Recommend an Android Box that runs XBMC - [No copyrighted material]

WeleaseWoderick · 13-03-2014 10:54am

iba wrote: »

Hi
I have justxbmc on my box too but I did not put the finless. Rom. Should I and what are its benefits please?

I also got the logitech keyboard. I think it's the k300 for £30 on amazon.

Cheers

The main improvement I noticed with the Finless Rom was the improvement in video quality i.e. any issues with jittery video within XBMC or Netflix were solved.

It also changes the launcher to being very similar to stock android which I much prefer to the skin that came with the device.

The process for installing the Rom also gives you root access to the device which opens up extra features in some apps.

Lovely Bloke · 13-03-2014 12:45pm

good info there, cheers.

I saw a video about Fusion, so thanks for that too.

I just want to ask, how does it actually work? Is power drawn from the TVs USB port? Or does it just slot into the HDMI port on the TV?

WeleaseWoderick · 13-03-2014 12:54pm

Baldy Conscience wrote: »

good info there, cheers.

I saw a video about Fusion, so thanks for that too.

I just want to ask, how does it actually work? Is power drawn from the TVs USB port? Or does it just slot into the HDMI port on the TV?

I have mine powered with a spare mobile phone charger that I had. I noticed that the power unit that comes with the device is grand for powering the device itself but doesn't seem to provide enough juice to power any peripherals that you might connect i.e. a USB hub.

Haven't tried powering it from the TV's USB but will give that a go later.

Aside from the video streaming stuff like XBMC & Showbox, I have found the MK908ii to be excellent for running emulators of old video game consoles. The Playstation 1 emulation in particular is nigh on perfect.

bren2001 · 14-03-2014 10:01am

Anyone recommend a good android box where its main function is to run torrent stream controller with the acestream engine? I was looking at the MK809 II.

Nemeses2050 · 14-03-2014 10:40am

Folks, has anybody used MiniX Neo 7, any reviews please.

tomdempsey200 · 15-03-2014 5:59pm

how do you stop xbmc when it gets stuck on 'please wait' and 'working' on streams and video addons?

all I gave is wireless mouse and xbmc remote

thanks

tomdempsey200 · 15-03-2014 6:32pm

keith16 wrote: »

Fantastic, that's a great help.

One other quick n00b question. I am using remotedroid through my phone to navigate around. I'm also using yatse to control XBMC.

Each time I turn on my android tv, I have to configure the IP settings in both remotes on my phone to get them working.

Is there anyway I can use a static IP so I don't have to do this each time?

How did you install the remoteDROId server app?
there's a jar and bat file in the Zip?

and did you have to do anything with java?
thanks

Allyall · 15-03-2014 6:58pm

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

How did you install the remoteDROId server app?
there's a jar and bat file in the Zip?

and did you have to do anything with java?
thanks

I'd guess he was talking about one of these - https://play.google.com/store/search?q=remotedroid&hl=en

tomdempsey200 · 15-03-2014 7:16pm

Allyall wrote: »

I'd guess he was talking about one of these - https://play.google.com/store/search?q=remotedroid&hl=en

yes they're the client apps.. I have that on the phone

the server app is a separate Web download

maybe it's a different app?

Allyall · 15-03-2014 7:26pm

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

yes they're the client apps.. I have that on the phone

the server app is a separate Web download

maybe it's a different app?

Sorry, I thought he was controlling his box from his phone.

http://remotedroid.net/ This maybe what you are looking for as it matches the correct app with it. All the relevant info is there too.

ainm usaideoir · 15-03-2014 7:28pm

Hi , Is it possible to record a program on a channel that you are streming ? e.g if I was watching ITV2 with the Tronsmart MK908II could I record to a usb ?

tomdempsey200 · 15-03-2014 7:30pm

Allyall wrote: »

Sorry, I thought he was controlling his box from his phone.

http://remotedroid.net/ This maybe what you are looking for as it matches the correct app with it. All the relevant info is there too.

yes I thought that was what he was doing too

citytillidie · 16-03-2014 2:22am

I ordered MX android from Amazon and got it today working good so far just having a little trouble with ace streams buffering but that might be because it's Ice hockey and not enough people watching it

Allyall · 16-03-2014 3:17am

ainm usaideoir wrote: »

Hi , Is it possible to record a program on a channel that you are streming ? e.g if I was watching ITV2 with the Tronsmart MK908II could I record to a usb ?

If you want to record BBC 1/2/3/4or ITV 1/2/3 +1 etc, or many other TV stations, you could get the Filmon App. There are others, but Filmon with a free account couldn't be easier, My Mother records loads to watch on it. loves it.

Sky Go, Aer TV (For Irish Channels also) by Magnet, Tons of others and all of the XBMC add ons.. There are loads. But Filmon is just very user friendly.

Big Nelly · 16-03-2014 10:45am

Hye guys, box is flying, I was looking to get another one for spare room....will be used very rarely so cheap is the best for me!!!! what is cheapest box that will get up and running? no need for it to run HD version or anything

tomdempsey200 · 16-03-2014 10:51am

Torrent Stream Controller seems much better than xbmc stuff
thanks to whoever recommended that
great picture

Blade · 16-03-2014 11:22am

Big Nelly wrote: »

Hye guys, box is flying, I was looking to get another one for spare room....will be used very rarely so cheap is the best for me!!!! what is cheapest box that will get up and running? no need for it to run HD version or anything

An MK808B should do just fine! I'm still using mine as my main box and haven't felt the need to upgrade yet.

Blade · 16-03-2014 2:38pm

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

Torrent Stream Controller seems much better than xbmc stuff
thanks to whoever recommended that
great picture

Hadn't heard of it either but just tried it out there now. Good quality indeed! 18 Euro is a bit steep for the full version though. Did you buy it or are you just using the free version? I managed to find an old version that doesn't have any nag screens but still can't add to favourites or search.

Only problem now is that the old version keeps showing up under "update all" in the play store. Anyone know of a way to stop it showing up there as I want to use the "update all" option but would like it to skip certain apps that I never want updated? I read an article here saying it was supposed to be possible but I can't find the option in my play store:

http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/08/21/psa-as-of-play-store-v4-3-10-you-can-finally-disable-automatic-updates-for-certain-apps-and-update-all-will-honor-these-settings/

tomdempsey200 · 16-03-2014 4:12pm

Blade wrote: »

Hadn't heard of it either but just tried it out there now. Good quality indeed! 18 Euro is a bit steep for the full version though. Did you buy it or are you just using the free version? I managed to find an old version that doesn't have any nag screens but still can't add to favourites or search.

Only problem now is that the old version keeps showing up under "update all" in the play store. Anyone know of a way to stop it showing up there as I want to use the "update all" option but would like it to skip certain apps that I never want updated? I read an article here saying it was supposed to be possible but I can't find the option in my play store:

http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/08/21/psa-as-of-play-store-v4-3-10-you-can-finally-disable-automatic-updates-for-certain-apps-and-update-all-will-honor-these-settings/

just using the free version

pretty good though

Dozen Wicked Words · 16-03-2014 4:23pm

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

Torrent Stream Controller seems much better than xbmc stuff
thanks to whoever recommended that
great picture

Not the prettiest app, but very good quality so far for me. Only using the free version too. Shame I cant cast it to my Chromecast but hopefully when my cheap android tv stick arrives I won't need to worry about that.

Allyall · 16-03-2014 8:54pm

Dozen Wicked Words wrote: »

Not the prettiest app, but very good quality so far for me. Only using the free version too. Shame I cant cast it to my Chromecast but hopefully when my cheap android tv stick arrives I won't need to worry about that.

Allcast or Avia should cast to Chromecast.

Dozen Wicked Words · 16-03-2014 9:29pm

Allyall wrote: »

Allcast or Avia should cast to Chromecast.

Just get a blank screen with both of those apps (paid) on the couple of channels I tried. Will have another go though as Allcast works very well with nearly every film I've played on S***box

tomdempsey200 · 16-03-2014 10:41pm

Dozen Wicked Words wrote: »

Not the prettiest app, but very good quality so far for me. Only using the free version too. Shame I cant cast it to my Chromecast but hopefully when my cheap android tv stick arrives I won't need to worry about that.

i'm on 3mb dsl and it's working flawlessly

just had to adjust acestream buffer settings

brilliant for sports great picture

Dozen Wicked Words · 16-03-2014 10:45pm

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

i'm on 3mb dsl and it's working flawlessly

just had to adjust acestream buffer settings

brilliant for sports great picture

Yeah hopefully when I get my android stick it will work just as well.

Edit: What settings did you use TomD, if you don't mind me asking.

bodonnell · 17-03-2014 9:22am

Is there any way to show picture fullscreen, or is that setting only available with paid version

thehomeofDob · 17-03-2014 9:41am

Slightly off topic, just tried Torrent Stream Controller, all channels are overdubbed in Russian, and I can't find a setting to change.

Using VLC for playback and a Google turned up nothing.

ainm usaideoir · 17-03-2014 4:28pm

Allyall wrote: »

If you want to record BBC 1/2/3/4or ITV 1/2/3 +1 etc, or many other TV stations, you could get the Filmon App. There are others, but Filmon with a free account couldn't be easier, My Mother records loads to watch on it. loves it.

Sky Go, Aer TV (For Irish Channels also) by Magnet, Tons of others and all of the XBMC add ons.. There are loads. But Filmon is just very user friendly.

Thanks ! , After reading through this thread the only question I have before I get one is : external or internal antenna ? I was going to choose either one of these , nooby here so any help ..... : https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CC0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geekbuying.com%2Fitem%2FRikomagic-MK802IV-Android-4-2-Jelly-Bean-Mini-PC-TV-BOX-RK3188-Quad-Core-1-8Ghz-2G-8G-BT-315126.html&ei=7REnU5q0IYOAhAf_5oDwCg&usg=AFQjCNEvyA5QvNLfjrtsaQIUK9_APdxjmw&bvm=bv.62922401,d.ZG4 or https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geekbuying.com%2Fitem%2FTronsmart-MK908II-RK3188-Cortex-A9-Quad-Core-1-6GHz-Google-Android-4-2-Mini-TV-BOX-2G-8G-BT-External-Wifi-Antenna-Black-318432.html&ei=gBInU_uEKdCQhQeT34CgBg&usg=AFQjCNEVC6T26H7REqg3gqfUlHdhshdtzw&bvm=bv.62922401,d.ZG4 Thanks!

Allyall · 18-03-2014 4:40am

Blade wrote: »

Hadn't heard of it either but just tried it out there now. Good quality indeed! 18 Euro is a bit steep for the full version though. Did you buy it or are you just using the free version? I managed to find an old version that doesn't have any nag screens but still can't add to favourites or search.

Only problem now is that the old version keeps showing up under "update all" in the play store. Anyone know of a way to stop it showing up there as I want to use the "update all" option but would like it to skip certain apps that I never want updated? I read an article here saying it was supposed to be possible but I can't find the option in my play store:

I hadn't noticed any of these comments before, I had seen one at the end.
To stop Play store updating/asking to update, - open play store, then settings, then "Auto Update Apps". I choose "Do not auto-update apps". If that's any help.. It means you have to check manually, individually on apps that you do want updated.

Do you have adaway installed? I have zero nag screens, and never have (that I've noticed).

Full version is available coincidentally, as a torrent. But it's not the best solution for me. The EPG is in Russian Only (Although I haven't checked the latest version).
DVB solutions are popping up more and more as a solution for the EPG's but I haven't tried them out yet.
DVBdream and DVBviewer Controller are being mentioned as the "how to" and "app to use" that I have read from Acestream.org forums (Using Google Chrome).

Also, one of the main repo makers for xbmc has been out on their own for a bit now, with zero adverts, and is no longer associated with Mikey1234 or any of them, afaik. no cr@p at all, and works great. I'm sure many stayed using it afterwards, but i didn't. I only reinstalled about ~3 weeks ago.
I hated that whole episode, as it had me cleaning up quite a few systems and I only used one of their addons at the time for something unrelated (In-house ads, timetables, local news feeds).

ainm usaideoir wrote: »

Thanks ! , After reading through this thread the only question I have before I get one is : external or internal antenna ? I was going to choose either one of these , nooby here so any help ..... : https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CC0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geekbuying.com%2Fitem%2FRikomagic-MK802IV-Android-4-2-Jelly-Bean-Mini-PC-TV-BOX-RK3188-Quad-Core-1-8Ghz-2G-8G-BT-315126.html&ei=7REnU5q0IYOAhAf_5oDwCg&usg=AFQjCNEvyA5QvNLfjrtsaQIUK9_APdxjmw&bvm=bv.62922401,d.ZG4 or https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geekbuying.com%2Fitem%2FTronsmart-MK908II-RK3188-Cortex-A9-Quad-Core-1-6GHz-Google-Android-4-2-Mini-TV-BOX-2G-8G-BT-External-Wifi-Antenna-Black-318432.html&ei=gBInU_uEKdCQhQeT34CgBg&usg=AFQjCNEVC6T26H7REqg3gqfUlHdhshdtzw&bvm=bv.62922401,d.ZG4 Thanks!

Personally, right now I'm going for the MX2. But both of them are good too. I am loving the newest firmware and smoothness.

All are good TBH.

tomdempsey200 · 18-03-2014 3:12pm

how do you stop Xbox when a stream doesn't load properly?

none of the controls will stop it 'working'

ainm usaideoir · 18-03-2014 8:49pm

Allyall , thanks for your input ! The MX2 is dual core other 2 are quad core , would that make much difference ?

Allyall · 19-03-2014 2:44am

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

how do you stop Xbox when a stream doesn't load properly?

none of the controls will stop it 'working'

Right Click/Esc. Don't click too much.

But, most likely, try a different XBMC build.

ainm usaideoir wrote: »

Allyall , thanks for your input ! The MX2 is dual core other 2 are quad core , would that make much difference ?

Not for XBMC today. (Specifically for those)
MX2 is excellent. But may need a different ROM - Easy to do.. (Sorry, I had loads written, and deleted and wrote again... now here.)

- I'd go for the MX2 with a custom ROM. Full HD streaming live, and no issues. - For the Pedantic, It may not have been consistently "Full HD" but is excellent quality, marked as full HD and doesn't stutter.

tomdempsey200 · 19-03-2014 10:21am

thanks allyall
I presume I need a proper remote for that
I'm using Yatse right now

where would I get a custom Rom for this and is it worth doing?
http://www.focalprice.com/EH0077B/UG007_Android_411_RK3066_DualCore_CortexA9_16_GHz_8G_Video_Player.html

thanks again

Allyall · 19-03-2014 10:54am

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

thanks allyall
I presume I need a proper remote for that
I'm using Yatse right now

where would I get a custom Rom for this and is it worth doing?
http://www.focalprice.com/EH0077B/UG007_Android_411_RK3066_DualCore_CortexA9_16_GHz_8G_Video_Player.html

thanks again

In Yatse there should be a back arrow under the directional pad. That should do the same.

There are tons of custom roms for the RK3066 Chipset..
I think the imito mx1/2 roms (newer version) run best, but that may be outdated now... The snakegenmod seems to get a lot of attention, but I haven't tried it.
Both should be a lot better than the stock rom.

tomdempsey200 · 19-03-2014 11:04am

Allyall wrote: »

In Yatse there should be a back arrow under the directional pad. That should do the same.

There are tons of custom roms for the RK3066 Chipset..
I think the imito mx1/2 roms (newer version) run best, but that may be outdated now... The snakegenmod seems to get a lot of attention, but I haven't tried it.
Both should be a lot better than the stock rom.

ok thanks I'll take a look

the back button doesn't work on Xbox remote or yatse
ill try a different Xbmc

BenEadir · 19-03-2014 1:11pm

Hi all,

I have a WD Live box on a 'spare' TV which I want to replace as it's quite limited in what it can do. I have an OUYA on my main TV which works fine for Netflix and XBMC (SPMC actually) and the fact it has indie games and comes with it's own game pad is a bonus for the kids but for the spare TV I'd like something more vanilla Android which can run standard XBMC, Netflix and online streaming apps like RTE Player etc.

Is the Matricom G-BOX MIDNIGHT MX2 the best performing option around at the moment? http://matricom.net/products/g-box-midnight-mx2? The official box is £94 on http://www.amazon.co.uk/G-Box-Midnight-MX2-Android-Streaming/dp/B00CH643A8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395230500&sr=8-1&keywords=G-Box+Midnight+MX2+Android+4.2+Jelly+Bean+Dual+Core+XBMC+Streaming+Mini+HTPC+TV+Box+Player but these guys seem to be doing a (cloned?) version for just €50 http://www.aliexpress.com/item/XBMC-Installed-E-M6-Android-4-2-2-8GB-Set-top-Box-Amlogic-8726-MX-Cortex/928275567.html. Has anyone bought the €50 version and is it "official" or a copy and if a copy is it fully functional? I'm as keen as the next guy to save €50 but I'd prefer to spend £94 and get a high quality product than €50 and get something which doesn't work or won't work for very long!!

Assuming the MX2 (whatever version) is the best box to go with is Snakerom 4.1.1 update 3 the best custom ROM to flash onto it or has that been replaced by Snakerom 4.2.2 version 1.4? https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=5bc7c5f6a3b2dad9&id=5BC7C5F6A3B2DAD9%21450&authkey=!ALRUOHssz8ADbbs

Does anyone know if the MX2 has good WiFi capability? Where I plan to use it is about 30 feet from my WiFi router through a ceiling. The WD Live box has no problems streaming Netflix etc in the same spot.

Cheers.

Allyall · 19-03-2014 3:52pm

There is no difference between the Clone and the G-Box especially after the Matricom Rom has been put on it.

Same guts also as the Tronsmart Prometheus. I haven't yet installed any rom on either of my Prometheus' but I will soon.
I have put MX Linux on the MX2 and the Matricom ROM along with one other weird one. (Can't remember the name of it) It was OTT with the visuals, and kinda made me feel a little motion sickness.
I haven't tried any of the Snake ROMs. Not even sure if that link is for an MX2, but I presume it is, if you found the link.

I'm currently using the Matricom 1.1.5 ROM and it's perfect. But i do intend on checking out the 1.1.6 at some point - I may do that on the Prometheus.

baingal nancer · 19-03-2014 4:02pm

how does the mini x5 compare against the mx2

ainm usaideoir · 19-03-2014 4:41pm

[/QUOTE] MX2 is excellent. But may need a different ROM - Easy to do.. (Sorry, I had loads written, and deleted and wrote again... now here.)

- I'd go for the MX2 with a custom ROM. Full HD streaming live, and no issues. - For the Pedantic, It may not have been consistently "Full HD" but is excellent quality, marked as full HD and doesn't stutter.[/QUOTE]

Took your advice and ordered the MX2 , where can I find the custom rom ?
Thanks again !!

Allyall · 20-03-2014 2:31am

baingal nancer wrote: »

how does the mini x5 compare against the mx2

I think they're both good. The MK808B has the same CPU as the Minix neo x5, and most of those roms for the RK3066 chipset work with it. (And Vice Versa)
Minix are still supporting it, a new firmware came out very recently, which is obviously a great thing, considering how many lost support over a year ago and had to rely on others for their updates.
Unlike the nufront (NS115) at the same time, which pretty much died without any support.

But, for the ROM and stability I'd personally, go with the MX2. Since AMLogic released their source code, their devices improvements have been massive, leaps and bounds.
Whereas it seemed to have the opposite effect on Rockchip. They released their source code in summer last year, and not as many improvements.

ainm usaideoir wrote:

Took your advice and ordered the MX2 , where can I find the custom rom ?
Thanks again !!

A few different places, But the one I'd go for is

http://matricom.net/software-and-roms/mx2-software/

Lovely Bloke · 20-03-2014 8:57am

Ordered the MK908II from Geekbuying on Tuesday, and it shipped today via DHL, with 3-5 business days delivery time, so should have it by this day next week.

BenEadir · 20-03-2014 11:09am

Allyall wrote: »

There is no difference between the Clone and the G-Box especially after the Matricom Rom has been put on it. .......I'm currently using the Matricom 1.1.5 ROM and it's perfect.

Are you using Matricom 1.1.5 on the clone version of the MX2?

Ben

Allyall · 20-03-2014 11:25am

BenThere wrote: »

Are you using Matricom 1.1.5 on the clone version of the MX2?

Ben

Yep, from that link.

EDIT.

Also had MX Linux on the last one, Which i put back to original, and now has MX Linux back on it, in my friends house networked up with 4 Hard Drives and no XBMC on it. He has it running through his system.

MX Linux from HERE

BenEadir · 20-03-2014 11:45am

What are peoples thoughts on the MINIX NEO X7 -http://www.minix.com.hk/Products/MINIX-NEOX7.html? This review looks fantastic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBR3ZrurMKI

Given I need my new box to be strong on the WiFi side of things the fact the X7 has an external antenna and got such high scores on the review makes it very tempting for me. I looked for a review comparing the MX2 with the NEO X7 but couldn't find one. Thoughts on how the stack up against each other?

Ben

cwboy · 20-03-2014 7:07pm

thehomeofDob wrote: »

Slightly off topic, just tried Torrent Stream Controller, all channels are overdubbed in Russian, and I can't find a setting to change.

Using VLC for playback and a Google turned up nothing.

Have the same problem. Any solution found?

tomdempsey200 · 20-03-2014 7:09pm

cwboy wrote: »

Have the same problem. Any solution found?

i just watch the sports

no problem there mostly

paddyirish23 · 20-03-2014 7:48pm

Baldy Conscience wrote: »

Ordered the MK908II from Geekbuying on Tuesday, and it shipped today via DHL, with 3-5 business days delivery time, so should have it by this day next week.

Hey all, am looking for the best out there or one of the best looking to stream hd maybe 3d will the above do this or can anyone recommend any
Ps. Am a complete novice at this right now just looking to get set up with one and maybe a future proof box? All help and advice welcome,
Thanks

BenEadir · 21-03-2014 10:47am

BenThere wrote: »

What are peoples thoughts on the MINIX NEO X7 -http://www.minix.com.hk/Products/MINIX-NEOX7.html? This review looks fantastic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBR3ZrurMKI

Given I need my new box to be strong on the WiFi side of things the fact the X7 has an external antenna and got such high scores on the review makes it very tempting for me. I looked for a review comparing the MX2 with the NEO X7 but couldn't find one. Thoughts on how the stack up against each other?

Ben

^^^ Any thoughts on the Minix Neo 7? I did a bit more research and overall it looks like a very solid box with strong WiFi. Anyone got anything good/bad to say about it or Minix in general?

Ben

Nemeses2050 · 21-03-2014 12:27pm

BenThere wrote: »

^^^ Any thoughts on the Minix Neo 7? I did a bit more research and overall it looks like a very solid box with strong WiFi. Anyone got anything good/bad to say about it or Minix in general?

Ben

I think MiniX 7 is one of the best Android boxes out there, the Reviews on You tube and freak tab are great, and it's a quad core too. I'm gonna get that next week.

baingal nancer · 21-03-2014 12:29pm

Nemeses2050 wrote: »

I think MiniX 7 is one of the best Android boxes out there, the Reviews on You tube and freak tab are great, and it's a quad core too. I'm gonna get that next week.

Whats the price difference between the x5 and x7?

Nemeses2050 · 21-03-2014 12:37pm

As per Amazon X5 is £ 62 and X7 is £ 88.00.

Recommend an Android Box that runs XBMC - [No copyrighted material]

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