tman 47 Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 (edited) I'm interested in what the general consensus is on which client gives the best MB experience. I don't won't include the small screen mobile apps in this, as great as they are, they don't meet the requirements of viewing on a large screen TV, unless you're using Chromecast I guess. So, having been a MB user since way, way back, and having used it mostly with MB Classic, this is, in my opinion, the most mature interface. It's very smooth, lots of plugins/themes, looks great on a large screen, and is very stable. Downsides are, it needs WMC, and this is, and we have to be honest here, a dying platform. Probably still the most popular way of using MB, but none the less, something that will likely be going away soon, even as an option, with Windows 10. I haven't spent much time with MBT, but it has potential. The problems are that it's still very rough around the edges. The end user experience isn't so good, and navigating the UI is quite slow and jerky. There aren't really many plugins, and no third party themes at the moment. I'm not sure if it's still in alpha or not, but there's still quite a lot of work to be done by the looks of it. I'm very interested then, in the 'other' client list, which could include Roku (probably best on Roku 3), Android TV, Fire TV and Windows 8.1 and web. No real experience of any of these (except the web gui for MBS management), or what state of development they're in. In the back of my head, I'm thinking what if I get rid of my HTPC. What's the best way of experiencing MB outside of WMC. What's the primary client focus of future MB development? Is it mobile, or will it be for these low cost media streaming devices, or even Android TV, which will be appearing in Sony and Philips TV's this year. I've also been quite surprised no native Samsung TV app appeared. I can use Plex this way, but not MB (guess it's down to developers who are able to code for this platform). My preference is to have direct streaming of media without transcoding, so that may narrow the field down a bit. I know for example, that Roku's can't direct stream MPEG2 because of licensing issues. Live TV is also pretty important to me, as WMC is still my primary platform for this, but as TV broadcasting moves forward, WMC is going to be left further and further behind (MS stopped development over 5 years ago). Anybody have any thoughts? Edited February 22, 2015 by tman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdrianW 1052 Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 I'm still using MBC and I'm sure I'll be using it for years to come. I'm also sure WMC will be available on Win 10 but if it isn't then I'll just keep my HTPC on Win 8.1. MBC still has the best user experience and WAF. MBT just has far too many missing features to be used on a large screen TV with a remote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardyname 194 Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 If you have not tested it out yet I strongly recommend xbmc with the xbmb3c plugin. (Also i should start saying Kodi instead of xbmc but i have been using it for so many years) instructions and get started found here : http://mediabrowser.tv/community/index.php?/topic/9144-getting-started/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saitoh183 137 Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 I think that they best clients right now till Mbt is re-released is Mediabrowser for Kodi and the Roku. MBC is also a good client but with its dependency on wmc, it's not really future proof. There is also the windows 8 app is also a good client but is really a tablet app. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBers 6769 Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 (edited) @@tman - there is a Samsung Smart TV app for MB3.See here:http://mediabrowser.tv/community/index.php?/topic/9869-samsung-smart-tv-app-install-instructions/There is also a Google Android TV compatible app in development which a few Nexus Player users are testing.. Edited February 22, 2015 by ebr just to avoid confusion with the old platform... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saitoh183 137 Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 Also I think the Roku app is the best WAF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macburp 109 Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 MBC is the most mature client by a long way. If you're running a NUC or similar its the way to go. I'm looking to move to another client. Why? Because I use an Xbox 360. MBC works but it pushes the xbox a bit too hard, and I'm conscious the xbox may die very soon. I have also tried Android, Kodi, and Roku. I just can't get on with Kodi, but if you like it it works very well with MB3. My Roku is a NowTV box (a Roku LT), and to me it is a very drab client that offers poor pq (I hear the Roku 3 is better, I have no experience). Android is an excellent client that some people here have working on large TVs fairly well. Once the devs have ported this to Android TV I think this could become the client of choice. Android has a 'TV mode' for large TVs, but it is unfinished, which is a shame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebr 14910 Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 Once the devs have ported this to Android TV I think this could become the client of choice. Android has a 'TV mode' for large TVs, but it is unfinished, which is a shame. Just a point of clarification - We are building a brand new Android TV client currently in testing as opposed to porting the mobile one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlo 4330 Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 But the new Android client is only for android 5.0 and above correct? If so what about 4.4 and below? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vidman 589 Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 There is the old android client;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefirstofthe300 291 Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 There is the old android client;) I believe that is what he was talking about. Yes the old Android client would work for 4.0 and above but from my understanding, the UI is unfinished. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vidman 589 Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 Well it is still being developed as well.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefirstofthe300 291 Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 True. But the TV UI has been put on hold in favor of stabilizing the app. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gthrift 57 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 There are two Android apps. One for phones and tablets and the other is for Android TV. As for most polished, its hard to say and depends on your hardware. On a full PC, I prefer MBC over the xmbc plugin, as MBC has the higher WAF. If you are buying something like a box or player, I'd look at a Nexus Player or other Android TV device. The app is in alpha but it is showing a lot of promise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenH 16 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Roku Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tman 47 Posted February 24, 2015 Author Share Posted February 24, 2015 Some really interesting feedback here. Personally, I think Android TV has great potential, if it lives up to the promises. The UI seems fluid and responsive, and is very graphical. Probably same for the FireTV, which I believe is a pretty powerful little box. Android TV is where I will be looking when more streaming boxes are available. The Nexus Player is a good first attempt (if you're in the US), but has limitations (ie, no wired ethernet), and is a bit underpowered for my liking. I'm sure there will be other boxes available, and not just ones running stock Android in TV mode. The UI in the link ebr provided is actually looking pretty good. Does anyone know if these Android TV boxes can direct stream x264 and MPEG2? Can they handle FLAC audio? I'm not convinced at all that WMC will be part of Windows 10, even as an option. MS have said that 'Media Center is not part of our future entertainment platform', and it's widely acknowledged that Win8 only had WMC (as an option, and then only if you bought Pro) to placate the vocal Media Center community. It was pushed right to the edge 2 years ago, and once 10 is out with the free upgrade offer for the first 12 months, I can see many taking advantage of this, and losing WMC in the process. I believe MBC is the current best way to experience MB, but for how much longer? How many devs are still working in MCML? Interesting about the Samsung TV app. I wasn't aware of that. It must still be work in progress though if it's only on the dev channel, although I will check it out. I'm still thinking what I'll do after WMC. MS already pulled a lot of the plugins, dumped the BDA certification program and bought then canned 'thegreenbutton' site. The end of the line for most would be if they drop the guide. Tough decisions ahead then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saitoh183 137 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Some really interesting feedback here. Personally, I think Android TV has great potential, if it lives up to the promises. The UI seems fluid and responsive, and is very graphical. Probably same for the FireTV, which I believe is a pretty powerful little box. Android TV is where I will be looking when more streaming boxes are available. The Nexus Player is a good first attempt (if you're in the US), but has limitations (ie, no wired ethernet), and is a bit underpowered for my liking. I'm sure there will be other boxes available, and not just ones running stock Android in TV mode. The UI in the link ebr provided is actually looking pretty good. Does anyone know if these Android TV boxes can direct stream x264 and MPEG2? Can they handle FLAC audio? I'm not convinced at all that WMC will be part of Windows 10, even as an option. MS have said that 'Media Center is not part of our future entertainment platform', and it's widely acknowledged that Win8 only had WMC (as an option, and then only if you bought Pro) to placate the vocal Media Center community. It was pushed right to the edge 2 years ago, and once 10 is out with the free upgrade offer for the first 12 months, I can see many taking advantage of this, and losing WMC in the process. I believe MBC is the current best way to experience MB, but for how much longer? How many devs are still working in MCML? Interesting about the Samsung TV app. I wasn't aware of that. It must still be work in progress though if it's only on the dev channel, although I will check it out. I'm still thinking what I'll do after WMC. MS already pulled a lot of the plugins, dumped the BDA certification program and bought then canned 'thegreenbutton' site. The end of the line for most would be if they drop the guide. Tough decisions ahead then. When the new MBT comes out, this should be the replacement for MBC on Windows 10. For all non windows platforms, it will be all about preference, WAF and budget. Every device has its advantage and disadvantages. For example( and this is only my opinion), Mediabrowser for Kodi has the best eye candy interface, with the possibility of utilizing Kodi plugins but is not the best for a multi-user environment. Roku is the best WAF experience because of its easy/snappy navigation, simple remote but lacks the eye candy interface. Win 8.1 app is the first to have the new sync feature and it looks great, has good navigation and is WAF friendly But is best used on a tablet so its not really good for the main HTPC of the house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebr 14910 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 How many devs are still working in MCML? 3. All of them here. When they drop the guide data that's when it will truly die. Until then, the current community can go on using WMC on older OSes if they need to. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebr 14910 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Roku is the best WAF experience because of its easy/snappy navigation, simple remote but lacks the eye candy interface. This is why I'm so excited about the Android TV platform. I think it has the potential to bridge these two features - a very easy to navigate but visually enticing interface and very good performance. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saitoh183 137 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 This is why I'm so excited about the Android TV platform. I think it has the potential to bridge these two features - a very easy to navigate but visually enticing interface and very good performance. Yeah i think it will be great...i would replace my main HTPC with one if i didnt need live TV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheesegeezer 3086 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 (edited) I think that MBC gives the best experience, I'm probably biased but if you break it down.... 1. It's the original client, thanks to Soultaker, ebr, Sam, and Throg there has been excellent development for it over many years.... it's the most mature of all(in my eyes) 2. it's feature rich, inline with the web client. 3. Has the most Themes available, allowing you to choose one that works for the family. 4. Live TV directly available 5. And a good bunch of Developers that constantly listen to the community. 6. It's just bloody lovely and visually stunning. That's my tupence EDIT: and the least buggy Edited February 24, 2015 by Cheesegeezer 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebr 14910 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Yeah i think it will be great...i would replace my main HTPC with one if i didnt need live TV I'm currently working on the Live TV interface in our ATV app. Still a ways to go but we will have it in there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBers 6769 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Interesting about the Samsung TV app. I wasn't aware of that. It must still be work in progress though if it's only on the dev channel, although I will check it out. It is a work in progress, but what software isn't. Lots of people using it as their daily Media Browser app. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdrianW 1052 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 When they drop the guide data that's when it will truly die. Until then, the current community can go on using WMC on older OSes if they need to. I don't think MS has ever provided guide data for Australia. I've been using WMC since XP and I always had to rely on the OTA guide data or a third party add-on like IceTV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saitoh183 137 Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 I'm currently working on the Live TV interface in our ATV app. Still a ways to go but we will have it in there. I still cant because i need a PC for my colossus HDPVR in order to get live tv in the first place Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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