Anyone using the Kaleidescape system?

[Indydan]

I currently stream movies and TV shows with an Apple TV 4K. I do not want to start a physical disc collection (again),

I was looking at the Kaleidescape devices. I honestly would have already bought one, if it wasn't for the eye watering prices!

I cannot demo one nearby, so I would like opinions on the system. Is anyone using this system? Is it really a big leap in picture and sound quality, over streaming?

My display is a 77 inch LG C6H.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I won't recommend it. Too expensive and too limited. I'm running a Plex server. They did recently jack up the Pass price, but it's still somewhat sane for the 5-year option. Alternatively, you could go with a 100% free Jellyfin, but remote sharing/streaming is much more limited with it.
Look up YT for tutorials on installing such systems. A few years ago, I'd recommend Nvidia Shield TV Pro (for Plex both client AND server), but it's kinda old now, and without plans to update it, i can't recommend it now.

Maybe this inexpensive NAS - UGREEN NASync DXP2800. It has a decent CPU - N100.
It could be a decent Plex server. 2 bays - you must run disk mirroring (raid1) - ie: 2 x 10 TB drives = 10 TB usable space.

UGREEN NASync DXP2800 | 2-Bay Intel N100 NAS with 2.5GbE

Build a private home cloud with no monthly fees. The diskless DXP2800 stores up to 80TB, backs up family photos, and streams 4K media over 2.5GbE.

ai.ugreen.com

 

[dolynick]

It's been discussed a few times here lately.

I think the general opinion is that the service and quality is good but the hardware prices are just too painfully high.

By numbers, the improvement over streaming quality is signficant. Both in the video bitrates and on the audio side. I believe you are also getting a more proper version of Atmos as the I think the streaming version is pretty barebones. Whether or not you'll actually notice that probably depends on the content and the viewer. My hot take is that the average person probably won't notice but the enthusiast might.

If you do pursue one, you're probably going to want an internet connection with 1Gbps down or higher too. Less will work but it will be less on-demand and require more planning ahead.