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

iba

Guys/Girls,

Would be graetful for recommendations for an Android box that runs XBMC.

Would be grateful to know things like which firmware is best, which processor i.e. quad core or dual core

Any other info. that you boardies think is imporatnt would also be appreciated.

Regards

Iba

coldfire1x

I have a mk808b that runs xbmc fine. There may be newer versions out there now like mk908 (quad core).

00sully

I have 2 raspberry pi's that do the job nicely. on one I use pass-through to allow my amp to decode digital audio as the pi doesn't have the required licences for DTS - also lessens the strain on the GPU! for the price you can't beat it I reckon.

emo72

Theres one guy on adverts selling one for 109. It's quad core and 2 gig ram and I would go with that to keep it running silky smooth. He also has xbmc installed with all the extras enabled. I had a raspberry pie but found it a bit clunky and frustrating. It could do nearly everything but not a great user experience.

Cantona's Collars

Big thread here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056939401&page=14

Last 5 or 6 pages are best read for more up to date info on the latest models.

Blade

emo72 wrote: »

Theres one guy on adverts selling one for 109. It's quad core and 2 gig ram and I would go with that to keep it running silky smooth.

Looks like he's doubling his money. For less than a fiver more (or maybe even cheaper if you pay in USD) you can get the 5 set bundle listed here:
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Tronsmart-MK908II-RK3188-Cortex-A9-Quad-Core-1-6GHz-Google-Android-4-2-Mini-TV-BOX-2G-8G-BT-External-Wifi-Antenna-Black-318432.html

* Tronsmart MK908II RK3188 Cortex-A9 Quad Core 1.6GHz Google Android 4.2 Mini TV BOX 2G/8G BT External Wifi Antenna-Black 53.99
* Tronsmart TSM01 English Version Air Mouse + Keyboard for TV Box / PC / Motion Sensing Games EUR 14.34
* High Speed 7 Ports Expanded USB 2.0 Hub with On/Off Switch for Laptop Notebook Computer EUR 4.93
* NEW G910 Wireless BT Gamepad Game Controller for Android TV BOX/Mini PC/Smartphone/Tablet PC + IOS supported EUR 21.44
* Brand Logitech C170 Setup 5 Mega Pixel Wired Camera USB Webcam Web Camera w/Mic----Black EUR 18.74

sweetie

Blade wrote: »

Looks like he's doubling his money. For less than a fiver more (maybe ever cheaper if you pay in USD) you can get the 5 set bundle listed here:
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Tronsmart-MK908II-RK3188-Cortex-A9-Quad-Core-1-6GHz-Google-Android-4-2-Mini-TV-BOX-2G-8G-BT-External-Wifi-Antenna-Black-318432.html

* Tronsmart MK908II RK3188 Cortex-A9 Quad Core 1.6GHz Google Android 4.2 Mini TV BOX 2G/8G BT External Wifi Antenna-Black 53.99
* Tronsmart TSM01 English Version Air Mouse + Keyboard for TV Box / PC / Motion Sensing Games EUR 14.34
* High Speed 7 Ports Expanded USB 2.0 Hub with On/Off Switch for Laptop Notebook Computer EUR 4.93
* NEW G910 Wireless BT Gamepad Game Controller for Android TV BOX/Mini PC/Smartphone/Tablet PC + IOS supported EUR 21.44
* Brand Logitech C170 Setup 5 Mega Pixel Wired Camera USB Webcam Web Camera w/Mic----Black EUR 18.74

Customs likely though?

BroLo

sweetie wrote: »

Customs likely though?

Less than €150 so all he'd get stuck for is VAT if he got caught.

Blade

BroLo wrote: »

Less than €150 so all he'd get stuck for is VAT if he got caught.

True, I suppose with a bigger package like that you might get hit with the VAT. But on the other threads discussing a similar device where people were buying the device with an air mouse from this site, I didn't hear of anyone getting hit for the VAT. You have to allow for it though, that's still the cheapest you'll find these from a reliable site.

P.S. You could also break them down into separate orders so each package is of lower value.

keyboard_cat

you could try a raspberry pi and if ur tv is newish you shoudl be able to control it via cec
costs about 50 euro with a case and charger

coldfire1x

Blade wrote: »

True, I suppose with a bigger package like that you might get hit with the VAT. But on the other threads discussing a similar device where people were buying the device with an air mouse from this site, I didn't hear of anyone getting hit for the VAT. You have to allow for it though, that's still the cheapest you'll find these from a reliable site.

P.S. You could also break them down into separate orders so each package is of lower value.

My friend ordered from geekbuying MK908 + remote. He got hit for VAT. Having said that VAT was only €9 or so.

I ordered MK808B from geek and remote from dealextreme. Did not get hit for any VAT.

Blade

coldfire1x wrote: »

My friend ordered from geekbuying MK908 + remote. He got hit for VAT. Having said that VAT was only €9 or so.

I ordered MK808B from geek and remote from dealextreme. Did not get hit for any VAT.

Shows it's better to break them down so. Myself and my neighbour ordered 3 items, the MK808b, remote and the usb hub from Geekbuying at separate times and neither of us got hit for the VAT.

iba

zerks wrote: »

Big thread here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056939401&page=14

Last 5 or 6 pages are best read for more up to date info on the latest models.

Thanks Zerks, could not find another thread on it myself

iba

Guys, thank you for all your comments and suggestions above - Ill have a look at teh suggestions as soon as I get a chance.

Much appreciated.

campo

iba wrote: »

Guys, thank you for all your comments and suggestions above - Ill have a look at teh suggestions as soon as I get a chance.

Much appreciated.

Have a look at the ouya console , it's about 90e but perfect for xbmc

Riesen_Meal

campo wrote: »

Have a look at the ouya console , it's about 90e but perfect for xbmc

Surely any quad core with 2Gb ram beats a Ouya hands down?

campo

Fieldog wrote: »

Surely any quad core with 2Gb ram beats a Ouya hands down?

Depends on what OP wants to use xbmc for , but if just for streaming I find the ouya very good

iba

campo wrote: »

Have a look at the ouya console , it's about 90e but perfect for xbmc

I was just looking at that box and it seems very good and also seems to be supported by the XBMC community and I'm also looking at this Gbox midnite.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/G-Box-Midnight-MX2-Android-Streaming/dp/B00CH643A8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382459331&sr=8-1&keywords=gbox+midnight

Other ones that have popped up seem to be Odroid, Pivos and ATV 1200

Just finished reading teh thread that zerks posted a few posts back. The main recommended there seem to be Prometheus and the MK908B and MK908II (or maybe they are the same box). Really is a massive choice.

iba

Fieldog wrote: »

Surely any quad core with 2Gb ram beats a Ouya hands down?

But is a Quad core really needed or is a dual core sufficent?

iba

campo wrote: »

Depends on what OP wants to use xbmc for , but if just for streaming I find the ouya very good

I would use it mainly for watching 'Filmon' but as I'm only a beginner on XBMC, I'm not 100% sure of its full capabilities and all the things that it is good for yet. I have XBMC on my laptop and Nexus tablet at teh moment and practising with it.

iba

Something else I think that I have just noticed and that is that teh MK908 is not full HD but only 780p - is this right?

I guess it is better to get a box that is fullHD 1080p

Blade

iba wrote: »

Something else I think that I have just noticed and that is that teh MK908 is not full HD but only 780p - is this right?

Not sure where you saw that, even the MK808 is 1080p. Anyway it's the MK908II (not MK908) you should be looking at, the one I linked above.

The Prometheus was mentioned because of a huge price drop, not sure if it's still at the low price now and because of it's Ethernet port etc. But some of these devices have some issues regarding heat and it's unclear which versions are being shipped by Geekbuying.

I've a dual core MK808b at the mo, but yes I would most definitely go for the quad core now as it can be a bit sluggish and sure why not for a few quid more!

Riesen_Meal

iba wrote: »

But is a Quad core really needed or is a dual core sufficent?

For Jellybean I think Quad core is the way to go, if its was 4.0 ICS dual core would be fine....

campo

iba wrote: »

I would use it mainly for watching 'Filmon' but as I'm only a beginner on XBMC, I'm not 100% sure of its full capabilities and all the things that it is good for yet. I have XBMC on my laptop and Nexus tablet at teh moment and practising with it.

It does much more, but I probably cant say what but Youtube is your friend

iba

Blade wrote: »

Not sure where you saw that, even the MK808 is 1080p. Anyway it's the MK908II (not MK908) you should be looking at, the one I linked above.

The Prometheus was mentioned because of a huge price drop, not sure if it's still at the low price now and because of it's Ethernet port etc. But some of these devices have some issues regarding heat and it's unclear which versions are being shipped by Geekbuying.

I've a dual core MK808b at the mo, but yes I would most definitely go for the quad core now as it can be a bit sluggish and sure why not for a few quid more!

I looked at that link now - could not earlier on:

http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Tronsmart-MK908II-RK3188-Cortex-A9-Quad-Core-1-6GHz-Google-Android-4-2-Mini-TV-BOX-2G-8G-BT-External-Wifi-Antenna-Black-318432.html

its $70 now - thats a good price, yes? Not sure which of the extras I would need though.

Will have a look around that site later on at other boxes that they have; could only look at amazon earlier

tony1980

You can get the MyGica510B for 77 euro, order through parcel motel for faster and cheaper delivery. It comes with linux XBMC pre-installed so may not be what you want. It is a fantastic device, I have it about 6 months or so and absolutely love it, boots straight into xbmc in seconds and is very responsive. I have no issues with it, wifi works great on it too!

http://www.futeko.com/products/MP047.php

This is suposed to be brilliant as well, only 53 euros! Whufclee on xbmctalk gave it a great review. He is one of the devs for xbmc.

http://www.futeko.com/products/MP046.php

Blade

iba wrote: »

I looked at that link now - could not earlier on:

http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Tronsmart-MK908II-RK3188-Cortex-A9-Quad-Core-1-6GHz-Google-Android-4-2-Mini-TV-BOX-2G-8G-BT-External-Wifi-Antenna-Black-318432.html

its $70 now - thats a good price, yes? Not sure which of the extras I would need though.

Will have a look around that site later on at other boxes that they have; could only look at amazon earlier

I think it's cheaper when you pay in USD, but yes 54 Euro is good for a quad core with 2 Gigs of RAM, same price as some of the dual cores mentioned here. If you just want a dual core then you may as well go for the MK808b for 34 Euro:
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/MK808B-Dual-Core-Android-4-1-Jelly-Bean-TV-BOX-RK3066-Cortex-A9-1GB-RAM-8GB-ROM-Mini-PC-TV-Box---Black-313213.html

I would recommend you also go for the Tronsmart remote listed in the bundle I posted earlier, regardless of which of these Android devices you might go for. It's much neater than the likes of the RC11, batteries last longer and it has a motion sensor for games which the RC11 doesn't. If you also want to use the device for Skype or home security through Skype then add that camera from the bundle. Other webcams may not work.

P.S. you can also control these devices through your Android phone with apps like Droidmote or xbmc specific Yatse app, but the physical remote is nice to have.

It's free shipping from that site but as it's coming from China you might get hit for VAT as mentioned and the average wait is about 2 weeks.

eamonnq

emo72 wrote: »

Theres one guy on adverts selling one for 109. It's quad core and 2 gig ram and I would go with that to keep it running silky smooth. He also has xbmc installed with all the extras enabled.

Would the 'all the extras enabled' entail much work ? Have only installed XBMC on a PC but have not done much research into the 'extras' yet!!

campo

eamonnq wrote: »

Would the 'all the extras enabled' entail much work ? Have only installed XBMC on a PC but have not done much research into the 'extras' yet!!

Takes about 5 mins, again google and Youtube

emo72

yeah, read his advert, although the price has taken a major price hike.

http://www.adverts.ie/media-players/mk908-quad-core-xbmc-1080p-free-movies-and-live-tv-android-google-play-netflix-irish-tv-live/3667451

iba

eamonnq wrote: »

Would the 'all the extras enabled' entail much work ? Have only installed XBMC on a PC but have not done much research into the 'extras' yet!!

Im like you, I have it on my laptop too

iba

campo wrote: »

Takes about 5 mins, again google and Youtube

Any particular sentences worth putting into the youtube search?

iba

Can these boxes be upgraded when new versions of xbmc is released or are you stuck with the version that comes on the box coz I read that some come with 12 and some come with Frodo 12.2?

I should also mention that this will be a present for someone so I have a budget of about €100

sweetie

iba wrote: »

Any particular sentences worth putting into the youtube search?

Read the adverts ad!

user2011

http://ie-en.forum.ibood.com/41151-_mk908_android_42_smarttv_dongle_with_uadcore_processor_and_2gb_ram/

BroLo

user2011 wrote: »

http://ie-en.forum.ibood.com/41151-_mk908_android_42_smarttv_dongle_with_uadcore_processor_and_2gb_ram/

Worth the price? Very tempted by this!

Blade

iba wrote: »

Can these boxes be upgraded when new versions of xbmc is released or are you stuck with the version that comes on the box coz I read that some come with 12 and some come with Frodo 12.2?

The boxes I linked you from China don't come with any xbmc on them, it's up to you to install whatever the hell you want on them. It's just like buying a new PC, it will have an operating system on it and you install whatever you want after that. When you asked for an Android box I presumed you were familiar with it and perhaps had an Android phone? Well it's exactly the same, you install whatever apps you want on it.

These guys on Adverts just buy these boxes from China, stick XBMC on them and sell them for twice the price.

user2011

BroLo wrote: »

Worth the price? Very tempted by this!

Im not sure, i'm waiting on mk908ii newer version/spin off with antenna on the side of it.

I don't know if there are known issues with this with wifi reception. Hopefully Allyall or someone from mk808 thread pops in help you more then me.

But just for the quickness of getting hands on the device yes :pac: im 3 weeks down the road from ordering on geekbuying and still nothing

BroLo

user2011 wrote: »

Im not sure, i'm waiting on mk908ii newer version/spin off with antenna on the side of it.

I don't know if there are known issues with this with wifi reception. Hopefully Allyall or someone from mk808 thread pops in help you more then me.

But just for the quickness of getting hands on the device yes :pac: im 3 weeks down the road from ordering on geekbuying and still nothing

Only rush I'd be in to get one would be because of ibood.

So if the ii is a better device I'd go for it.

How does it handle 1080p video?

Would it be able to power a 1TB portable HDD?

And if it was purely for XBMC then would all I need be the device, the mini keyboard and the USB extender?

Blade

BroLo wrote: »

Only rush I'd be in to get one would be because of ibood.

So if the ii is a better device I'd go for it.

How does it handle 1080p video?

Would it be able to power a 1TB portable HDD?

And if it was purely for XBMC then would all I need be the device, the mini keyboard and the USB extender?

The ii is indeed supposed to be a much better device, the standard 908 is supposed to have issues with wifi including regular connection drops, maybe that's why they stuck an antenna on the side!

I can only go by what I read but I believe the ii can handle 1080p quite well. My mk808b does struggle with it.

I could be wrong but I don't think any of these devices can power an external HHD...? You'd probably need a separate power supply for it.

You probably wouldn't need the USB extender as your keyboard can connect to the OTG with the included adapter and your HDD into the standard USB port. Still it's handy to have the extender for other devices like USB flash drives, webcam etc.

The iBood deal is for the older model with known issues, it's 70 euro plus shipping which isn't expected till 13th Nov. Geekbuying is 53 Euro for the newer model, free shipping, though user2011's 3 weeks wait is a bit worrying...

eamonnq

BroLo wrote: »

Only rush I'd be in to get one would be because of ibood.


And if it was purely for XBMC then would all I need be the device, the mini keyboard and the USB extender?

You can control them with an app that you download onto your android smart phone, so don't absolutely need the mini keyboard.

BroLo

Blade wrote: »

The ii is indeed supposed to be a much better device, the standard 908 is supposed to have issues with wifi including regular connection drops, maybe that's why they stuck an antenna on the side!

I can only go by what I read but I believe the ii can handle 1080p quite well. My mk808b does struggle with it.

I could be wrong but I don't think any of these devices can power an external HHD...? You'd probably need a separate power supply for it.

You probably wouldn't need the USB extender as your keyboard can connect to the OTG with the included adapter and your HDD into the standard USB port. Still it's handy to have the extender for other devices like USB flash drives, webcam etc.

The iBood deal is for the older model with known issues, it's 70 euro plus shipping which isn't expected till 13th Nov. Geekbuying is 53 Euro for the newer model, free shipping, though user2011's 3 weeks wait is a bit worrying...

What I meant regarding the HDD is it is a USB powered one. Would the box be able to power it through its USB slot or would I need an alternative power source for it?

eamonnq wrote: »

You can control them with an app that you download onto your android smart phone, so don't absolutely need the mini keyboard.

I'm using that at the minute with my current XBMC set up. Its not as handy as it sounds, so I'd prefer to get a dedicated remote for it.

Blade

BroLo wrote: »

What I meant regarding the HDD is it is a USB powered one. Would the box be able to power it through its USB slot or would I need an alternative power source for it?

Yup I know what you meant, I don't think any of these types of Android stick can supply the power needed for a HDD. TBH even if they said they could I wouldn't trust them, I find the USB connection on my 808b to be a bit temperamental, one of my mouse adapters isn't liked by the main USB slot, if it's plugged in there the device won't even switch on, I had to use the OTG port for that, also anything in it seems to get quite hot. So I just wouldn't trust them to power a HDD.

BroLo wrote: »

I'm using that at the minute with my current XBMC set up. Its not as handy as it sounds, so I'd prefer to get a dedicated remote for it.

Have you tried Yatse? It's a dedicated XBMC app, it's pretty awesome, all the content shows up on your phone and you can even stream everything to your phone from your XBMC. I'm having problems using it as my setup is a bit arseways at the moment but it is nice. Try the free version it allows everything except the streaming back to your phone. Thanks to Allyall for recommending it.

iba

Blade wrote: »

The boxes I linked you from China don't come with any xbmc on them, it's up to you to install whatever the hell you want on them. It's just like buying a new PC, it will have an operating system on it and you install whatever you want after that. When you asked for an Android box I presumed you were familiar with it and perhaps had an Android phone? Well it's exactly the same, you install whatever apps you want on it.

These guys on Adverts just buy these boxes from China, stick XBMC on them and sell them for twice the price.

Yes I have android phone and tablet.

BroLo

Blade wrote: »

Yup I know what you meant, I don't think any of these types of Android stick can supply the power needed for a HDD. TBH even if they said they could I wouldn't trust them, I find the USB connection on my 808b to be a bit temperamental, one of my mouse adapters isn't liked by the main USB slot, if it's plugged in there the device won't even switch on, I had to use the OTG port for that, also anything in it seems to get quite hot. So I just wouldn't trust them to power a HDD.



Have you tried Yatse? It's a dedicated XBMC app, it's pretty awesome, all the content shows up on your phone and you can even stream everything to your phone from your XBMC. I'm having problems using it as my setup is a bit arseways at the moment but it is nice. Try the free version it allows everything except the streaming back to your phone. Thanks to Allyall for recommending it.

Would the best choice for something like this be a NAS so?

I'm using the official XBMC remote. Don't get me wrong it's useful I just find myself using my keyboard more than the app. Prefer a physical button.

Plus sometimes the connection bugs and it gets stuck on the last button I pressed so it scrolls or pauses infinitely :P

Dozen Wicked Words

iba wrote: »

Any particular sentences worth putting into the youtube search?

I would Google xbmc repo or repository, easy enough from there really. Its a 5 minute job adding all the useful add ons.

Blade

BroLo wrote: »

Would the best choice for something like this be a NAS so?

If you've a lot of stuff, I'd say so. For me though I'm fine with a couple of 32 Gig memory sticks and a micro SD. I find myself not downloading and keeping stuff any more when I can stream most everything from the likes of XBMC and the Newsgroups etc.

BroLo

The iBood one is the 1st version, the Geekbuying one is the newer 2nd version of the device.

The iBood one has some issues with WiFi. You have no risk of customs and will have it faster.

The Geekbuying one has better WiFi but you have a risk of Customs and it will take a lot longer to arrive.

AAAAAnd the message I was responding to disappeared :P

I heard MiniX were good and was about to pull the trigger on the X7 until I read some disparaging comments on youtube. Is there a consensus on the best one out there please? Money no object. I've read this thread and it seems to be either the ridiculously named and shaped "Prometheus" or the MK808b! There's just so bleeding many of the blighters...:D

Also I don't know why some people were mentioning an RPI...hardly an Android box is it?

BroLo

http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Tronsmart-CX-919-Quad-Core-Google-Android-4-2-2-OS-Rockchip-RK3188-Cortex-A9-1-6GHz-Mini-TV-BOX-Dongle-HDMI-HDD-Player-2G-8G-BT-HDMI-External-Wifi-Antenna-Black-316975.html

Same price as the MK908II

Any major advantages or disadvantages of one over the other?

Blade

Deleted User wrote: »

Is there a consensus on the best one out there please? Money no object. I've read this thread and it seems to be either the ridiculously named and shaped "Prometheus" or the MK808b! There's just so bleeding many of the blighters...:D

Surely you mean the MK908ii? I have the 808b and I'm not sure I'd go for it again as it's a dual core. I had some difficulty streaming 1080p from the net but that might have been a download issue. I'll try running one straight from the device and if it plays ok then there's probably no real need for a quad core in fairness.

The first time I saw the "Prometheus" in an email from Geekbuying I thought it was some sort of 3D eyewear!

You really need Allyall here as he has a lot of experience with all these devices but I think he's busy pulling his hair out at the moment...