[GRLUG] XBMC

[Philip J. Robar]

On Jul 24, 2011, at 4:36 PM, Ron Lauzon wrote:

> How does it compare to something like an Mvix Ultio?
> <http://www.mvixusa.com/ultio/1080p-high-definition-home-theater-pc.html>

Mvix Ultio is a physical product, albeit by it specs. a quite capable one. On the other hand, it doesn't appear to have any support for plug-ins for internet media sources like Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, etc.

XBMC is multi-platform open sourced software that lets you build your own Ultio like device. It has extensive plug-in support, but no official or working support for many (any?) of the commercial non-free internet sources.

Boxee is a XBMC based product that is available as a $200 physical box (with an interesting remote/keyboard), or as free software for Windows, Linux (64 bit Ubuntu), OS X and Apple TV. Boxee has official vendor support from numerous non-free internet media sources (but, not Hulu). One drawback to the free version of Boxee is that it trails the embedded version in features and updates.

One thing I noticed is that Mvix's Ultio only claims to be a UPnP client. XBMC is not only both a UPnP client and a server, it is also a DLNA certified client and server.

Personally I think that the best general purpose media player is a DIY Windows PC, Mac or Hackintosh with XBMC, Boxee, and Kylo. The reason for using Windows or OS X over Linux is 1) Support for Silverlight (needed for Netflix) and 2) support for the Kylo browser. (Kylo is a very cool browser with a 10 foot user interface and easy access to internet media sites—both commercial and free. Unfortunately it's only available for Windows and OS X.) If you're only concerned about playing back local media then go with XBMC or Boxee on Linux.


Phil


-- 
This message has been scanned for viruses and
dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
believed to be clean.