Teach me about: Kodi

[zathras]

So I'm doing some research on all these options like firestick, etc. so that we can punt DTV.

So what does putting kodi on the firestick get you that the firestick by itself doesn't do?

[Doctor_XXX]

Originally Posted by zathras

So what does putting kodi on the firestick get you that the firestick by itself doesn't do?

Short version: Anything/everything you could want.
Longer version: Many video options are clear and obvious (modern movies, re-runs of TV shows, etc.) but SOME options take a little more effort, and aren't always simple (live TV, more obscure movies/tv/music). While someone fairly tech-savvy shouldn't have much trouble, and may even find it "fun" looking for various items, I could see others not so comfortable with tech (significant others?). It is by no means as slick or smooth as a cable package or satellite layout...but, for the most part, it is FREE. Basic FireTV software is solid, within the Amazon eco-system, but dropping Kodi and some add-ons right on top makes it really, really powerful.

If you have space, access to power, etc. I'd suggest a full Amazon FireTV "box" as opposed to the smaller/lighter FireTV "stick". Both should work in a similar fashion, but the box is a bit more powerful, allows for wired (Ethernet) connections, etc. The box is a couple of dollars more than the stick, but I'd suggest it is worth it, especially if you have the space for a small piece of equipment, and don't need to hide the stick behind the TV in a HDMI slot. Just my $0.02.

I'm still not 100% sold on a setup like this completely replacing a TV package, especially when it comes to LIVE programs and simplicity (remote control, menus, integration, obvious search choices...) It is getting dang close, but still not perfect...yet.

More specific questions? Ask...

[Shadow]

Originally Posted by Doctor_XXX

More specific questions? Ask...

Sure.

Can I send you my NIB FTV Box, you do all the work sideloading Kodi/whatever is needed, then you send it back with an instruction manual that the brain-dead teenager can figure out?

[timsta007]

FWIW, I did it with some decent instructions from Nuzbim a couple years ago without to much trouble. It did take me a solid 1.5-2 hours to figure out and get everything set up properly but after that it wasn't too big of a deal. I ended up not using it very much because I had a lot of trouble with the content no streaming smoothly. I was getting a lot of interruptions and buffering while watching and so I kind of gave up on it. That may have been challenges with the ISP I had in San Diego though because I did have it hard wired which should have prevented the latency issues. Not completely sure. I should probably give it another try though in my new setup. I think the main reason I haven't yet is that it will have to be wireless. It works great for many people though so it might be work giving it a shot.

[Doctor_XXX]

Originally Posted by Shadow

Sure.

Can I send you my NIB FTV Box, you do all the work sideloading Kodi/whatever is needed, then you send it back with an instruction manual that the brain-dead teenager can figure out?

First part...sure, I guess.

Second part...No way, José.

You're on your own.

[zathras]

Originally Posted by Doctor_XXX

Short version: Anything/everything you could want.
Longer version: Many video options are clear and obvious (modern movies, re-runs of TV shows, etc.) but SOME options take a little more effort, and aren't always simple (live TV, more obscure movies/tv/music). While someone fairly tech-savvy shouldn't have much trouble, and may even find it "fun" looking for various items, I could see others not so comfortable with tech (significant others?). It is by no means as slick or smooth as a cable package or satellite layout...but, for the most part, it is FREE. Basic FireTV software is solid, within the Amazon eco-system, but dropping Kodi and some add-ons right on top makes it really, really powerful.

If you have space, access to power, etc. I'd suggest a full Amazon FireTV "box" as opposed to the smaller/lighter FireTV "stick". Both should work in a similar fashion, but the box is a bit more powerful, allows for wired (Ethernet) connections, etc. The box is a couple of dollars more than the stick, but I'd suggest it is worth it, especially if you have the space for a small piece of equipment, and don't need to hide the stick behind the TV in a HDMI slot. Just my $0.02.

I'm still not 100% sold on a setup like this completely replacing a TV package, especially when it comes to LIVE programs and simplicity (remote control, menus, integration, obvious search choices...) It is getting dang close, but still not perfect...yet.

More specific questions? Ask...

So we picked up a firestick as a starting point. So far she likes it better than her appletv. My original thought was to put 3 firesticks or firestick boxes in my comm rack and use the matrix to allow any device to play on any tv. But that is an IR system and apparently the firesticks are RF. But they also have a nice phone app, so remote access isn't going to be an issue in any case. I think we'll probably just end up getting a bunch and put one each where a tv is and then selling the matrix.

So next up is to experiment with putting kodi on it, and see what that adds. Or maybe just get a kodi box which she has been researching. Anyone have any thoughts on a kodi box vs firestick+kodi?

The main thing I still need to do is find out how to get the tv networks- amc, history, etc. that sort of thing. Is there a recommended subscription service for that sort of thing?

[CarsAndGames]

Kodi has become the 2nd, 3rd best option recently

[timsta007]

Originally Posted by CarsAndGames

Kodi has become the 2nd, 3rd best option recently

That's incredibly unhelpful.

[SniperD5]

Does the device that the Kodi is installed on make a significant difference? I'm looking on Amazon at some of the devices, and these Leelbox boxes seem to be the #1 thing that keeps popping up. Are they any good or should I be looking at something more "name brand"?

[Doctor_XXX]

Originally Posted by SniperD5

Does the device that the Kodi is installed on make a significant difference? I'm looking on Amazon at some of the devices, and these Leelbox boxes seem to be the #1 thing that keeps popping up. Are they any good or should I be looking at something more "name brand"?

I (personally) have never purchased any sort of "Kodi Box", "Media PC", or whatever they might be called. I've used regular laptops, Raspberry Pis, Amazon FireTVs, etc. These have always been relatively cheap, powerful (enough) for my use, and easy to come by. They also have other uses, aside from Kodi/media access.

If you are looking for something else, maybe something specifically geared toward media presentation and nothing else, I'd search for the greatest variation in outputs (7.1 surround, Dolby/DTS, 4k video, HEVC decoding, ad nauseum...) I don't have any experience with any of them, but I'd compare the capabilities of them all, and then most likely go with the one that has the most and/or future-proofs your setup as best you can. Faster processor, better graphics chip, more memory...same things I'd look for in a typical PC/laptop.

Goo luu!