Seeking advice and opinions on set top box, frontend software, and backend software combinations to provide typical DVR functionality as well as Netflix, Amazon, and local content streaming for 5 TVs. Wife Approval Factor is of paramount importance of course.
I'd like any backend services to run as VMs on my "production" ESXi/FreeNAS AIO. CPU is an Intel E5-2650 8c/16t @ 2 GHz with 64 GB RAM. I have another AIO where my other media is stored. I have wired gigabit connectivity to every room as well as good 802.11 a/b/g/n coverage throughout.
Tuners will be 2 or 3 HDHomeRun Prime boxes if they ever come back in stock.
What I'm thinking right now is to use Roku devices for set top boxes since that will easily give me the Netflix and Amazon streaming as well as the streaming channels from major networks. Then, use the available Emby app to connect to some media server for the DVR and live TV functionality.
I also have considered Raspberry Pi's running Kodi for the set top boxes but it doesn't look like the Netflix and other internet streaming content plays well on it.
I don't mind spending time trying out and configuring the different components since this is a hobby and the journey is fun in and of itself. I just don't want to waste money buying parts I end up not liking or using.
I'd like any backend services to run as VMs on my "production" ESXi/FreeNAS AIO. CPU is an Intel E5-2650 8c/16t @ 2 GHz with 64 GB RAM. I have another AIO where my other media is stored. I have wired gigabit connectivity to every room as well as good 802.11 a/b/g/n coverage throughout.
Tuners will be 2 or 3 HDHomeRun Prime boxes if they ever come back in stock.
What I'm thinking right now is to use Roku devices for set top boxes since that will easily give me the Netflix and Amazon streaming as well as the streaming channels from major networks. Then, use the available Emby app to connect to some media server for the DVR and live TV functionality.
I also have considered Raspberry Pi's running Kodi for the set top boxes but it doesn't look like the Netflix and other internet streaming content plays well on it.
I don't mind spending time trying out and configuring the different components since this is a hobby and the journey is fun in and of itself. I just don't want to waste money buying parts I end up not liking or using.