I've had a makeshift setup for awhile now with XBMC loaded on my Windows PC. I have it setup so that I can select XBMC on my Harmony One remote, and it will automatically run XBMC on my Windows PC, and move the window over to my television. It's worked for awhile, but seems to have issues often, so I decided its time for a separate set top box so I don't have to worry about that.
I was contemplating either ordering a XIOS DS or Raspberry PI (the new 512 mb board) and loading XBMC on that. I'm hoping if possible to use a skin other than the basic Confluence theme if possible (doesn't have to be anything to crazy if its too laggy). I was originally interested in XIOS because of the Android support, but have read that the Linux version is much faster and more stable, so for now that's what I would use, especially since it would boot right into XBMC. Should I have any issues using the box to accessing files from my External USB that's attached to my Windows PC? I wouldn't think so, but I have never messed too much with anything Linux based before.
The other option I was considering was to buy a Raspberry PI. Obviously it is a lot cheaper, so that in itself would cause me to think that the XIOS would provide much better playback. I'm hoping to play HD MKV files if possible, since that's what most of my files are. If playback would be the same between the 2, I'd probably settle for the cheaper Raspberry PI for now. ($35 instead of $114). I would then purchase another box probably in the future when the Android Builds are more stable.
Ideally I'd like to build an HTPC that is easily upgradable, but I don't have the money to do so, hoping to spend under $150 for right now.
Is there anyone that could lend some assistance, or provide an alternate suggestion if there is a better solution? I apologize if this is a ridiculous comparison, just trying to make sure I make the best choice. I saw something about an Oval Elephant Android box as well, but I'm not sure if it makes sense to throw that into the mix since the Android builds are currently based on Pivos Xios DS.
Thanks in advance!
~J
I was contemplating either ordering a XIOS DS or Raspberry PI (the new 512 mb board) and loading XBMC on that. I'm hoping if possible to use a skin other than the basic Confluence theme if possible (doesn't have to be anything to crazy if its too laggy). I was originally interested in XIOS because of the Android support, but have read that the Linux version is much faster and more stable, so for now that's what I would use, especially since it would boot right into XBMC. Should I have any issues using the box to accessing files from my External USB that's attached to my Windows PC? I wouldn't think so, but I have never messed too much with anything Linux based before.
The other option I was considering was to buy a Raspberry PI. Obviously it is a lot cheaper, so that in itself would cause me to think that the XIOS would provide much better playback. I'm hoping to play HD MKV files if possible, since that's what most of my files are. If playback would be the same between the 2, I'd probably settle for the cheaper Raspberry PI for now. ($35 instead of $114). I would then purchase another box probably in the future when the Android Builds are more stable.
Ideally I'd like to build an HTPC that is easily upgradable, but I don't have the money to do so, hoping to spend under $150 for right now.
Is there anyone that could lend some assistance, or provide an alternate suggestion if there is a better solution? I apologize if this is a ridiculous comparison, just trying to make sure I make the best choice. I saw something about an Oval Elephant Android box as well, but I'm not sure if it makes sense to throw that into the mix since the Android builds are currently based on Pivos Xios DS.
Thanks in advance!
~J