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Android TV box advice?

2

Comments

  • #32
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #33
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭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?


  • #34
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭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/


  • #35
    captain_boycott
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 540 ✭✭✭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˜


  • #36
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭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.


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  • #37
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭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.


  • #38
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #39
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭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?


  • #40
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #41
    ceekay74
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 634 ✭✭✭ceekay74


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


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  • #42
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #43
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭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


  • #44
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭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.


  • #45
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭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?


  • #46
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭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.


  • #47
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭Suckit


    stockshares wrote: »
    If I get the Formuler would I stil be able to view YouTube, Netflix etc.
    Yes.


  • #48
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭stockshares


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


  • #49
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭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.


  • #50
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭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


  • #51
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭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.


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  • #52
    Suckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,211 ✭✭✭✭Suckit


    You can read over some of the threads in this forum
    https://www.formuler-support.tv/forum/board/116-general-about-formuler-s-mini/


  • #53
    BandMember
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,780 ✭✭✭BandMember


    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

    Completely agree. If you want a box that works great, doesn't give you any bother and is future proof with OTA updates, this is the one for you. Stay away from the cheap rubbish, you'll have nothing but heartache.
    stockshares wrote: »
    I don't have fibre broadband. I have Threes mobile broadband 30 day contract 750gb. Would that limit IPTV

    Wouldn't recommend using any sort of box with 3 (or any sort of wireless) broadband. The pings can be horrendous, the speeds at peak time can be rubbish and they have been known to block and/or throttle certain things. Not sure what else you use your net for, but if you're going to be streaming HD as your main source of tv and downloading a fair bit, you may end up watching your cap.
    OmegaGene wrote: »
    Iptv uses very little internet

    Not true. We're a streaming house and would burn through a few hundred GB a month with ease. That's before doing anything else.
    stockshares wrote: »
    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.

    Stay away from the Mi Box. As I mentioned on the main thread, I bought one and had nothing but issues. It didn't last long before going in the bin. If you want to record FTA stuff, I would suggest a Saorview/Freeview combi box with an external hard drive. Because of the availability of content from official sources, nobody really records these days though.

    That's my two cents anyway. No doubt there will be a difference of opinion... :cool:

    P.S. Why are you starting a new thread when there already a huge thread with plenty of helpful information and answers to all of your questions there already? :confused:


  • #54
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭stockshares


    BandMember wrote: »
    If you want to record FTA stuff, I would suggest a Saorview/Freeview combi box
    P.S. Why are you starting a new thread when there already a huge thread with plenty of helpful information and answers to all of your questions there already? :confused:

    I don't think a combined box is worth it as I'd still be without Internet TV.

    What thread are you talking about


  • #55
    BandMember
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,780 ✭✭✭BandMember


    stockshares wrote: »
    I don't think a combined box is worth it as I'd still be without Internet TV.

    What thread are you talking about


    The one called Android Box on the main page of this forum..... https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057446012


  • #56
    CalamariFritti
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,297 ✭✭✭CalamariFritti


    OmegaGene wrote: »
    Iptv uses very little internet

    An hour of 1080 is about 2GB. Very simplified but its a good enough number. If the box is on a lot it can be a factor.


  • #57
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭stockshares


    BandMember wrote: »
    The one called Android Box on the main page of this forum..... https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057446012

    That thread was opened in 2015 and relates to cheap Chinese Boxes so I ignored it.


  • #58
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭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

    I've contacted Satworld. I'll post back here when gjey get back to me as others might be interested also.


  • #59
    eamonnq
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭eamonnq


    stockshares wrote: »
    I've contacted Satworld. I'll post back here when gjey get back to me as others might be interested also.

    Available a bit cheaper elsewhere.

    https://zteck.ie/product/formuler-s-mini-android-4k-uhd-dvb-s2-ott-iptv-set-up-box


  • #60
    corks finest
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,966 ✭✭✭corks finest


    OmegaGene wrote: »
    stockshares wrote: »
    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?

    fully loaded means the box is packed full of crap that you wont need
    Not always


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  • #61
    stockshares
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,760 ✭✭✭stockshares


    stockshares wrote: »
    I've contacted Satworld. I'll post back here when gjey get back to me as others might be interested also.

    I haven't heard back from Satworld yet. I had contacted them by email.

    I've just been checking prices of boxes and phones and seen that the Mi Box is available for €61.59 on Honor buy.
    https://www.honorbuy.com/1563-xiaomi-mi-box-s-global-version.html?search_query=Global&results=177


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