[arch-general] x86 hardware suggestion for home movie theater setup (kodi)

[Mauro Santos]

On 10-01-2016 13:09, Wolfgang Mader wrote:
> Dear list,
> 
> right now, I run a home movie theater setup under arch linux on an arm device. 
> While I really appreciate the low power consumption and the small form factors 
> of arm (developer) boards, for me, arm also comes with a much larger 
> maintenance burden than standard x86 hardware. Thus, I search for a platform 
> which is x86 and well suited for a home theater setup.  While browsing the 
> internet, I go the feeling, that the Intel Atom series might be a good way to 
> go. In particular, here is what I aim for:
> 
> - standard boot process. No uboot.
> - standard cpu such that I can relay on standard arch repos and community
> - a graphics chip for which drivers are officially available, such as integrated 
> intel graphics
> - low power consumption
> - some sort of internet connectivity, preferable cabled, but wifi would also be 
> ok.
> - usb, but nothing fancy, only for keyboard
> 
> Software wise, the hardware should be able to allow for browsing the internet 
> and to deliver video and audio fluently. The interface I am targeting is kodi.
> 
> Since I have no experience with low-powered x86 hardware such as the Intel 
> Atom chips, I kindly ask for your experience and opinions on the topic.
> 
> Thanks and have a nice week.
> 

You may want to have a look at the intel compute sticks. If you can wait
a little they will release an update soon[1] which seems interesting,
although it will be quite expensive.

The downside is that these don't have an ethernet port.

You should also be able to find similar devices from other manufacturers.

[1]
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/01/intels-new-atom-and-core-m-compute-sticks-get-faster-and-look-better/

-- 
Mauro Santos