October 8, 201510 yr If wired is a problem get homeplug adapters, problem solved. Powerline adapters can help, but 60HZ power lines aren't very high quality data transmission lines, and these have bandwidth issues of their own. They're not a bad way to resolve distance issues, but they're FAR less robust than actual wired Ethernet cables. Yes, hence the "If wired is a problem" statement . Homeplug is much better than Wifi for video because it's consistent.
October 8, 201510 yr ... Homeplug is much better than Wifi for video because it's consistent. Definitely agree.
October 8, 201510 yr I think a recommendation can only be given based on the file sizes and quality of playback you are hoping to stream. I use a chromecast in my bedroom and use the Plex iPad app to operate it and it is flawless for me. It works perfectly. However the wireless router is only in my study next door and I only use 2gb ish movie files as I only output to a 40" screen in my main room and a 26" screen in my bedroom. I know because I have tested, if I try to playback a 25gb BDRIP then it will not work. I think the main problem is the wireless connection trying to handle that bit rate. I can't even handle that bit rate with my home plugs it starts buffering and I have some good quality netgear 500mb/s ones.
October 11, 201510 yr Author After trying the 2015 version of FireStick, immediately returned it. Was horrible and the Plex app on that device was from 2011 and not updated. Looked horrible. Tried the Roku 3 and it has been wonderful. Surprisingly Dad got it all working by himself, connected to my Plex media server and is having a good time. What a night / day difference between the two devices. To fool around with I bought a RasPi B+ model and downloaded Rasplex on it. Basically turns it into a feature rich Plex client. Runs fast, plays all the DD sound profiles and looks great. Just have a problem controlling it, as I hate to use a keyboard. I also don't like to use an iPhone or iPad either. It is a cool device, and if I don't want Plex on it, throw in another microSD card with the NOOBS installer and you have a selection of what you can install. The Roku was $69 and after I bought all my needed parts and accessories for the Pi, was about $100. But at least you can install other programs on it. I'll keep it, fool around with it. But won't give it to my Dad. He'd be looking for the remote.
October 11, 201510 yr After trying the 2015 version of FireStick, immediately returned it. Was horrible and the Plex app on that device was from 2011 and not updated. Looked horrible. Tried the Roku 3 and it has been wonderful. Surprisingly Dad got it all working by himself, connected to my Plex media server and is having a good time. What a night / day difference between the two devices. To fool around with I bought a RasPi B+ model and downloaded Rasplex on it. Basically turns it into a feature rich Plex client. Runs fast, plays all the DD sound profiles and looks great. Just have a problem controlling it, as I hate to use a keyboard. I also don't like to use an iPhone or iPad either. It is a cool device, and if I don't want Plex on it, throw in another microSD card with the NOOBS installer and you have a selection of what you can install. The Roku was $69 and after I bought all my needed parts and accessories for the Pi, was about $100. But at least you can install other programs on it. I'll keep it, fool around with it. But won't give it to my Dad. He'd be looking for the remote. Plex app on the firestick is not from 2011. It gets the same updates the android version gets (they are the same) just with a delay because each update has to go through Amazon's approval before pushed. It just looks different because it is the Google tv version of the interface (intended for use with a remote instead of a touch screen). Functionality is the same as it is the same app as the android one
October 11, 201510 yr It is a cool device, and if I don't want Plex on it, throw in another microSD card with the NOOBS installer and you have a selection of what you can install. If you like old school gaming and haven't checked out RetroPie, give it a look. It uses EmulationStation as the frontend which is a beautiful, light interface. http://blog.petrockblock.com/retropie/ John
October 12, 201510 yr Author It is a cool device, and if I don't want Plex on it, throw in another microSD card with the NOOBS installer and you have a selection of what you can install. If you like old school gaming and haven't checked out RetroPie, give it a look. It uses EmulationStation as the frontend which is a beautiful, light interface. http://blog.petrockblock.com/retropie/ John I wasn't aware of this whole other world out there regarding RasPi stuff. You can do just about anything with them it seems.
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