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Best media center

GoldenMedal
By GoldenMedal
in Home Theater Equipment
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I want to find a cheap media center to watch movies and series on my tv from my pc, whats the best option?

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Just movies and streaming? For that I would go with something like an Intel NUC or Gigabyte Brix.

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Just movies and streaming? For that I would go with something like an Intel NUC or Gigabyte Brix.

Just to watch my videos through the internet that is on my computer..

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Intel Nuc should do fine get a wifi card and a nice SSD for the thing it'll be fine and if your TV has a unused VESA mount you can attach the nuc to it securly.

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You've got loads of options tbh.

 

If you already have a smartphone, you could install Plex Media Server on your PC, and use the plex app to cast to a Chromecast. That would cost £20 or your regional equivalent. The great thing about Plex, is that it can transcode on the fly to ensure codec compatibility or to downsize resolution. If you don't have a smartphone, you could use a Roku which can still run Plex but has it's own remote control. Depending on model it's around £30-£100 for those.

 

If you already have a 'Smart TV' you could always check to see if it has a DLNA media centre built in, many TVs have this functionality out of the box. All you would need to do is run a DLNA server on your PC (Serviio is my recommendation) and hook your TV upto the net. You have to ensure compatibility with the files you want to play, for example films with DTS audio are commonly not supported.

 

Building or buying a media centre PC is another option. A raspberry Pi is a cheap and popular option. You can install Plex or XBMC and control it via a wireless Mouse / keyboard, or a remote (with IR Reciever) or from your Smartphone. If the Raspberry Pi lacks some punch you can literally build and install anything you want, or buy a small form factor pre-built HTPC.

 

There's a bunch of other options too, WD Live, Apple TV, running a big ass HDMI cable etc etc

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cheap 1080p TV with decent image quality,

 

HDMI Switch 

 

home theater sound system

 

google chromecast 

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You can get a raspberry pi and install Linux/Plex! If its too much work get a Chromecast for 45 bucks

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