Home Theatre PC Software

[XiJ]

The main thing I use it for is to store rips of DVDs that I already own. That way, I don't need a DVD player under the telly and I don't need to handle media.

 

Yep me too. Can't remember the last time o uses optical media. Everything is ripped - just so much more flexible that way.

 

I think other cloud providers will come online when / if Plex can prove it will scale up etc. I don't think it would be a big thing for Amazon - data storage is cheap and you're paying to store it. For the number of plex users using cloud plex I don't think it's gonna have a major effect on their storage capacity - but will add extra income for them.

[LeMarchand]

Our American cousins are concerned about the MPAA and their strict viewed on 'pirated' media - even rips form your purchased optical discs - being stored on Amazon.

 

I don't quite understand the plex cloud offer, its only possible with Amazon unlimited drive, but surely that's not a sustainable solution if it proves popular I'm sure their "fair usage" limits will come into play.

 

I can't see me copying my 20tb NAS media server to the cloud

 

These would be my worries (can't see Amazon being keen on people storing content that they produced), along with my traditional cloud fear: it's cheapish now, but what if they decided to hike up prices when everyone is hooked?

 

I still don't understand Plex/Kodi tbh. My TV handles digital freeview, my Amazon Fire stick handles Prime/Netflix etc but it's still not quite where I want my setup to be. Like, the crunchyroll app doesn't work on the Fire along with a lot of other apps and it's not great if I want to watch a bunch of stuff I already have on my PC.. so would it make sense to set up a little HTPC kinda thing and put all the content on there?

 

YMMV. I guess it depends on how much use you'll get out of it. We use ours mainly connected to the main TV and occasionally streamed to other devices in the home. I find it's much nicer for the non-technicals to use and they don't get fidgety while you're navigating to the correct media as it looks much nicer.

Edited September 27, 2016 by LeMarchand
Grammar

[zag]

I could never imagine accessing my media using a mouse and keyboard.

 

When I relax I want to be away from computers. I simply turn on my TV and Kodi is there, just like a set top box. I browse my media with all artwork and metadata, check the football scores and league tables with an Add-on. Look at the weather, watch and record live tv, browse my photo collections, watch the latest trailers for upcoming movies, keep watched status on the boxset progress. I could go on.... but you get the idea

[Theldron]

Zag - That is basically my dream for my setup. What remote control do you use? I take it you would recommend Linux over a Window Kodi install?

[zag]

Zag - That is basically my dream for my setup. What remote control do you use? I take it you would recommend Linux over a Window Kodi install?

 

I use a harmony smart control

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Harmony-Control-iPhone-Android-Black/dp/B00C80JGGO

 

Its wireless so works at any angle, and is quick to respond too. Controls TV and Kodi box.

 

And yes LibreELEC(linux) is the way to go, windows is inferior in many ways. You should really never see the underlying OS and LibreELEC comes pre-configured with many TV card or usb stick drivers. Its basically plug and play.

Edited September 27, 2016 by zag

[elsiegee40]

A reminder to all that when discussing solutions that they must be kept legal and not breach copyright or licensing restrictions