4 if you can afford it)

Buy one second hand from trademe for around $150-200 (only slightly more than an Apple TV

You can have all the major overseas apps on it - Netflix, BBC iplayer, Crackle, Huluplus, etc all in one place without switching regions in the device (apart from the first time you download the app) AND it is the most likely platform to get proper apps for NZ and Oz services.

It already has Quickflix and Lightbox for NZ, and is next most likely for TVNZoD to get one too.

Plus you can play games on it too :)

Oh, I have a PS3! It's an old one but it still runs. I didn't realise that it had access to all those apps. I will have to have a play around with it so I can get them - it was my late husband's so I'm not very familiar with how it works. The fact it'll run the apps while set to NZ is great - is there ability to put Unotelly's DNS settings within the PS3, or will I need to do that in my router?

I'll also check out the PIPO - sounds intriguing!

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

wasabi2k

2096 posts

Uber Geek

#1250975 4-Mar-2015 13:12

littleheaven:
NonprayingMantis: If you want a browser (that works with stuff like Flash/Silverlight) in the device then a proper computer is the only thing that will do this properly IMHO

If you're ok dropping that particular feature, I'd recommend a PS3 (or PS4 if you can afford it)

Buy one second hand from trademe for around $150-200 (only slightly more than an Apple TV

You can have all the major overseas apps on it - Netflix, BBC iplayer, Crackle, Huluplus, etc all in one place without switching regions in the device (apart from the first time you download the app) AND it is the most likely platform to get proper apps for NZ and Oz services.

It already has Quickflix and Lightbox for NZ, and is next most likely for TVNZoD to get one too.

Plus you can play games on it too :)

Oh, I have a PS3! It's an old one but it still runs. I didn't realise that it had access to all those apps. I will have to have a play around with it so I can get them - it was my late husband's so I'm not very familiar with how it works. The fact it'll run the apps while set to NZ is great - is there ability to put Unotelly's DNS settings within the PS3, or will I need to do that in my router?

I'll also check out the PIPO - sounds intriguing!

You can set IP configurations (including DNS) on the PS3 itself.

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littleheaven

2130 posts

Uber Geek

#1250993 4-Mar-2015 13:15

wasabi2k:
littleheaven:
NonprayingMantis: If you want a browser (that works with stuff like Flash/Silverlight) in the device then a proper computer is the only thing that will do this properly IMHO

If you're ok dropping that particular feature, I'd recommend a PS3 (or PS4 if you can afford it)

Buy one second hand from trademe for around $150-200 (only slightly more than an Apple TV

You can have all the major overseas apps on it - Netflix, BBC iplayer, Crackle, Huluplus, etc all in one place without switching regions in the device (apart from the first time you download the app) AND it is the most likely platform to get proper apps for NZ and Oz services.

It already has Quickflix and Lightbox for NZ, and is next most likely for TVNZoD to get one too.

Plus you can play games on it too :)

Oh, I have a PS3! It's an old one but it still runs. I didn't realise that it had access to all those apps. I will have to have a play around with it so I can get them - it was my late husband's so I'm not very familiar with how it works. The fact it'll run the apps while set to NZ is great - is there ability to put Unotelly's DNS settings within the PS3, or will I need to do that in my router?

I'll also check out the PIPO - sounds intriguing!

You can set IP configurations (including DNS) on the PS3 itself.

Nice, thank you.

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

Jaxson

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#1251012 4-Mar-2015 13:41

NonprayingMantis: II'd recommend a PS3

You can have all the major overseas apps on it - Netflix, BBC iplayer, Crackle, Huluplus, etc all in one place

Ok, have PS3, the above sounds good.

Simples questions first, does one need a VPN service to achieve this etc?

littleheaven

2130 posts

Uber Geek

#1251013 4-Mar-2015 13:45

I use Unotelly - not a VPN (although they do offer that service) but they unblock about 350 streaming TV services worldwide. You just need to use their DNS settings, which are dynamic and adapt for each region.

I've been reading about the PIPO and am quite keen to try it - watching the thread on it with interest.

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

littleheaven

2130 posts

Uber Geek

#1251426 4-Mar-2015 23:08

I'm going to try installing Kodi on a little Acer Aspire One netbook I have floating around unused, and see if, between Kodi and the browser, it does all the stuff I want. It has HDMI out to connect to the telly, and a slightly lower spec than the PIPO so will be a good test of whether one of those will be a good eventual solution. If it works, and people find the PIPO good, I'll grab one, and the Acer will make a good back-up solution for the telly in the bedroom.

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

littleheaven

2130 posts

Uber Geek

#1252099 6-Mar-2015 09:30

Just following up to add that I tried out the PS3 last night - made myself user accounts for the US, UK and Aussie, updated the DNS, and downloaded all the SVOD apps available for each region. It pretty much covers the whole wish list, with the exception of one Aussie channel and TVNZ On Demand, which I understand is coming soon. No proper browser but it's not really needed with the big range of apps. I tried the netbook into the TV - not too bad but it runs Win 7 Starter so I couldn't properly customise the display to fit on the TV screen, and Kodi didn't have a lot of the channel apps I wanted - perhaps because I needed a VPN before it'll let me see the overseas ones? Anyway, haven't discounted getting a TV box at some stage (have my eye on the new HP Stream Mini, since I have a family member who works for HP) to give me browser access to On Demand sites, but there's no rush.

Edited for poor spelling.

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

Glassboy

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#1252189 6-Mar-2015 11:12

littleheaven: Anyway, haven't discounted getting a TV box at some stage (have my eye on the new HP Stream Mini, since I have a family member who works for HP) to give me browser access to On Demand sites, but there's no rush.

Edited for poor spelling.

Owww nice blue. I kinda want one now.

littleheaven

2130 posts

Uber Geek

#1252307 6-Mar-2015 14:30

Glassboy:
littleheaven: Anyway, haven't discounted getting a TV box at some stage (have my eye on the new HP Stream Mini, since I have a family member who works for HP) to give me browser access to On Demand sites, but there's no rush.

Edited for poor spelling.

Owww nice blue. I kinda want one now.

LOL I thought it looked a bit like Tupperware :o)

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

Regs

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Snowflake

#1252329 6-Mar-2015 15:10

littleheaven: What I'd really like is something that I can get all the apps for all the different SVOD channels around the world (in particular Netflix, Hulu Plus, the US free to air channels, iPlayer, 4oD, NowTV, Australian free to air like 7Plus and TenPlay) and have them all in one place without having to switch from region to region.

I can almost do that on my Xbox One. Did a wee region dance to get all the apps installed - then I was able to use most of them from a single 'home' region (with unotelly on the router). Of course many of those apps above are there but some are still coming/missing.

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