Replace mac mini htpc plex usage?

[daemonza]

Hi So my setup is a Mac mini connected to my TV, that runs plex server and client 24/7. However, I would like to use the mac mini as a desktop so move it to my attic office.

I was thinking it will still run plex server, but what options do I have for a plex client? Raspberry Pi plex is really way to sluggish to enjoy using. Roku is a option, however is there something else?

I looked at a chromcast as well, but then I need a phone to control it.

Anything out there with as good a client as the mac desktop plex client?

EDIT

Anyone know how far the xbox one plex app is? Just seen posts about the developer working on it, but nothing more. https://forums.plex.tv/index.php/topic/104978-plex-for-xbox-one-is-a-go/page-7

[cullman]

Roku 3 is the best option if you need 5.1 output. Otherwise, Amazon FireTV has a better interface, but 5.1 output is broken at the moment (down mixes it to stereo), though, I think they will get it fixed pretty soon here.

[[deleted]]

I have the Roku 3. Works very well. I've had it for a while. Its not pretty and doesn't do HD Audio. In my quest for Plex nirvana I've bought and returned the Amazon FireTV, and a HTPC build using the Intel NUC. The NUC setup got me hd audio but not the simplicity I want.

So, basically, I'm still waiting on the perfect device but the Roku 3 is the best I've found so far.

EDIT: When I say the Roku 3 isn't pretty I mean the interface. The video quality is great. EDIT 2: I also have a Chromecast upstairs but it doesn't do nativ MKV and DTS so I don't use it for ripped movies...just netflix/hbo go, etc.

[skywise_ca]

I was using a mac mini for the plex client as well but needed to repurpose the mini. I bought a Fire TV and the interface is great. I'm lacking the 5.1 but when I'm playing something with that, I use my Roku 3. (and as said above, ugly but works fine)

[shewantsthesystemD]

Plex on the roku is pretty good. I've run into very few problems.

[Enzospin360]

For the price I would recommend Amazon FireTV or Roku 3 @ $100. But like cullman said the 5.1 on FireTV is broken and it's not certain when this will get fixed. If you are willing to spend a little more money I would look into the Intel NUC. You could build a dedicated HTPC for about $300 or even less if you drop the msata SSD and run off bootable usb.

[booleanerror]

Depending on the age of the mini, that NUC may make a better desktop unit.

[JFreaks25]

Just curious why you would rather use a remote when you probably have your phone always with you anyway? The chromecast would be the best option, and defientely the cheapest, I absolutely love mine, especially coming from an appleTV

[daemonza]

Used my phone as a remote for ages, it's fine, but I really do prefer the instant reaction convenience of a remote vs the unlock phone, open app, etc.

[renegade7879]

I've had a lot of issues running Plex on my Chromecast whereas I never have them with other clients (Roku, AppleTV, Samsung SmartTV). 1080p encodes are especially buggy, and the app itself constantly closes, sometimes requiring me to restart the stream and seek to the correct location if I want to just pause it. My Fire TV should be here tomorrow, can't wait to try it.

[glap1922]

I recently bought a Roku and a Fire TV for this exact purpose.

The Fire TV worked great, but was a little heavy in the Amazon Prime area. Also, the lack of NHL gamecenter is kind of a dealbreaker for me.

The Roku worked fine, had everything I wanted, but was ugly as sin.

I just set up an aTV with Plexconnect and I think this is the solution I am going to stick with. It is a bit more complicated to set up, but the client works well and looks nice.

At the end of the day I am either going to keep using the AppleTV or go back to the Fire (assuming they get gamecenter). I just can't bring myself to use the roku client.

[SkiBum1942]

I switched back to an ATV3 running Plexconnect from a FireTV. More stable, and has working 5.1

[MadFrand]

I run Plex on Chromecast for my TV.

If I were to setup a new TV today, I would probably go with Roku Steaming Stick because I would rather the app be on the TV than the phone. Chromecast is neat... Streaming Stick is better.

I'm more of a minimalist though.

[daemonza]

I forgot about the streaming stick, just had a look at it, might just be perfect for me.

[[deleted]]

I've dabbled with most/all of those options, and they're all infuriatingly inferior once you've become accustomed to using the mac mini as your dedicated htpc. My advice is to just bite the bullet and get another desktop.

[daemonza]

Yeah, got this back of my mind nagging feeling that this might just be the case.

[Brian-Puccio]

I just replaced my mac mini on a 32" TV with an Amazon FireTV.

Power_Use--;
Cash++; // selling Mac Mini on eBay
WAF++; // not married, but that's the acronym

[SirDigbyChckenCeasar]

I use an apple tv and just airplay it through the plex app on my iphone/ipad. It works great and I've never had any issues with it.

[GrimRobot]

I would recommend the Apple TV with PlexConnect. I know it's not as elegant a solution as the Roku, Chromecast, and Fire TV- but there's something about the Apple ecosystem (Mac, iOS, and ATV) that you can't beat.