Doom9's Forum - View Single Post - Do i need a media player or my pc does better job?

Blue_MiSfit · 21st May 2020, 01:43

No dedicated media player will outperform MadVR, period.

At least, not unless you need something special like Dolby Vision playback.

I generally recommend a quality set-top box for streaming playback. These will get software updates more often than the TV, and will thus be secure / useful for much longer. They're also easily replaced.

Here's how I think about deciding which box to use:

- For non-tech folks / those who really prefer simplicity Roku is the only option. I find the UI more akin to a 20 year old cable box, and have had the unpleasant experience of having to dev on this platform, so I prefer not to use Roku

- If you're in the Apple ecosystem, Apple TV 4K is a fantastic option. This is my choice, and it also does a fantastic job of playing back Dolby Vision.

- If you're not in the Apple ecosystem, the Amazon FireTV devices are quite good. The nVidia Shield is pretty awesome as far as Android TV goes, though it's a lot more spendy.

In all cases hard-wire the device to your Internet connection if at all possible. Powerline network adapters are quite good these days

21st May 2020, 01:43	#2 \| Link
Blue_MiSfit Derek Prestegard IRL Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5,989	No dedicated media player will outperform MadVR, period. At least, not unless you need something special like Dolby Vision playback. I generally recommend a quality set-top box for streaming playback. These will get software updates more often than the TV, and will thus be secure / useful for much longer. They're also easily replaced. Here's how I think about deciding which box to use: - For non-tech folks / those who really prefer simplicity Roku is the only option. I find the UI more akin to a 20 year old cable box, and have had the unpleasant experience of having to dev on this platform, so I prefer not to use Roku - If you're in the Apple ecosystem, Apple TV 4K is a fantastic option. This is my choice, and it also does a fantastic job of playing back Dolby Vision. - If you're not in the Apple ecosystem, the Amazon FireTV devices are quite good. The nVidia Shield is pretty awesome as far as Android TV goes, though it's a lot more spendy. In all cases hard-wire the device to your Internet connection if at all possible. Powerline network adapters are quite good these days Last edited by Blue_MiSfit; 21st May 2020 at 01:45.