I have a Lenovo tiny PC and was wondering if it would be a better streaming device than a Chromecast w Google tv.
It's specced out w an i3 and 8 gigs ram.
Would it be a better streaming device?
I have a Lenovo tiny PC and was wondering if it would be a better streaming device than a Chromecast w Google tv.
It's specced out w an i3 and 8 gigs ram.
Would it be a better streaming device?
More powerful? Yes. Better? Depends on you use case. Easier/cheaper/more energy efficient? Never.
Local media, emulation, and gaming would be great use cases for a mini PC.
But, if you're going to be using streaming services, it would just be a whole lot easier to just use a streaming device designed for that use case
Depends on what you are looking for. I wouldn't change a 5W silent device that instantly turns on, has HDMI CEC and a nice remote to watch Netflix or play Stadia games. The convenience makes it better.
I would be more inclined to use it as a Jellyfin server or similar and use an actual streaming device for the TV. The PC will take longer to boot (even from sleep usually) and may wind up with some oddities like certain services only allowing 720p or stereo sound for whatever reason.
Define better It’s got more oomph and can defo do more and do it better. You’d need the right type of remote/air mouse to make it feel right. I’d just invest in a android tv box with a decent remote personally
I use a PC as a media device and it's a pain. Windows does goofy things at 4k and idk about Linux. Android TV will definitely be easier to setup and use.
The main thing is the apps will be different. I don't know the current state of such since it's been a while since I used an HTPC, but before surround sound options were spotty on the Windows version of apps like Netflix. The good thing is you should be able to try them.
You could also do both. I have a low power Windows PC setup to record HDTV, and use the Channels DVR app on it to send to my Tivo Stream 4k to play back the HDTV video. The rest I use the Android app on the Tivo Stream.
Hey you can easily install Android TV on mini pc, it will work super smooth. You can check out step by step guide to Install Android TV on PC
Does it output 4k, HDR, Dolby Vision?
Is the UI/UX setup in a way you want?
Personally I wouldn't want to control all my streaming via a PC, the CCWGTV is purpose built for browsing and streaming on a display and it works pretty darn well for that purpose. Also being able to cast and control from phone is a big plus as well.
Short answer is yes you can use a mini PC, my brother does, I just don't know if I see the appeal, and his PC he got for streaming cost roughly 4-5x a CCWGTV.