Compute Stick for 1080p playback?

[Shou Miko]

In basic I am getting tired of my Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter V1 it's laggy video wise and started doing that a lot lately I have the latest firmware on it but just don't help.

I think it might be time to consider a replace for my MWDA bcs I don't want run a 10meter HDMI cable (Bcs of routing it around my apartment).

I been thinking about the 2gen of Intel's Compustick the STK1AW32SC it is around $162 / €146 / £128

I will basically just be running Google Chrome on it to connect to my Plex Media Server.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

What type of video files are you playing? Does Plex direct stream?

This would be my recommendation if you're okay with super cheap:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019ESY3RY/?tag=tec06d-20

If you don't mind expensive, the Xiaomi Mi Box is coming in a matter of days:
http://www.mi.com/en/mibox/

I'd run the Plex app on it:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.plexapp.android
Beware the fine print: "LIMITATION: Playing media from your Plex Media Server on the device running this app is limited (one minute for music and video, watermark on photos) until the app is unlocked."

I tried a an Atom X5-Z8300 and it's shit compared to the Amlogic S905/X. The latter can do passable MPEG2-TS where the former...let's just say it is awful.

The stick version of it is also quite dreadful. If you're set on Atom, look for one in standalone box.

 

[Shou Miko]

Most of my mkv/mp4 contain is H264/x264 with AAC/DD5.1/DTS audio (I got a few HEVC files but not really they ain't transcoded witten Plex yet so take the device to do it).

I not really a fan of a android box for these purposes and I need to get the device inside europe like Amazon DE/UK if not in Denmark I don't want to buy a huge tax bill to get smth outside.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Amlogic S905 cannot handle AAC without down mixing to stereo. Amlogic S905X can handle AAC without down mixing but only at specific bitrates (I think 384 worked, the next up from that didn't). Apparently Amlogic S905X-H in the Mi Box has a hardware Dolby decoder so it should be able to handle all of those thing.

MKV/MP4 I believe would be a Plex thing. If it already supports that it won't be a problem.
H.264 is supported in Amlogic S905 and Amlogic S905X
HEVC = H.265 which Amlogic S905X supports.

I haven't tried this model but it has the right processor:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01K1TK22K/?tag=tec053-21

I have two of these but the wifi can't sustain MPEG2-TS over modest distances (if wired to network, not a problem):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01B1CWRNI/?tag=tec053-21

Be forewarned that odds are pretty good the TV buttons aren't programmable with these. If you decide you need a better remote, I highly recommend the Inteset INT-422-3 (that 3 is important) and use code 04440 for the Leelbox. I checked Amazon for this remote and it is not available.

 

[flmatter]

not really a fan of a android box for these purposes

unstandable, but have you checked out the nvidia shield tv? I know it suports plex and I have kodi installed on mine. Plus Vudu and netflix apps. Only draw back is there are only 2 usb ports on it. Just a suggestion....

 

[Shou Miko]

@FordGT90Concept they need to be shipped from witten EU not outside I can't seem to see on the 2 amazon uk links they are.

@flmatter too expensive I can buy a Intel NUC with a Skylake i3 for the same and use one of my old SSD I have in laying around. (I have a 240 and a 480gb laying around)

for an update just checked at work I can get the Compute stick for about $151 / €136 / £119

Still considering it bcs I got a wireless Logitech set with a nano receiver.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

@FordGT90Concept they need to be shipped from witten EU not outside I can't seem to see on the 2 amazon uk links they are.

"Fulfilled by Amazon" and it tells me that they don't ship to the USA. So it's coming from an Amazon warehouse somewhere in Europe. Where, specifically, I have no idea.

Still considering it bcs I got a wireless Logitech set with a nano receiver.

I have a wireless Logitech keyboard/touch pad that works great in Amlogic S905 but doesn't work 90% of the time in Amlogic S905X. On the other hand, I have a cheapo wireless mice (like $2.50 each) literally shipped direct from China and it works in both without problems.

 

[Shou Miko]

Sry still considering a Windows thing I have been looking around and I can get a Intel NUC i3 Skylake for about $247 and Kingston certificated NUC 4GB for about $25 but I read that the Nuc ain't really happy about HEVC 10bit and ik my HEVC files use that.

 

[silentbogo]

There are a bunch of CherryTrail-powered devices from China in sub $100 category.
Beelink and Tornsmart are amongst the cheapest and the most popular ones ~$80-85 and they come in a mount-friendly NUC form factor.

There was also a much smaller pocket-size mini PC on the same platform with full metal enclosure (looks like a 2.5" external HDD), I think it's Pipo X7 Pro.
http://techtablets.com/2015/10/pipo-x7-pro-windows-10-atom-x5-z8300-cherry-trail-mini-pc/

Alternatively - computestick clones. Half the price - same specs and capabilities.

Basically, anything with Atom Z8300 on board is enough to watch movies in 1080p and higher. I think even 4K @ 30FPS won't be a problem.

 

[Shou Miko]

There are a bunch of CherryTrail-powered devices from China in sun $100 category.
Beelink and Tornsmart are amongst the cheapest and the most popular ones ~$80-85 and they come in a mount-friendly NUC form factor.

There was also a much smaller pocket-size mini PC on the same platform with full metal enclosure (looks like a 2.5" external HDD), I think it's Pipo X7 Pro.
http://techtablets.com/2015/10/pipo-x7-pro-windows-10-atom-x5-z8300-cherry-trail-mini-pc/

Alternatively - computestick clones. Half the price - same specs and capabilities.

Basically, anything with Atom Z8300 on board is enough to watch movies in 1080p and higher. I think even 4K @ 30FPS won't be a problem.

I just need to play my movies about 90% of the time in Google Chrome so I can use my Plex server again that's the whole idea.

 

[silentbogo]

I just need to play my movies about 90% of the time in Google Chrome so I can use my Plex server again that's the whole idea.

Then it is definitely enough. Most of them come with dual-boot Win10/Android 5.1 or Win10/Ubuntu, so instead of spending all that cash on very limited Computestick you can actually invest 120 Euro into a much more sophisticated(and properly cooled) chinese madness. e.g. you can buy something like Cenovo [Ainol] TV box with 4GB RAM, 64GB NAND flash, all the features that the other ones have + a lot more USB ports (2xUSB2.0 + 2xUSB3.0)

Or even better:
http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box-mini...5AhDf8k06Wmj5oWoNE_F8gGfwQHV8Zp6uwaAr8O8P8HAQ
Four USB 3.0 ports! And even has a built-in 2MP webcam for Skype calls and/or homemade porncam sessions

 

[Shou Miko]

Then it is definitely enough. Most of them come with dual-boot Win10/Android 5.1 or Win10/Ubuntu, so instead of spending all that cash on very limited Computestick you can actually invest 120 Euro into a much more sophisticated(and properly cooled) chinese madness. e.g. you can buy something like Cenovo [Ainol] TV box with 4GB RAM, 64GB NAND flash, all the features that the other ones have + a lot more USB ports (2xUSB2.0 + 2xUSB3.0)

Or even better:
http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box-mini...5AhDf8k06Wmj5oWoNE_F8gGfwQHV8Zp6uwaAr8O8P8HAQ
Four USB 3.0 ports! And even has a built-in 2MP webcam for Skype calls and/or homemade porncam sessions

anything from outside eu can't be more than 10USD otherwise I get huge tax to pay to get the item released from customs I don't want that.

 

[silentbogo]

anything from outside eu can't be more than 10USD otherwise I get huge tax to pay to get the item released from customs I don't want that.

Where are you from?

BTW, from what I know, you only pay VAT on imported consumer electronics. Things like tablets, smartphones etc. do not get blasted with import duty (it's 0% for this category of goods), or any goods with total value not exceeding 135 euro.

 

[Shou Miko]

Where are you from?

BTW, from what I know, you only pay VAT on imported consumer electronics. Things like tablets, smartphones etc. do not get blasted with import duty (it's 0% for this category of goods).

I currently life in Denmark, and the rules here is just lame u pay item+shipping from the seller than the national post that 99,9% of the time take ur packages from outside europe that's more than $10 they want a handling fee of about $24 then comes the taxes

 

[PLAfiller]

I currently life in Denmark, and the rules here is just lame u pay item+shipping from the seller than the national post that 99,9% of the time take ur packages from outside europe that's more than $10 they want a handling fee of about $24 then comes the taxes

Yep yep, I know right But on black Friday there are some real deals here and there. It's true though, the consumer electronics is just messed up in DK .

 

[silentbogo]

Shipping from China is usually free, so the worst case scenario - your pay VAT and talk yourself into thinking that you only paid shipping
Otherwise - look for local re-sellers. Brand names may be different, but at least now you know what to look for.

 

[Deleted member 67555]

I'm with Ford...
I have completely given up on Windows for stuff like this..
The S905x and even the older S812 work better.

 

[Shou Miko]

I'm with Ford...
I have completely given up on Windows for stuff like this..
The S905x and even the older S812 work better.

 

[silentbogo]

I have completely given up on Windows for stuff like this..
The S905x and even the older S812 work better.

If you get it for $30-$40, then probably yes. At $60-80 it is simply not worth it: you get a simplified cookie-cutter design, and a software component which may never get updated by manufacturer.

With Atom devices you receive a fully functional PC for the same price, and your OS updates now depend on Microsoft, and not some Shenzhen Sunvell Electronics Co. Ltd, Shenzhen Ainol Electronics Co., Ltd. or any other Shenzhen [your name here] Electronics Co. Ltd.

 

[Shou Miko]

If you get it for $30-$40, then probably yes. At $60-80 it is simply not worth it: you get a simplified cookie-cutter design, and a software component which may never get updated by manufacturer.

With Atom devices you receive a fully functional PC for the same price, and your OS updates now depend on Microsoft, and not some Shenzhen Sunvell Electronics Co. Ltd, Shenzhen Ainol Electronics Co., Ltd. or any other Shenzhen [your name here] Electronics Co. Ltd.

I ordered a Intel Compute Stick 2gen at work before I left today so I will have it tomorrow and have the weekend to play around with it, and ik my Asus router is up to talk for streaming so I hope my problems will not be solved for good

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Beelink and Tornsmart are amongst the cheapest and the most popular ones ~$80-85 and they come in a mount-friendly NUC form factor.

Or even better:
http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box-mini...5AhDf8k06Wmj5oWoNE_F8gGfwQHV8Zp6uwaAr8O8P8HAQ
Four USB 3.0 ports! And even has a built-in 2MP webcam for Skype calls and/or homemade porncam sessions

Oh GOD NO! Gearbest is garbage! Beelink is garbage! They are the very top of my shitlist:
https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/beelink-gearbest-avoid.225474/

There was also a much smaller pocket-size mini PC on the same platform with full metal enclosure (looks like a 2.5" external HDD), I think it's Pipo X7 Pro.
http://techtablets.com/2015/10/pipo-x7-pro-windows-10-atom-x5-z8300-cherry-trail-mini-pc/

Z8300 doesn't support hardware decoding of any video format as far as I know (does not even support Intel QuickSync). The CPU in it is pretty good but the GPU is pathetic.

If you get it for $30-$40, then probably yes. At $60-80 it is simply not worth it: you get a simplified cookie-cutter design, and a software component which may never get updated by manufacturer.

Because the processor in it doesn't support newer. A lot of Android phones and tablets are incapable of moving to a newer version of Android for the same reason.

At $30-35 each, you can buy 2-4 of them for the price of a single Atom.

Google Play Store takes care of most of the updates.

With Atom devices you receive a fully functional PC for the same price, and your OS updates now depend on Microsoft, and not some Shenzhen Sunvell Electronics Co. Ltd, Shenzhen Ainol Electronics Co., Ltd. or any other Shenzhen [your name here] Electronics Co. Ltd.

Not fully functional. Atoms lack many features even basic i3s have. The cheap ones also likely have pirated Windows which severely limits what you can do with Windows. And they're far from the "same price" as pointed out above.

Beelink is in Shenzhen, Gearbest too...

I ordered a Intel Compute Stick 2gen at work before I left today so I will have it tomorrow and have the weekend to play around with it, and ik my Asus router is up to talk for streaming so I hope my problems will not be solved for good

I hope it works out for you but you should seriously try that Leelbox S1 (less than 40 EUR). I wouldn't be surprised at all if you end up returning the Compute Stick for a refund. Atom X5-Z8300 just isn't up to HTPC duty without backend transcoding.

 

[silentbogo]

Oh GOD NO! Gearbest is garbage! Beelink is garbage! They are the very top of my shitlist:
https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/beelink-gearbest-avoid.225474/

Just like DX.com(former DealExtreme), Aliexpress and others.
This is the general appearance of any store, if it is a digital marketplace with hundreds of suppliers.
This is exactly what Newegg would've looked like, if it stopped selling their own stock completely.

Never ordered anything from Gearbest or Aliexpress personally (only threw in a few bucks to my collegue for bulk SPI Flash and Audio IC orders), but Dealextreme is my to-go place for various replacement parts for almost 7 years now (First orders were PS3, PSP and XB360 replacement parts).
Just like the other two - it is now not a store, but a distribution platform, so you are not actually buying from DX, but you give them money and they buy it from one of their many suppliers.

Z8300 doesn't support hardware decoding of any video format as far as I know (does not even support Intel QuickSync). The CPU in it is pretty good but the GPU is pathetic.

Atom X5 and X7 both support hardware accelerated decoding of MPEG4, H.264 and H.265 (8-bit).

Because the processor in it doesn't support newer. A lot of Android phones and tablets are incapable of moving to a newer version of Android for the same reason.

So how come my old HTC Inspire 4G ran 4.4.2 while originally came with 2.x.x, or HTC One M7 running 5.0.2 just fine? None of those updates are official, the hardware in the majority of cases supports it, but manufacturer does not care. They have way too many new devices to take care of. There are some exceptions, but this is why they are called "exceptions".

About pirated Windows 10:
http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/2/55...ndows-free-on-devices-with-screens-under-nine

I believe right now MS gives away free bulk licenses for any windows-powered device manufactures as an incentive to increase revenue from Windows Store (it actually makes a lot more sense on tablets and phablets).

Not fully functional. Atoms lack many features even basic i3s have.

It is fully capable of running a desktop OS, so how come it is not fully functional?
No QucikSync? My X5650 did not have quicksync either.
Only one PCIe lane? Who cares when there are no peripherals connected to it.
No L3? Like we've never seen desktop processors without L3 cache before.

Can't see any reason, besides it "not being an i3".

 

[Nosada]

HOLD THE PRESSES!!!

Always wanted to say that ... ANYWHO ... I saw streaming, I saw Plex, I did not see the word Chromecast.

Seriously, if all you are using the device for is as a Plex client, you simply CANNOT beat a Chromecast. VERY easy to set up, cheap as frack, very performant and it doesn't even require the casting device to remain online. I have about 5 family members and a couple of friends who have nothing but a chromecast + their smartphones hooked up to my Plex and every last one of them is impressed and happy with it.

Chromecast, don't even think twice about it, easily the best device Google has produced so far.

Let me repeat that, CHROMECAST

Spoiler: Disclaimer

This message brought to you by some random internet spaz with no affiliation to Google, or anything else for that matter

 

[FordGT90Concept]

About pirated Windows 10:
http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/2/55...ndows-free-on-devices-with-screens-under-nine

My TVs are 20+". I doubt anyone buying the compute stick or NUC is going to plug it in to <9" screen. Therefore, not free.

I believe right now MS gives away free bulk licenses for any windows-powered device manufactures as an incentive to increase revenue from Windows Store (it actually makes a lot more sense on tablets and phablets).

Actually, I think the incentive is grow market share where Windows adaption rate is abysmal--ARM dominates. Since Microsoft abandoned Windows RT, this was their only path to grow market share without a significant investment from themselves.

It is fully capable of running a desktop OS, so how come it is not fully functional?

Invalid license means you can't do simple things like change the wallpaper.

No QucikSync? My X5650 did not have quicksync either.

a) it's old (I think QuickSync debuted on Haswell or Devil's Canyon)
b) requires iGPU to use QuickSync.

HOLD THE PRESSES!!!

Always wanted to say that ... ANYWHO ... I saw streaming, I saw Plex, I did not see the word Chromecast.

Seriously, if all you are using the device for is as a Plex client, you simply CANNOT beat a Chromecast. VERY easy to set up, cheap as frack, very performant and it doesn't even require the casting device to remain online. I have about 5 family members and a couple of friends who have nothing but a chromecast + their smartphones hooked up to my Plex and every last one of them is impressed and happy with it.

Chromecast, don't even think twice about it, easily the best device Google has produced so far.

Let me repeat that, CHROMECAST

Spoiler: Disclaimer

This message brought to you by some random internet spaz with no affiliation to Google, or anything else for that matter

FYI, that Leelbox supports miracast. That said, I prefer devices that can function on their own and, besides, MPEG2-TS is not something your average Android phone can even handle.

 

[Shou Miko]

HOLD THE PRESSES!!!

Always wanted to say that ... ANYWHO ... I saw streaming, I saw Plex, I did not see the word Chromecast.

Seriously, if all you are using the device for is as a Plex client, you simply CANNOT beat a Chromecast. VERY easy to set up, cheap as frack, very performant and it doesn't even require the casting device to remain online. I have about 5 family members and a couple of friends who have nothing but a chromecast + their smartphones hooked up to my Plex and every last one of them is impressed and happy with it.

Chromecast, don't even think twice about it, easily the best device Google has produced so far.

Let me repeat that, CHROMECAST

Spoiler: Disclaimer

This message brought to you by some random internet spaz with no affiliation to Google, or anything else for that matter

My iphone don't support Chrommycast so no, my dad actually has a chromecast but I don't want that and still need to have my phone (which don't support it) or buy a tablet to do so

@silentbogo and @FordGT90Concept I got a Philips 50PFT4009/12 on the wall i use i upgraded from a crappy JVC 42/47inch.