I have a 4K 120Hz TV that I have blocked from internet access on my router (because it is spyware with no way to turn off the built in microphone) and I have a desktop that supports 4K but I don’t want to run my desktop into the ground streaming on it all the time.

I’d like one that isn’t American I guess if that really matters (seems like it kind of does) but I noticed options are limited unless you want to spend $600 on a mini PC which I don’t.

I’d like to spend like $200 max if possible for this if possible.

  • Mulch8304@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    14·
    2 days ago

    I’ve recently bought a Vero V and it’s been playing anything I’ve thrown at it without any issues. That includes 4K, HDR10 and AVI videos.

    This is the best media player I’ve had over the decades.

    I’ve had a Nvidia Shield before. I was just not happy with the advertising platform it really was. Which is why I upgraded to the Vero V.

    • RheumatoidArthritis@mander.xyz
      7·
      1 day ago

      I think it’s worth mentioning to OP that Vero is based on Kodi, and streaming platform support there is innofficial on a best-effort basis.

      Which, for Netflix, meant I had to log in again every few weeks, the login process involved doing it on a computer and transferring files, then there was a recurring 2GB download of Widevine to be able to play content, and then it sometimes worked.

      It’s a problem created by streaming platforms and they should be blamed for that situation, but maybe it’s worth mentioning that in a thread where someone is asking for a streaming box.

    • Courant d'air 🍃@jlai.lu
      3·
      2 days ago

      I went the same path and I second the Vero V, very nice little machine! It can also do Dolby Vision, which is why I chose this one.

    • NarrativeBear@lemmy.world
      3·
      2 days ago

      Agreed the Nvidia shield in its later updates to the OS really went heavy on the ads.

      One way around this is with a OS downgrade and sticking with OS version 8.2.3 and not upgrading the home launcher, or replacing it with another launcher internally.

      These were the steps I followed to downgrade all my Nvidia shield around the house.

      https://florisse.nl/shield-downgrade/

      Definitely on the lookout for a new media box though and the one you mentioned caught my eye as well.