(Part 3) Top products from r/appletv

For those interested:

A good starter kit for $70:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DG9D63A

A deluxe starter kit (do a lot more than XBMC) for just $10 more:

http://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Ultimate-Starter-Components/dp/B00G1PNG54

A good remote controller will run you $25, but if you have a smartphone or tablet you can download the official XBMC remote control app free:

iOS:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/official-xbmc-remote/id520480364?mt=8

Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.xbmc.android.remote

chromecast requires you to "cast" your media. it's basically google's airplay. Not everything is supported by chromecast, and you will always need a device such as a smartphone or laptop. Based on what I read and my personal experience, your best bet is to go with an Amazon FireTv. You do not need to root(jailbreak) for access to XBMC, so you can stay up to date with their current firmware. Rooting does give you access to use the USB port for storage, and some other goodies. You can find a lot of easy guides at http://www.aftvnews.com/.

For what you will spend on 1 jailbroken ATV2, you can buy a FireTv, apple tv 3, a wireless keyboard/mouse, and flicr that allows you to use a ir remote to control your firetv.

Flicr: http://www.amazon.com/FLIRC-Dongle-Media-Centre-Raspberry/dp/B00BB0ETW8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419206683&sr=8-1&keywords=flirc+usb-dongle

FireTV: http://www.amazon.com/Fire-TV-streaming-media-player/dp/B00CX5P8FC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419206712&sr=8-2&keywords=firetv

Keyboard w/ touchpad: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Built-In-Multi-Touch/dp/B005DKZTMG/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1419206742&sr=8-10&keywords=logitech+keyboard+mouse+combo

Yes, you need a certain kind to be compatible with 4K and all that, but do you really think this cable is going to give you a better picture than an Amazon Basics cable?

Correct me if I'm wrong but this would essentially mean you could control the ATV through Alexa, right? It's the same scenario with different input methods?

If so then no, I haven't seen it accomplished. The closest I've seen is the Harmony Hub (Logitech) or using some sort of !P2IR converter, like this:https://www.amazon.com/Global-Cache-IP2IR-iTach-Wired/dp/B003BFTKUC

If this is the same thing and I'm not mistaken there are some threads in /r/amazonalexa You should look for.

I happened to have one of these from a previous setup (only it's an old discontinued model). Never got around to setting it up after I moved. I've been pretty pleased with it.

Well if you ever want look for cheaper option than Belkin, look for Cable Matters from Amazon. I’m using that.

[Cable Matters](Cable Matters Premium Certified HDMI Cable (Premium HDMI Cable) 4K HDR Support in Black - 6 Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005BZG8G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_y3xaCb9M5DZDV)

Yes

I use this on the Optical out to my stereo. It allows me to listen to music while the tv is off.

Portta PETDTAP Digital Coax and Optical Toslink to Analog Audio Converter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DIRI6I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_LSGQwbNP38ZT5

You can get an RCA to 3.5mm adapter like this:
Monoprice 109768 6-Feet 3.5mm Stereo Male to RCA Stereo Male Gold Plated Cable for Mobile, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AJHBJWC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_iXGQwbMQQ5MYR

Or use a HDMI extractor.

I just bought this for my projector, and it's working great with an antenna.

Mediasonic Homeworx HW180STB 3 / 4 Channel HDTV Digital Converter Box with Recording and Media Player (New Version) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IYETYX8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_GrTQwbCBTD7B0

You realize that you can buy a watch battery anywhere that sells batteries, right? CR2032 batteries are super common and can be had for less than $1 if you shop around.

Here is a pack of 5 name-brand batteries for $4.95

I have this one, and I really like it.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-HT-CT370-Wireless-Subwoofer-Bluetooth/dp/B00IWQREE4

Yes, you can. You might need one of these as it won't output the image if it doesn't detect a display

Run the cable along the walls with conduit like this https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0015EDVVU/

Ah that sucks.

On a sidenote, you mentioned that you like having two sets of headphones for the audio.

Would another solution be an Bluetooth audio receiver (like this one from etekcity or from AmazonBasics) with a 3.5mm audio splitter and two headphones/earphones?

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209440

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XDD7GYT/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-Inc-TV/dp/B07XDD7GYT/

http://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Digital-Adapter-Display-Generation/dp/B009WHV3BM

maybe just use a Lightning to HDMI adapter?

this isn't exactly what you are talking about but you could install apps for Netflix and maybe other streaming services on the iPhone, then get them on the TV via HDMI.

I've had my eye on this but haven't picked one up yet. It may be what you are looking for
; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LA6T0LS/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_sHsdub0ANN5NA

Rental also available on Amazon for $0.99

https://www.amazon.com/AudioQuest-Diamond-feet-Braided-Cable/dp/B003CT08E4

Boxee Box:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0038JE07O

You can use an Airport express without any of the router functions. A used one will be the cheapest with the least amount of headaches. If you're set against that, you have other options such as:

http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Receiver-Supports-Portable-WF-RADU/dp/B00L26YDA4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410114641&sr=8-1&keywords=airplay

http://www.amazon.com/AirEnabler-Adapter-Kit-Apple-AirPlay/dp/B00EZWVZ44/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410114641&sr=8-2&keywords=airplay

The downside to those are, they aren't supported by Apple and you'll have audio sync issues. If you don't need your audio to sync with anything, then they should work.