Home Theatre Android device?

[silencerbob]

So I'd thought I'd throw this question out since I'm not too up to date with mobile (Android) mobile devices with a full set of features... Some other people out there might shed some light on the topic.

If I were to invest in an Android device (probably using XBMC or some other home theatre app), what device should I go for?

I'll make a list of requirements and if it checks all the boxes... Please yell out!

1080p @24hz (23.976 bluray h264)

Hdmi output

Ethernet (preferably not wifi, but I could live with it)

Android OS

(Now for the tricky bit) blu ray player

Any ideas?

[rashdanml]

Raspberry Pi running Android.

[silencerbob]

Raspberry Pi running Android.

Where does this happen?

[MetalLobster]

A Raspberry Pi is a good bet. It's 35 dollars, has a HDMI, uses little power and it's small enough to hide anywhere.

 

You can also install XMBC on it. 

 

http://canada.newark.com/raspberry-pi/raspbrry-modb-512m/model-b-assembled-board-only/dp/43W5302?ost=43W5302

http://www.raspberrypi.org/

[silencerbob]

I should probably need a remote control. I'm not sure where to go... It seems very very DIY. It's not bad but I'd rather not have to think too hard to get it all going. The problem is I just want a premade box kind of thing.

[Flynn]

Raspberry pi running Raspbmc.  It's debian based I believe.  And I use the Yatse remote on my phone to control it.  I spent about 60 bucks in total to build the thing.

 

http://mymediaexperience.com/raspberry-pi-xbmc-with-raspbmc/

 

Tweak it to fit your needs.  I use a central media server with the library hosted on SQL off the device.  This way I can move from room to room and pick up on movies where I left off in another room.  Yatse is the best remote there is, so I would recommend shelling out the couple bucks for the full version.

 

Also make sure to follow check out overclocking and optimizing over on the raspbmc forums, it changes from build to build so make sure you follow the right one.  Also, make sure you pick a fast SD card to run it from, and then when you get it all set up the way you want, make sure to image it so when you decide to add more media centers to other TVs you can just toss the image on there and be up and running.  You can add as many media centers as you want to Yatse for your control.

[silencerbob]

The real kicker would be a blu ray player included..

[rashdanml]

The real kicker would be a blu ray player included..

Could get a USB Blu Ray player if one exists. http://www.amazon.com/Blu-Ray-USB-External-Player-DVDRW/dp/B001QA2Y9S Raspberry Pi has at least one USB port. 

 

While it is DIY, actual set up is as simple as first time use of any media center system. 

[silencerbob]

Could get a USB Blu Ray player if one exists. http://www.amazon.com/Blu-Ray-USB-External-Player-DVDRW/dp/B001QA2Y9S Raspberry Pi has at least one USB port. 

 

While it is DIY, actual set up is as simple as first time use of any media center system. 

hmm.. how about an enclosure that can hold the raspberry pi and a PC blu ray drive?

[rashdanml]

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4348/small-form-factor-buyers-guide/3 - could probably find a similar case to the one listed there. 

 

Get an internal drive, and a USB to SATA connector (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812123312) - should work just fine. 

 

An alternative is to use the Antec ISK 300 to build a miniITX HTPC and install this: http://liliputing.com/2013/02/android-x86-4-2-lets-you-run-jelly-bean-on-your-notebook-desktop-pc.html but it'll get more expensive compared to the Pi.