I hope this is an appropriate place to ask this question. I’ve really enjoyed perusing this forum as I hone in on my next TV Box. You guys rock! As far as I can tell, you’re cool with this type of post as well. Apologies up front if I missed a rule somewhere against requests for advice on the best box for my needs.
I’ve read through the majority of the WeTek threads, and I’m just about ready to commit to the WeTek Hub. But I have a few lingering questions that I’m hoping this great forum can help answer. First off, my current setup:
TV: Vizio 1080p 42” Razor LED LCD TV
TV Box: Matricom Gbox MX-2 (works fine, but in desperate need of an upgrade)
AVR: Yamaha RX-V667 (7.2 channels, 1.4 HDMI, supports DD+, TrueHD, DTS-HD, Cinema DSP)
Speakers: 7.1 Channels (B&W 602 Mains + Martin Logan MLT-1 surround)
My intended uses/needs for the new box are:
- HD audio passthrough capable of supporting AC3, DTS, DD5.1 and 7.1 Cinema DSP
- Video up to 1080p (4k is NOT necessary at this point, nor is 3D)
– Primarily use will be Kodi to play my library and stream
– Secondary uses are Netflix, Youtube, Amazon (all in HD video) and Spotify - Dynamic refresh rate switching when using Kodi
- Must have access to the Play Store, or ability to sideload Android TV OS apps
- Family Friendly GUI for my wife
- Solid, functional remote (or ability to add-on new remote with good keymap)
My questions are:
1) Does the Play 2 offer any major upgrades that would enhance my enjoyment beyond what the Hub offers? I see that Play 2 offers 2 GB RAM, but most of you feel that’s not very important. It also offers a built-in TV tuner, which would be nice but isn’t all that desired. Is there anything else that I’m missing?
2) Just to confirm, the Netflix 2.0 audio issue is moot if I sideload Ricardo’s Android TV OS Netflix app?
3) My two runners up at this point are the Nvidia Shield and the Minix Neo U1. Any major benefits that those offer above the Hub? Is it worth the extra $ to get the Nvidia given my intended use?
4) Same goes for the family friendly options (Roku 4k, Mi Box or AFTV2). Clearly, my wife would love these more from a user interface standpoint, but do any provide the technical specs that I’m looking for on audio and app support?
5) If I go with the Hub, is there a recommended remote to get? The crowd favorite seems to be the Minix A2 Lite. Does the keymapping transfer well to the Hub, especially Kodi?
6) Finally, I don’t understand LibreELEC. Based on what I’ve read on this forum, it appears to be the fastest, most efficient method to run Kodi. Can you provide a source for some good background reading on what it is? As well as installation instructions (or is the latest version on the Hub?)?
Thank you all, in advance, for the great help I’m sure to receive!