Hi....As nice as the Chromecast is? Yeah, not an ideal option.. Similarly, with an HTPC, you'll need a significantly expensive model to match the media playing performance of a sub-RM300 Android TV Box. I'd recommend getting a box that ships with pure Android TV OS rather than the normal Android or a themed one. Typically, I'd also recommend the Xiaomi Mi Box S, but since you prefer it wired (I do too..always), it best to skip that.. next up would be either the recently released Google & Netflix certified Mecool KM2 or if your TV already supports Netflix and or you don't need it? Consider the "older" &slightly cheaper Google certified Mecool KM1 Deluxe (no official Netflix certification here). Android TV OS UI is super easy to use and you can further customize it for your kids, so only the safe stuff is displayed on the homescreen. Even if for some reason, you do not like the default launcher, There are other ATV OS-compatible launchers you can install. You can watch my review below to find out how well it works...got timestamps n everything for convenience... And I can guarantee that it ticks all 5 of your concerns.