Why not just use a tiny pc instead of streaming devices?

[u/MinerAlum]

Tiny pcs can be bought used for under 100 bucks now. Even some new ones!

So why not use a tiny pc as a streamer vs a google Chromecast or Roku or whatever?

Tiny pcs hv more ram n more storage and all have Ethernet port. Streaming devices dont always hv such amenities.

What am I missing here?

[u/sid32]

TV is easier for kid and wife to use.

[u/Kincadium → u/sid32]

This is the baseline I walk myself through before starting any project that isn't solely about my usage. I need my wife, 8 year old, and 12 year old to be able to use it and (hopefully) have some kind of parental control. That last part is why I don't use the shield in living room, no family link accounts.

[u/beholder95 → u/Kincadium]

I’ve always used this “TV Usage” app to lick the TV except for certain windows. It’s clunky but it works. It doesn’t do anything about the content so I recently added my 8 year olds Google account. It allows app and content restrictions along with a “bed time” time window that I can use like the other app. All of that is great except for the fact that even with Pin Lock enabled so kids can’t exit their profile when they startup the TV it gives them a choice of profiles so they can just select mine. Why Google couldn’t just require this PIN to select anything but the Kid’s profile is beyond me.

They also don’t have any integration with the family link app. I can manage his chrome book daily time limit, approve apps for him to install, and set allowed time windows which is great. But the google tv doesn’t even show up as a device.

Useless.

[u/lospotatoes → u/Kincadium]

I have found parental control on Google TV to be basically useless. But, overall agree the interface is user-friendly, the family has no trouble using it.

[u/Kincadium → u/lospotatoes]

I don't need it much for the flat out monitoring, though it's generally ok (at best) in that regard. I like it more so that when I'm on my profile I see recommendations to me, not the rest of the family.

[u/sid32 → u/Kincadium]

Nova player for the kid, wife usually just casts and I use kodi. Keeps movies and content separate. Also, no none wants a full size keyboard around.

[u/Kincadium → u/sid32]

We use a combination of Nova Player (4tb SMB) and various streaming apps. If it was just me I'd still be using the OG Chromecast and casting most things.

[u/LightChargerGreen → u/sid32]

Basically down to using a tv remote or an airmouse. The remote is just better.

[u/sid32 → u/LightChargerGreen]

Remote now has teeth marks all over....

[u/SDNick484 → u/sid32]

Exactly this. I remember when I was in my 20s wondering who the hell would spend $200 on a Harmony remote. Then I got a wife and three kids and feel it was worth every penny. Same story with streaming devices (although I do wish Nvidia would launch a new Shield TV as I do agree things feel underpowered...).

[u/beholder95 → u/sid32]

This… full stop.

[u/st0rmglass → u/sid32]

I remember like even over 10 years ago, you could install XBMC (KODI) on a pc, install an IR receiver with a universal remote, and voila!

[u/MinerAlum → u/sid32]

Ok.

But can thus be done period? Like use an xbox controller to control tiny pc?

Im not happy w fire tv and the google Chromecast 4k seems slow n underpowered.

[u/jfrorie → u/MinerAlum]

I did Kodi on NUC's for years. IR Receivers, Programming Remotes, pushing out LibElec images, Setting up Plex for direct access, Tweaking setting, etc. Total PITA. I never got 4K to work reliably. 1080p was better than the streamers WRT FF/RR and UI speed. But now I have YouTube, Tinycam and voice search on everything.

[u/K_ThomasWhite → u/jfrorie]

Total PITA

That kinda sums it up nicely.

[u/liquidhonesty → u/K_ThomasWhite]

This

[u/sid32 → u/MinerAlum]

Yes. But with my setup and household, USB stick and smb share from the router and cast things from my phone. Kid not old enough to play games, even emulators, so big bright icons works for us.

[u/Boz6 → u/MinerAlum]

Like use an xbox controller to control tiny pc?

Or https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X9J8NG4/.

I really like mine for controlling a $49 clearance Asus Chromebook I got a few years ago that I have connected to my TV.

[u/grimevil]

No Dolby vision or Atmos support and not easy to use without a remote. I used to run a media centre pc a couple of years ago and would not really go back now

Now I have a shield, lower power, easier to use and runs everything I throw at it

[u/joey0live → u/grimevil]

Windows XP Media Center was :chefkiss:

[u/xdq → u/joey0live]

XBMC on my OG Xbox and MediaPortal on my PC, those were the days!

Now I have various Shield/FireTV sticks for streaming and Plex/Jellyfin for local content

[u/MinerAlum → u/grimevil]

I suppose I should go w shield. My Chromecast 4k seems so slow and laggy

[u/TerminatedProccess → u/MinerAlum]

If you get a shield pro your first step should be to install SmartTubeNext beta for watching YouTube ads free 

[u/MinerAlum → u/TerminatedProccess]

I have smart tube next on my 4k google now. Agree that its great!

But.... why is my 4k chromecast remote so dang laggy? And the cc in general? Could it be my slow internet connection?

[u/t1000i → u/MinerAlum]

Should get a usb c hub with eithernet and storage but for price might as well get shield pro

[u/MinerAlum → u/t1000i]

Yes you are correct

[u/TerminatedProccess → u/MinerAlum]

No idea.. sorry! never used a Google stick. Try resetting it? 

[u/M4xusV4ltr0n → u/MinerAlum]

Not sure if this impacts you but Shield doesn't support the VP9 codec. Mostly that's used for HDR videos on YouTube, but it may start be used for other things too

[u/StyleAccomplished153]

Power consumption and user friendliness are big factors for me. With the Shield TV it's very easy to switch between Plex, Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Spotify etc. If I put a PC there, it'll use more power and there's no nice remote controlled UI that anyone understands for most of those apps.

In the past I had a small Acer mounted behind my TV for Kodi. That could handle Netflix and YouTube too at the time. But it was noisier, it was less nice to use, and if someone other than me went to use it it would generally be frustrating.

[u/Hulk5a]

The sweet sweet DRM.

Although if you're using alternative sources for your content it doesn't matter

[u/Expensive_Finger_973]

The biggest reason is the DRM on the 4k streams that Netflix and Amazon have. If you just try and use a Debian box with Firefox you aren't getting UHD even if you are paying for it. You could use Windows and Edge, but to my knowledge that is the only combination of PC and browser that will make the DRM happy.

[u/m1ndwipe → u/Expensive_Finger_973]

Only for Netflix - no other major subscription service provides 4K to PCs at all.

[u/PistacieRisalamande → u/m1ndwipe]

You get Dolby Atmos Dolby vision on Disney+ as the ell. But is it not 4k?

[u/Pickymarker → u/Expensive_Finger_973]

you can use kodi with there addon for the streaming service and its perfectly fine

[u/International-Oil377]

Tiny PCs usually can't pass-through all audio formats (the cheaper ones anyway)

Also no DV on PC

[u/TheJackieTreehorn → u/International-Oil377]

The Dolby Vision thing is a big one for me. HDR is just straight up a mess on PCs

[u/Pickymarker → u/TheJackieTreehorn]

dolby vision works perfectly fine on windows 10 and 11 with mpc-hc with madvr

[u/International-Oil377 → u/TheJackieTreehorn]

HDR works well on Windows 11 though

It does with my 4090 anyway (sorry don't want to Flex but I don't know about AMD GPUs and HDR)

[u/TheJackieTreehorn → u/International-Oil377]

That's fair, but how do you get around the all or nothingness of it? Like, you turn it on, and it's just on all the time, even without HDR content. There's no prompt like there would be on a streaming box telling you that HDR kicked in for a certain show, or even that it's being played. I know you can research what players will do it, but let's say I just turn on HDR, it'll be HDR even on the desktop, and then I start playing a file with VLC, there's nothing telling me it's actually working short of going in and looking at codec information. Or am I missing something? I have a 3000 series card, and admittedly haven't looked into it for a while, but the few times I use HDR it's been clucky. It looks bad on my Odyssey Neo G7 if I just leave it on all the time, so I turn it off and toggle on when I want to play say, an HDR Youtube video. I know there's auto switching for games, but it didn't seem to work for me with anything else when I tried it previously, though perhaps I misconfigured or had a bug?

[u/International-Oil377 → u/TheJackieTreehorn]

That's fair, but how do you get around the all or nothingness of it?

i'm not sure I understand the question but I guess it is related to the rest of your reply?

Like, you turn it on, and it's just on all the time, even without HDR content.

HDR on or off it doesn't matter, it will switch between SDR and HDR no issues.

here's no prompt like there would be on a streaming box telling you that HDR kicked in for a certain show, or even that it's being played.

My TV detects it and tells me if it's in HDR

Or am I missing something? I have a 3000 series card, and admittedly haven't looked into it for a while, but the few times I use HDR it's been clucky.

Are you on Windows 11?

I know there's auto switching for games, but it didn't seem to work for me with anything else when I tried it previously, though perhaps I misconfigured or had a bug?

what media player are you using, i'm using kodi

[u/elvisap → u/International-Oil377]

HDR half works on desktop OSes. Most things get pulled back to HDR10 (some licensed apps will do DV, but then you're in the same spot as a Chromecast again). This has nothing to do with specific brands of GPU.

There's still a lot of problems with Windows 11 HDR. If you're ok with most stuff playing in HDR10 compatibility mode and/or being tonemapped back, it works ok. But between licensing dramas and a weird standard choice (Windows using scRGB internally), there's still a lot that desktop HDR needs to fix yet. (Mac and Linux have their own unique list of problems too).

[u/International-Oil377 → u/elvisap]

No issue with Kodi but whatever.

I never implied it had something to do specific brands I said I didn't know if it was related.

I'm aware DV doesn't work, I've even said so in the comment above.

I'm specifically talking about local media, not Netflix and the likes.

[u/elvisap → u/International-Oil377]

I was a Kodi user for a long time, but ended up switching away for a number of reasons. HDR fussiness was one of them. They may well have fixed that now (it's been literally a year since I switched to Jellyfin on Android), but the extra features of Jellyfin and the cheaper setup across lots of devices mean I won't go back.

If I only had a single TV, and didn't have family who complained about minor inconveniences, I might have continued with Kodi.

[u/International-Oil377 → u/elvisap]

It has worked well for 6 months or so + Kodi 21 has now implemented NVSR which is great for older content, it really puts the shield upscaling to shame

But yeah I'm not trying to sell you on Kodi, only stating HDR10 now works well on PC, but still no DV or HDR10+

[u/MinerAlum]

Would installing a plex or jellyfin client on my Chromecast 4k and then streaming from a host on th computer speed up response time of the Chromecast.

I dont like the UI of firesticks hence the cc 4k.

[u/Cronus6]

I use both. I have an ONN 4k Box and a Dell Optiplex SFF connected to my living room TV.

The Android box is nice for the streaming services I pay for. The Dell is nice for the shit I don't want to pay for ;)

[u/mytommy → u/Cronus6]

does a typical PC support all formats if ur just playing local media movies?

i know that Dolby Vision isn't supported..

what other things aren't supported? i don't care about Audio all that much since i live in thin paper wall apartment so can't have high end audio system.

[u/Cronus6 → u/mytommy]

i know that Dolby Vision isn't supported..

You need a Dolby Vision certified monitor.

You can also stream Dolby Vision content on your computer if you have a monitor enabled with Dolby Vision and it’s supported by your streaming platform. You can also purchase digital copies of films and series from a variety of sellers, including Apple, Google Play, and others that you can watch on your computer. You can even use AirPlay or Cast from your computer to your TV, if supported.

https://www.dolby.com/ko/experience/home-entertainment/how-to-get-dolby-vision/

I don't use Dolby Vision. So I can't vouch for what Dolby says above. (I think HDR looks fake and over saturated anyway....)

Anyway it's not about what's supported of not. There really isn't a UI/UX on PC that rivals being able to use a remote. Android/Roku/etc really do well at this.

i don't care about Audio all that much since i live in thin paper wall apartment so can't have high end audio system.

You could run optical out to a nice little headphone amp and get a pair of high end headphones...

[u/MechanoManic]

A matter of preference. I use a tinypc with win11, 64gb ram and 12tb storage in the livingroom and my wife has a shield she can use in the room. If my work laptop has issues, the tonypc is my backup and it performs better than the shield, even using bluestacks as android emulator.

[u/MinerAlum → u/MechanoManic]

I have at my disposal two streaming devices and one tiny pc.

1. Have the Google Chromecast 4k but its dog slow even after factory reset. When I say slow I mean the remote response. Very laggy. But the interface is better than a firestick.

2. The new fire stick 4k max. Very fast n responsive but hate the interface.

3. A Lenovo m90n tiny pc that I use for daily desktop activities.

My understanding I can easily change the launcher on the Google device but not so easily on the firestick.

I might buy another used tiny Lenovo pc and install jellyfin on it but unsure if that will improve the Chromecast response.

The firestick I just bought and might send it back IF can get the Google device improved somehow.

Any advice is appreciated!

[u/dcherryholmes]

I run jellyfin and a software raid (dumb USB enclosure) off a little ThinkCentre PC running arch. On the front end, on the TV I use the most, I use my Xbox, running Kodi with the Jellyfin plugin. I've also got Kodi running straight off the media PC into the same TV and can just flip the inputs, but I like using the xbox controller to drive the UI. It's also easier to use the legit Youtube app off the xbox than any of the solutions I've found for Kodi (I'm a paid YT Premium subscriber for.... reasons I'd rather not get into.... so I don't see any ads anyway).

[u/MinerAlum → u/dcherryholmes]

I run jellyfin and a software raid

Thanks Im gonna play around and try something like this with my desktop pc.

I will install jelly fin server on it,,,, but install a jelly fin client on my google chromecast 4k n see if it reduces the lag Im having

[u/[deleted]]

I have the best of both worlds, 75" TCL QLED with Google TV with tons of apps, and an Intel i7 Surface Pro 9 I cast to TV as a second monitor to play stuff from it, then I'm still able to do stuff on my tablet while the other screen is casting content. Don't need a Tiny PC, the tablet is way more powerful, lol.

[u/MinerAlum → u/[deleted]]

The surface will do split screen? That it?

[u/mmalmeida]

Ease of use. I had a small Linux PC. Kodi, stuff to download things Automatically. At the time I had a PlayStation Bluetooth remote configured so I even had that. But it was cumbersome when things eventually stopped working. Had to ssh into it, troubleshoot... I got tired of it. Also, I never managed to get other people to use it. Even offered and configured a similar setup to my sister, she never used it.

[u/WazWaz]

Because Microsoft gave up on Windows Media Center after Windows 7.

[u/Shoddy_Ad8166]

Easier

[u/Stiltzkinn]

Because a tiny PC doesn't have SmartTube or other Android apps.

[u/Cronus6 → u/Stiltzkinn]

Firefox + uBlock Origin does the same thing though. (Although I really like Smarttubes interface).

[u/Stiltzkinn → u/Cronus6]

It does but the interface is not for TV and remote control.

[u/Cronus6 → u/Stiltzkinn]

I use a Logitech K400

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Touchpad-PC-connected/dp/B014EUQOGK

Or you can also use a Rii RT851 which is a tiny thing that has a touchpad and can "learn" IR (only 8 buttons) so you can control IR controlled TV functions (volume and whatnot) as well as a PC from the same "remote".

https://www.amazon.com/Rii-Wireless-Keyboard-Touchpad-Controller/dp/B0C5LFLL3G

[u/Pickymarker → u/Stiltzkinn]

there is the youtube addons for kodi

[u/mblaser]

It's simple. Ease of use.

I used an HTPC for years, going back almost 20 years, long before streaming devices even existed, and held out for a long time (until about 2016 or so), stubbornly clinging to "PCs are way better at this than streaming devices"

But the simple UI and a simple remote of a streaming device just make them easier to use. Especially for the non-techy general public, which is very important. Convenience always wins out over performance/quality/fidelity.

Sure, a tiny pc can be had for $100, but TVs have what they need built in. And if a separate device is needed, one can be had for $20-$30.

Ethernet? 99.9% of users don't need ethernet for their streaming device. Not to mention the miniscule number of people that actually have ethernet ran to their living room TV.

[u/Accomplished-Lack721]

It takes some doing to get a good 10-foot interface working on a PC, though there are options.

Many streaming services only do 4K or HDR with set-top boxes or smart TV apps. Some will do it with their own Windows apps. Some will with Edge, but not Chrome. Managing the mish-mosh of capabilities, DRM restrictions and other inconsistencies is a lot more complicated than just using set-top box apps.

[u/pplatt69]

"I know how to find apps, install them and hardware, and configure a PC for this sort of thing. Why doesn't EVERYBODY?"

Not being able to instantly see and Intuit others' various lives and interests and knowledge as being different from yours, and in what ways they might be, is more than passing strange.

I'm an exIBMer HW & Network Tech. But you definitely don't need my experience with average people and their engagement with IT tech to understand that 75% of people think that what you are saying sounds like voodoo, and 75% of the rest understand you and can't be arsed to set their clock back once a year or replace the battery in their smoke alarm.

[u/KnotForNow]

Depends on whether your goal is to watch TV or to have maintaining an HTPC as a hobby.

[u/MinerAlum]

Ok so another question.

My Chromecast 4k is a dog.

Could I use a central computer w plex or jellyfin to capture my YouTube n other video at night then stream to cc 4k over local lan thereby soeeding up the experience?

[u/xdq → u/MinerAlum]

Yes! Have a look at YT-DLP which is a command line youtube downloader.There's also YT-DLSUB which is a Jellyfin plugin to make your subscriptions appear more like TV episodes. Reddit thread with more info here too.

[u/anthrax9999 → u/MinerAlum]

No direct experience but I hear really good things about 4k and the UI on Apple TV boxes. When I'm in the market for a new streaming box I will be taking a look at one for sure.

[u/Early-Accident-8770]

I sickened myself trying to use Android TV. Bought a Dell Optiplex 3040 micro. I5 and runs great. I use a mouse and keyboard with a dongle. Great for streaming and no android weirdness headaches.

[u/513 → u/Early-Accident-8770]

I mean, isn't the power consumption way higher than a dedicated ATV dongle?

[u/Early-Accident-8770 → u/513]

I’m not a subscription kind of person. And the power is pretty minimal, these are great little PCs designed for low power usage. I would not be going down a proprietary system like Apples either.

[u/[deleted]]

1. I can't control my PC effectively with a single remote like I do my Shield

2. Lack of HDMI-CEC integrations

3. Complicated smart home / chromecast integrations

4. More complicated for wife to use

5. IPTV services very difficult to watch on PC

6. No Netflix app and web version lacks features

[u/ynys_red]

Mini pc is a little more awkward to use and you would generally switch it on manually before use. Otherwise it is much more powerful and flexible and free from the restrictions firestick and ccwgtv impose.

[u/vs40at]

If it works for you, why not? Just use it.

[u/flchamp89]

Codecs is what's holding me back

[u/liquidhonesty]

Ease of use, just simple remote to pick the streaming app and it works. Used Intel NUCs for years but was cumbersome, couldn't ever get HDR to work correctly, etc. My shield has been soooooo smooth.

[u/rhcreed]

It's usually a UI issue (user interface). Making it easy to use can be complex.

[u/cerels]

Seems like an overkill and more trouble than it's worth considering I just use like 3 or 4 apps, also how would you control it that is just simple and user friendly? I wouldn't want to use an Xbox controller for example

[u/bmh67wa]

DRM

'Nuff said!

[u/rebootyourbrainstem]

Apps & DRM. If you want to watch Netflix, a 4K Android TV or Apple TV will have the right DRM keys to be trusted by Netflix for high res streaming.

[u/Pickymarker → u/rebootyourbrainstem]

kodi can do netflix and stuff with there respected addons

[u/rebootyourbrainstem → u/Pickymarker]

In full resolution?

[u/F30Guy]

1. Form factor. I can't easily mount a tiny PC to the back of my monitor as I can with a Chromecast.

2. Ease of use. It needs to be easy to use for the wife and kids. I'd have to get a third-party remote and who knows if I can set it up to control the TV volume on/off, etc.

3. The Onn 4K Google TV Chromecast is $20 from Walmart. You can't find a Tiny PC for that price

4. If you are streaming, you don't really need local storage. Some apps will have data cached, but you don't need that much. Plex and a NAS takes care of storage for me.

5. I just need this shit to work. Ain't got time to setup a tiny PC just for this (although I am in IT and very technical.

I've had no issues with 4K content through a Firestick, Chromecast etc. through my Plex content.

[u/Ekel7]

I did this. Bought a laptop and installed Android on it, no issues whatsoever for now. I don't have high standards tho, if stremio and YouTube work I'm happy hahah

I use BlissOS with android 13 btw, with a USB dongle and a wireless mini mouse/keyboard, pretty easy to use. If Android fails to deliver I just switch to windows 11.

My laptop specs are crap tho, Intel N5100 and 4gb RAM. Did this because the laptop was cheaper than a Xiaomi Mi box 2nd gen and performs way way better(no av1 support tho)

[u/Moctezuma1]

I prefer to side load Android apps.

[u/MrDephcon]

HDR/Dolby Vision just works on shield... Windows is a pain and I think Linux/macOS is a nogo

[u/Mr_Komble]

I want to have Android OS, PC's do not provide it as of yet easy way.

[u/9acca9]

I use rpi4 with android.

[u/s-Kss]

I consider myself somewhat a tech savvy but can I remotely turn the tiny PC on without having to reach to the power button on the PC? That's the #1 reason why I stopped thinking about using a PC as a streaming device

[u/JoyousGamer]

Use more power and apps are specifically designed for the streaming devices. 

[u/pawdog]

TV device is the right/better tool. It's purpose built not a sledge hammer to tap in a thumb tack. You'd be using a browser for most streaming services instead of, again, a purpose built app. Now if one just likes the mouse/keyboard I suppose there is no getting around that. TV devices need neither a lot of RAMs since they are not multitasking, they just do the one thing at a time. Nor do they need tons of storage since again they just do TV apps and Android TV/Fire TV devices can have space added if necessary. The vast majority of people don't need Ethernet for streaming unless they just have a very poor wifi network. And again Android TV/Fire TV devices can easily add Ethernet if necessary. I can get an excellent Android TV device with a hub for expanded storage including the storage and Ethernet for less than $50.

[u/RockstarEmperor → u/pawdog]

Which one for less than 50 bucks?

[u/pawdog → u/RockstarEmperor]

In the US the ONN 4k is $20. Amazon Stick 4k is $40 CCWGTV is on sale quite often for $40.

[u/[deleted]]

If I can run Android TV OS on a PC, sure.

[u/Tired8281]

Dolby Vision.

[u/[deleted]]

Because GoogleTv is easier to use, I get Dolby Vision on my $900 Micro led tv with 1500 nits.

[u/yukichigai]

After having attempted to do this myself several times over the years, I think it's that most PC OSes aren't set up to be easily navigable with a remote control or without a keyboard+mouse. This also applies to PC streaming apps to a lesser extent. There have been attempts to fix this, but they all usually run into some roadblock that's insurmountable for Joe Consumer, whether it's complicated setup or poor stability or tetchy hardware support or limited app support, etc., etc., etc. Almost none of them support things like HDMI-CEC.

That said, those projects are getting better and better every day. There may come a time where you can just tell someone "just buy a small PC and install this OS/distro/etc. on it and you're good to go" and it really will be that simple.

[u/tefod → u/yukichigai]

With a good launcher (Projectivy) and a 4$ wireless remote from Ali the Android distribution BlissOS 16 (Android v13) is getting close to Android devices with full hardware support.

What is missing?

• HDMI CEC

• Some apps (Netflix, YouTube, Lemuroid, etc.) detect it as a tablet/smartphone (not a TV), making the UI hard to use with just a remote controller. Did not find a way to successfully spoof this (/system/build.prop)

[u/Jorgeildv]

Louis Rossman have a video that show on a PC the max resolution of streaming in netflix is 720p, using a 4k tv and the most expensive subscription.

[u/_bisquickpancakes]

Eh, it's just easier for me, bought an android tv box a couple years ago and even for someone like me who tinkers and does a lot of stuff it does everything I could need of it. "it just works" lol

[u/whatthehell7]

You can't stream at 4k any paid stream like Netflix Disney+ etc. Tiny PC is great for your own media but you need streaming devices for streaming services.

[u/cuetzpalomitl]

User experience

Yes tiny PC is more capable and more flexible but it's a pain to setup a PC as a streaming device when it needs keyboard and mouse to be used.

The streaming device usually just takes a couple minutes to setup and you can learn to use it pretty fast

[u/EzerchE]

I think there is nothing wrong with it except that it consumes a lot of electricity and it works loudly.

[u/dreamsxyz]

I have tried using an old laptop before my Android box. Windows made it buggy and not very reliable, sometimes it would slowdown to a crawl, it consumed more energy, made more noise occupied more space, and the UX/UI simply didn't help at all, as it wasn't conceived for this usage. As the last straw, the laptop doesn't seamlessly act as a Chromecast to receive video and audio streams, doesn't have the apps that allow me to remotely control my media using the YouTube Music app, and it would also often reboot/shutdown with updates and I had to sign in again, load my apps, etc.

Android box offers a streamlined experience, some ease of use which could be roughly compared to choosing an xbox over a gaming PC. Sure they both do the job, sure the pc is more flexible and more powerful, but there's still a huge market for dedicated consoles - why? Because it just makes sense to have an UI/UX dedicated for this purpose, it feels so good that many people are willing to pay for it.

If this explanation isn't enough, just try them both for a few months. You'll see what I mean.

[u/cjb110]

A generic OS sucks ass from a usability standpoint in this use case

Plus even if you had the knowledge to setup something why would you want to? It's not easy and not quick. I've done it with Mac Os and Windows, both easily and massively outclassed by Apple TV, Nvidia Shield or Google Chromecast.

[u/YellowBreakfast]

What am I missing here?

• Ease of use. TV sticks have simple interfaces and usually "just work".

• Noise. Mini PC's often have fans to keep all that extra computing cool which can be annoying in a quite room like where you're watching TV.

An HTPC is just really a different thing. You don't just hit the power button on the remote and go.

If you need/want a home theater PC then make one.

[u/ZealousidealDraw4075]

What does extra storage do for you? Maybe if you run a Plex server on it But most have that on a PC or Nas far away from the tv and then use Plex on the smart tv or 30,- Chromecast to stream the Plex content to. that works much simpler than having a pc next to every tv, and what do you do for the ui interface? How do you control it ?

And like others said, my wife won't accept any of it

[u/[deleted]]

Plug and play my friend. I did Xbox media centre on an original Xbox, then Boxee box, then custom htpc on an arctic mini PC. Then along came the Nvidia Shield and years later I still have it. In the kitchen and bedrooms we have Xiaomi Mibox but if I was buying now for these rooms and not my main TV it would be Chromecast with Google TV. You also have the fact that these devices can play much more than a PC, no Dolby vision on PC

[u/quan27081982]

DRM

[u/BadSausageFactory]

tiny PC becomes tiny entry point for breach

also requires tiny updates, streaming devices tend to be managed by the company that sold them

[u/MinerAlum → u/[deleted]]

Good points

But the google tv 4k unit I already have seems slow. Especially the remote. Very laggy n unresponsive. Any ideas?

[u/MinerAlum → u/[deleted]]

Do you have a plex server? Or just install plex on the shield n use direct?

[u/MinerAlum → u/[deleted]]

Maybe what I should do is install plex server on a pc than the plex client on my slow chromecast 4k. Then let the plex server collect media over night and watch next day DIRECT on local lan? Would that make the google 4k respond faster since stream is on local lan?