discussion Looking for AIO solution to replace laptop as HTPC

[Arinoth]

As much as I enjoy my current HTPC setup, which is a laptop connected to my receiver set in projector only mode (aka just 2nd screen) running XBMC, I'm finding I'd like a more compact and flexible setup.

The reason for this is I absolutely HATE XBMC's music player/setup, as well as the fact I'd love to be able to access Youtube, or other streaming applications without having to well go to the laptop itself, open the application and navigate. I'd rather be able to control the device with my phone/remote and just easily swap between apps.

This is why I'm thinking about going towards an AIO solution instead, such as the Pivos DS Media Player, the Ouya, etc. I quite like the idea of having an small android device where I can easily control/swap between xbmc, a better/wide assortment of music players, youtube, Netflick, etc.

Now I'm not sure what would be the best device to go with, but I know after spending years on XBMC on an htpc/computer I'd like to try something different (I did enjoy the first gen Pivos AIOS, though it was lacking some features which resulted in me returning to xbmc on an htpc).

 

[zoob]

If you want to do Youtube, look up XBMC Commander. Awesome remote and it has a nice Youtube search feature... you search for the video on your phone/tablet, then select play and it plays on your XBMC computer.

You can also look into adding channels for various streaming sites... I installed a Songza "channel" into my Plex and it works "ok" enough, but it has problems refreshing the playlist.

 

[JD]

I think the Chromecast is probably the most seamless device controlled from your phone. I use mine for Netflix/Hulu/YouTube, and switch over to the HTPC for local content.

You could try running MediaPortal or Plex instead of XBMC as well to see if that suits you better. I don't listen to music at all through my TV/HT so I can't really comment. And as mentioned above, XBMC and MediaPortal both have various Android apps that let you control things.

If you want a strictly Android box though, make sure it's at least running 4.3, otherwise you get a stripped down version of Netflix.

 

[Arinoth]

Problem is XBMC still has crappy music player.

Yeah I use XBMC remote on my phone to control my XBMC HTPC, just lack of say being able to go to youtube or navigate/play music as seamlessly as I'd like. Maybe I'll look into the other two.

 

[Killswitch]

Yeah I use XBMC remote on my phone to control my XBMC HTPC, just lack of say being able to go to youtube or navigate/play music as seamlessly as I'd like.

Try this out. I find that it works pretty well. Android Remote Control Collection

 

[sswilson]

Try this out. I find that it works pretty well. Android Remote Control Collection

They're not exactly overwhelming me with information WRT what functionality they offer......

I've been using unified remote, but could be convinced to try out a different product.

 

[Arinoth]

I heard about Yatse remote control, which is supposed to allow me to even send youtube videos to xbmc, provided I install the youtube app on XBMC. So far it's been alright, think the 'slow' down is my crappy modem/router but we'll see. If that works all I need is a music player addon/replacement for/in xbmc.

 

[sswilson]

What irks you so much about the music playback of XBMC?

 

[zoob]

You should look into web remotes for foobar.

I used this one at somepoint in the past...

anamon - foobar2000 iPhone remote control

 

[sswilson]

One of the benefits of foobar is that it will transcode audio files. My onkyo receiver can't play Flac files over the network (it will however play the exact same files off of a USB stick) but I can point foobar at the files and it will automatically convert them to a format that the receiver will accept.