Out of the box, this thing is almost useless...Apple expects you to use iTunes to connect to your media and to be in their format. I currently have regular computer running XBMC, using S Video and head phone jack audio to my receiver...it has got me by until now. I researched a video card that would provide me DVI, Component or HDMI output for HD video and a sound card with an optical port or at least Digital.
During my research I found a little box that has HD video and 5.1 surround for 249.99 Canadian...WOW!!! You mean I can install XBMC on this little box, connect it to my network music, movies and pictures and that is it. I programmed my Harmony remote and am in heaven. I was very skeptical, but I took the plunge and in one night had everything done and a smile on my face. For $249, I do not have any complaints? This is the best thing I have added to my home automation/media environment since the "Windows Home Server".
The only problem I have now is the XBMC codec speed for mkv files and the inability to play wmv files. Everything else is flawless. In you need extra functionality YouTube, web browser, harmony or other remote functionality....just add the necessary XBMC plugin! I know this does not answer everything, but it is beat my expectations.
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Out of the box, this thing is almost useless...Apple expects you to use iTunes to connect to your media and to be in their format. I currently have regular computer running XBMC, using S Video and head phone jack audio to my receiver...it has got me by until now. I researched a video card that would provide me DVI, Component or HDMI output for HD video and a sound card with an optical port or at least Digital.
During my research I found a little box that has HD video and 5.1 surround for 249.99 Canadian...WOW!!! You mean I can install XBMC on this little box, connect it to my network music, movies and pictures and that is it. I programmed my Harmony remote and am in heaven. I was very skeptical, but I took the plunge and in one night had everything done and a smile on my face. For $249, I do not have any complaints? This is the best thing I have added to my home automation/media environment since the "Windows Home Server".
The only problem I have now is the XBMC codec speed for mkv files and the inability to play wmv files. Everything else is flawless. In you need extra functionality YouTube, web browser, harmony or other remote functionality....just add the necessary XBMC plugin! I know this does not answer everything, but it is beat my expectations.