Android/Dream Box [ Illegal discussion = Ban ]

threein99

Suckit wrote: »

I would probably go with the Xiaomi Mi Box of those three.

Italy Warehouse - https://www.geekbuying.com/item/-Official-International-Version--XIAOMI-Mi-Box-4K-H-265-Android-Box-387938.html

The Tanix TX2 is a great little box too , especially for the price. If you are not in a hurry you could get it from here.
https://www.lightinthebox.com/tx2-tv-box-quad-core-rk3229-2gb-16gb-wifi_p5978047.html

I would still probably go with the Xiaomi as it has Android TV.

The other two mentioned in the above post are here (but were just examples):
https://www.geekbuying.com/item/TANIX-TX9-PRO-KODI-17-3-3GB-32GB-TV-Box-391151.html
https://www.geekbuying.com/item/MECOOL-M8S-PRO-W-Android-7-1-S905W-2GB-16GB-TV-Box-391189.html

I like the sound of that Italy warehouse box. Do you have one of those ? But it doesnt seem to have an ethernet port

Suckit

threein99 wrote: »

I like the sound of that Italy warehouse box. Do you have one of those ? But it doesnt seem to have an ethernet port

I had one, stupidly lent it to my mother and there was no way i was getting it back

You can purchase an Ethernet to USB Adaptor https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Ethernet-Adapter-Nintendo-Chromebook/dp/B00MYT481C/
It has been mentioned that this one also works, but i have not tried it.

The Xiaomi Mi Box is one of only a few boxes that have Android TV.
I have since got another well documented one - the Nvidia Shield TV https://www.amazon.co.uk/NVIDIA-SHIELD-Media-Streaming-Device/dp/B01NBJ6KZY/

Nvidia Shield TV thread here
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057823443

threein99

Suckit wrote: »

I had one, stupidly lent it to my mother and there was no way i was getting it back

You can purchase an Ethernet to USB Adaptor https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Ethernet-Adapter-Nintendo-Chromebook/dp/B00MYT481C/
It has been mentioned that this one also works, but i have not tried it.

The Xiaomi Mi Box is one of only a few boxes that have Android TV.
I have since got another well documented one - the Nvidia Shield TV https://www.amazon.co.uk/NVIDIA-SHIELD-Media-Streaming-Device/dp/B01NBJ6KZY/

Nvidia Shield TV thread here
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057823443

Whats the benefits of Android TV ?

My budget is around 80-100 so not looking at the Nvidia

Tempted by this as well https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail/?id=stvamafirtv4khda#.Wk38kCunyaM

At least your know the hardware is legit

yabadabado

Android TV is the one I prefer. Plenty of people don't and I suppose its just personal preference.

Mi Box is a lovely bit of kit and I'd recommend it the Fire TV at 70 sterling is sound as well just a lot of amazon bloat on it.

You won't go wrong with either and both in the budget.

rob316

I have 2 of the Minix U1 boxes, not the cheapest but couldn't fault them. Worth it for the well built 6 axis remote alone.

threein99

rob316 wrote: »

I have 2 of the Minix U1 boxes, not the cheapest but couldn't fault them. Worth it for the well built 6 axis remote alone.

I have a Minix that just died after 4 years of loyal service

rob316

threein99 wrote: »

I have a Minix that just died after 4 years of loyal service

I'll be happy if mine last that long.

BandMember

threein99 wrote: »

I have a Minix that just died after 4 years of loyal service

rob316 wrote: »

I'll be happy if mine last that long.

My Minix is over 4 years old and still working perfectly despite being used as my main source of tv, so is on constantly for hours every day. Cost me €150 and I don't regret it for one second as it's definitely been worth every last cent!

I know that I sound like a broken record, but you get what you pay for. That's why I recommend that people pay that bit extra for the latest Minix or Shield as they will work great and last you for years.

For example, a cheapskate I know refused to splash the cash on either of the above yet has since spent well over €200 on a number of cheap boxes that have done nothing but drive him crazy as they constantly have problems and never last long. I paid more in the initial outlay, but saved a fortune in both cash and sanity since!

threein99

BandMember wrote: »

My Minix is over 4 years old and still working perfectly despite being used as my main source of tv, so is on constantly for hours every day. Cost me €150 and I don't regret it for one second as it's definitely been worth every last cent!

I know that I sound like a broken record, but you get what you pay for. That's why I recommend that people pay that bit extra for the latest Minix or Shield as they will work great and last you for years.

For example, a cheapskate I know refused to splash the cash on either of the above yet has since spent well over €200 on a number of cheap boxes that have done nothing but drive him crazy as they constantly have problems and never last long. I paid more in the initial outlay, but saved a fortune in both cash and sanity since!

Mine just went painfully slow and stopped connecting to the internet wired or wireless. Its got an old version of Android on it that wont allow newer version of certain apps that I use.

Where is the most reliable site to buy a Minix box these days ?

rob316

threein99 wrote: »

Mine just went painfully slow and stopped connecting to the internet wired or wireless. Its got an old version of Android on it that wont allow newer version of certain apps that I use.

Where is the most reliable site to buy a Minix box these days ?

Both my first U1 from amazon and my 2nd last week from Amazon too. £99, I know its probably old the spec now (Lollipop) but its never given me an ounce of trouble in the 18 months I have mine. Where as I went through the generic €50 boxes every few months.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/MINIX-Lollipop-Quad-core-Bluetooth-Double-sided/dp/B0192M8CSS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1520513564&sr=8-2&keywords=minix+u1

BandMember

threein99 wrote: »

Mine just went painfully slow and stopped connecting to the internet wired or wireless. Its got an old version of Android on it that wont allow newer version of certain apps that I use.

Where is the most reliable site to buy a Minix box these days ?

Thankfully, mine is still connecting to the internet and working as fast as it ever did. While it does have Android 4.4.2 installed on it, there is a workaround to allow the new version of the app that you are referring to - but I don't really want to get into that here.

rob316 wrote: »

Both my first U1 from amazon and my 2nd last week from Amazon too. £99, I know its probably old the spec now (Lollipop) but its never given me an ounce of trouble in the 18 months I have mine. Where as I went through the generic €50 boxes every few months.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/MINIX-Lollipop-Quad-core-Bluetooth-Double-sided/dp/B0192M8CSS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1520513564&sr=8-2&keywords=minix+u1

I couldn't agree with you more! (re: bold text)

Yeah, I think Amazon is probably the best place to buy Minix boxes - although, I have seen a couple advertised at decent prices on Adverts (bought a couple from there too) but generally they are vastly overpriced there. The U-9 is the latest model Minix on the market, well worth the price IMHO.

Suckit

I have an MX box bought in 2012 that still works perfectly
Albeit a little slow now.
The writes are what will kill it.

threein99 wrote: »

Whats the benefits of Android TV ?
My budget is around 80-100 so not looking at the Nvidia
Tempted by this as well https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail/?id=stvamafirtv4khda#.Wk38kCunyaM
At least your know the hardware is legit

Aren't CEX used? I wouldn't buy a used one.

I would go with the Xiaomi anyway, as i find the amazon GUI very cluttered and as mentioned, has bloatware. But the Amazon box is a great box too. It (Xiaomi) also has the required Widevine certificate for Netflix HD etc.
You can check the Xioami authenticity if you want to, here (Xiaomi are a well known brand):
https://www.mi.com/verify/#secur_en
and it only takes two days to arrive. Warranty etc.
The interface on gogle TV is nicer too.
Brief walkthrough of Mi box https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF1v7YDT5G4

It boils down to personal preference.
Again, as mentioned, the TX2 is a great box too.

threein99

Suckit wrote: »

I have an MX box bought in 2012 that still works perfectly
Albeit a little slow now.
The writes are what will kill it.

Aren't CEX used? I wouldn't buy a used one.

I would go with the Xiaomi anyway, as i find the amazon GUI very cluttered and as mentioned, has bloatware. But the Amazon box is a great box too. It (Xiaomi) also has the required Widevine certificate for Netflix HD etc.
You can check the Xioami authenticity if you want to, here (Xiaomi are a well known brand):
https://www.mi.com/verify/#secur_en
and it only takes two days to arrive. Warranty etc.
The interface on gogle TV is nicer too.
Brief walkthrough of Mi box https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF1v7YDT5G4

It boils down to personal preference.
Again, as mentioned, the TX2 is a great box too.

They are yeah for that model of Amazon Box.

I'll do my research so and make a choice, cheers for the advice

Suckit

threein99 wrote: »

They are yeah for that model of Amazon Box.

I'll do my research so and make a choice, cheers for the advice

The newer version of Amazon Fire TV (3rd Gen) is available on Amazon for cheaper also.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fire-Tv-With-4K-Ultra-HD-And-Alexa-Voice-Remote-Streaming-Media-Player/dp/B06XTWLSRF/

threein99

Suckit wrote: »

The newer version of Amazon Fire TV (3rd Gen) is available on Amazon for cheaper also.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fire-Tv-With-4K-Ultra-HD-And-Alexa-Voice-Remote-Streaming-Media-Player/dp/B06XTWLSRF/

I read a few reviews and people were saying the one I posted from CEX was still better than the latest one, no ethernet port is a bit of a negative for me, but I do see you can put an ethernet adapter on there too

On the plus side you the know the hardware inside is reliable.

I feel like Mr Burns https://tenor.com/view/the-simpsons-ketchup-catsup-montgomery-burns-decisions-gif-3722621



Heres review of the Fire TV boxes 2nd and 3rd gen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMZC6D58b_g

Suckit

threein99 wrote: »

I read a few reviews and people were saying the one I posted from CEX was still better than the latest one, no ethernet port is a bit of a negative for me, but I do see you can put an ethernet adapter on there too

On the plus side you the know the hardware inside is reliable.

I have seen some similar reviews (i did not watch that one). But the difference that they are talking about is miniscule.
There is a video of the two side by side (it may have been the link you posted).
Xiaomi are regarded very highly too. They are not a random Chinese manufacturer.
The 2nd Gen is also available from Amazon for the same price as the one from CEX, Amazon one is refurbished and fulfilled by Amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Certified-Refurbished-Amazon-Fire-Ultra/dp/B00UH42WQE/

I would 100% go for that over the CEX one.

I did not watch this one either. Mi Box vs Fire TV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLkbvXu_Q50

yabadabado

Definitely buy from Amazon instead of CEX.

elbyrneo

elbyrneo wrote: »

I actually researched the z7+ after the recommendation and decided to go for that. But then I only went and ordered the z+. Actually a mistake! Was scratching my head when people were suggesting 1gb might not be future proofed, when I had reseArched the z7+ and was sure it had 2gb ram!

Anyway rang up this am and amended the order - just an extra 20euro for the z7+ so a no brainer really.

Will do a post once I have it up and running with experiences

So have the formuler z7+ up and running for a few days. Initial thoughts so far:

Setup: was a breeze. Firmware updates automatic. Iptv setup extremely simple. From out of box to viewing was 20 mins. Most of that was waiting on an email with a config detail

Mytvonline app: Channel Zapping best I have seen. Puts my zgemma i55 running ipab.tv skins to shame. Channel loads instantly.

Epg: needs improvement. Painfully slow to refresh channel info but hopefully update meant to be released this month will resolve. The UI itself is good. Crisp, clear, and rapid to navigate. One minor point is you can't config the rows of channels, font sizes, time horizon, and compared to well know tv providers it gives a limited view (5 channels, 2 hour window). I'm a speedy enough reader and on say a sky box navigate very quickly to select a channel

On demand menu: great. Very quick to navigate to (One button) and clear /crisp menu and easy to navigate. One button to instantly go back to tv. Only shows max 8 or so items without scrolling. Would like more in the screen to browse.

Remote: 6/10. ok. Much better than zgemma i55 and good shortcut buttons for certain functions but does feel a bit cheap, not most ergonomic, and clicks noisily!

Haven't used any of the apps bar one I don't think I can mention here.

Overall from an iptv perspective the box is excellent in terms of speed. Whereas the zgemma i55 running ipab skins was terribly slow to channel zap, and channel freezes/dropouts were regular, thus far the z7+ has been perfect.
The epg on the other hand is not a patch on the ipab due to its slow refresh (seems to call the info on the fly instead of cache load). Address this and I'll be happy. If not, I'll still take it over the zgemma which will be donated to a friend.

NATLOR

elbyrneo wrote: »

So have the formuler z7+ up and running for a few days. Initial thoughts so far:

Setup: was a breeze. Firmware updates automatic. Iptv setup extremely simple. From out of box to viewing was 20 mins. Most of that was waiting on an email with a config detail

Mytvonline app: Channel Zapping best I have seen. Puts my zgemma i55 running ipab.tv skins to shame. Channel loads instantly.

Epg: needs improvement. Painfully slow to refresh channel info but hopefully update meant to be released this month will resolve. The UI itself is good. Crisp, clear, and rapid to navigate. One minor point is you can't config the rows of channels, font sizes, time horizon, and compared to well know tv providers it gives a limited view (5 channels, 2 hour window). I'm a speedy enough reader and on say a sky box navigate very quickly to select a channel

On demand menu: great. Very quick to navigate to (One button) and clear /crisp menu and easy to navigate. One button to instantly go back to tv. Only shows max 8 or so items without scrolling. Would like more in the screen to browse.

Remote: 6/10. ok. Much better than zgemma i55 and good shortcut buttons for certain functions but does feel a bit cheap, not most ergonomic, and clicks noisily!

Haven't used any of the apps bar one I don't think I can mention here.

Overall from an iptv perspective the box is excellent in terms of speed. Whereas the zgemma i55 running ipab skins was terribly slow to channel zap, and channel freezes/dropouts were regular, thus far the z7+ has been perfect.
The epg on the other hand is not a patch on the ipab due to its slow refresh (seems to call the info on the fly instead of cache load). Address this and I'll be happy. If not, I'll still take it over the zgemma which will be donated to a friend.

i'm running the beta update for the EPG. PM me if you want it,its a big improvement on what you have, the official release could be a couple of weeks away yet, also try the classic view (in settings) I find it a better experience

threein99

Suckit wrote: »

I have seen some similar reviews (i did not watch that one). But the difference that they are talking about is miniscule.
There is a video of the two side by side (it may have been the link you posted).
Xiaomi are regarded very highly too. They are not a random Chinese manufacturer.
The 2nd Gen is also available from Amazon for the same price as the one from CEX, Amazon one is refurbished and fulfilled by Amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Certified-Refurbished-Amazon-Fire-Ultra/dp/B00UH42WQE/

I would 100% go for that over the CEX one.

I did not watch this one either. Mi Box vs Fire TV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLkbvXu_Q50

Ended up down a rabbit hole of reviews of Android boxes and found this on a YouTube channel

Suckit

threein99 wrote: »

Ended up down a rabbit hole of reviews of Android boxes and found this on a YouTube channel

I have no idea who that review is by so i cannot comment on it, but I tend to take youtube/instagram/facebook etc reviews or recommendations with a truckload of salt.
Google the 2nd box on that list and you get this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKiL-vF0-3M

The Mi Box 3, Shield and Fire TV don't run off the normal/stock Android that the other boxes do.
If you were going to look that in-depth into it, then benchmarks would not be the swing factor for me.
I would be looking for Widevine certificates, Audio Passthrough (5.1), Bluetooth, H.265, Dynamic Refresh Rate Switching, Maybe OTA and a few other features and compare with price.
The list could have been made last year in which case many other boxes may have been released since. They already leave out plenty of other boxes, but the Fire TV, Shield and Mi Box will almost always appear on any list due to them all having a large company behind them and the software.

Other boxes you could look at would be the EZ stream Ti-8, Skystream and many others. They would have a slightly modded rom (custom firmware) and would rely on marketing after getting backing. The list is endless, whatever you do choose you will no doubt like. They all work, sometimes with bugs, but there are few that constantly get named on lists and stick out. The Fire TV and Mi Box 3 are similarly priced, Nvidia is higher because it is an awful lot more than just a media streamer.

threein99

Suckit wrote: »

I have no idea who that review is by so i cannot comment on it, but I tend to take youtube/instagram/facebook etc reviews or recommendations with a truckload of salt.
Google the 2nd box on that list and you get this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKiL-vF0-3M

The Mi Box 3, Shield and Fire TV don't run off the normal/stock Android that the other boxes do.
If you were going to look that in-depth into it, then benchmarks would not be the swing factor for me.
I would be looking for Widevine certificates, Audio Passthrough (5.1), Bluetooth, H.265, Dynamic Refresh Rate Switching, Maybe OTA and a few other features and compare with price.
The list could have been made last year in which case many other boxes may have been released since. They already leave out plenty of other boxes, but the Fire TV, Shield and Mi Box will almost always appear on any list due to them all having a large company behind them and the software.

Other boxes you could look at would be the EZ stream Ti-8, Skystream and many others. They would have a slightly modded rom (custom firmware) and would rely on marketing after getting backing. The list is endless, whatever you do choose you will no doubt like. They all work, sometimes with bugs, but there are few that constantly get named on lists and stick out. The Fire TV and Mi Box 3 are similarly priced, Nvidia is higher because it is an awful lot more than just a media streamer.

It was this guys channel here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtLcPv7waBU&list=PLTizDq5EISGAVmjsBGoJ3-cSGEggOUXYj

The list was made at Christmas.

It seems the new Amazon Fire TV is more of an upgrade of the stick than the previous box.

elbyrneo

NATLOR wrote: »

i'm running the beta update for the EPG. PM me if you want it,its a big improvement on what you have, the official release could be a couple of weeks away yet, also try the classic view (in settings) I find it a better experience

Fair play, will PM. Googled to see if I could find the beta but imagined it was limited to select audience / their forum members

tommycahir

threein99 wrote: »

It was this guys channel here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtLcPv7waBU&list=PLTizDq5EISGAVmjsBGoJ3-cSGEggOUXYj

The list was made at Christmas.

It seems the new Amazon Fire TV is more of an upgrade of the stick than the previous box.

Here is another useful reference for you, it is not perfect but gives you a good idea of what features each box has and is updated frequently.

http://www.webunit.co.uk/TVBOXES/charts.html

Hibrasil

elbyrneo wrote: »

So have the formuler z7+ up and running for a few days. Initial thoughts so far:

Setup: was a breeze. Firmware updates automatic. Iptv setup extremely simple. From out of box to viewing was 20 mins. Most of that was waiting on an email with a config detail.

Where did you order z7+ from...local or elsewhere?

Suckit

tommycahir wrote: »

Here is another useful reference for you, it is not perfect but gives you a good idea of what features each box has and is updated frequently.

http://www.webunit.co.uk/TVBOXES/charts.html

just a comment. I am wondering why (seeing as there are only two devices on that list that have 4K Neflix and Youtube and DTS, Dolby 5.1 etc.) why they don't have more Android TV device on it, as there are plenty.

elbyrneo

Hibrasil wrote: »

Where did you order z7+ from...local or elsewhere?

Megavision.ie and satworld.ie have in stock and deliver next day...

Heraldoffreeent

Suckit wrote: »

just a comment. I am wondering why (seeing as there are only two devices on that list that have 4K Neflix and Youtube and DTS, Dolby 5.1 etc.) why they don't have more Android TV device on it, as there are plenty.

He is only comparing boxes he has reviewed. He also reviews Phones and smartwatches, and has league tables for each of them, in those lists there's no Huawei phones or watches for example, so in a way its unfair as a guide to potential purchasers on the one hand, as they're not getting the full picture, and also to manufacturers that he has excluded by not reviewing them.

Suckit

Heraldoffreeent wrote: »

He is only comparing boxes he has reviewed. He also reviews Phones and smartwatches, and has league tables for each of them, in those lists there's no Huawei phones or watches for example, so in a way its unfair as a guide to potential purchasers on the one hand, as they're not getting the full picture, and also to manufacturers that he has excluded by not reviewing them.

It is a bit unfair in that respect, but have to say fair play to him for making the chart with the ones that he has reviewed.
There was an Australian guy doing something similar but his list went down with his site and no word why.
The only thing i would say about the list above is that it would be good to be able to sort them by each field.

BandMember

I put those lists up a few months ago and was nearly lynched!! I won't be making that mistake again.... :pac::pac::pac: