Mini PC or TV BOX, How to choose?

[YW Zhou]

I want to build a home theater in my house,
Mini PC is said to be cheap and powerful, But I haven used that thing before.
http/www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Pocket-PC-5Gen-Intel-Core-i7-5500U-Mini-PCTV-Box-Graphics-HD-5500-Bluetooth-300M-Wifi/1455226_32641898114.html
Which one will perform better？ when playing BD movie

 

[americanaudiophile]

If you are going to play a BD disc then an actual BD disc player is the best option. For streaming sources I prefer a PC (mini or otherwise) to a TV box. I have a real browser and can use KODI and VLC too, I had a spare laptop around and connected that to my system with HDMI thinking I would get an android TV box later. Found I was happy with the laptop. The laptop display is handy to have while I have a browser open on the main screen. So long as it has HDMI I think almost any laptop will be fine. I have seen some refurbished Lenovos for under $150 online.