Saturday, 15 October 2016

XBMC Streaming Media Boxes And Their Advantages

By Jessica Moore


There are many innovations when it comes to consumer appliances, especially digital screens, TVs and monitors. This is to cater to the different needs and uses that consumers have for these devices. Recently, due to the usage of many streaming sites, streaming boxes are starting to get popular. This technology is one huge competitor against cable TV.

Storage formats for files, movies and so on have evolves from VHS and cassette tapes to DVDs and really just storing them in a hard drive. The devices that play these things also change accordingly. Due to the trend of online sites that stream shows and require a monthly subscription, XBMC streaming media boxes are selling like hot potatoes.

Kodi, previously known as XBMC, is basically an open source software that is used by streaming boxes. These devices have different types of applications that help you access online channels. This can be attached to your home theater system to improve your viewing pleasure.

What is great about these streaming devices is how they can be attached to your home theater. NVIDIA Shield, G box Q and the Idroidnation I box are some of user top picks for Kodi devices. These ones have amazing hardware specification similar to your motherboard only it focuses on viewing and streaming from an external drive or websites like Netflix and Hulu.

The NVIDIA Shield can not only stream media but can also be used for gaming. Its specs include a Quad core CPU, a built in micro SD slot, 802.11 ac WiFi and USB 3.0, and models with varying internal hard drive space. This is definitely more expensive than most but it should be well worth it.

Many of these have Quad core CPUs and 2 gb RAM, at least. The internal hard drive can range depending on its price. There is choice from 8 to 16 to even 500 gigabytes. Another impressive factor is how many of them can process 4K videos and images. USB ports are also added so you can connect external devices.

The biggest winning factor that XBMC has is how it is very flexible. Customizability is something Kodi prides itself with. Although, this is also the reason why navigating through the interface can be complicated initially. But the more you use it, the easier it becomes.

Since this open source software is highly customizable you can easily add plug ins, skins and other additional features. All you need to do is instal the necessary plug ins for the internet video site of your choice and then you are good to go. Due to the open source nature of XBMC, there is a Wiki page complete with all the information that you might need from installation too all possible add ons.

Remote control features can be as simple as using your mouse, keyboard, Universal remote control and so on. You also have to option download a free remote control app in the play store for android phones and 3 dollars for Apple devices. If it helps you make a decision, more people use XBMC boxes above everything else.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment