Computer for entertainment system

[The Torrent]

For Netflix, not pirating films deffo..., youtube, etc. Need a desktop which can plug into a tv for simple stuff.

 

 

looking at dell optiplex on eBay for around £100 right now. What do you recommend?

[kelvinhall05]

Get a cheap Android box or whatever from Aliexpress or Gearbest. Optiplex will use far more power, put out far more heat, and take up far more space for basically identical performance but with a lot more hassle.

 

Chromecast is also an option.

[PorkishPig]

If you're looking for a small form factor that can be mounted to or behind the TV, take a look at:

• Optiplex 3050 Micro (Used on eBay)
• NVIDIA Shield (Android TV)
• Raspberry Pi 4 B (Cheapest)

[Sorenson]

Like others have said you’re better off with an entertainment box. I’ve used a fire tv, Apple TV, Roku, and shield tv. The Apple TV gives the best viewing experience but the shield tv is close and has some nice features. 

[PeachGr]

Mi box s they say is a 4k Android box (30-35$) and then there are some "USB drive" that are also connecting to your HDMI, and using windows

[Intergalacticbits]

3 hours ago, Sorenson said:

The Apple TV gives the best viewing experience but the shield tv is close and has some nice features. 

Does the Apple TV let you download and store purchased movies on the device?

I was told no but if that is so then why do they come with 32GB and 64GB storage capacities?

Even though that is hardly enough storage anyway for movie lovers like me.

 

 

 

[Sorenson]

1 hour ago, Intergalacticbits said:

Does the Apple TV let you download and store purchased movies on the device?

I was told no but if that is so then why do they come with 32GB and 64GB storage capacities?

Even though that is hardly enough storage anyway for movie lovers like me.

 

 

 

I don’t believe they do for the iTunes movies. You stream them which will be an issue if you have low data caps. The streaming quality on the iTunes movies is amazing though.  

[Kawaii Koneko]

Just a thought, if you have a decent desktop, you could just run an HDMI cable to your TV and use it as a second monitor. I did that with my gaming PC. I had my desktop stuff running on my desktop monitors and my TV setup as a third or fourth (can't remember exactly). It worked pretty well but I'm single so I didn't have to worry about any conflicts with other people competing for usage.

 

Personally, I feel like a dedicated PC is way overkill and not worth the effort if all you want to do is stream. Like others have said, just get an Android streaming box. They are quite capable these days and should you want to go down the route later of storing movies locally, they can handle it with programs like Plex or Kodi. The Shield Pro for example can handle 4k HDR Vision and even has Atmos support. 

 

 

On 6/29/2020 at 3:26 PM, Intergalacticbits said:

Does the Apple TV let you download and store purchased movies on the device?

I was told no but if that is so then why do they come with 32GB and 64GB storage capacities?

Even though that is hardly enough storage anyway for movie lovers like me.

The storage is for the OS and installing apps and games.

[Jae Tee]

You can probably get a used Intel NUC for that price, if thats the type of thing your looking for.