Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Android TV VS MediaPortal

Compare Android TV VS MediaPortal and see what are their differences

Android TV logo Android TV

Android TV is a version of Android made for TV's

MediaPortal logo MediaPortal

MediaPortal transforms your PC into a complete media solution. It runs on basic hardware, connects directly to your TV and displays your TV Series, Movies, Photos and Music in a much more dynamic way.
  • Android TV Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-10
  • MediaPortal Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-22

Android TV features and specs

  • Extensive App Library
    Android TV supports a wide range of applications from the Google Play Store, providing access to a vast array of streaming services, games, and utilities.
  • Google Assistant Integration
    Android TV comes with built-in Google Assistant, allowing users to control their TV, search for content, and manage smart home devices using voice commands.
  • Chromecast Built-in
    Android TV includes Chromecast functionality, enabling users to cast content from their Android devices or Chrome browser directly to their TV.
  • Customization
    Android TV allows users to customize the interface, including the home screen layout and app settings, to better suit their preferences and needs.
  • Regular Updates
    Being part of the Android ecosystem, Android TV receives regular updates and security patches, keeping the system secure and up-to-date with the latest features.

Possible disadvantages of Android TV

  • Device Fragmentation
    The Android TV platform is available on various devices from different manufacturers, which can lead to inconsistencies in performance and user experience.
  • Hardware Limitations
    Some lower-end Android TV devices may have limited processing power and storage, affecting the performance and capability of running more demanding applications and games.
  • Learning Curve
    Compared to more simplified TV operating systems, Android TV can be more complex to navigate and set up, potentially posing a challenge for less tech-savvy users.
  • App Compatibility
    Not all apps available on the mobile Google Play Store are optimized for Android TV, which can limit the availability of certain apps and features.
  • Ad-Supported Content
    Some Android TV interfaces include recommendations and advertisements, which can detract from the user experience for those who prefer an ad-free environment.

MediaPortal features and specs

  • Open Source
    MediaPortal is an open-source project, which means it is free to use and users can contribute to its development. This encourages a community-driven approach to improvements and bug fixes.
  • Customizability
    MediaPortal offers a high degree of customizability with numerous plugins and skins, allowing users to tailor the media center experience to their preferences.
  • Comprehensive Media Management
    It provides robust features for managing various types of media, including TV shows, movies, music, and photos, offering a centralized platform for media consumption.
  • Live TV and DVR Support
    MediaPortal supports live TV viewing, recording, and time-shifting, allowing users to turn their PC into a fully featured DVR.
  • Multiple Tuner Support
    The software supports multiple TV tuners, enabling users to record multiple channels simultaneously or watch one channel while recording another.

Possible disadvantages of MediaPortal

  • Windows-Only
    MediaPortal is only available for Windows operating systems, limiting its use for users who prefer macOS or Linux environments.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive features and customization options, new users might find MediaPortal complex to set up and configure initially.
  • Hardware Requirements
    Running MediaPortal effectively can require a significant amount of system resources, meaning that older or low-powered systems might struggle with performance.
  • Less Frequent Updates
    Compared to some commercial software, updates and new features might be less frequent, depending on the contributions from the community.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some users may encounter compatibility issues with certain plugins or hardware, requiring additional troubleshooting to resolve.

Analysis of MediaPortal

Overall verdict

  • MediaPortal is a good option for users seeking a customizable media center application on the Windows platform. With an active user community and regular updates, it remains a solid choice for tech-savvy users looking for a free alternative to commercial media center software.

Why this product is good

  • MediaPortal is a versatile open-source media center software built for Windows. It allows users to manage and play various media types, including music, videos, and photos, and provides functionalities such as live TV, recording, and weather updates. Its customizable interface and vast array of plugins make it a flexible choice for users who like to tailor their media experience to their preferences.

Recommended for

  • Users who prefer customizable media experiences.
  • Windows users seeking a free alternative to commercial media centers.
  • Tech-savvy individuals who enjoy setting up and optimizing software.
  • Those interested in integrating live TV and recording capabilities into their media center.

Android TV videos

Android TV - Is it better than Smart TVs in 2020 ? 4k TV Apps Reviews, TV Comparison and TV Guide

More videos:

  • Review - Hisense H8F Quick Look - Best 4K Android TV for the price!
  • Review - Review: 2019 Hisense H8F Android TV 4K HDR With Dolby Vision & HDR 10

MediaPortal videos

Review: MediaPortal a great FREE replacement for Windows Media Center. Free DVR on Winwods.

More videos:

  • Tutorial - MediaPortal 2 How To Download & Install | KODI Home Media Center Alternative
  • Review - MediaPortal Review ● HTPC Media Player ● Thermaltake Nvidia Intel HD Unboxing ● Smart TV Conversion!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Android TV and MediaPortal)
Video
48 48%
52% 52
Media Player
51 51%
49% 49
Media Players And Streaming Platforms
Watch Movies Online
57 57%
43% 43

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Android TV and MediaPortal

Android TV Reviews

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MediaPortal Reviews

10 Best Kodi Alternatives You Should Use (2023)
MediaPortal is the best alternative to Kodi for windows. It will convert your pc into a complete media solution. This app allows a lot of customization, like skins and plug-ins. It also features live TV record and streaming of video from the connected pc.
Source: techdator.net
15 Best Plex Alternatives [2022] – FREE and BETTER Options
MediaPortal is a free Plex alternative and complete media solution optimized for Windows. Hundreds of plugins and skins allow you to personalize your experience with the MediaPortal Configuration program. MediaPortal plugins are fully intergrated and installing skins is easy using MPEI, the MediaPortal Extensions Manager.
Top 10 Alternatives to Plex Media Server
MediaPortal is a single platform media solution that transforms the multimedia data of the PC into a personalized media solution. It basically runs on the basic digital hardware and connects the PC directly to the PC, and the users can explore the multimedia files on TV right from the PC. That is the way of working of MediaPortal.
Source: www.easefab.com
8 Best Plex Alternatives to Set Up Your Own Media Server
It also has plenty of built-in features and can show you the current weather and the latest news. MediaPortal also allows you to watch and record live TV, group your channels, view the TV guide, etc. Listing all of its features would be a chore in itself. And keep in mind that for all the flexibility and features, you don’t have to pay anything.
Source: mashtips.com
Alternatives to Plex: an overview of the best media centers
In February 2014, Erwin Becker launched the GPL-licensed open source programMediaPortal, which is now managed by the MediaPortal team. A core feature of MediaPortal is that it supports TV cards so that you can watch TV through your media center. Additionally, the free-of-charge Plex alternative combines FM and internet radio with TV stations, information services (weather,...
Source: www.ionos.com

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Android TV and MediaPortal, you can also consider the following products

Kodi - Kodi is an award winning free and open source media player that got its start on the Xbox console.

OSMC - OSMC is a free and open source media center built for the people, by the people.

Emby - media server for personal streaming movies tv music photos in mobile app or browser for all devices android iOS windows phone appletv androidtv smarttv and dlna.

Universal Media Server - Universal Media Server allows you to host your entire library of video, music, and pictures, and broadcast them conveniently to a wide variety of different devices.

Stremio - Watch videos, movies, TV series and TV channels instantly.

JRiver Media Center - Home · Download · Purchase · Support · Company. Share? The Most Comprehensive Media Software · The best choice for seamless audio, image, television, & video. Overview.