Best Android Media Center?

[AshtonDurkhun]

Not sure if this goes here or in one of the hardware forums...

I'm looking at possibly getting an android media center ("system on a stick" or "Set-Top Box") to run PLEX. I've been shopping around and there seem to be 101 options, and all of them seem to have mixed reviews (I know at least some of those reviews are simply from end-users unfamiliar with Android so they had a poor experience), I was wondering if anyone could point me to a few that are rock solid and preferably <$100 ($50 or less is preferred but I can go a little higher)

Needs to support 1080p over HDMI output, Wifi preferred (N-series router) but I can go wired if I need to, and has to run PLEX (I use it for streaming away from home and would rather not run 2 different servers) has to be able to run for 5+ hours at a time if needed (but I'm not above cutting the casing and installing a CPU fan on it if it'll save me money/hassle)

Suggestions?

 

[AshtonDurkhun]

Wow, you guys have android tablets and phones but NONE of you have ever used an android media center!? I'm very dissapointed... especially with this site even listing one atop the page!

Maybe I'm asking for the wrong thing. Plex has been out a while, maybe it's no longer the "hot new thing" that everyone is using. While I'd prefer something stable, if accepting other software means people can reccomend a device to me I'm willing to consider other possibilities...

 

[biccys]

Wow, you guys have android tablets and phones but NONE of you have ever used an android media center!? I'm very dissapointed... especially with this site even listing one atop the page!

Maybe I'm asking for the wrong thing. Plex has been out a while, maybe it's no longer the "hot new thing" that everyone is using. While I'd prefer something stable, if accepting other software means people can reccomend a device to me I'm willing to consider other possibilities...

Easy tiger, you only gave a few hours for people to respond! Patience is a virtue!!

Anyway, I'm awaiting the delivery of a Rikomagic mk802 ii mini android PC. Supports HDMI 1080p and wifi enabled. It's the size of a stapler and runs from USB power. I'm planning on using a 7 port powered usb hub to power it and a wireless kbd & mouse and run an external HDD with all my media on, and possibly streaming wirelessly to another android device (maybe a second one of these if I like it) to the bedroom in my house using aVia (free on Play store) I tried aVia from my TF101 tablet and SGS3 and it worked seamlessly after the media database had been scanned.
I'll let you know if it works when I get it in the post!

 

[AshtonDurkhun]

Easy tiger, you only gave a few hours for people to respond! Patience is a virtue!!

Anyway, I'm awaiting the delivery of a Rikomagic mk802 ii mini android PC. Supports HDMI 1080p and wifi enabled. It's the size of a stapler and runs from USB power. I'm planning on using a 7 port powered usb hub to power it and a wireless kbd & mouse and run an external HDD with all my media on, and possibly streaming wirelessly to another android device (maybe a second one of these if I like it) to the bedroom in my house using aVia (free on Play store) I tried aVia from my TF101 tablet and SGS3 and it worked seamlessly after the media database had been scanned.
I'll let you know if it works when I get it in the post!

wow how'd you know I was a tiger? (lol )

Sorry, I was a bit impatient, I'm trying to find a solution because I'm currently using an Apple TV + airplay, but I'm going to be selling my iPad now that I have a SGN 10.1 (and likely a SGN2/SGN3/SGS3/SGS4 later in the year when I renew my Sprint contract) and the AppleTV does not play well with android (limited success using Beam, but only on certain formats --- which, of course, most of my media library is not in...)

Can it run Plex? I've grown fond of plex since it can play both locally over the network and also stream over the internet (LTE on my phone) the price certainly looks good (amazon)

Please do report back how it works, and thanks

 

[lebrunc]

I have recently purchased a new samsung s3 and am wondering what alternative i should use to itunes. I wish to put music and video's on my new phone.
Thanks

 

[Genyc07]

winamp works for that and syncs wirelessly

 

[saptech]

I'm currently using a Mini Mac connected to my HDTV with a wireless keyboard & mouse. It connects wirelessly to my home network for streaming music/videos/pictures etc.

This is my Media Center.

 

[Davdi]

Definitely Winamp, especially if you have much music on a Windows PC, the Android version syncs well. (Get the Android Pro version - the 10 band EQ actually improves the sound ( I Bluetooth the sound to my stereo).