|
|
Post by garbulky on Apr 27, 2016 14:43:40 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Loop 7 on Apr 27, 2016 16:30:19 GMT -5
I've been tempted to try my hand with a Rasberry Pi but with USB or HDMI output to DAC.
|
|
KeithL
Administrator 
Posts: 10,256
|
Post by KeithL on Apr 27, 2016 16:52:45 GMT -5
A Raspberry Pi, with Kodi (free), and using the USB output, should work well - for stereo (I don't think the Pi has S/PDIF built in, but there are add-on boards for it).
The Pi also does a decent job streaming video - at least up to HD.
|
|
|
|
Post by audiobill on Apr 27, 2016 16:56:51 GMT -5
Airport Express.....
|
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Apr 27, 2016 18:38:55 GMT -5
Okay guys.
Must be already built and configured (no ras pi stuff). It needs to have video connects to TV. Must be remote controlled and have video streamign apps like netflix youtube hulu etc. - basically a cheap Roku box/apple tv BUT with an SPDIF output. The unit I linked seems to be a good match but it's an unknown company.
|
|
|
|
Post by thepcguy on Apr 27, 2016 19:36:37 GMT -5
^The Unit you linked is only one of the many generic Android boxes.
One of my friends has one and it's comparable to Amazon's FireTV.
If you wanted a branded one, just get a FireTV.
You can install KODI on FireTV.
Only thing is it doesnt have SPDIF.
search for 'Android TV Box' on Amazon to see what I mean.
Pre-installed KODI is the main selling point.
|
|
|
|
Post by JKCashin on Apr 28, 2016 0:11:46 GMT -5
That will do the audio part... what about the video? |
|
|
|
Post by JKCashin on Apr 28, 2016 0:17:37 GMT -5
Maybe any decent HDMI streamer, plus this or something similar. |
|
|
|
Post by audiobill on Apr 28, 2016 5:23:18 GMT -5
Or Apple TV, I misspoke.
|
|
|
|
Post by JKCashin on Apr 28, 2016 23:08:57 GMT -5
Not the new one! SPDIF was dropped when they moved to generation 4, but the good news is 3rd generation Apple TVs are still available new for cheap. Here in Canada you can get a new ATV3 for $89, though I have seen them for as little as $69 recently. If you're buying used, be careful... the 2nd generation and 3rd generation Apple TVs look exactly alike, but the former won't play YouTube, and is "only" 720p. That said, it can be "jailbroken" (hacked) to add cool things like Kodi. Jamie |
|
|
|
Post by JKCashin on Apr 28, 2016 23:13:11 GMT -5
Apple TV also won't do Amazon Video, though the OP did say that was a "bonus".
EDIT: It also won't do Hulu...
|
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Apr 29, 2016 16:15:24 GMT -5
Yeah those are my problems lack of SPDIF. That and the cheap factor. If that $30 box will do what I'm trying to do. That would work. It's for my bedroom system which will liekly not get a whole lot of use. But youtube , netflixm and huku is definitely important.
|
|
|
|
Post by JKCashin on May 1, 2016 12:22:04 GMT -5
I should have clarified... the Gen3 AppleTV does do Youtube... it's the older one, Gen2, which looks exactly like it, that does not. I had mentioned it in case you were looking at used units, but should have clarified if you're buying new, you don't have to worry about that. If you're picking up a used one, make sure you're getting a Gen3 and not a Gen2. So, to clarify, Apple TV Gen4 is out, as it does not have SPDIF. Apple TV Gen1 is out as it's ancient. Apple TV Gen2 is out, as it does not support YouTube. Apple TV Gen3 is a consideration, as it does Netflix, Youtube, and Hulu, and has SPDIF. It does not do Amazon Video. Want to hear something sad? I bought the new Apple TV (Gen4) not knowing that they had removed SPDIF. Got home, started hooking it up and WTF? I "complained" online about it and almost all of the suggestions I got fell into two categories: - Just hook it up to your AVR, d'uh / Get a modern amp
- Just run the audio through your TV
The problem with these suggestions is that I should not have to replace my already existing audio system just to hook up the Apple TV. Yes, I know that time marches on, but let's stick to dropping truly useless connectors, like component video. And almost ALL TVs I have seen, save the most recent ones, but including my own, don't pass the audio unmolested... they down mix to stereo. And the latter suggestion includes the clever, but sadly flawed idea of using Airplay from your new Apple TV to the old one. It works, but again, it results in down mixed audio.
I did end up getting an XMC-1, and I love it... so solution 1 is a path I can take now. But it frustrates me that I and plenty of other audiophiles have some awesome non-HDMI gear. Some of us even choose to run non-HDMI gear... for those users, it's about the sound, not the video. I am sad to see the demise of the SPDIF connector, but it is going away.... leaving some awesome legacy gear behind. My new XMC-1 replaced my beloved Yamaha, but it's not going away. It will be moving to our garage at the race track, and will serve to entertain out guests and crew, but it will be "retired" to stereo use. When I re-purchase the Apple TV (latest generation), the old one will probably move to the track to serve duty as a AirPlay streaming vector. |
|
|
|
Post by JKCashin on May 1, 2016 12:23:15 GMT -5
Yeah those are my problems lack of SPDIF. That and the cheap factor. If that $30 box will do what I'm trying to do. That would work. It's for my bedroom system which will liekly not get a whole lot of use. But youtube , netflixm and huku is definitely important. The thing with that $30 box is, while it may do the job, I don't know how well it will do the job. What's the quality of the signal it extracts? I wish there was a decent quality, inexpensive solution. |
|
|
|
Post by vneal on Oct 14, 2016 7:18:33 GMT -5
ROKU 3
|
|
|
|
Post by Loop 7 on Oct 14, 2016 9:45:01 GMT -5
The soon to be released Roku Ultra has SPDIF out and will offer a stellar streaming experience. Roku Ultra |
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Oct 14, 2016 10:25:25 GMT -5
BTW that Android streaming box - though it was very impressive in certain aspects - video quality, speed with its quad core processor, and flexibility; it was severely let down by its GUI, ease of use, and lots of buggy behavior.
So I cannot reccomend it at all. It's biggest failure is that it appeared to use the GUI of a tablet - like the ipad. But the tv is not a tablet with a touch screen. It needs operateing with a remote and it failed miserably with that. The other option was a wireless keyboard and mouse which for some reason kept having problems detecting the keyboard. Then it also had trouble connecting to my Wifi. So too many bugs. Steer away from the Android box. Spend the extra dough for a tried and tested unit.
|
|
