Raspberry Pi 2 Announced and Now Available

[Kevin242]

And now pi2hype will start if someone will spend 10 minutes on researching currently available dev-boards there is at least 4 better to choose.
http://www.hardkernel.com/main/products/prdt_info.php?g_code=G141578608433
in last project i used 25 of ODIROI-c1 and i am really happy, their performance is outstanding comparing to PI and a bit better then PI2
Project was a Multimedia system for Hotel in Scotland...

wow thanks for posting!!!

 

[FAST6191]

Shiny.

That said ": +5V @ 2A" has me out for most of what I need. I can just about get the 700mA stuff out of any old TV USB socket and some even have a nice 1A charging socket for things but 2A means I need an external supply for most things I do with rasp pis.

On the other hand the little bump in processing grunt could do well for some things.

 

[NeoRegia]

Shiny.

That said ": +5V @ 2A" has me out for most of what I need. I can just about get the 700mA stuff out of any old TV USB socket and some even have a nice 1A charging socket for things but 2A means I need an external supply for most things I do with rasp pis.

On the other hand the little bump in processing grunt could do well for some things.

I think that 2a is maximum that pi2 will need only under full load and after connecting extra stuff

Ps. I hate my smartphone it always know better then me...

 

[FAST6191]

I think that 2a is maximum that pi2 will need only under full load and after connecting extra stuff

Is that like the time the original revision would work on 500mA in as much as it would technically boot but the stability would increase so much if you stuck a power supply into it that capable of suffering a 600mA draw?

 

[arapozo]

And now pi2hype will start if someone will spend 10 minutes on researching currently available dev-boards there is at least 4 better to choose.
http://www.hardkernel.com/main/products/prdt_info.php?g_code=G141578608433
in last project i used 25 of ODIROI-c1 and i am really happy, their performance is outstanding comparing to PI and a bit better then PI2
Project was a Multimedia system for Hotel in Scotland...

The only thing I dislike about the ODIROI is the lack of full HDMI port, having to get an additional cable for it is really inconvenient.

 

[Dr Eggman]

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a cheap-ish set top box for streaming? My parents currently use my PS3 (which gets in the way) and I'm looking to set them up with something hopefully under $50. (I'll see parts I can scrape up which I have lying around.)

Basically, the options that I see are:

1) Android TV Stick (Cotton Candy-esque).
2) RaspPi / ODROID / microPC thing.

Does anyone have any good options? I'd like to run XBMC easy, so they can use it without having me intervene. From what I see, the Pi is slow, but I think the Pi2 should run everything smoothly. If that really is the best option, does anyone know where I can pick up a Pi2 shipped to Canada cheap? Element14 jacked their prices up to $20 flat

 

[FAST6191]

I have not found my pis to be slow and they usually sport libraries up in the hundreds of films and TV shows.

Still if you are using a PS3 with all it does (which is not an awful lot) you might consider a roku box, possibly with some hacks. In the UK they have also been sold under the "nowTV" brand and you can stick a version of plex on there which is going to go toe to toe with most of that. http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/av-d...inute-hack-10-wireless-plex-media-player.html
If you have the right home network and the inclination then you will not beat the price there.

I have never been a particular fan of android TV sticks as more than a general android thing on a stick, possibly also with marginally easier wireless. TV sticks usually means you have a somewhat nerfed version of android, which is not the most pliable system to begin with, and no great means to control it (android does work far better with a touchscreen than a remote). On top of this most TV sticks seem to rock lesser hardware.

The best thing is still a PC, give or take whatever streaming boxes come bundled with a service for cheaper/free that you might pay for elsewhere, running Windows, which also come with the bonus of a proper web browser. A cheap and cheerful machine will be able to do near silent operation and most things should be able to run sensible H264 and the likes of netflix.

If you only care about streaming xvid and scene style H264 around your home network (or from a powered hard drive) then a pi will do you proud. I have several of my own and with clients. The pi is not without a few internet streaming service options either -- http://www.maketecheasier.com/xbmc-addons-to-destroy-cable-bill/

ODROID I have not really played with and it is quite nice hardware from people I have spoken to, however nobody has it, fewer people make cases for them, addons for them (some of which you can even buy in real life), use them as a test base for the software... if you want a fire and forget media player for your parents and want a hope of being able to find a 5 minute copy and paste fix then go pi. If you need all the power you can get for the watts and your "well I could have purchased a game instead" money then maybe look around for a different dev board option.

 

[Kayot]

My Raspberry died due to bad SD slot design. Looks like they fixed it this time around. It's metal now.

Edit: Wish I could boot it through USB.

 

[bkifft]

Is that like the time the original revision would work on 500mA in as much as it would technically boot but the stability would increase so much if you stuck a power supply into it that capable of suffering a 600mA draw?

Quite so. IIRC USB 2 spec requires the host to offer 500 mA at 5V. Per port. Times four gets you to 2A. In other words: The Pi itself doesn't need any power at all!

Does anyone have any good options? I'd like to run XBMC easy, so they can use it without having me intervene. From what I see, the Pi is slow, but I think the Pi2 should run everything smoothly. If that really is the best option, does anyone know where I can pick up a Pi2 shipped to Canada cheap? Element14 jacked their prices up to $20 flat

Pi all the way every day (at least as long as the TV can decode dts via HDMI, else the Pi 2 should be beefy enough do to it now), I'm running 6 as media center here (yes, we've got a butload TVs) and they are handling 1080p and HD DVB-S2 without a hitch.

No matter what you decide on, don't overlook the controll interface: IR remote? Bluetooth? App? (Pi handles all)

My Raspberry died due to bad SD slot design. Looks like they fixed it this time around. It's metal now.

Edit: Wish I could boot it through USB.

In case just those fricking slim plastic tabs holding the card in broke off you can just superglue a piece of plastic (e.g. old credit card) over the whole slot.

Works like a charm.

See http://raspi.tv/2012/how-to-fix-a-broken-sd-card-slot-on-your-raspberry-pi for pictures (not mine)

 

[cracker]

I'm going to have to order an ODROID, Pi 2 and Beaglebone Black now! I never saw the ODROID before when looking through dev boards. It is impressive for the price and Android support adds a lot of value for me. Likewise, Windows on a Pi is mindblowing.

Too bad there is a backorder on the Pi 2 but luckily I didn't order a B+ right before they were launched.

 

[FAST6191]

I'm going to have to order an ODROID, Pi 2 and Beaglebone Black now!

I can understand having a variety of things from the likes of the arduino to full on FPGA dev kits back to the likes of the teensy++ and onwards to whatever alterra and co are doing for CPLDs these days, however having three almost minicomputer boards seems like something you would really want to have a reason to have.

 

[cracker]

Well you know me, FAST. I love my electronics. I'm going to have to find a repurpose for RPi B already. If nothing else, I'm sure a family member wouldn't mind a decent video player to replace a poor excuse for a BR/media player.

 

[FAST6191]

Well they have been everything from PBXs to shop signs/internal advertising/display (my latest uses for them -- http://www.sixteen-nine.net/2013/12/13/10-slices-raspberry-pi-digital-signage/ ), and on the media player thing it is likely that they will probably die from hardware failure before the media standards properly change again.

I might even get around to doing some actual programming with one at some point.

 

[Dr Eggman]

I have not found my pis to be slow and they usually sport libraries up in the hundreds of films and TV shows.

Still if you are using a PS3 with all it does (which is not an awful lot) you might consider a roku box, possibly with some hacks. In the UK they have also been sold under the "nowTV" brand and you can stick a version of plex on there which is going to go toe to toe with most of that. http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/av-d...inute-hack-10-wireless-plex-media-player.html
If you have the right home network and the inclination then you will not beat the price there.

If you only care about streaming xvid and scene style H264 around your home network (or from a powered hard drive) then a pi will do you proud. I have several of my own and with clients. The pi is not without a few internet streaming service options either -- http://www.maketecheasier.com/xbmc-addons-to-destroy-cable-bill/

ODROID I have not really played with and it is quite nice hardware from people I have spoken to, however nobody has it, fewer people make cases for them, addons for them (some of which you can even buy in real life), use them as a test base for the software... if you want a fire and forget media player for your parents and want a hope of being able to find a 5 minute copy and paste fix then go pi. If you need all the power you can get for the watts and your "well I could have purchased a game instead" money then maybe look around for a different dev board option.

Thanks for all the info FAST, really helpful! I will check out the nowTV thing (note: I'm in Canada so it may not be viable lol). One thing you posted really caught my eye though - in the XBMC add ons article it mentions GENESIS - that's basically the entire reason I'm looking for something to run XBMC! I think a Pi 2 will suit my needs nicely. IIRC, it has a USB port / option too? They have a 2TB hard drive on which they keep movies, so if I can use that with the Pi, its a huge plus over any Android stick /etc. Really loving the small size, will fit nicely by the TV.

Pi all the way every day (at least as long as the TV can decode dts via HDMI, else the Pi 2 should be beefy enough do to it now), I'm running 6 as media center here (yes, we've got a butload TVs) and they are handling 1080p and HD DVB-S2 without a hitch.

No matter what you decide on, don't overlook the controll interface: IR remote? Bluetooth? App? (Pi handles all)

Could you elaborate on this DTS via HDMI? Is this an issue really? From what I know, most of the rips I download / stream use 2CH AAC or whatnot.. but then again I'm not really up to speed on this stuff.

Remotes are really important too - I have the PS3 media remote, maybe that can be repurposed? Otherwise I believe i'll have to buy one (no problem.) Any suggestions? (Keeping price low of course.) That being said I have a bluetooth keyboard already that I could repurpose too. I've also been recommended http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...-touch-keyboard-k400-920-003070/10177898.aspx by some family. Works well with an android box.

Any ideas of where to pick up a Pi 2 with reasonable shipping to Canada y'all?

 

[LightyKD]

I would hop on one of these small boards right now, IF there was a Chrome OS port for one of them.

 

[cracker]

I think a Pi 2 will suit my needs nicely. IIRC, it has a USB port / option too? They have a 2TB hard drive on which they keep movies, so if I can use that with the Pi, its a huge plus over any Android stick /etc. Really loving the small size, will fit nicely by the TV.

Could you elaborate on this DTS via HDMI? Is this an issue really? From what I know, most of the rips I download / stream use 2CH AAC or whatnot.. but then again I'm not really up to speed on this stuff.

Remotes are really important too - I have the PS3 media remote, maybe that can be repurposed? Otherwise I believe i'll have to buy one (no problem.) Any suggestions? (Keeping price low of course.) That being said I have a bluetooth keyboard already that I could repurpose too. I've also been recommended http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...-touch-keyboard-k400-920-003070/10177898.aspx by some family. Works well with an android box.

Any ideas of where to pick up a Pi 2 with reasonable shipping to Canada y'all?

Yeah the Pi will suit your needs. If you need MPEG2 and/or VC1 (WMV) playback you need to get the licenses from the RPi store. Get a 2+A power supply for it. You can get pretty much any generic BT single to connect your PS3 remote to. Instructions are here. If you have an Android device then I highly recommend Yatse. It is a remote as well as a streaming server and can be used to fling videos to the player from YouTube and other sites that plugins are installed for. You can even pause the viewing on your TV and continue watching it on your Android device if you need to change rooms (read: bathroom watching).

You're right about DTS. Really only BluRay or DVD rips use it and most people don't want to fill their drives with them when the reencoded versions at a fraction of the size yield such high quality.

You really can only get the Pi from element14/Newark (which is now being outsourced to MCM Electronics?) or Adafruit when they are able to get them in stock. MCM seems to do flat rate shipping only as the cheapest option (courier -> USPS) was 15.99USD and regular mail was 17.99USD.

 

[bkifft]

IIRC, it has a USB port / option too? They have a 2TB hard drive on which they keep movies, so if I can use that with the Pi, its a huge plus over any Android stick /etc. Really loving the small size, will fit nicely by the TV.

Yes, newer Pis got 4 USB 2.0 Ports. Powerhungry USB devices (like some but not all USB WLAN solutions) should be powered by their own supplies or a powered USB hub though, thumbdrives and 2" drives will work just fine when plugged into the Pi directly. And some ppl mount their Pi at the back of the TV, e.g. if it offers Vesa mounting holes.

Could you elaborate on this DTS via HDMI? Is this an issue really? From what I know, most of the rips I download / stream use 2CH AAC or whatnot.. but then again I'm not really up to speed on this stuff.

Like cracker already said: mostly only the HD stuff comes with DTS audio. But quite a few ppl claim they can't live with "low res 780p crap" anymore and are only watching 5GB+ movies *shrug*. Just wanted to mention that the old Pi's struggled with decoding it, unless your TV got it's own DTS decoder (which modern middle price class TVs all have) in which case the Pi can just forward the DTS compressed audio stream.
edit: Also some HD streams (DVB as well as IP) offer DTS.

Remotes are really important too - I have the PS3 media remote, maybe that can be repurposed? Otherwise I believe i'll have to buy one (no problem.) Any suggestions? (Keeping price low of course.) That being said I have a bluetooth keyboard already that I could repurpose too. I've also been recommended http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...-touch-keyboard-k400-920-003070/10177898.aspx by some family. Works well with an android box.

As you mentioned it will be for your parents it really depends on their tech affinity. Mine just couldn't handle YATSE (even though they both use their tablets every day) so I needed to equip their Pis with physical IR remotes (One4All, set up for the TV and the Pi). Big downside of that is the missing alphanumerical input, meaning they have to use cursor keys to enter text (like when searching for youtube videos). YATSE offers a virtual keyboard btw.

And one final caveat: While XBMC offers the basic functionality out of the box some more advanced usage cases can still be quite fiddly, like remapping keys on a remote (which has to be done via config files).

 

[DjoeN]

The only reason for me to update to pi2 is Windows10
My old pi (model B) will be used for something else then (dedicated homepass for 3ds)

I only used my pi for xbmc on the tv upstairs, downstairs i have an old appletv2 (no xbmc support anymore) and a chromecast (plex/youtube streaming)
The Pi2 will replace the appletv2 and i hope more used then only Kodi

 

[freestile]

I want to get one of these. This will be my first introduction to one, but I've been looking into it for a while. I wanta complete package or something that I can plug into the hdmi in my tv and go. Especially one that can run/upgrade to windows 10.

Wouldn't mind having ubuntu, bu I already run that on my mbp. I guess just whatever ones the newest one. Anybody have any suggestions on a certain one to get, or where, and which package to buy?? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[elunesgrace]

I'm going to sound like an idiot, but I have heard of these things but run into too much jargon.

CAn this function well as an HTPC with say XMBC (Kodi)? What else do I need to actually build one?