Using Raspberry Pi as Media Player

I've been using Raspberry Pi as my media player for more than 2 years now. The model that i used is Raspberry Pi 2 Model B.

It is an old model. But it is sufficient for me. Since I'm using it solely as Media Player. Plus it still can support the latest Kodi v17.6 codename "Krypton"

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Some might be wondering, what is Raspberry Pi. I'll try to explain it in the most simplest way that i could:

• Firstly, Raspberry Pi is a low cost, small sized compute box that you can plug in a monitor or TV, and uses a standard USB interfaced keyboard and mouse. You can also use Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for Raspberry Pi.

• You can purchase Raspberry Pi at Lazada or other online shop with price range RM170 - RM250, depending on model. Different model have different spec.

• It is a programmable device that you can use to explore computing, learn how to program in languages like Scratch and Python.

• It is not as powerful as a desktop computer, but it’s capable of doing what commonly a desktop computer can do such as browsing the internet, play high-definition video, doing spreadsheets & word-processing & you can play games on it (mostly are retro games)

• Now Rapsberry Pi is being used as IoT sensor that give it ability to interact with the outside worlds. Multiple project has been conduct such as music machines, weather stations, infra-red cameras and many more.

• Raspberry Pi are really easy to used and kids are using it to learn how to program.

I got to know about Raspberry when I have a POC for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, where I'm using Raspberry Pi as the Thin Client. I'm leveraging Windows Terminal Server on Raspberry as the OS for Thin Client.

The POC was a success, but too bad end-user does not proceed with the project. But it is ok, at least I got to explore new technology

Back to the main point of this post, I will explain how to make Raspberry Pi to be your home media player with few simple steps:

This is literally the setup that I have at my house

1st Step

• Make sure you have Raspberry Pi 2 or Raspberry Pi 3 ready
• Prepare Micro SD Card with at least 4GB of capacity
• Download Android OS for Raspberry Pi at this link: http://androidpi.wikia.com/wiki/Android_Pi_Wiki (scroll down until you see the download link)
• Download win32diskimager tool at https://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/files/

2nd Step

• Slot in Micro SD Card into your PC or notebook SD Card reader.

• Run win32diskimager tool, and click on folder icon. This will open file explorer. You need to select the Android OS downloaded at "Image File" & set Micro SD Card drive mount alphabet at "Device"

• after selecting the Android OS, click on "Write". It will prompt you a warning, just continue and wait until it is finished.

Step 3

• Unplug the Miccro SD Card from your PC or notebook, then plug it in Raspberry Pi Micro SD Card slot.

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• Plug in monitors, keyboard, mouse, and power source. Turn on the switch & you are ready to use Android on Raspberry Pi.

Step 4

• Open Google Play from your Raspberry Android, and download Media Player software such as KODI, ShowBox, Plex, XBMC, and many more to choose from.

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@rosmadirazali