New Gadget
For a while I’ve been using XBMC on an old xbox to stream media. The trials of installing and configuring I’ll save for another day but I had it setup to output 720p and all was hunky-dory.
But……the fan noise is really starting to get on my nerves and the lack of true HD is preventing the streaming of HD material so I started looking for an alternative. Hours spent browsing AVForums threw up some likely candidates and I eventually settled on the AC Ryan PlayOnHD Mini. Daft name but a great little box of tricks!
It has no hard drive so no fan, therefore it runs completely silent and cool……bliss! It was up and running in under 5 minutes and happily streamed everything I threw at it. All my media is on a HP MediaSmart Windows Home Server and the only niggle with the PlayOn so far is the slightly naff interface and the clunky way it deals with network shortcuts to access media.
YAMJ is due soon and this will transform the user experience so fingers crossed. I’ve also got my Logitech Harmony controlling it so happy days all round.