Android/Dream Box [ Illegal discussion = Ban ]

Shamrock 64 · 28-03-2023 10:48am

I have the same box with a Panasonic TV with the same problem,I've seen reports for Sony TV's as well.Its that they are using a code for the box which is the same as the TV,so when you use the various functions you describe they are operating theTV.Mine is exactly the same.Ive spent hours trying to fix it,I'm also running it through a home cinema amp,the best solution I've found is just to plug out the box from the back and plug it back in when needed.I know this is not the best solution but it's the only thing that works with no problems.

Shamrock 64 · 28-03-2023 11:01am

I have the same box and same problems, I'm using a Panasonic Oled TV and I've heard reports of Sony TV'S as well.Its that the box is using codes that interfere with the TV's.Ive tried for hours to find a solution but nothing worked,I'm also running it through a home cinema amp too.Its not perfect but the best solution was to pull out the power cord at the back of the box when not in use and put it back in when needed.Its not perfect but it solves the problem.Hope that helps.

.red. · 28-03-2023 4:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120407844#Comment_120407844

If your gonna use Netflix a lot then a supported box is a much better option. The official app is much nicer/easier to use and you also get HD. If you do opt for an unsupported box(like I did) the Netflix APK works away fine but I use the official one that was on my smart TV instead.

G1032 · 28-03-2023 8:57pm

Thanks folks. Ended up buying the Mecool KM 2. Over budget at 70 euro but it basically gives me everything I want in one box. Thanks for the recommendation.

G1032 · 06-04-2023 4:16pm

Is there an easy way to get a Chromecast to play AC3 audio?

Edit. It seems Bubble UPnP will do this for me

jj880 · 06-04-2023 4:23pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120448473#Comment_120448473

VLC app should cast it from network folder to chromecast.

G1032 · 06-04-2023 4:39pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120448500#Comment_120448500

Excellent. I will check that out also. BubbleUPnP working also

rob316 · 06-04-2023 4:41pm

Still got the original shield, best bit of AV equipment I have ever bought. Never crashed, worth every penny although the Google TV dongle I have on the bedroom TV is pretty good too.

G1032 · 06-04-2023 4:45pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120407998#Comment_120407998

The KM2 Plus was a fantastic recommendation and thanks to all who replied here. Ordered direct from Mecool on evening of 28th and it arrived today. Impressive delivery time from Hong Kong (I think). Home screen interface very similar to FireStick. Chromecast is a huge upgrade on the Chromecast I had (must be 5 or 6 years old I'd say). Vey happy with it. Thanks again

Nowso · 06-04-2023 4:52pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120448607#Comment_120448607

thats very quick - it had good specs and av1 - it is the android box version of the firestick 4k max , might get one if someone wants a box instead of a firestick

G1032 · 06-04-2023 9:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120448500#Comment_120448500

Yes. This works. However - playing a file here at the minute. When I cast from VLC network folder to Chromecast it's fine. When I cast from Bubble UPnP app it's fine. But when I play the file from the VLC network folder on the KM2 Plus the aspect ratio is wrong. The video is stretched. Changing aspect ratio on the VLC app on the KM2 has no affect. Any idea why this could be and how to fix?

jj880 · 06-04-2023 10:01pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120449645#Comment_120449645

Ive VLC app on x96 max+ android box streaming from network folder. Aspect setting in the VLC is set to Best fit using the icon I have the pointer hovering on in the pic below. No problems for me with these setting. TV set to 16:9 aspect with Just Scan disabled for x96 hdmi input.

Edit: using this aspect button does change the aspect for me so not sure why it doesn't on KM2 plus.

G1032 · 07-04-2023 1:10pm

What's this setting for? Just Scan disabled for x96 hdmi input.

Edit

Hmmmm

I will have to check if this is a setting on the KM2 but I don't remember seeing it

jj880 · 07-04-2023 2:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120451390#Comment_120451390

Its a setting in the TVs menu. Usually beside the aspect options. I said for the x96 input because my TV saves different TV aspect settings depending on the hdmi input device. Just threw it in there in case that's whats causing your problem.

G1032 · 09-04-2023 9:15am

Thanks. No such seeing I can set on my device but I tired Kodi and the files play perfectly from the local network through Kodi. Not sure what the issue with VLC is but it doesn't matter now.

jj880 · 07-05-2023 5:51pm

My son spilled juice on my air mouse. Its fecked. Green signal light stuck on and not working right. Been over a week now of trying to dry it out so pretty sure its scrap now.

I did get my LG remote to be able to control my x96 max+ using HDMI-CEC. Which is really handy. The cherry on the cake would be if I could get the pointer from the LG remote to work with my box the same way as my old air mouse did. At present it doesn't do anything within the android OS (Android 9). Anyone manage to get this working?

Here is my LG remote:

kirk. · 01-09-2023 1:16pm

Is there anyway to boost the hotspot signal from a phone

I'm using a h96 pro+ connected to my Samsung a21s

Signal breaks up after 4 feet line of sight away. I switched to 5ghz and that improved the speeds .

Nowso · 01-09-2023 7:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121055832#Comment_121055832

put the phone up a bit always helps with wifi

ongarite · 07-10-2023 12:08pm

One for users here using cheap Chinese Android streaming boxes.

Unremovable backdoor malware found on these devices that is using your home network for malicious purposes.

Boxes include the T95 series, X88, Q9 and X12 PLUS devices. All run a hacked version of Android TV which is not secure.

https://arstechnica.com/security/2023/10/thousands-of-android-devices-come-with-unkillable-backdoor-preinstalled/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_social-type=owned&utm_brand=ars

jj880 · 07-10-2023 2:25pm

Using an X96 Max Plus myself at the moment. It wasnt all that cheap.

Upgrading to a Mecool soon.

WealthyB · 12-10-2023 12:07am

Had a cheap Chinese piece of crap back in the day, first thing I did was flash it with a custom rom from the folks at xda developers..

Or of course you could just get a Shield. My mum is now running my old 2015 model, 7 years later it's still motoring along perfectly fine for Netflix, Kodi, TiviMate and still getting OS updates to boot!

kirk. · 12-10-2023 8:12am

I'm still using a h96pro+

Working fine but think it's android 7

jj880 · 12-10-2023 8:18am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121226796#Comment_121226796

Damn maybe I'll get another year or 2 out of my x96 at that rate. Im on android 10.

Mecool have promised a new box this month. KM2 Plus Deluxe model. I need a new 4k Chromecast anyway and its built in to this box so thats whats making me go for it mainly. Unless there are other boxes that have this and not some dodgy app that charges a subscription.

jj880 · 17-10-2023 8:23am

Just got a PM from MECOOL that their latest box has been postponed again. Whoever runs their customer service needs to have a look at themselves. I politely asked when it would be released and the reply I got was "NO".

Anyway Im looking for a box that with built in Chromecast and can do the business on a 55 inch TV for streaming 4k TV and 4k films/boxsets. My X96 Max Plus is good but not quite powerful enough. I looked on geekbuying but they dont seem to have anything recent. Budget up to 100 euro. Any recommendations would be much appreciated?

Wanderer78 · 17-10-2023 9:53am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121248441#Comment_121248441

english is probably not their first language, so responses can be a little odd at times, its not an ideal situation when trying to respond to english emails, but.....

jj880 · 17-10-2023 10:00am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121248741#Comment_121248741

They've now followed up (8 hours later but still someone must have reviewed their Facebook PMs) saying its delayed until December and thanked me for asking about their latest box so I take it back. It was supposed to release in September though so not sure it will even be this year. So still looking for a good box for the winter now if anyone has seen any...

jj880 · 13-11-2023 5:34pm

https://youtu.be/mKboGVsNNvk

Recently used this on an android TV for my father that was running like a dog. Made a big difference to the speed of the OS. Then I thought why not use on my android box. Once again big speed improvement. Much snappier through the OS and apps. Pleased with the results. Only takes a few minutes. I did the 4 steps from 0:58 to 02:45. Highly recommend doing this.

Edit: something else Ive just noticed. My airmouse was sluggish so was using LG magic remote mostly. Airmouse is perfect now. Instant feedback on everything. Excellent.

jj880 · 13-11-2023 6:48pm

MECOOL have just opened pre orders for their highest spec box KM2 Plus Deluxe.

Screenshot_2023-11-13-17-42-08-329_com.android.chrome-edit.jpg

Screenshot_2023-11-13-17-36-51-724_com.android.chrome-edit.jpg

My X96 Max+ is nearly there but not quite. Some ghosting and dropped frames for 4k streaming. I dont know enough about the different CPU/GPU combos.

Anyone know is the MECOOL box CPU/GPU a big enough step up to stream 4K IPTV to a large OLED panel (LG CS6) smoothly?

Nowso · 13-11-2023 7:34pm

looks a bit outdated before it releases tbh

Nowso · 13-11-2023 7:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121364078#Comment_121364078

New firestick 16gb looks better value

jj880 · 13-11-2023 7:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121364256#Comment_121364256

Yeah just noticed the X96 Max Plus Ultra from over a year ago also has the S905X4. Less than half the price also. Not very impressed by that.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121364259#Comment_121364259

Could I trouble you for link for the firestick that would be usable here? Then I can track the price on it.

Im always a bit put off Amazon's stuff due to region locking content / features.

Nowso · 13-11-2023 7:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121364300#Comment_121364300

links

amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BW2STL31

currys

https://www.currys.ie/products/amazon-fire-tv-stick-4k-max-with-alexa-voice-remote-10256886.html

jj880 · 22-11-2023 8:25pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121364256#Comment_121364256

Decided I want something cabled with as much power as possible.

MECOOL do seem to be selling old tech. Disappointing.

Im looking at H96 MAX V58: https://www.h96tvbox.com/rockchip/

The spec on this box is the best android Ive seen unless someone else has seen better?

The ANTUTU bench score for this box is more than twice the Shield Pro.

Cant find many reviews or anywhere selling within EU...

Will I get hammered on customs if I order from aliexpress?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004732759890.html

dermo2014 · 23-11-2023 12:02am

Have a look here http://loveshopping.ie/

They might have something that suits you.

I bought a Q Plus box from them a couple of years ago.

Based in Drogheda I think.

jj880 · 23-11-2023 2:11am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121402957#Comment_121402957

I see they have a nice H96 max box on there but Im reading reviews saying specs are great on H96 boxes but the firmware is very poor.

Spent last few hours looking through review vids. Xiaomi's latest Box S 2nd Gen looks the business on firmware: has built in Chromecast, 4k support for all the main apps and dolby vision + atmos. But then the hardware lets it down. No ethernet port and only 2gb ram 8gb storage. It just seems theres always something missing.

Would get Nvidia Shield Pro but they seem to be a bit dated now. Could there be a new one out soon?

My heads fried. Gona leave it until the new year. Maybe Xiaomi will produce a box with more memory and ethernet. That would tick all the boxes.

yabadabado · 23-11-2023 2:31am

I don't think Nvidia care too much about it .Too busy with car gps and Switch chips.

Not sure we will see a new version anytime soon.

I've the Pro and its still working perfectly for me ,use it for 90% of TV/streaming.

Is there much upgrading needed on it?

styron · 23-11-2023 2:40am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121402043#Comment_121402043

You shouldn't get hit for VAT because the price shown states it is inclusive of VAT paid. However because it's over €150 customs duty will be owing and then the admin charge (likely from An Post) comes into play.

The good news is this (4GB + 32GB) is available *with an EU not a UK/IRE plug* from another Aliexpress supplier for €142.09 (inclusive of VAT):

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006119516595.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.6caf38daBsWuex&mp=1#nav-review

At 8 AM Thursday it's available as a black friday for €133.21 with the 8GB + 64GB version for a cheeky €149.49.

Three of each version left currently in stock according to the cart*

(7 reviews, all 5 star - quick delivery by the looks of things)

jj880 · 23-11-2023 12:53pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121403261#Comment_121403261

Just found this. Very useful sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ELaOxxbgjRNOjpWQbgnHfQa9G6vyW2Q_luLLZhTfc4U/edit#gid=0

Turns out the H96 firmware doesnt have chromecast. Need it for Quest 2 VR. Im not using airscreen. Dont like it.

There is an upgraded Xiaomi box out in India. Expected here early next year. My X96 Max+ will do me until then.

jj880 · 15-12-2023 2:33pm

Just a note for anyone looking at the MECOOL KM2 PLUS DELUXE

USB 2.0 only. Why theyve done this Ive no idea. Maybe to provide wifi 6 / 1000mb LAN. Crazy on a 126 euro box.

Looks like I'll definitely be waiting on a better box some time next year.

Korvanica · 15-12-2023 10:18pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121402957#Comment_121402957

No Https on that site. I'd avoid it.

TonySpokes · 03-01-2024 1:03am

If anyone could recommend me a box that'd be class.

Looking for: 1080p Netflix streaming, Chromecast functionality, sideload apps, play video from external drive, USB or SD port for external drive, able to play HEVC, hopefully cheap price. Don't need 4K or HDR.

I was going to buy a Chromecast-with-google-TV (HD) but then read about the external storage limits of 4GB per file.

Can someone recommend something similar but without those limits? Ideally around 50 euro, but if that's not realistic I'll take any recommendation.

The Black Oil · 03-01-2024 2:22pm

Bought one of these boxes some years back, before the pandemic. Found it a bit clunky. I'm pretty out of the loop with them now.

Have a Fire stick, but don't make much use of it - came in handy on holiday in Europe recently. Mostly watch Apple, Disney and YouTube through the TV apps.

BandMember · 02-02-2024 12:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121565611#Comment_121565611

"bought one of these boxes....." - eh, you do realise that there are probably a thousand different types of "these boxes" don't you? Some are excellent, some are good, some are poor, some are crap. They're all different though.

jj880 · 02-02-2024 12:34pm

Went for UGOOS TOX3 with bluetooth gyro remote in the end. Its a flying machine. Really happy with it.

Firmware is the best Ive seen also. Options I havent seen on any other box.

.red. · 13-02-2024 3:25pm

Does anybody know of a good channel 4 APK that will work on android TV?

I've tried a few and they all seem to be optimised for a phone, it's just a box in the middle, using maybe a third of the screen.

jj880 · 19-02-2024 11:13pm

3 weeks with the Ugoos TOX3 box. Have everything tweaked to my liking now. Amazing box for the money. Anyone looking to spend under 100 euro on a box I highly recommend it. Very quick chipset and so much effort put into the firmware. Lovely smooth picture. Disabled all hardware video/audio acceleration options as not needed. LED display on front of box is customisable. I have mine rotating between time and CPU temp but loads of options.

The Ugoos UR-01 Bluetooth remote is a nice addon with air mouse and voice command. Very responsive.

Got mine on AliExpress for 70 euro including this remote addon. A great budget box with real power and superb firmware.

JoyPad · 15-03-2024 4:34pm

Hello,

Can someone recommend an Android TV stick or box under 50 euro and easy to get (store or Amazon)?

I have a subscription to an app that allows streaming of some TV channels (let's say it's similar to NOW app), and I need this in the kitchen where we have an older HD TV. The app is not supported on Fire TV stick, but there's an Android app in Google store.

Thanks!

jj880 · 15-03-2024 6:36pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121897580#Comment_121897580

I'd probably go for Chromecast HD with Android TV for 40 euro.

https://store.google.com/ie/product/chromecast_google_tv?hl=en-GB

Harvey Norman have them in stock.

Just to check have you tested your app on an android device already?

Edit: can someone comment on the availability of the play store on this Chromecast? Im reading theres no play store icon on the home page but it can be accessed easily by pressing the Google Assistant button and saying "Play Store".

JoyPad · 15-03-2024 7:39pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121898041#Comment_121898041

The app works fine on Android phone and iPad, and can cast to TV using a very old Chromecast device.

However, I would prefer an easier way, something that won't require the phone or tablet. A remote, and as few clicks as possible to get from "TV is off" to "I'm watching the news channel". With my current solution, I need to unlock the mobile device, start the app, begin casting, press play.

jj880 · 15-03-2024 7:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121898257#Comment_121898257

On the newer Chromecast HD you can access the play store as it runs on Android TV as its OS. So you can get your app installed on the Chromecast. After that just start your streaming app from the Chromecast home screen. So no other devices needed or casting required. That's how I see it working as I have other devices running Android TV. The older Chromecasts are casting only devices.

Android/Dream Box [ Illegal discussion = Ban ]

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