Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat Looking for advice on video streaming options

It's just over 2 years since I last posted on this topic and I still don't have a solution I'm happy for all my video streaming. Perhaps the only thing that significantly changed is that for the last year I've had the full Sky package, so using them for most streaming activities, therefore from 1 box, but now I've cancelled my subscription I'm looking for something for the following:

a. Watching Now TV
b. Watching Amazon Instant Video
c. Streaming movies from NAS (currently ISO format)
d. Watching YouTube

At present I would have to watch Now TV via Apple TV, Amazon Instant Video via PS3 and movies from NAS via Dune H1. As I understand it a Mac Mini or HTPC would be my best solution for all of the above, or only the HTPC if I also wanted to add live TV viewing & recording to the list.

All viewing would be on my TV via a HD621, although additional options to watch on iPad (for my kids) would be a potential bonus, but not a requirement.

I'm looking for advice on whether I've missed any options I should be considering and re Mac Mini and HTPC any minimum specifications.

As I could potentially live with viewing/ recording live TV from a separate TV box (would be FreeSat) and currently have a growing number of Apple items, I have an initial leaning preference towards a Mac Mini in the hope that there would be some other benefits (considering other Apple equipment), but am curious what others are currently using.

What I'm trying a achieve is:

1) Avoid need for HDMI splitters/ switchers due to needing more HDMI ports than available on HD621 (potentially inconvenient and reducing quality)
2) Increase convenience, by making content more easily available and integrated
3) Maintain video and audio quality compared to using best available separate boxes
4) Still be controllable by my universal remote control when I want it to be

I notice that the most recent Mac Mini has a much lower power rating than the 2012 model, which would be good for when it is sitting unused and wondered if I followed this route if the base model would be OK for all the above duties?

Assuming that this happens, it's another hardware option.

Whilst I'd welcome an Apple TV as an option (I already bought a ATV2 and ATV3 to try previously, but they haven't had much use), I assume it would still not play Amazon Instant Video, which is one of my key requirements. I watch most movies on my Oppo player using BD rental via LoveFilm, but use Instant video when I want something extra. The Now TV will just be for TV shows.

Amazon Fire TV with Amazon Prime, gets you Netflix (with an extra subscription) and BBC iPlayer too. Good picture quality and range of content, e.g. Bosch, Black Sails and Vikings.

There is an issue that I have had with the DD soundtrack causing cracks and thumps on pause/restart but I can live with the PCM soundtrack.

Unfortunately Amazon Fire TV doesn't allow me to watch Now TV as well, so doesn't help. That's my biggest challenge, finding a device that supports the different content, but I understand that a Mac Mini or HTPC will support all of them.

Does Chromecast do Now TV? Just checked, and it does. Chris
I only use it for You Tube but the sound quality is impressive IMHO

I'm impressed with Kodi which would fulfil most of your requirements. Picture and audio quality are excellent.

It supports BR ISOs but not full menus (unless you add an externalplayer such as PDVD) and is best suited to MKVs. There's an excellent add-on for Amazon instant Video and several for live TV. Recording TV is still a bit clunky and not a route I've gone down. I believe there is a Now TV add-on but I've not tried it.

Setting up does require quite a bit of work and it depends what kind of solution you want.

Does it also do Amazon Instant Video and YouTube?

I notice from your signature that you're using a HTPC. Did you buy something off-shelf, or build your own configuration? What made you opt for a HTPC over a Mac Mini?

I've always been a PC man and it was a question of familiarity with the OS. For example, I know how to bypass the Windows shell and boot straight into Kodi - I wouldn't have a clue with a Mac.

I built it around a fanless case from scratch. This was before Intel NUCs came on the scene. Having said that, I'd probably do the same again as I like choosing the bits myself

Definatly does You Tube and Vimeo. It can sound great too. I use it to enjoy the LRB videos.

Chris

Well that was a massive damp squib. IMHO.