Reddit reviews XIOS DS Streaming Media Player for TVs (with XBMC capability)
We found 7 Reddit comments about XIOS DS Streaming Media Player for TVs (with XBMC capability). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Turn any TV into a Smart TV with this streaming media player and access all the latest Internet technology including web browser, HTML 6, Adobe Flash 10.x, Chrome V8 and Java supportAccess the Google Play store and download popular apps like Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, and GmailXBMC capability allows you to customize your media interface and create your own entertainment centerSupports a wide range of USB peripherals so that you can access personal media including XIOS Sense wireless motion remote, wired/wireless keyboard, mouse, webcam, card reader, digital cameras, and moreFeatures built-in 10/100 Ethernet connection and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connections for all your audio, video streaming demands from internet, networked or DLNA devices.
That box states it has Wireless capabilities. So you should be able to get Wifi to your box without the need for a third party Wireless. All you would need is a wireless router.
For reference:
http://www.amazon.com/XIOS-Streaming-Media-Player-capability/dp/B0088IGPM8
"Features built-in 10/100 Ethernet connection and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connections for all your audio, video streaming demands from internet, networked or DLNA devices."
Sounds like you want one box to handle both XBMC and your DVR setup, but here's my setup:
The ZBOX works very well, performance-wise. Prior to selecting the ZBOX I tried a Pivos Xios, which was not up to the task.
The DVR hardware requirements are very low, I believe. Up until this year I had a 10 year old Dell workstation as my DVR, and it worked just as well. Obviously a large amount of storage is a must, and you'll need to buy a capture card or an HDHomeRun.
What DVR software are you going to use? I use MythTV and hate it for its flakiness and ugly configuration tools.
I might ask /r/hardware for suggestions.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0088IGPM8
I've seen them for as low as $89.99 on newegg.
Edit: The GBox 2 or OUYA would work too.
Where the media is located is not much of an issue. If it is available on the LAN, then XBMC can be pointed to it, and it will catalog it all.
If you just need some SD capability, you may want to check out /r/linux_devices.
For the record, I don't think there is much to do with the bxox that won't turn on. But if you can get the other one to boot to a game, instead of the modded firmware, you may want to try soft-modding it.
As far as my recommendation, I have had my Aspire Revo 1600 since about 2008, and it has never failed me. I have a USB surround sound adapted for it, and a usb dongle for a remote control. It easily handles HDTV streaming. I installed an internal WiFi card as well. It handles XBMCbuntu Beautifully. I bought mine for $200 back when it was new.
If you are going to have old hardware laying around anyway, why not just recycle that? Or is it too bulky to have in the living room?
If you do want to buy a new device? What is your price range?
After doing a quick search, here is one option that might work for you: http://www.amazon.com/Companion-802-11n-Ethernet-Official-Sponsor/dp/B0088IGPM8
The development of XBMC for android was done on the Pivos XIOS DS, so you're likely to have the best experience if you get one of those.
Pivos Xios
Currently $98 on Amazon.
I think you're going to want to look for something that doesn't require a consistent internet connection, so FireTV and the like is probably out. Raspberry PI is not a bad choice but, you might want something a little bit simpler and more straightforward.
You want it to boot straight to Kodi and I'm guessing we won't really have a tremendous amount of use for android apps (because of lack of internet). So, I would recommend something linux based and, of course we're probably going to need something that can easily accept a USB connected hard drive. I imagine as a hospital you probably have a ton of thumbdrives that vendors have given you somewhere to act as the hard drive, if not, you should be able to get a 64GB one off amazon for under $20, type mostly doesn't matter.
For the power issue, you might want to add a small UPS system, like this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NTQYUA8 it should power most small devices for a good long while (rated for 4.5 hours, for just a media player, it should last considerably longer). I'm guessing you might have a standard power outlet available for charging in the ambulance? The one I linked is around $40 now but, it frequently goes on sale for $20.
For the actual box, I would recommend one of these, these all run linux, boot straight to kodi and should accept a USB hard drive (update the firmware when you get them, pivos devices have a linux and an android version available, i would recommend linux):