What is Reddit's opinion of
Android TV?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
➔ Android TV website
By popularity on Reddit, this Service is:
59 reviews of this app found across Reddit:
Not a dumb question. Many people are confused and its unfortunate that these android "tv" boxes existed before Google decided to rebrand "Google TV" to "Android TV"
Here is Android TV
Biggest difference to me is the UI. Leanback UI is sexy and appropriate for the big screen. App shortcuts are nice big tiles with proper sized font. UI navigation is conducive to using a simple d-pad remote.
In addition to a beautiful 10ft interface, there is global search, which allows you to search apps for content right from the main screen (provided individual apps develop this integration). This global search can be done via voice and is my preferred method of use. Additionally, there is a global recommendations bar on the home screen that shows content from apps that have integrated it. You can select the content from here and jump right into the action.
Theres also a great, highly underutilized app called "Live Channels." The name is a bit of a misnomer. Its not necessarily live tv, but the UI is similar to what you would find in a regular cable experience. With this app, content is aggregated from participating apps to create "channels" and present them in a traditional tv guide UI. Again, the focus here is ease of access to your content.
And the final big feature I will touch on is built-in google cast functionality. Basically, every official Android TV device (none of boxes you see on Amazon) can be used just like you would use a Chromecast device. This is great for apps/developers that have not gotten around to updating their apps to support the Leanback UI in Android TV.
Really, it comes down to it that its just a better, smoother more optimized experience for typical use with a TV.
Hate to break it to you, but you didn't buy an Android TV.
Amazon lists that thing as $160. For a little bit more you could have a shield TV, the most powerful streamer on the market IMO.
Stop looking at specs and comparing "power." If you want raw power get a shield. For everything else, you get the MDZ 16AB, as its the only one that actually runs Android TV.
The others run AOSP Android, designed for mobile devices. They can't even do HD netflix, let alone 4K. They are basically software duct taped to hardware, usable only as a mediocre Kodi device.
Start here: https://www.android.com/tv/
Android TV boxes are basically the Android version of Fire TV or Apple TV or Roku. Not to be confused with the shitty Android boxes, often pre loaded with Kodi and other shit that will break eventually and otherwise give you hassles with mediocre hardware/customer support.
Only good Android TV box on the market right now is the Nvidia Shield TV (also the best streamer out there, hands down). Nexus Players can be found on ebay for a premium. Xiaomi has a box that would be a slight upgrade from the NP coming out soon^TM. The Forge is shit. All of the Android "TV" boxes you see on amazon are shit and should be avoided.
Fire TVs aren't terrible if you don't want to splurge for a shield or hunt for a NP or wait for the Xiaomi.
Guys, did you see this at the very bottom of the page?
"You can watch V Live+ videos via mobile (V LIVE App) and TV (Android TV)."
Does this mean Naver is getting with the times? Will we be able to Chromecast them eventually? :0 Maybe all of the suggestions I sent to Naver finally worked haha.
Edit: Here's the V Live announcement page of it. WHY didn't I see a huge splash screen for this before. Maybe they'll release an Apple TV app soon??? I only have a chromecast and an old generation Apple TV (the ones with no apps).
Edit 2: I think the cheapest (offically licensed) Android TV individual box is the Mi Box for $69 USD. Definitely check your TVs or if you have other Android TV devices!
If you want 1080P HD Netflix, stay away from all of those android boxes on Amazon. HD Netflix is only going to be on The Nvidia Shield TV and The Nexus Player. Those boxes with the Mali gpu and amlogic, rockchip and allwinner processors are no longer compelling devices. They lack the DRM to play HD content from premium subscription services like Netflix.
Edit: this has the info on official android tv devices. https://www.android.com/tv/
Note: The Razer Forge TV which is an official android tv does NOT support Netflix
None of those boxes run the official "Android TV" OS that this forum is dedicated to.
The list of boxes running Android TV can be found here: https://www.android.com/tv/
I recommend the Shield if you can spare the extra money, or game a lot, or require 4K. The Nexus player is a great box that can be found for as low as $50. There may be a new Nexus player announced this coming Tuesday when the new Nexus phones get announced, but we're not sure yet.
Well, it is running Android. But it is not running AndroidTV. Android TV is a subset of Android, has a different user interface, apps optimized for it, etc
This is Android TV: https://www.android.com/tv/
Your box is running a slightly older version of Android (4.4) and is not truly designed for tvs. The manufacturer simply took Android and put it on a box just as they might on a phone or tablet. The difference is that box can hook up to your TV.
You might consider waiting for the next-gen Nvidia Shield or Mi Box. It's not clear if Google is going to produce another Android TV box or not. We do not recommend cheap imported non-Android TV devices. This subreddit is not associated with those. This subreddit is about official Android TV devices.
Get an OTA antenna for reliable, high quality HD video, for live events (SuperBowl/Olympics), news, or emergency weather/disaster situations. This is also a good way to offload your TV viewing from your broadband connection. DVRs are an option. Go to TV Fool and post a link to your report in /r/OTA for antenna suggestions. Be sure to mention if you want an indoor, outdoor, or attic antenna and if you want single or multi-room viewing or DVR suggestions.
That's not Android TV. It's just running Android. A quick Google search shows it is still on 6.0 Marshmallow so based on that I would say it's unlikely. The devices listed here are much more likely to see Oreo and some already have it like the NVIDIA SHIELD and MI Box. https://www.android.com/tv/
As I said before, no Chromecast support tells me it's unofficial and hacked. And there are also no Mecool devices on the official Android TV page, either. https://www.android.com/tv/
Your turn. Show me something that indicates this thing is officially supported by Google or that Mecool is a Google partner.
Meaning your butt got screwed, son. Android TV is a specific platform by Google. What you have is an Android device that connects to a TV, but it unless your device is listed on this page, it's probably not Android TV. These companies falsely market themselves as Android TV. You can expect no support or updates.
I advise you return your device and get an Nvidia Shield, or if money is an issue, a MiBox.
Totally depends on your budget, this one is good for Kodi etc.. This reddit only for Google Android tv and not such Android tv in the link.. Anyhow I'll don't recommend that one, go for mi box https://www.android.com/tv/xiaomi-mi-box/ That's the best value for money
Offical Version Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Android 6.0 Smart 4K Quad Core HD WiFi Bluetooth Muti-language Set-top Youtube DTS Dolby IPTV http://s.aliexpress.com/nYNz2YJN
In mi box with Google Android tv you can have Google cast(Chromecast) unlike other Android tv boxes don't have.. Try this you'll love it
Here are my suggestions:
I personally use the Chromecast / Google Cast. However I am also interested in getting the Xiaomi Mi Android box. It's officially supported by Android TV. It's been on sale before for about $100 or $110 at NCIX, DirectCanada and NewEgg so set a RedFlagDeals alert to keep watch for it.
it's the cheapest official Android TV box out, I don't think anything else should even be considered.
Anyway for my Chromecast, I use the following apps (as some have already suggested).
- Terrarium TV (r/terrariumTV)
- LocalCast (this is required to view tv shows and movies from Terrarium TV).
- Netflix
- CBC News (I watch the national via Chromecast)
- Mobdro (Chromecast support is iffy, but it has live streaming shows)
- YouTube
- Spotify
A Chromecast is about $45, it does everything I need so far. The only reason I would want an Android box is to also use it as a DVR with an app like TinyCam Pro plus use it for all the media. Kodi is great on Android boxes, but honestly I only watch movies and TV shows on Terrarium or Netflix.
interesting. I was trying to get the Vue mobile app to run on Remix OS which is android ported to an x86 processor but it just says the app is not supported on my device. As for the Mi Box, if you go to the AndroidTV website, its a dedicated device that runs AndroidTV as opposed to android mobile.
There have been other Mi Boxes, but they're just your typical box with mobile Android slapped on top.
The one you linked is the Android TV Mi Box that was announced at Google I/O. Its supposed to be their splash into the western market.
The page you linked even has it marked as coming soon.
None of those boxes run android tv: https://www.android.com/tv/
Read this post: http://androidtv.news/2016/07/android-tv-versus-android-smart-tv-boxes/
tl;dr Nvidia shield tv is the only Android TV set top box currently on the market. Xiaomi Mi Box is coming soon.
Here is the official androidtv site. https://www.android.com/tv/ The manufacturers are listed there.
For Boxes your options are (prices are USD): The Nvidia Sheild $199-16gb, $299 -500gb
The Nexus Player (most likely to be available at Walmart and Best Buy) $69.99 @ Walmart
Razer Forge TV - avoid this one- if need Netflix, least supported in apps. $99 box only, $150 bundle. It is unfortunate that this one doesn't have Netflix (no casting, no app only mirroring/screencast) and poor app support.
Edit: BTW avoid the "android tv" boxes not listed on the official site. They are not running androidtv. Usually you cannot stream apps like Netflix in full HD on them.
YouTube TV is replacement for TVision and runs on the hub 100%. You even get a $10 discount if you’re a T-Mobile customer. Pardon the overseas support, your question wasn’t in their script.
Yes - you can play on more devices. Specifically, it means you can download the Stadia app on to the Chromecast with Google TV device. Or, if you have a TV that runs on Android TV, you can download the Stadia app straight to your TV and play games. Does that make sense?
I have the Mibox that was available from Walmart in the U.S. It is not the international model, however it is powered by Android TV.
So I'm still not sure if the international is the only one getting this update. Can anyone with the US version confirm?
I do have mibox and use it mainly for streaming and no gaming. So far satisfied with its performance. I cannot really comment on beelink but mibox is more popular here on reddit and I think one of the reasons is that mibox is an official androidtv since it is endorsed by Google and is google certified— https://www.android.com/tv/
You won’t be able to stream netflix HD on Beelink gt1 since it doesn’t have a netflix drm. — http://www.bee-link.com/Beelink-1135-1-1.html
> since I don't see google even listing AndroidTV devices on their US store:
Thats because they're not selling any Android TV devices currently. If you go to the Android TV site, they list some of the current Android TV devices that are available: https://www.android.com/tv/
Android TV isn't going anywhere. Plenty of TV partners outside the US, Sony in the US, and shield/mi box userbase continuing to grow.
Sometimes on tv via an Android TV device, with the Crunchyroll/Animelab/Netflix apps. The Android TV (that I linked to) is fairly cheap and works well for streaming. Other times I watch via an iPad.
Thats not an Android TV device so no it will not be Google Play certified to run Play Store games.
What you want is an actual Android TV box like the Nvidia Shield or Xiaomi Mi Box.
Those Chinese "Android TV" boxes are not real Android TV boxes.
Official devices are listed here
With that being said, I wouldn't bother with the chinese boxes. They run tablet versions of Android and lack the proper DRM for streaming applications like Netflix.
I also own two Mi Boxes and absolutely love them. The Mi Box needs a patch for some issues, but I haven't had any problems with Kodi or anything else except for Netflix which periodically throws a weird error. Xiaomi is apparently working on that.
We see people coming over to /r/androidtv with boxes like these all the time. From what I know, matricom is the "lesser" evil of them, but the fact is they are often just cheap surplus hardware, slapped together with the generic Android OS slapped on top. Customer support is meh and issues abundant down the line.
I am not even sure these boxes get HD Netflix, let alone 4K. Same goes for Amazon and Vudu (other 2 big sources for 4K/HDR). ~~I can't find a hdmi specs on the device either - is it HDMI 1.4 or HDMI 2.0?~~ This review says HDMI 1.4. That means no HDR. (Actually, now I'm not sure if that review is the one you have or the older one).
As for Kodi add-ons, I am assuming you are talking about the "free content" add-ons. Ignoring the piracy nature of them, they are unreliable and I highly doubt there are worthwhile 4K ones, if they exist at all.
idk, I just figure if you're going to buy a nice tv like the P series, get the right hardware to feed it the best, most reliable content
Out of the small handful of Android TV devices, there's really only one that's widely available: NVIDIA Shield TV. It also happens to be the best streaming box on the market, it's just very expensive. The Nexus Player would be the cheap option at $40-$100 but they got discontinued earlier this year. It'll be replaced by the Xiaomi Mi Box later this year, so if you don't mind waiting then I'd give it a look.
Other than that, the new Rokus are really great.
I know some people swear by Kodi but I swear by Plex and see no reason to go back to Kodi.
And just to be direct: I don't recommend "Android" boxes. I recommend "Android TV" devices. Android is for handheld devices. And they all have shitty support so even if you find one with Marshmallow, you can be sure you won't get Nougat or any security patches.
Generic android boxes are garbage. Think the g-box and matricom. Made in China, parts literally just slapped together, OS slapped on top, no optimization, no real development. No support. Can't play Netflix in HD. They are basically low end Android tablets with an hdmi out. Waste of money really.
The Shield TV and Nexus Player are running Android TV and are in a completely different category of optimization and performance. Android TV was designed specifically for the TV arena and these devices take advantage of that. The Shield is arguably the best performer on the market right now.
None of the "generic android boxes" are running this software.
you need to get a TV Box that has Google Certified androidTV OS or a FireTV Stick. All of those other TV boxes are Chinese junks running Tablet designed Android Custom ROMs.
My recommendation
Mi Box 4k
Mi TV Stick
FireTV Stick
Chromecast with Google TV
Any TV Box running https://www.android.com/tv/
Your device is not related to Android TV. It is a generic box running a modified version of Android (for phones). Discussion here must be related to Android TV, the OS developed by Google.
In future, please check https://www.androidtv-guide.com/ to find out if your device is running Android TV.
Thanks.
Xiaomi makes 1-2 boxes, Jetstream 4K Ultra HD Android TV Box, Shield obviously, Amazon Fire TV stuff, Beelink GT King, AirTV, AT&T TV, Epson, HiSense, JBL, Philips, Sharp, Skyworth, Sony, TLC, FoxTel, and more.
Here is a list of all the companies that make Android TV OS hardware.
If you spend your money one either I don't think you'll be happy. I've been there and done that. I've had 2 "Android Boxes" similar to these and they worked ok at first but within 6 months they were crashing constantly and very slow. I ended up buying a Mii box, and while not perfect, it was still way ahead of the other boxes I bought. Ultimately I ended up buying a Shield for my living room and have the Mii box in the master.
Here's a link to certified Android TV brands. https://www.android.com/tv/
U can look for all manufacture that supports android TV OS https://www.android.com/tv/
Also Nepali brands(CG, himstar) doesnot supports Android TV OS so don't buy them. Only go with brand like Sony , TCL, Xiaomi.
TV brand like Samsung, Amazon and LG uses their own OS which is also great if u are okay
At last if I are not sure of android TV OS then just look for TV with Netflix or Amazon prime certified.
Scroll down to the Get Your Android TV section. If you click on them, it takes you to their ATV offerings. There is also a link below that for Global Partners if you're not in the US.
> * Full cast with photos - NOT THIS
Casting to Android TV exists and always has, it's a built in part of the OS. > * Ability to click on Actors and find other movies with them in it - NOT THIS
This has been a feature for at least the last 3 years. > * Recommended list for the director - NOT THIS
Similar movies based on the Director? > * Recommended list for the actors - HIT OR MISS
How is this different than #2? > * Recommended list for similar movies - HIT OR MISS
This has been there for 3+ years. > * Reviews - HIT OR MISS This has been there for 3+ years.
I think part of the problem is that it sounds like you aren't actually using Android TV. Are you using the Android phone app on a Chinese box running open source Android? That's an entirely different experience...
Yes because at the bottom of that page it links to the official Android page: https://www.android.com/tv/ where it lists all the specific Android TV boxes. Nowhere on that page does it list the Generic Android boxes that are generally unsupported.
No they are not.
Samsung has their own OS (I think it's Tizen in newer models)
LG has WebOS (which they bought from HP)
Only Sony, Philips and Sharp (out of the main "big, old" ones) do TVs with Android TV. And even out of those, not all models run "Android TV".
You can get a list of their "partners" here https://www.android.com/tv/
The parallels between this & the switch lite is nearly identical. A small update yielding power efficiency & a theoretical 0.5 Ghz increase.
Yeah, improve graphics is given but that's largely contribute to the small chipset. Google claims there's 10 million Android TV, & though their claim might be true, the reputable manufacturers producing them few in numbers.
Wait! You're probably saying there's dozens of Chinese set top boxes, & many of them like TLC manufacture televisions not dedicated set top boxes.
At this point, you probably determine to down vote this post because it goes against your opinions. Go ahead. It won't change the fact that there's an astronomical amount of people who only use the streaming services. Additionally, games that unitizing the graphics are far in between. Metal Gear Solid and Half Life series are just the few games that use the graphics in Shield TV.
You'll probably cooked up an counter argument to mine. Sure, you probably good points. BUT. You're forgetting there's a large push by the gaming industry to create "Games as a service" eliminating the need for powerful devices. Stadia can run on Chromecast. A device that has less power the my phone.
You'll reach the end. You probably fucking hate me because I go against your opinions. You'll probably want sources to claim my statements. Okay. Here's a few:
Android Out 56 listed. I see about 10 that I recognize. From those 10, Nvidia is the only that has a set top box. The rest are a brunch of unknown brands, & Life teaches us that "you get what you pay for."
Android TV has about 40% of the Smart TV OS market share and fantastic standalone boxes like the Nvidia Shield TV.
You don't need to worry about RAM.
I wonder if you're unaware that the Android TV operating system is only available on a certain number of devices. There are hundreds of Chinese junkboxes that run the touchscreen version of Android. You need to avoid those. Many of them market themselves by their specs so maybe that's why you mentioned RAM.
If you want an Android TV device, a legit one, then stick to official Android TV devices: https://www.android.com/tv/
Almost all the Android boxes don't support Netflix in HD, and since this user needed that, I suggested him getting the official box from Google. https://www.android.com/tv/xiaomi-mi-box/ Or the old Google Nexus TV boxes. Or expensive Nvidia shield tv.
They have android tv that VARs like NVIDIA use on their Shield TV.
Mostly I think it's built into TVs. But like a lot of Google projects it seems to be languishing and sliding towards abandonment. They don't even support their own Youtube TV app on it.
>Plex doesn't "officially" consider bad peering when they redesigned their Android app. Yeah, its a universal Android App.
Hmm..
>https://forums.plex.tv/categories/android-tvs
>https://forums.plex.tv/categories/android-mobile
Moreover, OP was asking about ANDROID TV DEVICES. Devices that run the ANDROID TV platform. A platform you seem to be confused about and don't actually know wtf it is. I have used a fire device, I have one sitting in my spare bedroom. Its very different than my shields. Have you ever used an Android TV device? Or just boxes that have generic Android installed on them? Here, I'm a nice guy, I'll help you out.
Fire OS may have some of these features implemented, but the code is very different and as such, the app package is different. Plex devs have said as much on the forums (lmao, do some more research).
And the whole stb thing is just hilarious watching you grasp at straws, finding something to disagree about. How does me calling it a STB (and literally everyone else calling it this) have any effect on the discussion at hand? Moreover, lmao wikipedia as your reference. Brb, let me just edit those pages.
So its clear you don't know what you're talking about and just want to argue to argue. Good talk. Please fuck off.
edit: I do find it funny that you came back 4 days later to present your case. Everyone else seems to understand 1. what OP was looking for and 2. what devices OP was talking about but you...seem to still be confused 4 days later...unfortunate really
/r/HomeTheater
EDIT: One thing to keep in mind is, at least in the past, the feature rich higher resolution TVs usually have better processors which should improve overall firmware/OS performance.
EDIT2: Smart TVs sold today will still need a tuner upgrade or converter/settop box to receive future ATSC v3 OTA broadcasts. Roku, [Android TV](/r/AndroidTV), 4th gen Apple TV, and Fire TV and third-party tuners and apps are going to be the best options vs a new smart TV.
EDIT3: If I had to buy a cheap TV today I would probably go for a 4K Android TV (not Philips) or Roku TV. Maybe the Roku TV as that may be easiest for older folks or guests. The alternative would be a TV with a great picture, good sound, quick HDMI switching with automatic switching depending on which device remote I'm using vs manually switching inputs.
https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/
I would suggest the Xiaomi Mi Box or the NVIDIA Shield TV as opposed to one of the cheaper shitty boxes. These two will continue to get support moving forward while the no name boxes I wouldn't expect anything from.
These are the only two legit boxes for android tv https://www.android.com/tv/ and from everything I've read they are worth the premium. You can still sideload apps, they are just much more robust than the cheap crap you can find on amazon or at local markets imho
> I mean why are dvrs so expensive.
Because that is what people are willing to pay for a quality experience.
I'm personally looking forward to see if a USB tuner for Android TV becomes available. I'd like an Android TV box to perform DVR functions and serve the content to other devices on the same network.
I agree we're in a stage of quick, and often, technological advances for settops/TV and now is not the best time to invest $500+ in a solution if you can't afford it or don't want to.
The next big wave of advancement for OTA will be ATSC v3. There will be improvements in reception (including mobile devices) and interactive content.
Afaik there's no official android tv stick, unless you count chromecast as part of the android tv family. Even then chromecast doent really have a remote or touch interface, as the Chromecast is controlled by other phones or computers.
However, a quick google search shows that there are indeed sticks with the android os loaded into it, although not with the official android tv interface.
Most of us won't be able to advise you on which stick is good or which one would work with touchscreens, as it is beyond the scope of this subreddit, which is dedicated to the discussion of official android tv devices listed on the sidebar.
You might want to try asking at r/android instead
I use the a Nvidia Shield which I just learned they took over and just fully renamed it the Android TV. It runs on Marshmallow. Haven't viewed this page in a while. It became much more useful if you need the info. https://www.android.com/tv/
Android TV is a slightly modified version of Android, designed to better accommodate using Android on a TV. The Android OS your "kodi" box is running under the hood is the version of Android designed for mobile devices and a touch screen environment.
It's a common mistake. Random companies throw Android OS on cheap set top boxes and call them "Android TV boxes".
The actual Android TV OS is different than the Android OS that was made for handheld touchscreens. Android TV was made for the living room, where your big display is controlled by a remote from across the room. Right now you can only get Android TV on certain Smart TVs, the Nexus Player, NVIDIA Shield TV, and the Razor Forge TV.
TL;DR TV boxes running Android =/= Android TV boxes
So for help with your Android box, you'll probably want to go to /r/Android or whatever subreddit is dedicated to headless boxes running Android
Jeez that would be fantastic if done right (tricky, unlikely). Google already has the Nexus Player and Android TV, but to have a box come out that has the functionality of those (like a Roku, like a Apple TV) but also has a coax input that you plug your coax cable into and there you go, without a Cable Card box or Cable Cards or a Comcast/Provide box you have all the cable channels you pay for right there.
That would be so fantastic. I imagine the functionality that could exist...imagine having a Android TV box and your cable plugged into it...but what about a DVR feature? Not sure how it would get multiple streams (currently cable cards provide that) but the ability to "record" shows and they get record to your PC that is on your LAN...would be fantastic!
Though ideally if the cable providers would stop dragging their feet we wouldn't even need DVR's. Provide a Hulu like service (or Xfinity's library) and for as long as you as subscribe to the cable provider you get access to every episode that has aired or w/e.
The Android TV is basically an Android TV box. The operating system functions kind of like a Roku or smart TV. So you can install apps and watch netflix and stuff. There are a few more features though depending on which version of hardware you get. I got the NVidia Shield to test my game on. The Shield has a pretty nice gamepad and can stream movies in 4k and also PC games from the cloud. I haven't tried streaming games yet but am hoping to try it out soon once I get some time.
It's Google's second attempt at TV. OEMs can take it and release devices running Android TV, just like Android. Right now there are streaming boxes from Asus, Nvidia and Razor. Plus Sony, Phillips and Sharp have TVs running Android TV. Sony has gone all in on Android TV, they've totally ditched their own TV OS.
Not an official AndroidTV. I would recommend a couple sites but the hisilicon chip is not popular. You may have a tough time finding someone that can give you the settings. The one comment about trashing it is about accurate, I'd return it if possible and get an official AndroidTV.
Well, take a look at Android TV. Modern responsive UI, apps and games (controller support also), voice search across all the OS, Google Cast (similar to Airplay). You got to admit this is very similar to what Apple is doing with the new Apple TV.
If Nintendo supports Google Cast (API for Chromecast), they won't need dedicated library of native apps at launch.
Honestly the media functions for it should just be Android TV. The UI is great for controllers and remotes. Best of all it is free and many people have already invested into ecosystem. Console manufactures don't make their money on console music, movie, and app services.
Android TV ... /r/AndroidTV ... Some unofficial Android TV boxes like the G-Box run the smartphone/tablet OS. It competes with Roku, Fire TV, etc. Only 3 set tops are available right now. I have a Google ADT-1 (free dev kit), but there are no OS updates available anymore.
You could even consider supporting Fire TV sticks in addition to Android TV.
The Chromecast 2 is expected in the coming months. Current casting requires a smartphone/tablet running the supported app. I believe VLC has Chromecasting support.
This is the future. Don't waste your time with a full blown Windows/Linux OS PC. Root any Android TV box and you can auto start whatever you like. Full control with updates for a "made for TV" device.
Thanks for the reply!
I have seen that HDMI project, and it falls short of my needs in a few key areas:
HDCP (says not compatible on their site) - Most home theater sources such as dvd/blu-ray players and game consoles require hdcp. I hope to solve the hdcp issue for other startups by having something compliant that people can use to start from.
Compressing the signal - This device converts the uncompressed, lossless signal into a lossy, compressed one. I think an AV Receiver should pass the lossless signal directly to the tv, after extracting the audio.
Overlay - I want the ability to overlay on top of the input. such as an input menu, volume, or news/widgets
Power - The raspberry isn't powerful enough. I want something that can do almost anything. The Pi is perfect for some things, but it is barely able to run XBMC/KODI (i run it at home and it works well, but it's basically the limit. It runs significantly better on my x86 machine plugged into my other tv).
Old Android TV - I want to run the new, Lollipop based Android TV that was just launched (https://www.android.com/tv/). Having Android on the platform automatically adds lots of media and games (netflix, hulu, android games, emulators).
I'm interested in the Nvidia K1 platform, but it may be too expensive for the first model. The fact that it can handle 4 HDMI out's out of the box would be amazing though. Imagine, a single home theater system that feeds to tv's all over your house. Synchronize the content when you want, play different things when you don't.