Help me choose a media streamer (x-post r/cablecutters)

by dan_zg

I'm looking to get a media streamer, but, I'm in Spain, so options are limited. Hoping someone can help me choose from these options on Amazon Spain .

  • I need to be able to run Plex ... I assume all the Android units can do that.
  • I want a remote that is NOT infrared. Do most of these boxes use IR or BT or WiFi?
  • Currently using a Chromecast and would love to be able to "cast tabs" from Chrome on my laptop; do these units allow that?
  • I had a Roku and my favorite feature was the headphone jack on the remote for viewing when the family is asleep. Do any of these have that feature?

Thanks!

phdzor

nvidia shield tv

Andrroid

Those options are all garbage. They all run last weeks surplus hardware, slapped together with duct tape, with the mobile Android OS glued on top. No optimizations, piss poor customer support and sure as hell no cast functionality.

You want the shield tv. It seems pricey, but its the Android TV workhorse that will get the job done.

Plex runs great on it, it has cast functionality, and it has a controller with headphone jack.

TSS_CR

Why not the Mi Box?

chowder007

I disagree with the shield. I would be looking at the MII Box unless you are looking to use the thing for serious gaming.

fleker2

Make sure you know the difference between Google's Android TV and the alternative options

https://androidtv.news/2016/07/android-tv-versus-android-smart-tv-boxes/

Sgt-JimmyRustles

There is only one option, the Shield Tv. Not only does it run plex, it runs the server too. Right now it's $199 for the 16gb version. On Nvidias site and best buy they are available

Nitronine

The Nvidia Shield always seems to be the winner, but it seems to be super hard to find here in Canada. Any new rumours on the release of the new Shield?

JimboLodisC

Stay away from those cheap boxes that run the touchscreen Android OS. You need an oeprating system designed for the living room. That's why Google created the Android TV operating system. (which is the platform that this subreddit was made for)

Each and every bullet point you mentioned is taken care of by the NVIDIA Shield TV. It might be more expensive, but it ticks every single box and will not disappoint you.

dan_zg

Thanks for all the feedback!

I'd forgotten about the Android TV vs Android non-TV distinction, which is so important. It seems that the ONLY boxes which are currently true Android TV are the Shield, the Mi Box, and the Razer -- correct?

I've removed the headphone-on-remote demand, because I realized I could easily just jack in to the audio cable going from my projector to my speakers.

Budget is NOT the main concern, but I find it annoying that the Shield comes with a game controller, but the TV remote is an extra $50. That just seems stupid. I have ZERO interest in gaming. Hence the Shield premium seems like a waste of money for my needs. I also have no need of running a Plex server on it ... my server is elsewhere.

The Mi Box / Roku / Fire TV seem to fit my requirements much better.

ISaidGoodDey

Nexus Player if you want something affordable, shield tv if having a super responsive box and premium experience is important to you