[frazor]

I've been using XBMC since the Frodo releases, having moved over from MCE, and thus have had it installed on a low-mid range PC (Core 2 E4500, G35, Radeon HD 2450). That PC is showing some signs of age, and unreliability so I am eyeing up a replacement. I'm unsure if to get an Android based device (Minix X8/HiMedia Q5 4K, etc) or to go for an Intel NUC device (or a similar Zotac/Gigabyte).

My main concerns/questions are around the interface/boot/overall performance of the Android devices...especially given the system I'm coming from. So I'd be interested in peoples opinions on this (esp. those that have already made this transition).

I currently use the HTPC as a media storage device, but have started transitioning to a (DNLA capable) external HD attached to my Asus RT-AC66U router. But the more I read here the more recommendation I see for a NAS over a HD in/attached to the XBMC device itself.

[host505]

If you can affort it just go for the nuc - or any x86 system. Android just isn't any good for a media center device (at least at it's current form), people forget that it's a mobile OS transfered to media boxes by amateurs.

[solamnic]

NUC... NUC ... NUC....

[max90]

If it's just for xbmc go for the nuc. I've just gone from a X8-H to a nuc and the nuc is better but if you need android the minix is very good.

[navigates]

amazon firetv. I had the nuc. nuc will run xbmc but u will lack the apps of android. besides android is cheap.

[Roby77]

Nuc with open elec

Android 4 is for youporn/tube and games

[GoodCode]

I'm pretty much in the same boat, deciding between an android device or a NUC. Here's what I've decided

NUC Pros
1) Better performance
2) Better support
3) Open architecture. More options for installing/configuring how you want.

NUC Cons:
1) Terrible UI options for external media sources (netflix, hulu, etc).
2) No access to android apps for additional media
3) Price

And the opposite for Android pro's/con's.

If I'm not mistaken, most reasonable NUC's (Celeron 2820 and above?) should support 3D, dolby/DTS passthrough and framerate switching if you care about these things. Only some of the latest android devices can manage this...and in some cases only in custom builds of Kodi.

Some android board makers drop support for the board after a while, leaving firmware issues that are never resolved.

Netflix on many android boxes is constrained to DVD quality right now (480p)

The best android box right now (IMHO) is the Fire TV. It has full 1080p res in Netflix, and a decent processor.

Unfortunately even with it there is still:
- Lack of VC-1 playback
- Some H.264 BD rips in MKV exhibit green pixellation
- No HD audio
- Only 5+ GB of 8GB storage is usable (without root)
- Potential issue with mpeg2 streams (deinterlacing)
- $170 in Canada

I'd prefer to go NUC, but the family really wants netflix accessible by the remote.

Basically, if you really need android apps, full control by remote, or if price is a huge factor go android.

If you can possibly live without those, go NUC. Given you are coming from a PC environment (and I assume don't need netflix/hulu/etc), I'd say definitely go NUC. The android devices are getting there, but I think it's still another year before we see a really "good" android device for the TV.

[Ned Scott]

I've never tried it, as I don't have a NUC, but supposedly intel has all the drivers or whatever for a smooth Android install on NUC. Something to that extent.

[frazor]

Thanks for the responses, my questions are answered

[wrxtasy]

The golden rule: - if you want the best XBMC experience get a device that has very good after sales support and an active thread here on the XBMC/Kodi forums.

Rule 2: - I believe perfect 100% - on the fly refresh rate TV switching is very important - especially in movies that do a lot of panning around with the camera. You will notice stutters / frame rate drops when viewing if this is not correct. This is more apparent the bigger the TV gets. A lot of people say they do not care, but trust me after viewing smooth panning and fluid movement on the correct setup you would not want anything less.
This rules out Android completely, unless you trust a bleeding edge platform that may or may be able to do it.
Moving forward...Android Lollipop may be able to do this, but don't hold your breath.

If you have a spare keyboard lying around to boot switch, a dual boot Chromebox would be the best bang for the buck...
Please reads this thread I have written in recently for a more detailed discussion....

http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=207827