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+--- Thread: Best Kodi Media Player Options 2025 (/showthread.php?tid=376035)
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - noggin - 2024-04-27
(2024-04-27, 00:22)HomerJau Wrote: I bought one last year but it’s performance when navigating a large media library (movies and music) is horrendous. Even scanning my files is snail slow. Users can’t run off the eMMC storage, only a USB thumb drive.Can you not use a USB 3.0 connected SSD rather than a poorer-performing thumb drive?
I didn't think it limited USB boot to just thumb drives?
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - Roby77 - 2024-04-27
(2024-04-27, 00:22)HomerJau Wrote:(2024-04-26, 14:08)Roby77 Wrote: Homatics released a new beta firmware (5394) for 4k plus that solve the problem with local file playback
So for me now this box is the best option (imho) for my use
I bought one last year but it’s performance when navigating a large media library (movies and music) is horrendous. Even scanning my files is snail slow. Users can’t run off the eMMC storage, only a USB thumb drive.
I updated to latest firmware recently. It’s unusable on my network (two Synology NASs with NFS, I have multiple Kodi boxes. No problems with others).
Problably my library isn't so big ...my largest kodi library is a film folder (on my nas) with about 1200 film (so 1200 thumbs etc etc), i have others folder but are smaller (music etc)
I don't have any problem for my use, but i agree with you that library scan is really low also if i compare it vs my nuc with libreelec
(i launch library scan only when i add a new folder or when i force to update it)
But we are talking about s905x4 that is a really old chipset with no horsepower (used in 32bit), i wait for s928x box with netflix certification
at the same time I'm happy because I have a box that allows me to enjoy stream and local content without any particular problem
With firestick : i had AFR issue (tried all gen included fire cube gen 3 e 4k max gen 2)
With libreelec : no widevine L1
So the homatics box is the only one that allows me to have both without problems
I don't know other box beyond nvidia shield capable of them
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - ashlar - 2024-04-27
(2024-04-26, 03:00)hdmkv Wrote: 10. As good, and possibly better with this Dolby VS10 development
Since the original question dealt with SDR 1080p material, I suppose it was mainly targeted at upscaling quality. Converting SDR stuff to Dolby Vision seems questionable to me, unless one cares zero about artistic intent.
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - hdmkv - 2024-04-27
Agree. I've used VS10 with my Dune HD, and previously with Zidoo Z9X, and liked the "enhancement" with some movies, and didn't with others. Colors seemed over-saturated, and had warmer/yellowish palette. Generally, other than DVD/Blu-ray upscaling, I watch stuff in the format they are.
(2024-04-26, 21:26)meridius Wrote: what about the VC-1 codec blu rays what happens if there is a problem like the shining, and is there a way to fix it as i have many olde Blu rays like...I only have the UHD version of 'The Shining', but no issues with VC-1 playback under CE. Here are two examples of a handful I tried:
2 is there any problems with using a usb dongle and Logitech keyboard with tis unit
3. using any remote like a Logitech
4. can you leave this box running all the time or is it best to power it up from cold and can you boot Straight into Kodi
5. someone said to go for the minix u22-xj unit box is this a better unit than the am6b+
Code:
Video
ID : 1
Format : VC-1
Format profile : Advanced@L3
Codec ID : V_MS/VFW/FOURCC / WVC1
Codec ID/Hint : Microsoft
Duration : 1 min 0 s
Bit rate : 14.0 Mb/s
Width : 1 920 pixels
Height : 1 080 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 29.970 (30000/1001) FPS
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Interlaced
Scan order : Top Field First
Compression mode : Lossy
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.226
Stream size : 101 MiB (72%)
Default : Yes
Forced : NoCode:
Video
ID : 2
Format : VC-1
Format profile : Advanced@L3
Codec ID : V_MS/VFW/FOURCC / WVC1
Codec ID/Hint : Microsoft
Duration : 1 h 51 min
Width : 1 920 pixels
Height : 1 080 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 23.976 (24000/1001) FPS
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Compression mode : Lossy
Default : Yes
Forced : NoNo problems with USB devices.
I'm using a Logitech K400 Plus keyboard w/it. My box stays on all the time; goes to sleep w/default CE/Kodi settings.
Minix U22-XJ or XJ Max may be better, but can't be found to buy. If they pop-up occasionally on eBay, they're ridiculously overpriced.
(2024-04-27, 08:24)meridius Wrote: So you all bought from the Play TV seller at aliexpress ? , I noticed they have two versions...If it's an AMB6+ (the 'plus' is important), you should be fine with one from any AliExpress seller. Each seller promotes the box a little differently. Here are the two sellers I used: first, then for second.
I can not see anything about the flirc be used at all with this device ? and can any usb keyboards as i have a Logitech Bluetooth dongle that a Logitech keyboard connects to
On using Flirc, don't see why it wouldn't work.
(2024-04-27, 09:49)meridius Wrote: also a question we have all been waiting for a all in one box and why are these minix u22xj and am6+ that are 3 year old boxes now suddenly support and run everything just out on interestDiscovery of dovi.ko secret sauce
. I doubt we'll see new boxes able to do full DV like this. Happy accident from what I've read, and certainly not Dolby's intent we have this ability.
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - meridius - 2024-04-27
(2024-04-27, 16:15)ashlar Wrote:no i would not use something that is nt true to the source, i like to keep all my videos as close as to the source as possible, what i meant was how good are these at playing SDR to upscale or is it best to let the tv sort that out. if Dolby VS10 takes sdr and makes Dolby vision out of it thats not what i would use.(2024-04-26, 03:00)hdmkv Wrote: 10. As good, and possibly better with this Dolby VS10 development
Since the original question dealt with SDR 1080p material, I suppose it was mainly targeted at upscaling quality. Converting SDR stuff to Dolby Vision seems questionable to me, unless one cares zero about artistic intent.
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - meridius - 2024-04-27
(2024-04-27, 16:51)hdmkv Wrote:(2024-04-27, 09:49)meridius Wrote: also a question we have all been waiting for a all in one box and why are these minix u22xj and am6+ that are 3 year old boxes now suddenly support and run everything just out on interestDiscovery of dovi.ko secret sauce
I might have to stock up then and buy a few, lol
I have found a seller selling Minix U22-XJ in the uk but waiting on the price as they dont show this info, but if its to expensive it will be the AMBb Plus
I noticed that on coreelec they say the AM6 Plus but all i can see are the AM6B Plus I am not sure what the difference are with the extra B in the model name and if this box is ok as only one seller with the UGOOS AM6Plus and its £250
are the UGOOS AM6B Plus model still ok to use
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - hdmkv - 2024-04-27
It's the AM6B Plus. Ugoos' site is confusing... they don't have any AM6+ listed here under products, but if you search "AM6+", a page for it does pop up. Specs are identical.
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - meridius - 2024-04-27
Been told the Minix NEO U22-XJ MAX will also work as this have bt5 and WiFi 6 over the Minix U22-X but not sure if there is any differences apart from that. Same chipset I think
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - clarkss12 - 2024-04-27
@hdmkv, how you get "in progress" movies to show up using "Arctic: Zephyr - Reloaded skin"? I got it to work one time. a long time ago, but no more. I have a habit of watching half a movie before bedtime. Can't remember the next day what I was watching, I really need that information.
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - ashlar - 2024-04-27
(2024-04-23, 15:53)hdmkv Wrote: Feels almost as snappy as Cube 3. Using Arctic: Zephyr - Reloaded skin on both, and neither have issues navigating my fairly large library of movies (2,600+) & shows (120+). Actually ordered a second AM6B+ from AliExpress for my family room TV.As a point of reference, I have a Vero 4K+ (not the new V). Is the AM6B+ considerably faster than that (which I find kinda sluggish, to be honest, although it plays back everything apart DV just fine)?
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - meridius - 2024-04-28
So after a lot of research, it boils down to this
1. Minix U22-XJ
Storage: 32GB eMMC
Bluetooth: V4.1
Power: 5V/3A
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 5
RAM:4GB LPDDR4
Bootloader: Not locked
Problems: Device restarting issue caused by attaching an HDD Or SSD
Price ?
2. Minix U22-XJ MAX
Storage: 64GB eMMC
Bluetooth: V5.0
Power: 12V/3A
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6
RAM:4GB LPDDR4
Bootloader: Not locked
U22-XJ Max resolved this problem of the device restarting issue caused by attaching an HDD or SSD which the Minix U22-XJ model could not fix.
Price: ?
3 AM6B Plus
Storage: 32GB eMMC
Bluetooth: V5.0
Power: 5V/2A
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6
RAM:4GB LPDDR4
Bootloader: Locked
Price £125
So, I am waiting on a price of the Minix U22-XJ MAX and Minix U22-XJ but will not get that till Monday. Depending on Price it looks like the Minix U22-XJ MAX or AM6B Plus as all i want is to run Kodi and that's all which will basically play every file known to man with now fully supported all 4k Dolby vision formats and should no longer worry about playing back 4k DV or HDR movies like you get from discs using disc players.
Q1. I don't suppose the locked bootloader would make a Hugh difference nothing that would stop you apart from using these extra remotes?
Q2. how are parotecsolutions the only ones selling these now if the box is no longer in production or do they get them made just for their company
Q3 The AM6B Plus have the same problem as the Minix U22-XJ with the Device restarting issue caused by attaching an HDD Or SSD as they seem to have the same Voltage and noticed the MAx uping to 12v prob to be able to run them?
I will let you know what prices i am looking at on monday but do you think the Minix U22-XJ MAX are worth and not only that
thanks all
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - hdmkv - 2024-04-28
@clarkss12, with Arctic Zephyr Reloaded skin, it's under skin settings, "in progress" options become available with the 'Default' or 'Reloaded' indicators.
@ashlar, oh yes, easily, significantly faster. And even noticeably faster than Vero V, which has a S905X4 SoC. I've owned both Vero's, liked both, especially V, but sold them because I wanted snappier boxes and DV.
@meridius,
1. For CE and DV use, don't think so
2. Likely left-over stock
3. I don't use any attached storage; stream from NAS
Reading CE forum posts and here, guessing Ugoos are selling like hotcakes
. They should give CE devs a kickback.
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - Sholander - 2024-04-28
(2024-04-28, 17:31)hdmkv Wrote: Reading CE forum posts and here, guessing Ugoos are selling like hotcakes
Yes, it looks like Ugoos AM6B Plus will soon be out of stock like Minix U22-XJ MAX device
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - emveepee - 2024-04-28
DV is great but will people miss modern features like h/w AV1 decoding and AC-4 audio support in the future?
RE: State of Kodi Media Players: Best Options in 2024 - Roby77 - 2024-04-29
I didn't read well but with your quote I read better and I don't get why he can't use the internal memory
So now I'm curious about external hard drive type cause library scan is slow compared to intel CPU but better than fire stick TV that I used with satisfaction for years (4k max gen 1 and 2)