General question on emby apps

[thelangs 2]

Been Emby member for years with windows media center, always loved the product. My windows machine finally bit the dust and before I go though the hassle of a new parts, installation, etc. I was wondering what my options are using a different emby app. My setup is pretty basic, I have a fire tv for all my streaming and the PC for the movie system. 

All my movies are Blu-ray rips in a mkv container. That's it, no pictures, music, live tv or old dvd rips.

 

Rather than having two input sources (streamer/PC) , it would be nice to have one box do it all (HBO, Netflix, amazon prime, etc and Emby). Looking through some of the EMBY apps, one of the biggest issues I see, is "pass through" audio and sending my receiver the bit stream for DTS, atmos, dolby truehd, etc). Other issues seem to center around "direct Play" and VC-1 rips or a film with subtitles.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions, or is the PC route still the only good display choice for Emby.

 

 

Thanks

[legallink 187]

So, I’m not sure why you need two inputs. Roku serves up the most channels. I use an Apple TV because of WAF factor. We only have 1 input, jus the box. I don’t see a need for a PC and a streamer. Nvidia Shields are well regarded here but pricey.

 

I do have a PC that runs emby and has my storage attached, just not connected to the receiver. It’s an old 2500k and has more than enough juice for my needs.

[BAlGaInTl 288]

I'm going to have to second the Nvidia Shield.

 

At around $150 USD, it's hard to find a more complete streamer without going to a PC.

[ebr 16199]

If you want bitstreaming of HD audio you will need either a Shield or the desktop version of Emby Theater (another HTPC but it could be the same as the server).

 

If you don't really need that and can get by with normal DD, then the Fire will work just fine.

[WilhelmStroker 102]

+1 for the Shield, plays pretty much everything I throw at it and no issues with live TV. Well worth the investment.

[One2Go 120]

Running an Intel NUC here with Win 7 and Emby server as well as Emby for WMC client. However I am also running external players MPC and PDVD 16 in this setup those players and the LAV decoder settings allow for the HD audio to be passed through and that is how my Denon amp identifies them and decodes them. This together with the WMC themes make for me a most satisfying Home Theater setup.

[thelangs 2]

Of course, PC/WMC is the best video/audio presenter, had that setup for years,. The Point of my question, was NOT to have a PC, just a streamer that does emby and Netflix, etc and not lose the video or audio quality..  Based on what I see, Shield comes the closest. I plan to investigate that option.

[One2Go 120]

Don't know about HBO but there are WMC clients for Netflix and Amazon Prime maintained by dedicated individuals. In my setup and experience the one that rules them all was either not practical or had shortcomings. So I run my local media servers content using the NUC and the streaming services using a Roku. Since my amplifier has several HDMI inputs it is just a matter using a Logitech remote to select the proper inputs using the preset activity buttons. For me Roku does the streaming content best but not enough display real estate for the media server content, the NUC has the excellent eye candy and media info feedback in a user friendly logical display.

 

Myself I did consider the Shield but with WAF as well as wanting to watch the content rather then tinker with the gear I decided on the two device solution. You know the saying life is too short to ....