Best 4K streaming device?

[taemo]

Been forever using an HTPC and NAS but looks like you need a newer CPU or 3GB video card to watch Netflix 4K on an HTPC and Disney+ wont do 4K at all.

Right now I'm using the built-in app on our Samsung Q80R to watch 4K content and pretty happy with it but curious to see if there are better options.

I like how on a Roku if you search a movie, it will look on all your services but the version I like (Roku Ultra for wired connectivity) is not made for Canadian content.

Curious to hear what everyone is using, Apple 4K TV, Roku, Amazon Fire or NVIDIA Shield?

[killramos]

Apple TV if you pay for your content.

Some kind of KODI box if you like to steal stuff.

/thread

[flipstah]

I was just thinking about this. NVIDIA Shield seems to be the best one

My OPlay can’t handle a Plex server and the PS3 stutters for some reason.

[taemo]

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Apple TV if you pay for your content.

Some kind of KODI box if you like to steal stuff.

/thread

Yeah now a days we are just subscribing with Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney + that it made sense not storing the movies on my NAS anymore.
Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra are my top choices

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I was just thinking about this. NVIDIA Shield seems to be the best one

My OPlay can’t handle a Plex server and the PS3 stutters for some reason.

I've been reconverting the few videos I'm keeping on my NAS to H.265 and found out that the PS3 cant stream H.265 videos, only H.264 (not an issue if you are running a Plex server)

[flipstah]

Can the Roku Ultra access your NAS? There’s also the Roku Streaming Stick +

[Tik-Tok]

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I was just thinking about this. NVIDIA Shield seems to be the best one

My OPlay can’t handle a Plex server and the PS3 stutters for some reason.

+1 on Nvidia Shield Pro. I'm using it as a media server and streamer.

[killramos]

I think the Apple TV can do everything you want. Use Siri to search for what you what, it tells you where you can find it and if it’s not on a streaming service gives you the option to rent or buy.

I’m sure other devices can offer this but the Apple TV seems to do a good job of it.

[taemo]

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Can the Roku Ultra access your NAS? There’s also the Roku Streaming Stick +

My NAS has DLNA Media server running and all my other computers and TV can see it so I wouldn't be surprised if the Roku Ultra can as well.
Leaning on the Ultra has it has a wired ethernet connection but that's just my preference.

[flipstah]

Yeah the problem with mine is that the media server is visible, but the end device cannot play the file format (ex. PS3 can't play MKV and for some reason, my OPlay! device can only do audio in some movies but plays just fine on VLC).

I got Plex to work from my computer to the PS3 but the buffering suuuuuux.
@killramos Apple TV is restricted on Home Sharing, unless the new ones can access directly?
@Tik-Tok what's the difference between the tube-looking one and the ones with triangles all over it? They're both called Shield in my searches...

[killramos]

Dunno. What’s home sharing and what does it do?

[Tik-Tok]

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@Tik-Tok what's the difference between the tube-looking one and the ones with triangles all over it? They're both called Shield in my searches...

Shield Pro is powerful enough to run as a Plex server. The round one can't.

[rage2]

AppleTV has the Plex app. That's how I watch my old collection of DVD and DVR rips.

[cyra1ax]

Shield Pro if you want top of the line. Shield(tube) is fine if you already have a Plex server established elsewhere.
To make things more confusing, there's two versions of the Shield Pro, the new one has the triangular remote with the Netflix button on it.

[The_Penguin]

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AppleTV has the Plex app. That's how I watch my old collection of DVD and DVR rips.

I have the Plex app on many devices, Samsung TV, Roku, Fire Stick. The Roku is ok, Fire Stick is lacking a bit. The Samsung TV hasn't updated in ages, and the app is really crappy lately. The Plex app on AppleTV seems so much better than the rest.

[msommers]

Fire Stick is likely the cheapest option to stream 4K correct? We don't have 4K now but I've heard it's snappier than the regular Firestick, which we have now.

[Asian_defender]

I'm running a Synology DS1812+ as a Plex Server and Nvidia Shields on all my TVs
Rock solid for streaming and retro gaming. My biggest movie file is 35GB and my shields play it fine, have 2x 2017 Pro and 2x 2017 Shields. All of them have been solid

My biggest complaint is that I have a Xbox controller connected to one and it takes a couple of tries before it connects to the shield. The Nvidia ones connect instantly and the option of connecting a headset is good but the battery life on them sucks
The 2019 Pros are impossible to find and the tube is 32bit. Shouldn't be an issue if you're just streaming. If you get a 2015/2017 model go aftermarket remote as the included ones suck. I've got some spare Q5 remotes if you want
BTW if you want to do some retro gaming, you can PM me and I can hook you up with the roms

If streaming is the only function the FireTV 4K is the best bang for your buck and passes all codecs audio wise. You can pair a bluetooth controller to those as well and do anything up to PS1 with ease. Only downside is that storage might be an issue as you can't mount a NAS like the shields can and you have to sideload all of the emulation apps which can be a pain

[gpomp]

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I have the Plex app on many devices, Samsung TV, Roku, Fire Stick. The Roku is ok, Fire Stick is lacking a bit. The Samsung TV hasn't updated in ages, and the app is really crappy lately. The Plex app on AppleTV seems so much better than the rest.

Plex works great on ATV and Roku. Not so much on Fire Stick, consoles, and TVs.

[Tik-Tok]

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AppleTV has the Plex app. That's how I watch my old collection of DVD and DVR rips.

Is it acting as a server?

[rage2]

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Is it acting as a server?

No. You’ll need to host your server somewhere.

[Tik-Tok]

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No. You’ll need to host your server somewhere.

Ahh, ok, this is where Shield Pro shines then. My NAS isn't capable of being a Plex server, so I either had to upgrade my NAS, or get a Pro.

Pro was cheaper by a wide margin, lol.