Cheap android tablet as a network media streamer?

[ikkoku]

So my current streaming media player has gone kaput.
Looking at alternatives, I was thinking if I use a cheap android tablet (kindle fire, nexus 7, etc) I think I can mount to my networked media server and play the video files and have hdmi video out to my HDTV. And as a bonus, my daughter has a tablet to play with on trips.

Trying to figure out how to go from here.

Basically, i need to be able to access networked pc via wifi-n, play rmvb files and hdmi out to my tv.

I can get a cheapie Chinese android based tvbox but if I can get a cheap 7" tablet, that'd be better.

Any suggestions?

I'm surprised/disappointed that the new google nexus tablet does not have hdmi nor does it support usb-mhl, so I guess that's out.



Also for you android fans, is GB2.3.4 more stable than ICS4.01?

[ikkoku]

figured it out.... will be sticking with my iPad.

found goodplayer for iPad and an hdmi adapter...

[Isthmus]

I was going to say that on android tablets local streaming abilities are not enabled. Like an ipad, you have to download an app for that. IIRC the app for iPad that did it for us was over $20. The android versions are cheaper.

[ikkoku]

Good player was $5 I believe but the adapter is over $20.

I'm also thinking about those android 4.0 tvbox media players you find on the bay for about $50-150

[fastward]

What about Roku?

[ikkoku]

What about Roku?

doesn't do RMVB

[ikkoku]

this is what I'm also looking at


http://www.ebay.com/itm/251088086909?ss ... 1423.l2649

or if you really want to slim down

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-HDMI-Andro ... 3cc86fe6c7