Recommended device for kodi frontend

[fla]

I have been using libreelec on a rpi2 but recently upgraded libreelec to matrix and the GUI is very sluggish (normal to be sluggish or bad config?). Libreelec nexus is just released which I assume would be even more sluggish on a rpi2. Libreelec recommends rpi4 but rpi4 is quite expensive for what it is.

What's a recommended device for a kodi frontend to nextpvr? The TV is a dumb 1080p but if it breaks, any replacement would surely be 4K so a 4K capable device is more future proof.

The rpi2 is always on so can access nextpvr immediately (no bootup time) which is nice. It also has low power/electricity costs.

Would a Fire TV Stick 4K Max be the best upgrade to run kodi nexus? I would use wired ethernet so the more expensive Fire TV Cube has an ethernet port without buying extra adapters.

Suggestions?

[mvallevand]

Given how far you are from state of the art, anything will be an upgrade. However all devices will be much slower than an PC, 4x slow can still be slow. Depending on you Kodi needs memory RAM and storage can all be limitations.

Most decisions will be based on content you have, NextPVR recordings and live TV don't stress much, and whether you want to start using Android app.

Do you want Android, Kodi on Android, or pure Kodi running LibreElec or CoreElec? Many things you read about the Amazon devices might not apply to Kodi on Android and these devices don't run native. Best to read on the Kodi forum https://forum.kodi.tv/forumdisplay.php?fid=164

If wired Ethernet is what you want will you be happy with 100Mbs, many device are GbE now.

American users have another consideration since ATSC 3 is bringing DRM even for local OTA and you might need dedicated Silicon Dust apps. That is more a long term thought though

Martin

[fla]

Sounds like a PC is the best (RAM, CPU, GPU, gigabit ethernet). I do have a decent PC connected to the TV. I even have a forgotten pulse8 USB CEC adapter stashed away since it interfered with the rpi2's CEC. With the rpi2 retired, perhaps the pulse8 would work well as the only CEC device connected to the TV.

Thanks for the tips. I'll try the PC first to see if the usability is good.

Great tips as always. Thanks Martin!

[pkscout]

You could look at OSMC on an RPi4 (if you can find an RPi to buy anywhere that is). OSMC is basically a modified Linux OS running a slightly customized version of Kodi. It still runs all the same Kodi addons and skins, so for regular day-to-day use, you wouldn't know the difference between this and another Kodi device. OSMC also sells a hardware device, the Vero 4K+. I use a Vero 4K+ as my primary TV interface, and it really is a very good box.

For either of these, The GUI can be a bit slower than a PC, but unless you use one of those skins that has like 18 addons it needs to do a bunch of fancy stuff, you won't notice the difference. OSMC comes with its own skin as the default, but you can still use Estuary or any other skin you want on it.

https://osmc.tv

[fla]

Thanks @pkskout. A Vero 4K+ sounds interesting. I'm trying the PC idea first since there is nothing to buy and hit a couple bumps so we'll see how it goes...

[mvallevand]

I am with @pkscout that the standalone small SBC's with LibreElec, CoreElec or OSMC are my preferred clients for Kodi, I was just trying to say that going up from the RPi2 you will see some improvement but don't expect PC speed.

The Vero 4K is a bit long in the tooth though.

If configuring the PC is the issue skip Windows and go to LibreElec. You can even try a boot USB.

Martin

[fla]

Only one old problem is hindering the usability on Windows.

Good to know the Vero 4K+ is already aging. I don't buy stuff often so I need things to last a long time.