Are any of y'all using one of these? The new B+ model looks like an incremental improvement from the B (more USB ports, microSD slot). I'm thinking of getting one to run XBMC on my basement HDTV.

For a bit cheaper than another Roku, what the heck. Maybe I'll find some other uses for it as well.

I've been pondering one to use as a HTPC. I would prefer gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0, though.

These are fun devices, we use them as DIY computer systems. The XBMC is an easy way to start using a Pi.

They're fun to play with, but if you're just looking to play video, you'd probably be better off with a Roku or a Chromecast.

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MGS_forgot_password
They're fun to play with, but if you're just looking to play video, you'd probably be better off with a Roku or a Chromecast.

XBMC is a pretty nice interface, and it's easy enough to add a hard drive to the Raspberry Pi to add media.

This is quite a bit different use scenario than a Roku or a Chromecast.

I started using XBMC on an original Xbox (bought off Craigslist for this purpose only). I've used it on an Apple TV1 and 2 (since sold) and my jailbroken iPhone, so I'm familiar with all the things it can do.

I also have 2 Roku boxes (a 2XS and 3) that have the Plex channel to access my home media server (running Plex Media Server).

I think the cost of another used Roku would be about the same as the Raspberry Pi, but I like the idea of tinkering with that and finding other uses as well.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/13/2014 02:21PM by DavidS.

I hacked a 7-day, web-connected timer to my espresso machine with a raspberry pi and some wires and solder. It was a pretty fun project, and now my espresso machine is all warmed up by the time I get out of bed.

I have a Raspberry Pi B (no plus) running raspbmc. It works great. Rasplex works pretty well as a plex frontend too. Anything specific you want to know? Mine uses a couple of of bucks a year in electricty and interates with my Samsung TV's CEC, so I can use the Tv's oem remote to control it.

I wish you could still watch Amazon Instant Video via XBMC. That was one of my favorite add ons when I used XBMC as a media front end.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/13/2014 04:54PM by silvarios.

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silvarios
I wish you could still watch Amazon Instant Video via XBMC. That was one of my favorite add ons when I used XBMC as a media front end.

Hmm.. I thought that there was an Amazon Instant plug-in the Bluecop repository. Also, I read that you can enable AirPlay streaming on XBMC and send it over from another source (i.e. iPhone).



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/13/2014 05:00PM by DavidS.

Amazon enabled DRM over a year ago. Unless Amazon changed course or a work around was found????

When I used Amazon on iOS, AirPlay was disabled. Amazon enabled AirPlay video about a month after I sold my iPad 3. Because of course they did. That's just how things always work.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/13/2014 05:10PM by silvarios.

Airplay works great to the Pi. You turn a single setting on and it 'just works' I've used ipads and iphones with no problem.

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p8712
Airplay works great to the Pi. You turn a single setting on and it 'just works' I've used ipads and iphones with no problem.

You mean via XBMC? That's how I tend to use AirPlay on non Apple devices.

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silvarios

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p8712
Airplay works great to the Pi. You turn a single setting on and it 'just works' I've used ipads and iphones with no problem.

You mean via XBMC? That's how I tend to use AirPlay on non Apple devices.

Oops, yes, in XBMC.

Just double checking. There might be other AirPlay receiver implementations. Glad you like your Pi and AirPlay works well. I don't have many iOS devices or Macs left, so AirPlay isn't as much of a concern these days, but AirPlay receiver used to be the holy grail for me.

We use a Raspberry Pi to play videos on the DVD screen of our minivan, using the RCA inputs.