Android/Dream Box [ Illegal discussion = Ban ]

corks finest

rob316 wrote: »

I'd rate the new chromecast as good as the shield to be honest.

Joking?????? Mustn't have had or seen the Shield in action, no comparison, I'm v surprised tbh

Nowso

corks finest wrote: »

Joking?????? Mustn't have had or seen the Shield in action, no comparison, I'm v surprised tbh

if your just using it for tv streaming etc and not games it compares well

Wanderer78

any recommendations for homeplugs?

phily2002

My Chinese Android box is on its last legs. Looking for something new for Netflix, prime and disney(doesn't work at all on current box) to run in HD.
Not mad on fire sticks, what's the best android option that people recommend?
Thanks

coldfire1x

Get the new chromecast with Google Tv if you dont want those android boxes.

If you have money to burn - Nvidia Shield.

phily2002

coldfire1x wrote: »

Get the new chromecast with Google Tv if you dont want those android boxes.

If you have money to burn - Nvidia Shield.

Don't mind the android boxes, they do the trick, I like having it wired as well.
Is nvidia shield the only option for hd or would any of the new chinese ones work?

Nowso

phily2002 wrote: »

Don't mind the android boxes, they do the trick, I like having it wired as well.
Is nvidia shield the only option for hd or would any of the new chinese ones work?

you can get an ethernet adapter for the new chromecast

rob316

phily2002 wrote: »

My Chinese Android box is on its last legs. Looking for something new for Netflix, prime and disney(doesn't work at all on current box) to run in HD.
Not mad on fire sticks, what's the best android option that people recommend?
Thanks

new Chromecast is really good. Shield is the best, I have mine a couple year and it has never ever crashed on me.

Suckit

phily2002 wrote: »

Don't mind the android boxes, they do the trick, I like having it wired as well.
Is nvidia shield the only option for hd or would any of the new chinese ones work?

Apart from the ones mentioned, these also have Google TV and the correct licences (All can be searched on hagglezon, or chinese sites) for Netflix etc.

Mi TV Stick (1080p HD)
Mi Box S (4K)
Ematic SRT202 / Engel EN1015K (4K)
The Mecool KM (1, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9) series pretty much all have Google TV, but no 'official' Netflix HD app yet, but they are available to get.

Most or all other android boxes can play them in HD through MediaPlayers like Kodi, but I am not sure how stable they are.

jj880

Bought a H96 max box last year. Fecking thing wont boot now. Stuck on android loading animation and restoring the firmware fails on reading the maskrom. According to h96 support website FAQs this means the storage memory is faulty but they wont reply to me on whatsapp or email with any support for the box.

Not sure what my options are. I bought it on geekbuying.com. Very disappointing.

Suckit

jj880 wrote: »

Bought a H96 max box last year. Fecking thing wont boot now. Stuck on android loading animation and restoring the firmware fails on reading the maskrom. According to h96 support website FAQs this means the storage memory is faulty but they wont reply to me on whatsapp or email with any support for the box.

Not sure what my options are. I bought it on geekbuying.com. Very disappointing.

Have you tried this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMP5lceviZM

jj880

Suckit wrote: »

Have you tried this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMP5lceviZM

Thanks for that. I saw that video but haven't tried it. I assumed that was if your box was completely bricked and not detected by the firmware restoring software via usb. I have done the same process without the tweezers as the box is detected by my PC on usb. Doesnt even get to the erase stage which makes me think the memory is fecked. See error attached.

I have opened a ticket with geekbuying. I will see what they say. If they dont help me then I will try shorting with tweezers. Nothing to lose at that stage.

Wanderer78

any recommendations for a box with android tv and ethernet, budget 50-100?

Wanderer78

Wanderer78 wrote: »

any recommendations for a box with android tv and ethernet, budget 50-100?

You can get an Ethernet adapter for less than 15 quid. I use one with a Mibox S. Try Banggood

Wanderer78

Deleted User wrote: »

You can get an Ethernet adapter for less than 15 quid. I use one with a Mibox S. Try Banggood

i think id prefer to have ethernet on the box, oh and preferably from euro warehouse?

Nowso

Wanderer78 wrote: »

any recommendations for a box with android tv and ethernet, budget 50-100?

chromecast with google tv and ethernet adapter better set up to use ethernet than mi box

Wanderer78

Nowso wrote: »

chromecast with google tv and ethernet adapter

debating this to, is there any advantages over having the chromecast over a box?

Wanderer78

Wanderer78 wrote: »

debating this to, is there any advantages over having the chromecast over a box?

The new Chromecast has the full Android TV GUI and a remote, there's no difference now

Wanderer78

Wanderer78 wrote: »

i think id prefer to have ethernet on the box, oh and preferably from euro warehouse?

Banggood is in Euro and ships from Czech Republic. I ordered a Xiaomi Android TV there last weekend, 83c shipping, due on Monday 6 working days!

https://m.banggood.com/Xiaomi-Mi-TV-4A-32-Inch-Voice-Control-5G-WIFI-bluetooth-4_2-HD-Android-Smart-TV-International-ES-Version-p-1622000.html?akmClientCountry=IE&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=cpc_organic&utm_medium=cpc_bgcs&gmcCountry=IE&utm_content=minha&utm_content=haosen&utm_campaign=minha-ieg-en-mb&utm_campaign=haosen-ssc-ieg-newcustom-ncv65-all-0821&currency=EUR&cur_warehouse=CZ&createTmp=1&ad_id=458534751507&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7NKBBhDBARIsAHbXCB4xjCwy9dqE1RVIsBbVsNTsTPY5n-aDRFgZFn5NdOO9HjRxHSAh4pEaAi9WEALw_wcB

6541

Does anyone know is it possible to side load an old vodafone set top box ?

Nowso

Wanderer78 wrote: »

debating this to, is there any advantages over having the chromecast over a box?

built in google assistant , still getting updates supported by google . only advantage a box would have is a pointer on some apps ive bbc i player itv - usually uk only and all 4 not a android tv app added to mine . if i need them

baingal nancer

Nowso wrote: »

built in google assistant , still getting updates supported by google . only advantage a box would have is a pointer on some apps ive bbc i player itv - usually uk only and all 4 not a android tv app added to mine . if i need them

Does the new chromecast tv come with ethernet adapter or bought separate, thinking of getting one to replace old android box

xlogo

Wanderer78 wrote:

any recommendations for a box with android tv and ethernet, budget 50-100?

Got one of these a few weeks ago and no issues with it..

Engel EN1015K 8 GB

Got it from AliExpress and it shipped from Italy but Google might get it elsewhere.

Wanderer78

baingal nancer wrote: »

Does the new chromecast tv come with ethernet adapter or bought separate, thinking of getting one to replace old android box

separate

Nowso

baingal nancer wrote: »

Does the new chromecast tv come with ethernet adapter or bought separate, thinking of getting one to replace old android box

seperate adapter for 20 euro that google sell . its a power plug you plug the ethernet into , have one and it works good

Suckit

The Engel EN1015K is also called the Jetstream in U.S. or Ematic.
It's on amazon Spain, currently around €73 delivered.
Or on (Never heard of them before last night) BigBuy for €54.99 with these shipping options (They also take paypal so any purchased should be covered).

basill

If you type in Android TV box into Amazon or eBay you will get hundreds of hits. The better ones will be 4k and have a decent storage capacity. They come with Google playstore, netflix, YouTube, Amazon prime etc as standard and you can sideload any APK you wish.

Tom Mann Centuria

basill wrote: »

If you type in Android TV box into Amazon or eBay you will get hundreds of hits. The better ones will be 4k and have a decent storage capacity. They come with Google playstore, netflix, YouTube, Amazon prime etc as standard and you can sideload any APK you wish.

I'd add make sure it's certified for Netflix or you'll be left with 480p as best resolution regardless. Some 4k android boxes won't play Netflix beyond that resolution.

Suckit

I would also want to make sure it has decent firmware etc..
Although I also wouldn't sign into google play store on any of those ones.
I think Netflix comes on all of them but as mentioned, you need widevine L3 for full HD, although there are mods floating around.

Nowso

Suckit wrote: »

I would also want to make sure it has decent firmware etc..
Although I also wouldn't sign into google play store on any of those ones.
I think Netflix comes on all of them but as mentioned, you need widevine L3 for full HD, although there are mods floating around.

Just make up a google account for the box and use the playstore and sideload the others

Suckit

Nowso wrote: »

Just make up a google account for the box and use the playstore and sideload the others

Easier to just use Aurora. Google locking down and freezing accounts now too.

.red.

Suckit wrote: »

Easier to just use Aurora. Google locking down and freezing accounts now too.

What for?
I've a family email address set up and both my boxes are signed into that. Handy if I pay for an app as it works on both.

Suckit

.red. wrote: »

What for?
I've a family email address set up and both my boxes are signed into that. Handy if I pay for an app as it works on both.

I am referring to the Firmware that (usually) comes on the cheaper boxes.
I would change the firmware and sign in no bother, but I would most likely use another account.
I haven't any paid for apps from the play store on a box anyway. The only paid would be subscription apps (netflix, amazon etc.) that don't require play store.
The box I am using I have nothing at all on it except Tivimate and one other app.
Signed up for Tivimate on phone.

wally1990

Suckit wrote: »

I am referring to the Firmware that (usually) comes on the cheaper boxes.
I would change the firmware and sign in no bother, but I would most likely use another account.
I haven't any paid for apps from the play store on a box anyway. The only paid would be subscription apps (netflix, amazon etc.) that don't require play store.
The box I am using I have nothing at all on it except Tivimate and one other app.
Signed up for Tivimate on phone.

Also highly recommend tivimate !!

Great great piece of tech for IPTV and well worth the 5quid

Wanderer78

wally1990 wrote: »

Also highly recommend tivimate !!

Great great piece of tech for IPTV and well worth the 5quid

second that, best app ive found so far(

freebie available on the tinternets also, if you dont mind using an older version

)

muffler

I see the NVidia Shield 4K device for sale on Amazon for £129. I ran it through the checkout and its showing as €154.77 delivered - you need a Prime account.

Hope thats a bargain and someone might avail of it.

BandMember

muffler wrote: »

I see the NVidia Shield 4K device for sale on Amazon for £129. I ran it through the checkout and its showing as €154.77 delivered - you need a Prime account.

Hope thats a bargain and someone might avail of it.

That's not the Pro version though - it's a "Lite" version that doesn't have the full specs or capability of the Pro. The version you linked can usually be picked up on a deal somewhere, the Pro is never on sale. That should tell you all you need to know.

Wanderer78

BandMember wrote:

That's not the Pro version though - it's a "Lite" version that doesn't have the full specs or capability of the Pro. The version you linked can usually be picked up on a deal somewhere, the Pro is never on sale. That should tell you all you need to know.

Was close to buying it myself, perfectly suits my needs, but the design is a little off putting, have two old boxes on the way to me today, so gonna sit on it

Irish Gunner

Just looking for views on a back up Android

I have Nvidia shield and I use this for Streaming etc and very good

However I have been kicked into office to watch football etc on PC. Now looking at getting second TV and add a Android Box for apps etc for streaming

I have a Firestick in the In laws house so not sure if this would do or is there a better option (dont want to get another shield) .Have office hard wired and looking at getting Network switch so can hard wire Android box / firestick

So what are the best options?

DopeTech

Irish Gunner wrote: »

Just looking for views on a back up Android

I have Nvidia shield and I use this for Streaming etc and very good

However I have been kicked into office to watch football etc on PC. Now looking at getting second TV and add a Android Box for apps etc for streaming

I have a Firestick in the In laws house so not sure if this would do or is there a better option (dont want to get another shield) .Have office hard wired and looking at getting Network switch so can hard wire Android box / firestick

So what are the best options?

If you have decent wifi a Chromecast with Google Tv will do the job nicely.

Just don't waste your money on anything that doesn't run official Android TV OS as the cheaper boxes can only play netflix in 480p

Irish Gunner

DopeTech wrote: »

If you have decent wifi a Chromecast with Google Tv will do the job nicely.

Just don't waste your money on anything that doesn't run official Android TV OS as the cheaper boxes can only play netflix in 480p

Can you hardwire a Chromecast and side load apps onto it?

Asking but googling question also

Had a Minix U1 box and that's still going in Parents house but as Android updates etc to currently 11 cannot do it on this box. So looking for one that will get regular updates but can side load etc. Dont want to root it just something simple and can be hardwired

Wanderer78

Irish Gunner wrote: »

Can you hardwire a Chromecast and side load apps onto it?

Asking but googling question also

Had a Minix U1 box and that's still going in Parents house but as Android updates etc to currently 11 cannot do it on this box. So looking for one that will get regular updates but can side load etc. Dont want to root it just something simple and can be hardwired

yup, ethernet adapter, bobs your uncle, very tempted to get one myself, know someone with both firestick and chromecast, said cast is far superior

Nowso

Wanderer78 wrote: »

yup, ethernet adapter, bobs your uncle, very tempted to get one myself, know someone with both firestick and chromecast, said cast is far superior

with apps like wifi file anaylser you can load apps from laptop or phone

.red.

Irish Gunner wrote: »

Had a Minix U1 box and that's still going in Parents house but as Android updates etc to currently 11 cannot do it on this box. So looking for one that will get regular updates but can side load etc. Dont want to root it just something simple and can be hardwired

I've got 2 Minix U1's and they're both still working fine after 4 years of use.
I've one particular app that I use from time to time that's very CPU heavy. The box lags when it's running in the background but as soon as I turn off the app the box is perfect again.
They're both on Android 5 (I think) and I see no need to upgrade them while they're working as they are. I've yet to find anything that the lack of updates hinders.

Irish Gunner

.red. wrote: »

I've got 2 Minix U1's and they're both still working fine after 4 years of use.
I've one particular app that I use from time to time that's very CPU heavy. The box lags when it's running in the background but as soon as I turn off the app the box is perfect again.
They're both on Android 5 (I think) and I see no need to upgrade them while they're working as they are. I've yet to find anything that the lack of updates hinders.

Yeah have 2 both rooted and marshmallow installed. Both used for steaming and iptv and one with in laws other with parents both using a2 lite remote.

Want something to hide behind tv

I like the chromecast but is there any recommendations for a usb c hub for extra memory and for ethernet connection.

yabadabado

BandMember wrote: »

That's not the Pro version though - it's a "Lite" version that doesn't have the full specs or capability of the Pro. The version you linked can usually be picked up on a deal somewhere, the Pro is never on sale. That should tell you all you need to know.

I have the Pro but honestly don't think the lite is much of a step down .

*Before anyone mentions it ,I know it's not called lite !

DopeTech

Irish Gunner wrote: »

Yeah have 2 both rooted and marshmallow installed. Both used for steaming and iptv and one with in laws other with parents both using a2 lite remote.

Want something to hide behind tv

I like the chromecast but is there any recommendations for a usb c hub for extra memory and for ethernet connection.

Just curious, if it's for streaming and iptv what do you need additional storage for? A chromecast with google tv would be the ideal solution for this.

Irish Gunner

DopeTech wrote: »

Just curious, if it's for streaming and iptv what do you need additional storage for? A chromecast with google tv would be the ideal solution for this.

I have a few kids programs i downloaded that I can attach to a drive and when Daddy is allowed look at the football on the Big tv kids can look at kids stuff on spare tv...that's the plan but don't think i will be allowed look at big TV:rolleyes:

Just wonder if TV will power Chromecast (need to buy spare TV also) and need ethernet option to hard wire it up

Wanderer78

Irish Gunner wrote: »

I have a few kids programs i downloaded that I can attach to a drive and when Daddy is allowed look at the football on the Big tv kids can look at kids stuff on spare tv...that's the plan but don't think i will be allowed look at big TV:rolleyes:

Just wonder if TV will power Chromecast (need to buy spare TV also) and need ethernet option to hard wire it up

tv should have no problem running chromecast, as its powered by ethernet adapter

DopeTech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA92NW6nPHk

https://store.google.com/ie/product/chromecast_google_tv