Best (cheapest) box for Libreelec Kodi

I really cannot understand why people here are not getting tired of over-promoting RPi devices even they know, it is definitly not the best device for media playback and overall kodi-experience currently (and will never be looking at the HW capabilities).

Allwinner and Rockchip devices are way better when it comes to currently supported HW decoding capabilities: HEVC (up to 4k), H264 (up to 4k), VP9 (up to 4k, Rockchip only currently), MPEG2 (up to 1080p) and VP8 (up to 1080p). HDMI output up to 4kk@60, CEC is working and hardware deinterlacing is implemented - for Allwinner suspend/resume with remote control is also implemented.

Rpi can't decode H264 correctly in hardware currently (even if it would be working, it will be max 1080p@60, which somewhat like 10 years ago), it will never have VP9 hardware decoding (needed to use youtube 4k), it has no hardware deinterlacing capabilities, it can't output 4k@60 currently, CEC is not (really) working. Besides Rpi is the only device which still uses a vendor kernel, which is full of hacks, that will probably never be accepted upstream - while all other devices are using a version of the upstream kernel (partially with lots of patches, which seem to be somewhat like upstream quality) - it does not even have an upstream u-boot support

Amlogic is far behind when it comes to media playback in upstream kernel - I'm not sure, this will change anytime next (if ever) - there is no active developing community and progress in upstream kernel depends on external funding.

Both Broadcom and Amlogic are known to hide as much as possible of their "confidentials" which makes both platforms really uninteresting for community developers, since there is always something which depends of some blobs.

I'm using a PINE H64 (Allwinner H6) and PINE rock64 (Rockchip 3328) and its working way better than Rpi4 - also without any "config.txt" adaption trial and error attempts - its just working. From the devices you listed: I suggest you to take the TX6 mini which has a Allwinner H6 - Allwinner community is great, very active and responsive when it comes to issues.

Pointing at obvious. Android is operating system. Libreelec comes with operating system too. We are well passed the time when we needed other operating system on same box to install OS, if we have install medium.

40 USD range is low end media center range. Your A95x media center has same CPU as RPi 3. You don't like RPi yet you seem to be using exactly same technology.

In local store I see only one media center option for around 70 euros. RPi4 + non default case would be around 100 USD. Adding extra options might double the price. And this does not include storage.

Other mini PC options offer local storage options. They cost more, but are more capable in long term.

The Android boxes you mention can have an OS very similar to Libreelec, but the last time I mentioned it, the post was removed, because apparently it was a competitor.

Although in my opinion, I thought forums were to help people. Both LE & the other are open source.

Quote from Brijac

Like I said, I don't want mini PCs, boards or anything like this. Simple android box where I can install Libreelec on the SD card will be fine.

Android is not the box. You are running ARM kit with custom OS installed by vendor. That OS happens to be Android.

If you expect to use cheap Chinese media center, stick to OS provided by vendor.

If you like to tinker with the kit, get RPi and install libreelec on it.

I didn't expect I'd have to explain the existence of LibreElec in LibreElec forums: It is there because people want to use their hardware just for kodi without wasting memory and system resources for an opterating system they don't use (and maybe don't trust) for any other porpose than running kodi and want to use well maintained upstream software with continuous security- + bugfixes.

I really don't understand why it would be required to have support from the vendor of a android box for furture support: LibreElec is a complete own operating system which doesn't depend on any other thing then the hardware of the device - that means: if the device (or a similar one) is supported in the upstream kernel - there will be support for the device as well for ages. Because tv boxes are often very similar and Tanix TX6 is supported in upstream kernel and has offical LibreElec support, I think it will work on other tv box as well (especially on Tanix TX6 mini) or can be made working with little effort.

When it comes to pricing:

RPi4 basic version (2G) : 40 US$ (most pepole will need HDMI adapters + usb-c power supply)

PINE H64 basic version (2G): 36 US$

PINE rock64 basic version (1G): 25 US$ (2G version available at 35 US$)

Both H64 and rock64 can be ordered at amazon at slighly higher prices (which is also true for RPi4).

I really do not think that RPi4 is the most competetive (with neither pricing nor hardware (and current software) capailities) when it comes to mediacenter software and there has been lots of efforts by the community to make it work on Allwiner (and Rockchip) with FOSS: that should be considered here if somebody asks which device is the best to use for LibreElec - also the question of future support prefers the these SoCs as support for them comes exclusively from upstream kernel.

Quote from Brijac

Thank you

Just double check on the CE forum, before actually buying. I have a X96 Max + with CE

Quote from Brijac

Did you install it on SD card? Is the installation simple like make the SD card, insert it, push the reset button and plug in the power cable?

Yep, mine is installed to sd card. Beware there is a 19.1 Leia version & 19.1 Matrix. Go to the CE forum for more help & advice.