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Android/Dream Box [ Illegal discussion = Ban ]

ComfortKid · 2015-06-13 10:26:49

Just wondering is there any cheap Chinese versions of a dream box and does anybody know where id look for one.

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#2582 11-01-2017 5:48pm
UsedToWait

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^ What about the OS on the Shield..
Isn't Android TV more limited than the phone OS?

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#2583 11-01-2017 5:59pm
BandMember

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UsedToWait wrote: »

^ What about the OS on the Shield..
Isn't Android TV more limited than the phone OS?

As I said, I don't have any experience of the Shield myself, so I can't comment on the OS. However, there is more than one way to watch television on it. Allegedly.

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#2584 11-01-2017 6:01pm
bazzz

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UsedToWait wrote: »

^ What about the OS on the Shield..
Isn't Android TV more limited than the phone OS?

Depends on what you consider limitations? Android TV was developed for the mass user and is being pushed to more and more devices.I've come across no limitations or got passed anything that some might see as a limitation.

This thread is about Android boxes,not about phones.Plenty of other threads about that.Try not to confuse things further.Plus you don't have to Run Android TV on all these devices including the Shield.There's also full Android images available,but that's another story.Cheers and thanks BandMember;)

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#2585 11-01-2017 6:18pm
UsedToWait

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bazzz wrote: »

Depends on what you consider limitations? Android TV was developed for the mass user and is being pushed to more and more devices.I've come across no limitations or got passed anything that some might see as a limitation.

This thread is about Android boxes,not about phones.Plenty of other threads about that.Try not to confuse things further.Plus you don't have to Run Android TV on all these devices including the Shield.There's also full Android images available,but that's another story.Cheers and thanks BandMember;)

I posted yesterday about some apps having limited functionality and others being unavailable in the app store, so I think a discussion of the flavour of android is pertinent to this thread.

My box runs Android phone as do many from my understanding, and I just thought I'd raise it to widen the discussion a bit.

I don't think it's confusing the issue, rather adding clarity about what people should expect were they to buy the Shield.

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#2586 11-01-2017 6:26pm
billybonkers

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So could anyone offer any advice on this box/brand then?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01LWQCCVX/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3987JOOO6Z1KE

Main uses will be streaming my own media over my home network from my PC, Deezer on the TV, some light android gaming and porn...

Thank you

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#2587 11-01-2017 6:28pm
pcuser

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billybonkers wrote: »

some light android gaming and porn...

Thank you

I love your honesty, Fair play to you.

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#2588 11-01-2017 6:35pm
BandMember

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billybonkers wrote: »

So could anyone offer any advice on this box/brand then?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01LWQCCVX/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3987JOOO6Z1KE

Main uses will be streaming my own media over my home network from my PC, Deezer on the TV, some light android gaming and porn...

Thank you

I would presume that the Shield would be your best option if you're looking for gaming (and it can also do the rest of the things you listed) as I don't think some (a lot?) of the regular boxes would be suitable, although I am open to correction on this....

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#2589 11-01-2017 6:36pm
bazzz

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UsedToWait wrote: »

I posted yesterday about some apps having limited functionality and others being unavailable in the app store, so I think a discussion of the flavour of android is pertinent to this thread.

My box runs Android phone as do many from my understanding, and I just thought I'd raise it to widen the discussion a bit.

I don't think it's confusing the issue, rather adding clarity about what people should expect were they to buy the Shield.

Ok last reply on this.Good for you and your Android box/phone.You are missing the point here.Android TV is developed for the mass user(firstly built for TV's & Media Streaming boxes with simple layout for simple remotes and navigation.. Regarding the Shield like all other quality products you research it before you buy it and know what you are getting into.
I've come across no limitations on my Shield in the past two years and if it was an app that I needed and was not available on the Android TV Play Store,I would try sideload it and see if it works and usually they would.....Maybe just require a mouse to get to areas a touchscreen usually requires.
But other than that,if you are in the market and looking at a device like a Shield....chances are you have an understanding of what it is and what OS is available for it be it Android TV or a Full Android OS image.
Hope you get my point and that's me done on the subject.I'm not having a go at you.But if there were limitations that Android TV presented to the basic mass user-base it's aimed at.Don't you think they'd not release it?

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#2590 11-01-2017 6:39pm
bazzz

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billybonkers wrote: »

So could anyone offer any advice on this box/brand then?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01LWQCCVX/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3987JOOO6Z1KE

Main uses will be streaming my own media over my home network from my PC, Deezer on the TV, some light android gaming and porn...

Thank you

If you are going down that route,just use the reviews listed under it.From users that purchased it.That should give you an idea if it's suitable for your needs.

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#2591 11-01-2017 8:45pm
UsedToWait

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bazzz wrote: »

Ok last reply on this.Good for you and your Android box/phone.You are missing the point here.Android TV is developed for the mass user(firstly built for TV's & Media Streaming boxes with simple layout for simple remotes and navigation.. Regarding the Shield like all other quality products you research it before you buy it and know what you are getting into.
I've come across no limitations on my Shield in the past two years and if it was an app that I needed and was not available on the Android TV Play Store,I would try sideload it and see if it works and usually they would.....Maybe just require a mouse to get to areas a touchscreen usually requires.
But other than that,if you are in the market and looking at a device like a Shield....chances are you have an understanding of what it is and what OS is available for it be it Android TV or a Full Android OS image.
Hope you get my point and that's me done on the subject.I'm not having a go at you.But if there were limitations that Android TV presented to the basic mass user-base it's aimed at.Don't you think they'd not release it?

Hang on there a wee minute.

First of all, I don't appreciate the snarkiness of your tone 'good for you and your android box/phone'
I'm just here trying to contribute to the discussion like everyone else..

Second of all, there's no need to be so defensive about your Shield - I'm aware of the fact that it's the premier box, but as you grudgingly admit, there are limitations to the Android TV OS over, say Android 6, which is, from my understanding what most of the cheaper boxes ship with..

Not going to get into a back and forth about it, but I did feel that your tone was a bit condescending there.

I pointed out earlier that the Spotify app on my tv has less functionally than the one on my android box - I wasn't denigrating your box, just trying to impart a little information that newcomers might consider when deciding the right box for them...

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#2592 11-01-2017 10:29pm
The Black Oil

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Just throwing out an idea following the comments yesterday and today, to point people to some FAQs. How about a table with info on boxes and links to individual posts with reviews by posters? Could be updated every few weeks.

Box/Model|Poster|Review/Feedback
Nvidia Shield|bazzz|Link

Moderator: Television, Psychology and Dublin County North.
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#2593 12-01-2017 9:25pm
Shefwedfan

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Thanks bandmember for pointing me in right direction. Wasn't aware boards had thread on this
Anyway I bought the Minix X8-H, I was one of the first buyers so I had 6-9 months of sh*t firmware issues, I waited till they fixed the OTA and sold it on, because of the constant issues with Android I swapped to windows and bought Mele PCG03

That has gone bang, contacted the company I buy off and they recommended I go back to Android.

So I am looking at android but no idea where to start. I do have 2 Fire Stick which I use in spare rooms and I love the remote on them. For the media console I use the keyboard/mouse but would like a little remote. The Minix originally came with one but it broke.....

I was recommended a HiMedia Q10 but no idea

I dont use it for gaming, I use for playing from media library, which is a 500GB drive connected via USB....then just use streaming services so on the fire stick I have Amazon and Netflix. No gaming or anything......

Any recommendations? I seen details on Shield but that is more of a gamers box

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#2594 12-01-2017 11:11pm
The Black Oil

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Update on the above.

Box/Model|Poster|Review/Feedback
Beelink minimxiii|inforfun|Here, here and here
Beelink gt1|5500|Here |
Nexbox A95X|Doge|Here and here|
Nexbox A95X|UsedToWait|Here
Nexbox A95X|renov8|Here
Leelbox Q3 Pro|UsedToWait |Here and here
Minix Neo U1|BandMember|Here
Wetek Play 2|Do-more |Here|

H96 pro|droidman123|Here and here|
Mi box 4k HDR|iba|Here|

Nvidia Shield|bazzz|Here

FAQ|Poster|Link
What's the best spec, what are these boxes about, etc?|Sappy404|Here

Consider what you want...|Bluefoam|Here, here and here|

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#2595 13-01-2017 10:53am
bruschi

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My Nexbox A95X arrived yesterday, so quick delivery and posted to Ireland direct from Amazon. A good start.

The unit itself is tiny, much smaller than I was expecting. So can easily fit in anywhere and not be too noticeable.

The remote it comes with is standard enough, but has a useful 'Kodi' button on it to open that up straight away. My main use for it is Kodi, so having that on it is handy, particularly for others in my household who dont want to be scrolling looking for things.

The software updated on first plug in, and I deleted the pre-existing Kodi build and set up my own one. It works well. Picture quality is good, and speeds were good. As noted, I mainly use it for streaming, so for my purposes, it works perfectly well. I have a subscription package that I loaded onto Kodi then and that set up quick and easy. My Google account registered easy enough too in the settings.

All in all, I'm happy with it so far. Does what I need it to do.

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#2596 13-01-2017 11:06am
billybonkers

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https://www.amazon.co.uk/KUAK-Amlogic-Android-Streaming-Player-x/dp/B01N8SN69K/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_i

Found the H96 Pro for €56 on Amazon. The item title says PRO+ but it states 2GB RAM and 16GB on board in the description.

I reckon from the above reviews I will pull the trigger on this today. Thanks for all of the info

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#2597 13-01-2017 11:52am
sonofenoch

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billybonkers wrote: »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/KUAK-Amlogic-Android-Streaming-Player-x/dp/B01N8SN69K/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_i

Found the H96 Pro for €56 on Amazon. The item title says PRO+ but it states 2GB RAM and 16GB on board in the description.

I reckon from the above reviews I will pull the trigger on this today. Thanks for all of the info

The one I got is a different shape box but very happy with it, lightning fast and smooth responsiveness

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#2598 13-01-2017 12:00pm
Shefwedfan

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bruschi wrote: »

My Nexbox A95X arrived yesterday, so quick delivery and posted to Ireland direct from Amazon. A good start.

The unit itself is tiny, much smaller than I was expecting. So can easily fit in anywhere and not be too noticeable.

The remote it comes with is standard enough, but has a useful 'Kodi' button on it to open that up straight away. My main use for it is Kodi, so having that on it is handy, particularly for others in my household who dont want to be scrolling looking for things.

The software updated on first plug in, and I deleted the pre-existing Kodi build and set up my own one. It works well. Picture quality is good, and speeds were good. As noted, I mainly use it for streaming, so for my purposes, it works perfectly well. I have a subscription package that I loaded onto Kodi then and that set up quick and easy. My Google account registered easy enough too in the settings.

All in all, I'm happy with it so far. Does what I need it to do.

Hpoe you dont mind me asking, I checked on amazon and loads of options for this box, which one did you buy from? Thanks

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#2599 13-01-2017 3:43pm
TBi

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Interestingly kodi website says not to buy a Amlogic S912 device.

http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=252916

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#2600 13-01-2017 3:50pm
toby2111

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Shefwedfan wrote: »

Hpoe you dont mind me asking, I checked on amazon and loads of options for this box, which one did you buy from? Thanks

I got mine here, direct from Nexbox- https://www.amazon.co.uk/NEXBOX-A95X-Android-Amlogic-Bluetooth/dp/B01LMSOVCG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1484318936&sr=8-2&keywords=a95x%2Bnexbox%2B16gb&th=1

Recommended by a boardsie here as it means its not a clone. I got mine(2gb/16gb) for £40 about 10 days ago,its gone up a little now. Well worth it,great wee box.

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#2601 13-01-2017 3:52pm
billybonkers

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TBi wrote: »

Interestingly kodi website says not to buy a Amlogic S912 device.

http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=252916

Wow just read through that post and the corresponding ones. Will avoid, thanks!

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#2602 13-01-2017 4:05pm
bruschi

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Shefwedfan wrote: »

Hpoe you dont mind me asking, I checked on amazon and loads of options for this box, which one did you buy from? Thanks

this one here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01IVX78W0/

think someone else on here put up the link first so cant take the full credit for finding it! I got free postage too and it was also £40.99, so not sure did I get it on a sale price or something.

because this one here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/NEXBOX-Android-Amlogic-2-0GHz-Player/dp/B01IVXXN0Q
is ten quid cheaper but just has less storage space.I had the option when buying of upgrading for a couple of quid extra.

there are a few of them around, I must have got lucky on the one for £41 with free delivery to Ireland.
This one here is the 8GB for less again
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MXJVGEB

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#2603 13-01-2017 5:14pm
Shefwedfan

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bruschi wrote: »

this one here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01IVX78W0/

think someone else on here put up the link first so cant take the full credit for finding it! I got free postage too and it was also £40.99, so not sure did I get it on a sale price or something.

because this one here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/NEXBOX-Android-Amlogic-2-0GHz-Player/dp/B01IVXXN0Q
is ten quid cheaper but just has less storage space.I had the option when buying of upgrading for a couple of quid extra.

there are a few of them around, I must have got lucky on the one for £41 with free delivery to Ireland.
This one here is the 8GB for less again
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MXJVGEB

Thanks, does it come with anything preloaded on it? Like Kodi etc?

Would it support a 500GB USB HDD?

Sorry last question, is the remote any use at all?

Thanks again

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#2604 13-01-2017 6:53pm
TitianGerm

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Shefwedfan wrote: »

Thanks, does it come with anything preloaded on it? Like Kodi etc?

Would it support a 500GB USB HDD?

Sorry last question, is the remote any use at all?

Thanks again

Why would you plug a HDD in?

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#2605 13-01-2017 7:16pm
SteM

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Shefwedfan wrote: »

Thanks, does it come with anything preloaded on it? Like Kodi etc?

Honestly, you don't want a box with preloaded rubbish.

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#2606 13-01-2017 7:31pm
bazzz

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emmetkenny wrote: »

Why would you plug a HDD in?

I'd imagine for numerous reasons......

Possibly for DVR Functions within the likes of Kodi.
For Playback of different forms of your own Media(Movies,Pictures,Music).
For Downloading content to.
Some Android devices allow you use the External HDD/SSD as internal storage(for Apps,filesystems,etc,etc)

After all Kodi is Media Center Software....Allowing you manage and play all your own content (Movies,Pictures,Music,Recorded content)...From local means,network means,etc.That is the official sole reason for Kodi.

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#2607 13-01-2017 8:05pm
TitianGerm

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bazzz wrote: »

I'd imagine for numerous reasons......

Possibly for DVR Functions within the likes of Kodi.
For Playback of different forms of your own Media(Movies,Pictures,Music).
For Downloading content to.
Some Android devices allow you use the External HDD/SSD as internal storage(for Apps,filesystems,etc,etc)

After all Kodi is Media Center Software....Allowing you manage and play all your own content (Movies,Pictures,Music,Recorded content)...From local means,network means,etc.That is the official sole reason for Kodi.

Sorry never even considered plugging a HDD into an android box to play my own media as most people I know would use Plex for that.

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#2608 13-01-2017 8:39pm
Shefwedfan

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emmetkenny wrote: »

Why would you plug a HDD in?

I put all my media onto USB hard drive. Then use Kodi to manage it and display it onto TV....some people mention Plex but I have never used. Always used Kodi.....

Also my set up was Mini PC running windows, that is dead so would like to use the android box the same......

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#2609 13-01-2017 8:56pm
BandMember

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emmetkenny wrote: »

Sorry never even considered plugging a HDD into an android box to play my own media as most people I know would use Plex for that.

I have a 2TB Media Player that I store a lot of hard to get or rare content (along with backing up my own personal stuff like music, photos etc.). I'd never think of connecting a HDD to an android box, but I can see why someone might do it...

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#2610 13-01-2017 9:44pm
The Black Oil

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Trying out this EVANPO T95Z PLUS for the first time.

Only watched a TV show, so far. Episode look good, no issues there. Twice an 'open with' menu popped up, think I hit escape, had to restart the episode each time.

I still have a lot of learning/reading to do.

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#2611 13-01-2017 9:48pm
BandMember

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The Black Oil wrote: »

Twice an 'open with' menu popped up, think I hit escape, had to restart the episode each time.

That should not be happening!!

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