Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is now available - 4K/60Hz playback supported - CINERA

This site is best viewed in a modern browser with JavaScript enabled.

Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is now available - 4K/60Hz playback supported

Luke_T

https://www.engadget.com/2019/06/24/raspberry-pi-4-model-b/

More specs here: https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/raspberry-pi-4-b,6193.html

This is an exciting development for those of us who want a really low cost, low-profile media player to use with our Cinera. It is powered via a USB-C cable and requires 3amps/5v, so I believe it could be run from a portable battery (no need for mains), though I have no idea how long it could run for off an average 20,000mAh portable battery.

I understand that the Pi 4 is also capable of running as a mini PC under Windows 10.

Impressive stuff!!

BFGimP

I have mine arriving next week. I ordered the 4gb model as time and again the lack of ram has been what held back other single board computers i have tested with regard to video playback.

None of the features we need are there yet however. Currently it is strictly linux. The main issue being driver support for all OS(Linux/Android/Windows). Kodi will also not have full support until the next major update end of 2019 or early 2020. That being said the pi community is one of the most active so i expect great things in the next 3 months or so. and once kodi has the hevc hardware support this will be a great portable player that is way better than the included hardware.

Luke_T

BFGimP I've gone for the 4Gb version as well. I should have mine tomorrow...

As you say, with the initial release of a new model, there is usually an early delay while the software support catches up. I look forward to when the RP4 is fully supported and operational.

ZpaulZ

Interesting I am sitting here wondering when one of you are going to remove the motherboard from the Cinera and replace it with one of these Raspberry Pi devices?

Luke_T

ZpaulZ It is certainly clear that the components used in Cinera can now be inexpensively upgraded with higher-perfomance replacements.

One issue Rasp Pi 4 currently suffers from is running very hot. A firmware update was released to better manage it, but the Pi really needs a fan/heat sink combo to avoid overheating and throttling performance while playing back 4K video over an extended period. That alone will make it impractical to try to insert one into a Cinera headset.

I personally believe that the best approach is to leave the headset as a basic output device (like the LUCI Immers) and only offer portable media playing capability in the form of a tethered device (like Goovis do) or an optional 3rd-party device, like a premium mobile phone. Any built-in playback component/functionality will only add to the overall cost of the headset (which should all be focused on the visual display quality/performance), while limiting the ability of future-proofing.

Horst

Luke_T It is certainly clear that the components used in Cinera can now be inexpensively upgraded with higher-perfomance replacements.

I don't think the raspberry can be easily exchanged with the motherboard, because the raspberry doesn't have the required interfaces, only HDMI. For this 2 adapters HDMI -> MIPI would be necessary. Not to mention the necessary software to play a 3D stream.

Peter

Luke_T I personally believe that the best approach is to leave the headset as a basic output device (like the LUCI Immers)

the maximum resolution can be achieved economically is 1080p, which is not sufficient for near eye display. We would want that as well and have evaluated possibility several times...

ZpaulZ

Good day Peter. Is there any chance for a firmware update in the near future to finally correct the shuddering playback issues ?