Ubuntu Home Theatre PC

[carmen2012]

I'm looking to attach a cheap (very cheap) pc to my computer through which I can stream movies. If there is an Ubuntu version of a jailbroken Apple TV, I would consider that as well.

Would anyone have some suggestions on devices that would meet my needs and is low maintenance?

Thank you

[ManamiVixen]

Try Roku -- $80 US Dollars
http://www.roku.com/

Or even Boxee -- $100 US Dollars
http://www.boxee.tv/#home

[papibe]

... which I can stream movies.

Online content or local content, maybe both?

For online content, a PC can't compete with the new streaming little devices. I've read good reviews on the Roku (locked, but based on Linux).

For local content, there are several budget media player that although are a little limited on what codecs can play, they work pretty well for the common formats. For instance: NeoTV, WD TV, Micca Speck, etc.

Recently I have my eyes on this device: Pivos XIOS. It runs android, so you would have access to a lot of streaming apps, and services. The selling point for me: you can install XBMC on it! (see here).

Just a few thoughts.
Regards.

[carmen2012]

Online content or local content, maybe both?
Regards.

Thanks for the suggestions, in terms of your question, it will be mostly local content.

[papibe]

Ohh, I see.

Alternatives to the previous devices:

• Refurbish PC + low end Nvidia card (e.g. 610 or 620). Around $200-300.
• Raspberry PI Model B + Raspbmc. About $50.

The PI will play H.264 1080p video, with regular audio. You can also play complex audio like AAC, or DTS, if you have either a receiver, or a TV that decodes the audio by itself.

Regards.

[itrogers]

Second vote for Raspberry Pi. Super affordable and you can customize it to your liking.