Using Raspberry Pi as HTPC

[LimitedWard]

I have a Raspberry Pi that I'm considering to take with me to college as an HTPC. It's an earlier model (Model B), but it looks to be a viable solution using OpenELEC. Has anyone tried using the Model B with OpenELEC? Does it perform well, or is it worth it to pay the $38 for a RPi 2?

 

[photonboy]

I wouldn't buy another Pi. In that case I'd suggest investing in something like a ROKU device with remote control which is a lot more convenient.

Also, the Pi can only support certain codecs (audio and video) due to licensing issues so it's only going to be compatible with certain video files. Admittedly the ROKU is as well so you need to investigate what codec requirements you have.

As for your current Pi, I suggest simply trying it yourself since other peoples experience will vary. Loading times, connectivity, file codecs and encoding levels all vary.

Finally, as a student i'd think you'd have a COMPUTER? Is there any reason why you don't just use that with K-Lite, KODI or whatever instead?

I get the Pi or Pi 2 is fun to tinker with but I just don't think it's an ideal HTPC.

Other:
KODI for Windows can use the XBOX game controller for videos. The latest version is crashing at times though (with controller not mouse). Also supports other remote controls.

I love my Western Digital box which supports most formats, but they've discontinued. My next box is going to be based on an x86 CPU which thus gives fully codec support with programs like K-Lite etc. Basically I'll be looking for a small, inexpensive, Intel SoC or similar x86 unit with an H.265 decoder and possibly bundled with remote control.

For that, I'll likely run linux KODI.

Cheers.

 

[LimitedWard]

I wouldn't buy another Pi. In that case I'd suggest investing in something like a ROKU device with remote control which is a lot more convenient.

Also, the Pi can only support certain codecs (audio and video) due to licensing issues so it's only going to be compatible with certain video files. Admittedly the ROKU is as well so you need to investigate what codec requirements you have.

As for your current Pi, I suggest simply trying it yourself since other peoples experience will vary. Loading times, connectivity, file codecs and encoding levels all vary.

Finally, as a student i'd think you'd have a COMPUTER? Is there any reason why you don't just use that with K-Lite, KODI or whatever instead?

I get the Pi or Pi 2 is fun to tinker with but I just don't think it's an ideal HTPC.

Other:
KODI for Windows can use the XBOX game controller for videos. The latest version is crashing at times though (with controller not mouse). Also supports other remote controls.

I love my Western Digital box which supports most formats, but they've discontinued. My next box is going to be based on an x86 CPU which thus gives fully codec support with programs like K-Lite etc. Basically I'll be looking for a small, inexpensive, Intel SoC or similar x86 unit with an H.265 decoder and possibly bundled with remote control.

For that, I'll likely run linux KODI.

Cheers.

Luckily I do have a Roku Streaming Stick as well which I plan to use to complement the features of the Pi. I do have a laptop, but I was planning on avoiding using it for a HTPC since that would require I plug it in every time I want to use it (just a minor inconvenience, but still). I also might try using my old Acer Aspire One netbook just as a repurposed device since it's currently collecting dust in my basement.