Advice needed! Set up Multi-Room TV, Streaming, movies etc. What do I need? Any and all advice appreciated! (Want to closely replicate what I have with my Smart TV and SKY Q)

by Sellbridge

Hi there,

I want to set up some kind of Media server or independent media systems for my house. I currently have SKY Q and Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus etc.
My TV in my front room is fully capable of using the streaming services on its own but the kid's room uses the 2nd box from SKY multi-room to get the streaming services.

I want to get rid of SKY entirely but I still want to be able to watch most if not all of the same kind of stuff. I don't mind paying for decent equipment to get set up but there are so many options I don't know where to start. I have never but would be perfectly capable of setting up things like Plex, Kodi, Raspberry Pi etc. In fact, I kind of want to but if it's not needed then that's just easier!

Can anyone tell me what is a good route to go? Is it easier to just get two android boxes and put Kodi or some other pre-installed system? I would still like to record where possible.

So, would love to have in both rooms:
Ability to watch recorded programs
Streaming services
Live tv, if possible
User Friendly (2 small kids 6 and 4 who have already mastered all remotes)
Remotes
Movies
Formula 1
Any other bonus extras you can think of!

I'm currently paying Sky nearly 100 a month for HD tv in 2 rooms with movies. If I can get this done for a bit less than a yearly outlay I will definitely go for it! I also have an old laptop that I can steal bits off like optical drives, hard drives etc if that's needed, but I would prefer to just get the right equipment the first time.

Thanks a million and I might just document the experience beginning with the exciting call to cancel SKY.

PS
I have an Xbox One X in the kid's room (Mine, not theirs) so if we can utilise that then great. I am fairly handy and quite technical but I have 0 experience in this field. Happy to configure from the command line if necessary with the right guidance. Couldn't think of which flair to use as it probably covers loads of them!

mrsebsin

For everything you want, your best bet will be Kodi, Plex, and some sort of NAS (I use Synology). It will be a bit of a process, but once setup, it’s fantastic.

ObiYawn

Plex. Definitely Plex. I have it running on a custom built Ubuntu server with 60TB storage capacity.

EvilDaleCooper

Get a mini pc

grimevil

I have mine setup with the below

80TB synology 1 Nvidia shield living room 1 mii box s bedroom Emby Kodi on each box with the 1080 theme

videostorm1

You can take a look at NetPlay

https://video-storm.com/residential.php

It really comes in handy if you are into home automation. It runs on any Android platform.

Plex is also a great solution if you don't have any HDMI sources to deal with.

albean82

Most, if not all the answers here focus on the system to deliver the content, the other big question of course if getting the actual content...legally or otherwise. That's a whole discussion in itself!