Internet Streaming with Android/KODI Box?

JJ_BPK · 03-09-2017, 09:01

A friend's kid (geek) has started using an android/kodi box to stream movies from the internet,, so has my friend (semi-geek).. The kid has dropped all cable/dish system and is using the box for everything.

As I read the web, KODI has weaknesses, recording and sports, but this is changing daily. It's a well developed and supported open-source app, with many FREE versions..

The nature of internet streaming also has a weak spot. If a movie is released, the first viewing will be from some kid with a go-pro at the theater,, generally you need to wait until the DVD is released to get theater quality..

I was over to their house last week and was VERY impressed. We watch current new movies @ 4k..

Copied the stats on his box and started looking. The bar has moved, "I THINK" the current hardware & software target.

For the uninitiated, this is a full blown computer, with all the bells and whistles. There are versions that have built-in support for hard-drives, the their prices jump up 200USD++..

CPU: Amlogic S912 Octa-core 2GHz 64-bit ARM Cortex A53 CPU
GPU: 750MHz+ ARM Mali-820MP3 GPU processor
1GB, 2GB, or 3GB DDR3 RAM
8GB, 16GB, or 32gb eMMC Flash ROM
OS: Android 6.0 Marshmellow
KODI v17.1 Krypton, Pre-installed

ports

802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi 2.4 & 5.0 GHz
Bluetooth V4.0

USB 2.0 (usb 3.0 may be available??), Support DISK, HDD, SD Card
LAN: Ethernet:10/100M, standard RJ-45 Gigabit
HDMI 2.0 x 1 port 2K @ 60Hz
TF Card
Power DC 5V / 2A x 1 port
3.5 Phone out CVBS & L/R
Digital Optical SPDIF Audio Cable

Prices vary, but it looks like 100USB will get a good setup.

Amazon example:
https://smile.amazon.com/Powerful-An...A1X79H2ZVMA5I6

Reference:
http://www.wirelesshack.org/the-top-...di-builds.html

KODI source: https://kodi.tv/about/

Anyone into these things??

I don't think it's time to abandon cable/dish but it would save me a good chunk each month..

PS: Did I mention that the movie downloads are FREE!!!

pyreaux · 03-09-2017, 11:24

I have had some friends use these. From the bit of reading I've done, the software allows user developed add-ons that may or may not be legal. Those free movie downloads are likely pirated. I haven't heard of anyone cracking down on Kodi specifically, but some of the folks that work offshore in my area pirate movies onto hard drives to be shared and used on the rigs. After doing this for a while they received notices from their ISP to cease and decist and that their activities were being reported. I imagine their will be an effort to eventually crack down on the free/illegal aspects of the box.

JJ_BPK · 03-09-2017, 11:34

I was thinking the same,, but why isn't Amazon getting hammered??

(1VB)compforce · 03-09-2017, 12:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ_BPK

I was thinking the same,, but why isn't Amazon getting hammered??

Because Amazon pays royalties under a blanket agreement, just like Hulu and Netflix.

JJ_BPK · 03-09-2017, 13:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by (1VB)compforce

Because Amazon pays royalties under a blanket agreement, just like Hulu and Netflix.

I meant, why are they allowed to sell the boxes. There are hundreds and sites besides amazon & ebay selling the boxes??

(1VB)compforce · 03-09-2017, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ_BPK

I meant, why are they allowed to sell the boxes. There are hundreds and sites besides amazon & ebay selling the boxes??

There are other, legal, uses for them. For example I have literally thousands of DVD's that I have burned down to a server at home. Those boxes can connect to them and make my library visible throughout the TV's in my house.

It's not the tool that is illegal, it's the use to which it is put.