Alternative to Apple TV2 for running XBMC

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StarBlazer

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#76439 2-Feb-2011 12:55

I have an old XBox (still running) with XBMC but would like HD. I saw the ATV2 is now supported by XBMC but it needs a jailbreak and you can only do that by using a Mac - so that's out of the question!

I've had a good look at the forums over the last year and this iOS news has got me thinking again.

I don't want to get an HTPC, both because of the cost to purchase and the cost to run - the $169 price tag of the ATV2 is about right for my very tight budget!

I have looked at the WDTV Live products and although it is a great player, it doesn't have a library function which means I don't know what TV I've watched. I understand that XBMC is developing a version for the Sigma based devices and that maybe the next generation of WD units will have XBMC.

So my (ridiculous) wish list:
Can run XBMC (I like the interface and the Library)
Affordable - under $200
Cheap to run - I worked out my PC on all the time would cost around $250 per year!
Can plug a USB drive directly into it
HDMI output. I don't have 1080p content but things change! The 720x576i from my XBox just doesn't cut it any more.
Network available - My PC/Laptop can retrieve and save files to the drive via the network (like WDTV box).
Not bothered about wi-fi or streaming content directly off the net - or access to other premium TV providers.

So does this dream really exist?

Procrastination eventually pays off.

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#434252 2-Feb-2011 13:11

A windows version of 'seasonpass' (used for jailbreaking) will be available in the next few weeks provided there are no major hiccups. Can you wait for that and get an ATV2?

jonherries

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#434263 2-Feb-2011 13:33

My question about xbmc on appletv2 is whether it will run a browser in the application to visit tvnz on demand (with the requisite flash plugin as well)?

Jon

jjnz1

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#434269 2-Feb-2011 13:48

jonherries: My question about xbmc on appletv2 is whether it will run a browser in the application to visit tvnz on demand (with the requisite flash plugin as well)?

Jon

I think at this time flash is not supported due to hardware driver limitations.

StarBlazer

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#434280 2-Feb-2011 14:16

jjnz1: A windows version of 'seasonpass' (used for jailbreaking) will be available in the next few weeks provided there are no major hiccups. Can you wait for that and get an ATV2?

Certainly an option - I will keep an eye out for that release. Thanks for the info :)

Procrastination eventually pays off.

eluSiveNZ

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#434294 2-Feb-2011 14:50

jjnz1:I think at this time flash is not supported due to hardware driver limitations.

There is an Add On for TVNZ On Demand - http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=37014&highlight=tvnz that plays the stream directly.
Be nice if someone could confirm if this works on ATV2

gehenna

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#434297 2-Feb-2011 14:59

Yes the TVNZ on Demand plugin works fine, I was using it just last night :)

jonherries

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#434299 2-Feb-2011 15:01

I think at this time flash is not supported due to hardware driver limitations.

Thats good to know, although we may be luckyish as flash has been ported to android presumably with some sort of hardware driver as the android phones are arm devices like the i devices.

Maybe one of the open-source (linux) versions could be ported/compiled to run on ARM?

The battery life issue isn't a problem in the ATV2 obviously.

Jon

Equinox IT

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jonherries

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#434304 2-Feb-2011 15:08

Yip just upscrolled. Awesome.

I will be getting one of these on the way home...

Jon

eluSiveNZ

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#434336 2-Feb-2011 16:08

jonherries: Yip just upscrolled. Awesome.

I will be getting one of these on the way home...

Jon

Nice, let us know how it goes as I'm keen to get one for the 2nd TV

StarBlazer

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#434343 2-Feb-2011 16:19

Has anyone any experience with using XBMC on the ATV2?

I'm presuming once jailbreaked(?) and XBMC installed, you can just play files without the need for a separate server (iTunes etc).

I currently have a NSLU2 connected to a wireless router with a USB 1TB drive plugged in. At the moment the XBox just reads the files directly and plays them. Is this the same on the ATV2? The WD Live is different as you plug the USB drive directly into it.

Sorry - thinking out loud

Procrastination eventually pays off.

gehenna

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#434344 2-Feb-2011 16:26

StarBlazer: Has anyone any experience with using XBMC on the ATV2?

I'm presuming once jailbreaked(?) and XBMC installed, you can just play files without the need for a separate server (iTunes etc).

I currently have a NSLU2 connected to a wireless router with a USB 1TB drive plugged in. At the moment the XBox just reads the files directly and plays them. Is this the same on the ATV2? The WD Live is different as you plug the USB drive directly into it.

Sorry - thinking out loud

You can set up smb file shares among others. So basically as long as the media is shared over your network somehow, xbmc will be able to see it once you map it.

StarBlazer

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#434358 2-Feb-2011 16:43

gehenna:
StarBlazer: Has anyone any experience with using XBMC on the ATV2?

I'm presuming once jailbreaked(?) and XBMC installed, you can just play files without the need for a separate server (iTunes etc).

I currently have a NSLU2 connected to a wireless router with a USB 1TB drive plugged in. At the moment the XBox just reads the files directly and plays them. Is this the same on the ATV2? The WD Live is different as you plug the USB drive directly into it.

Sorry - thinking out loud

You can set up smb file shares among others. So basically as long as the media is shared over your network somehow, xbmc will be able to see it once you map it.

Awesome! Shame the ATV2 doesn't have a proper USB it would be nice to get rid of the slug. I've got an *OLD* laptop that I could use as a file server instead (yes I've tried using the VGA into the TV but the laptop can't handle the HD resolution and the picture looks ugly) which only uses quite low power when used without the screen being on.

Procrastination eventually pays off.

jonherries

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#434360 2-Feb-2011 16:48

Worthwhile noting before you run out an buy one:

This is a tethered jailbreak

That means everytime you restart the AppleTV it needs to be connected to your Mac via usb.

Jon

StarBlazer

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#434362 2-Feb-2011 16:50

jonherries: Worthwhile noting before you run out an buy one:

This is a tethered jailbreak

That means everytime you restart the AppleTV it needs to be connected to your Mac via usb.

Jon

Noted Thanks. Does this include standby - if there is such a thing?

Procrastination eventually pays off.

1080p

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#434425 2-Feb-2011 18:40

I will wait till they hack 1080p output (apparently not a priority :S) before grabbing one of these units. Once that is done I'll likely grab a few for the whole house.

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