Android TV box advice?

e220

Hi all,
Any advice please on the following. I am thinking of purchasing an Andoid TV box and would appreciate any help that would point me in the best direction. It has been suggested to buy one with a quality airmouse. Thanks. Any response will be appreciated.

Davy

Not a bargain alert, moved to Android

corks finest

e220 wrote: »

Hi all,
Any advice please on the following. I am thinking of purchasing an Andoid TV box and would appreciate any help that would point me in the best direction. It has been suggested to buy one with a quality airmouse. Thanks. Any response will be appreciated.

Nvidia shield all day long,no comparison

davegilly

What do you want it for? The shield might be an expensive overkill depending on what your needs are.

Best bang for your buck by a country mile is an Amazon Firestick.

captain_boycott

+1 for the shield. Its not cheap but nothing else comes close to it.

DubInTheWest

I use the shield and it beats anything hands down. I did buy a 2 'leelboxes,' for the kids rooms just over a year ago. I read good reviews about them but I found them buggy as fk out of the box. Even kodi would just hang or go black. When I had some time, I did a factory reset on one of them and low and behold it ran really smooth, the kids watch kodi, youtube and netflix etc.. with no issues. One thing about android boxes and netflix is there can and will be audio sync issues. With the shield there is no issues as it's sanctioned by netflix but the other third party boxes not sanctioned by netflix to run their app has sync issues. This is how it was, I'm not sure if it's still the same, I've been out of the game awhile now.

e220

OmegaGene wrote: »

Nvidia shield

Thanks. I'll do the research.

e220

davegilly wrote: »

What do you want it for? The shield might be an expensive overkill depending on what your needs are.

Best bang for your buck by a country mile is an Amazon Firestick.

Thanks for your input.

e220

DubInTheWest wrote: »

I use the shield and it beats anything hands down. I did buy a 2 'leelboxes,' for the kids rooms just over a year ago. I read good reviews about them but I found them buggy as fk out of the box. Even kodi would just hang or go black. When I had some time, I did a factory reset on one of them and low and behold it ran really smooth, the kids watch kodi, youtube and netflix etc.. with no issues. One thing about android boxes and netflix is there can and will be audio sync issues. With the shield there is no issues as it's sanctioned by netflix but the other third party boxes not sanctioned by netflix to run their app has sync issues. This is how it was, I'm not sure if it's still the same, I've been out of the game awhile now.

Wow. Thank you. Never heard about the Shield. Must do the research. Thanks again.

hardybuck

Is there any way to get terrestrial TV through one of those android boxes or the likes of a Now TV Stick/Amazon Stick?

Having a bit of hassle in a new property getting my TV setup, and between wiring and drilling I'm looking to explore alternatives.

People have been telling me to get an Android Box for ages but this might be the nudge I need!

Macy0161

I've just "downgraded" the android box in the main sitting room to a firetv stick (from H96 mini). The rest of the family pretty much just used it for netflix, which is better with the FireTV, and the domestic (RTE/ TG4/ VM) players never really worked that well on it anyway, and it's easier to just cast them the occasional times they want to watch them.

Boooourns

Hijacking this, i've just tried IPTV on my first gen firestick and it's a little choppy so not great for watching sports. Thinking of getting the shield myself, pricey but it looks to be worth it.

DubInTheWest

Boooourns wrote: »

Hijacking this, i've just tried IPTV on my first gen firestick and it's a little choppy so not great for watching sports. Thinking of getting the shield myself, pricey but it looks to be worth it.

Definitely worth it. I got the 2015 model back in early 2016 and still going strong. I've used many other boxes and are useless compared to the shield. I use it for Kodi, youtube and soon when I get the ftth in, netflix and the gforce gaming for the kids.

It can do tons more, my knowledge is limited to the above but some very knowledgeable people here on boards will tell you more if needed I'm sure.

unhappyBB

Any advice on a good cheap bog standard android box?
All it needs to run is Kodi with a (very) large local library. No addons, no Netflix, no IPTV, etc.

I've been using a MXQ for the last ~4 years and it worked flawlessly until it died the other day. I replaced it with a X96 mini which on paper looks much better for the same price but this craps out nearly every day and needs a reboot to work again.

e220

OmegaGene wrote: »

Iptv

Sorry, I'm not familiar with what you are interested in. Perhaps posting a request for information will get you the answer you are looking for.

DubInTheWest

e220 wrote: »

Sorry, I'm not familiar with what you are interested in. Perhaps posting a request for information will get you the answer you are looking for.

Yeah OmegaGene, the man is right

The high horse brigade

unhappyBB wrote: »

Any advice on a good cheap bog standard android box?
All it needs to run is Kodi with a (very) large local library. No addons, no Netflix, no IPTV, etc.

I've been using a MXQ for the last ~4 years and it worked flawlessly until it died the other day. I replaced it with a X96 mini which on paper looks much better for the same price but this craps out nearly every day and needs a reboot to work again.

Fire stick or Mibox of you're on a budget

Shield if you're not and want the best box available

corks finest

Shield tops

Maxx355

I'm using a Zoomtek android box for over a year..very good.

BandMember

hardybuck wrote: »

Is there any way to get terrestrial TV through one of those android boxes or the likes of a Now TV Stick/Amazon Stick

RTE Player. If you get a good VPN, you can get the likes of BBC/ITV/CH4 players too.

FWIW, to anyone reading this thread looking to buy a box, buy a Nvidia Shield.

Now, this thread can be considered closed. :cool:

stockshares

Sorry to hijack thread but Im in similar situation.

I've been considering getting a chromecast but a poster on boards said a Mi Box S has Chromecast built in.

Does the Mi Box have full Android TV and do all Android Boxes including the Nvidea Shield have Chromecast built in.

Does the Android TV box make Chromecast irrelevant.

I want to get into Internet TV. Tired of the Terrestrial muck and expensive Sky subscriptions .

Sorry again for jumping into the thread. Thanks for any advice offered.

sioda

Mi box has chromecast built in and iptv support is excellent
I still use the chromecast for things like the new rte player.

Good remote control apps available as well.

stockshares

sioda wrote: »

Mi box has chromecast built in and iptv support is excellent
I still use the chromecast for things like the new rte player.

Good remote control apps available as well.

So basically Chromecast is useful for programs not covered by Android TV.

Is Mi Box my best option? If so where can it he bought from.

I know Honorbuy do Xiaomi phones buy not sure if they have this.

stockshares

OmegaGene wrote: »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/XIAOMI-Mi-TV-Box-Negro-Black/dp/B07K3KC5CP

Great stuff, thank you

captain_boycott

stockshares wrote: »

So basically Chromecast is useful for programs not covered by Android TV.

Is Mi Box my best option? If so where can it he bought from.

I know Honorbuy do Xiaomi phones buy not sure if they have this.

https://www.geekbuying.com/item/XIAOMI-Mi-Box-S-International-Version-410356.html


€66 plus €2 p&p from Poland warehouse


edit - but just to echo bandmembers earlier post, spend the extra € and get the shield!! (review of Mi box here)

stockshares

captain_boycott wrote: »

https://www.geekbuying.com/item/XIAOMI-Mi-Box-S-International-Version-410356.html


€66 plus €2 p&p from Poland warehouse


edit - but just to echo bandmembers earlier post, spend the extra € and get the shield!! (review of Mi box here)

I read the review. Mi Box S is very poor according to it. Should I get the Shield from geekbuying also.

BTW I'm not a Gamer and don't have a 4K TV. Would the Shield still be worth getting.

Edit: just seen its €260 in PC World

stockshares

OmegaGene wrote: »

The Nvidia Shield is the best box in the market, I use mine daily so I would highly recommend it, prices vary from £155 to £187 from Nvidia Shield in the U.K. or amazon
Iptv works flawlessly once you get a decent provider, emby share is also an option for the latest films and tv shows and U.K. players are handy too

I don't have fibre broadband. I have Threes mobile broadband 30 day contract 750gb. Would that limit IPTV

Suckit

IPTV works flawlessly on a €35 box too.
I get that the Shield is an excellent box, but mainly for gaming... It's a lot of overkill if you just want to use it to watch streaming media.

To those that don't yet have 4K TV or the need to watch 4K movies etc. an Android box with a decent firmware is perfect.
The Formuler boxes middleware blow the shield out of the water though for IPTV.
But Infomir have said they will avail of everything available to stop Formuler (and anyone else, as Formuler also are branded under many other names), and anyone else emulating or using their software solutions, emulating their mac addresses and intellectual property. Infomir have already tried to block pirate services from using their devices, they now have to tackle emulation. I guess they have peeked into the future and either seen the potential profits of being 100% legal, or the potential profits of taking everyone they can, to court.

Suckit

stockshares wrote: »

I don't have fibre broadband. I have Threes mobile broadband 30 day contract 750gb. Would that limit IPTV

It shouldn't. But it also depends on the quality of stream and the amount of IPTV you plan to watch.
Are you using them because others are not available in your area? Magnet contractless is an option if it is available to you.

stockshares

Suckit wrote: »

IPTV works flawlessly on a €35 box too.
I get that the Shield is an excellent box, but mainly for gaming... It's a lot of overkill if you just want to use it to watch streaming media.

To those that don't yet have 4K TV or the need to watch 4K movies etc. an Android box with a decent firmware is perfect.
The Formuler boxes middleware blow the shield out of the water though for IPTV.
But Infomir have said they will avail of everything available to stop Formuler (and anyone else, as Formuler also are branded under many other names), and anyone else emulating or using their software solutions, emulating their mac addresses and intellectual property. Infomir have already tried to block pirate services from using their devices, they now have to tackle emulation. I guess they have peeked into the future and either seen the potential profits of being 100% legal, or the potential profits of taking everyone they can, to court.

So are you recommending the Infomir Box?

Suckit

stockshares wrote: »

So are you recommending the Infomir Box?

No.
Infomir boxes are very good. They're not really user friendly and some people struggle a little with them.
Formuler boxes are Android based and have their own middleware client. They range from €60 - €130.
A €35 android box may be perfect for you if all you want is TV services and to watch movies and box sets etc. You can buy a decent airmouse for €10.
You can get a box for around €20 if you don't mind waiting a month.

Suckit

OmegaGene wrote: »

I don’t game on the shield, I’ve had loads of boxes and scrapped the lot for the shield and while the person may not have a 4K tv now there’s nothing wrong with future planning

If the funds are there get the shield, if not get a fire stick or mi box

I don't think a shield is future planning, at all.
It has 16gb for read/write blocks. That will last as long as it lasts. Which may be long before they have the need for a 4K tv. I get what you are saying, and the shield is good, but not needed.
The firestick is a go to for a lot of people. I don't like them, but that's a personal choice. Far too much junk on the screen for me. Even with the launchers, I just don't like them.
Mi box is very good, but is pricier for what it is needed for.

My main point is, if somebody wants to watch HD movies, TV, box sets etc.. without issue it can be done for a lot less than the price of any of those boxes.

If 4K tv/UHD becomes a priority down the line, then they're not going to be too worried about no longer having to use their €30 box on the new TV (and they would still be able to if they chose that).
€30 box will last a couple of years.
Formuler and Shield, maybe a couple more. But I wouldn't bet on either lasting 6 times longer or whatever the price difference is.

stockshares

OmegaGene wrote: »

Iptv uses very little internet

Why does IPTV use very little Internet

I'm getting confused between Android TV and IPTV.
My understanding is that Android TV is on public Internet
and IPTV is on a private network.

Do I need to choose between one or the other.

I'm interested in Netflix, YouTube, Sports, Boxsets and Documentaries and some Terrestrial TV. I presume these are on Android TV over the public Internet. If so what is the advantage of IPTV?

@Suckit What box would you recommend?

Suckit

stockshares wrote: »

I'm getting confused between Android TV and IPTV.
My understanding is that Android TV is on public Internet
and IPTV is on a private network.

Do I need to choose between one or the other.

I'm interested in Netflix, YouTube, Sports, Boxsets and Documentaries. I presume these are on Android TV over the public Internet. If so what is the advantage of IPTV?

If you want to go down all the legal routes, then yes. Go for Android TV.
Netflix etc. (I was pointing you down a murky area).

OmegaGene is 100% correct with android TV and/or Firestick and I should have read the full thread. I was reading the OP, and just realised there are now two threads for the same thing..
If you are willing to spend the €180 etc. Then it is the Nvidia Shield is the better choice in that instance.

IPTV = Internet Protocol TV (Internet TV. It doesn't require satellite, aerial etc.)
Android TV = Google software that embeds licences etc and much more https://www.android.com/tv/

captain_boycott

OmegaGene wrote: »

I don’t game on the shield, I’ve had loads of boxes and scrapped the lot for the shield and while the person may not have a 4K tv now there’s nothing wrong with future planning

If the funds are there get the shield, if not get a fire stick or mi box

Agreed. I don't game either, just use the shield for TV, YouTube, etc. Likewise have tried all sorts of cheap boxes but shield is only one that I could recommend. Life is too short ðŸ˜

stockshares

I found this guide on makeuseof.
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-android-tv-box/

It recommends an AirTv Box in 3rd place after Nvidea Shield and WeTek. Mi Box is 4th.

The AirTv Box has a Free to Air tuner and also records TV.

I have Saorview and an old Sky Dish with Free to Air Stations but I don't have a recorder.

Would the AirvTv be better for me.

stockshares

OmegaGene wrote: »

Let us know what you’re hoping to get ? What do you want to watch on the stick/box/device
You may not even need a box just a simple fire stick could do

My Tv has Saorview built in. I have an old Sky dish+box with Free to air stations.

Here's what I would like:
Netflix, YouTube, Sports(Team sports and boxing) , Docs, Boxsets and I'd like to try IPTV.
The Free to Air stations on Saorview and Sky(not all as many are crap)
A TV recorder that records FTA and Internet Tv
A universal remote.

I was told to stay clear of smart TVs and instead get a separate box cos Android in Smart Tvs is poor in comparison.

Suckit

stockshares wrote: »

My Tv has Saorview built in. I have an old Sky dish+box with Free to air stations.

Here's what I would like:
Netflix, YouTube, Sports(Team sports and boxing) , Docs, Boxsets and I'd like to try IPTV.
The Free to Air stations on Saorview and Sky(not all as many are crap)
A TV recorder that records FTA and Internet Tv
A universal remote.

I was told to stay clear of smart TVs and instead get a separate box cos Android in Smart Tvs is poor in comparison.

Formuler S Mini.

stockshares

I was leaning towards the Mi Box.

I've been looking at the Formuler specs here
https://www.formuler.tv/s-mini

It says its fully loaded. In some posts on the Internet they say to avoid fully loaded boxes. Why is that?

Does this have Android TV or is it IPTV with free to air and sky etc?

Suckit

stockshares wrote: »

It says its fully loaded. In some posts on the Internet they say to avoid fully loaded boxes. Why is that?

Does this have Android TV or is it IPTV with free to air and sky etc?

It's a very poor choice of words, or maybe an attempt at targetting the less savvy.

Anywhere that say to avoid the 'fully loaded' boxes are referring to the boxes that people were selling on ebay, adverts, donedeal, people that were/are shilling with PM's on forums or popup websites, shopify etc.
They are usually individuals selling normal boxes for crazy money with apps that they have downloaded, and will promise updates, support etc. All the types of 'best avoided' sellers.

Formuler are a company, have their own firmware, middleware, market, OTA updates and support forums. Not comparable.

ceekay74

I've been using a mi box for about 6 or 7 months. Perfect for my needs (no gaming).

Suckit

ceekay74 wrote: »

I've been using a mi box for about 6 or 7 months. Perfect for my needs (no gaming).

Is good, but wouldn't have a tuner for the FTA TV, nor record.

stockshares

Suckit wrote: »

Is good, but wouldn't have a tuner for the FTA TV, nor record.

How do people record when using Mi Box

stockshares

Suckit wrote: »

It's a very poor choice of words, or maybe an attempt at targetting the less savvy.

Anywhere that say to avoid the 'fully loaded' boxes are referring to the boxes that people were selling on ebay, adverts, donedeal, people that were/are shilling with PM's on forums or popup websites, shopify etc.
They are usually individuals selling normal boxes for crazy money with apps that they have downloaded, and will promise updates, support etc. All the types of 'best avoided' sellers.

Formuler are a company, have their own firmware, middleware, market, OTA updates and support forums. Not comparable.

That's good to know. Its a straight choice between the Mi Box and Formuler so.

The Mi Box doesn't record or tune Free to Air and Formuler lacks Google Assistant + Android TV.

Suckit

stockshares wrote: »

That's good to know. Its a straight choice between the Mi Box and Formuler so.

The Mi Box doesn't record or tune Free to Air and Formuler lacks Google Assistant + Android TV.

Out of curiosity, why do you want Google Assistant or AndroidTV?

stockshares

Suckit wrote: »

Out of curiosity, why do you want Google Assistant or AndroidTV?

I thought The content would be better and that Google Assistant would be very convenient for everyone to use.

If I get the Formuler would I stil be able to view YouTube, Netflix etc.

Suckit

stockshares wrote: »

If I get the Formuler would I stil be able to view YouTube, Netflix etc.

Yes.

stockshares

Does anyone if the Formuler has voice search and if it has an integrated TV guide

stockshares

Is this the one https://www.amazon.co.uk/Formuler-Mini-Android-H-265-Receiver/dp/B076B5V4XT/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=formuler+s+mini&qid=1552338959&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Its only got one review which was bad. Is there a bricks and mortar shop I can buy from. It would be easier to return if there's a fault.

Suckit

stockshares wrote: »

Is this the one https://www.amazon.co.uk/Formuler-Mini-Android-H-265-Receiver/dp/B076B5V4XT/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=formuler+s+mini&qid=1552338959&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Its only got one review which was bad. Is there a bricks and mortar shop I can buy from. It would be easier to return if there's a fault.

You can return to amazon, but there is a couple of stores in Ireland that sell them.
http://www.satworld.ie/formuler-s-mini-android-7.0-iptv-set-top-box.html


https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=96210496

stockshares

Suckit wrote: »

You can return to amazon, but there is a couple of stores in Ireland that sell them.
http://www.satworld.ie/formuler-s-mini-android-7.0-iptv-set-top-box.html


https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=96210496

Thanks for those links.

I found a review but its from Jan 2018 so I presume it refers to previous version.

It says the remote is very poor and their is no On Screen Display(OSD). Has anyone here actually used one.

I'll call the store tomorrow and hopefully they can advise on the new model.