Kodi began as XBMC, or Xbox Media Center, an open-source media player exclusively developed to run on the original Xbox. Now, Kodi runs arcoss a myriad of devices ranging from the Raspberry Pi to Android phones and tablets, streaming devices, smart TVs, and more. While you can spin up your own Kodi installation, the Vero 4K is a Kodi media center device ready to use out-of-the-box. A tiny streaming device, it saves you from any do-it-yourself (DIY) Kodi installation aside from installing apps. Find out why the OSMC Vero 4K media streamer is a solid device for streaming and local file playback.
OSMC Vero 4K Specs and Build
The tiny Vero 4K boasts a quad-core 1.6GHz 64-bit processor mated to 16GB of eMMC storage and 2GB of DDR3 RAM. For additional storage, there’s a microSD card slot as well as a pair of USB 2.0 ports. 802.11 ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 provide wireless networking, while Ethernet connectivity allows for a hardwired internet connection. There’s an HDMI output with CEC, and the OSMC Vero 4K, as the name suggests, handles 4K video resolutions with H.265 HDR10 processing. You’ll find a 3.5mm analog audio output as well as optical (SPDIF) audio out.
In the box, there’s the Vero 4K itself, a candybar style remote, and power cable. Additionally, OSMC throws in an HDMI cable, IR extender, and a mounting bracket for installation behind a TV or monitor.
OSMC Vero 4K specs:
- Quad-core 1.6Ghz 64-bit processor
- 2GB DDR3 RAM and 16GB eMMC storage
- Built-in 802.11 ac/n/g/b WiFi with Bluetooth 4.0
- IR and RF receiver
- 2x USB 2.0 ports
- micro SD card slot
- 3.5mm analog audio output
- Optical (SPDIF) audio output
- HDMI 2.0 with CEC (control your Vero 4K with your TV remote)
- Fast Ethernet
- 4K, H265, HDR10 ready
- Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 2cm / 3.5 x 3.5 x 0.75 inches
- Weight: 140 grams / 5 oz
OSMC Vero 4K Review: A Top-notch Legal Kodi Box
Firing up the OSMC Vero 4K, I was greeted by a pretty stock Kodi experience. The Debian Linux-based OSMC displays a quick flash of the command line at first boot, but otherwise you’d be hard-pressed to notice its Linux underpinnings. Instead, it’s a barebones Kodi OS, which is to say no add-ons come pre-installed. But installing Kodi add-ons for streaming media is incredibly simple. My first order of business was changing the resolution to 4096 x 2160. 4K visuals looked stunning on my Hisense H8F 4K panel.
Streaming 4K UHD Blu-ray rips from my Plex server, the Vero 4K handled image processing beautifully. Visuals proved lifelike and stunning. Aside from streaming from add-ons such as Plex and Netflix, I played a few movies, TV shows, and music files from both a networked media server as well as from a flash drive. Unsurprisingly, the Vero 4K handles playback perfectly. Part of Kodi’s brilliance is in its ability to run virtually any media file type thrown at it, and once again, it didn’t disappoint. Moreover, the Vero 4K’s hardware proved more than capable for even my most demanding 4K video files.
There’s only one potential and minor drawback which is the add-on experience. Certain streaming apps simply aren’t available. For instance, cord cutting services including YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and a handful of others aren’t available. The vast majority of Kodi add-ons are community built. Still, most of my favorite apps do feature functional apps. I installed Plex, Emby, Funimation, and Netflix on my Vero 4K. Disappointingly, OSMC Vero 4K Netflix is limited to 720p. But that’s a limitation of the add-on, not the Vero 4K.
Should You Buy the OSMC Vero 4K?
If you’re looking for a 4K-capable Kodi media player, the Vero 4K is a top choice. I was thrilled with OSMC Vero 4K Plex and Funimation performance in particular. On my 4K TV, colors were accurate and crisp, even when playing back 1080p and 720p content. Stepping up to 4K video playback yielded a jaw-droppingly gorgeous picture. Sure, you can install Kodi on a Raspberry Pi 4, Android TV streaming box, or even a PC, but the Vero 4K is ready to use off-the-shelf. And with its minuscule size, you could mount it behind a TV or monitor where it’s out of the way.
OSMC Vero 4K
Pros
- Legal Kodi box
- Excellent performance
- 4K capable
- Small footprint
- Easy to use
Cons
- No 4K Netflix
- Limited to Kodi OS
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