Which Android 4k TV box is everyone buying these days?

Phate · 25 Sep 2018 at 11:25

Finally replacing my Gen 1 fire stick which is really struggling with KODI now what is everyone buying these days?

Want something to handle .265 content, ethernet port, thinking Android will be good for installing other side apps like Spotify which we use a lot.

Thanks all!

hornetstinger · 25 Sep 2018 at 13:11

Happy with my alfawise h96 pro plus. £65, 64gb storage, 3gb ram, Octo core. S912 chip. Installed superceleron ROM.

Apart from 100 % failure rate of psu though they are rubbish

brakeinup · 25 Sep 2018 at 16:34

Nvidia Shield TV, but just placed an order for a Vero 4k+ box to replace the Shield.

Phate · 25 Sep 2018 at 23:00

Thanks guys, I ended up ordering a Magicsee C400 Plus as I wanted TV Tuner functionality as well, it reviews well and was on discount, managed to get it for 80eur. Looking forward to getting it

Metallifux · 26 Sep 2018 at 09:21

brakeinup said:
Nvidia Shield TV, but just placed an order for a Vero 4k+ box to replace the Shield.

I'm curious as to why you are classing this as an upgrade, is it purely cause it is Linux rather than droid?

Puzzled · 26 Sep 2018 at 10:55

Phate said:
Thanks guys, I ended up ordering a Magicsee C400 Plus as I wanted TV Tuner functionality as well, it reviews well and was on discount, managed to get it for 80eur. Looking forward to getting it

Be interested to hear what you think about it once you get set up. I've been using a shield tv with a hdhomerun and plex for my DVR and so the far the shield is the only device I've found that can handle UK freeview content. Most streaming devices just aren't made to handle interlaced video as netflix / prime / youtube / movies etc all use progressive, plus the audio codec used on HD freeview channels isn't widely supported either.

The shield with plex works most of the time now (not perfect) but too expensive for multiple rooms, I'm hoping the upcoming Amazon DVR might bring with it an upgrade for the older Fire TV devices to support interlaced content but might be a while if ever.

Do some of these boxes still have the issue where they are running the mobile version of Android rather than TV so you don't get the best quality streaming through apps like netflix or have they sorted that?

Edit: Just noticed you are in Portugal so most of the above probably doesn't apply.

Shocky-FM · 26 Sep 2018 at 11:17

Shield TV is the only way to go.

Phate · 26 Sep 2018 at 11:43

Shield doesn't have a TV Tuner though does it?

Puzzled · 26 Sep 2018 at 11:46

Phate said:
Shield doesn't have a TV Tuner though does it?

Not built in, you can add one either via a supported USB tuner or a network tuner like a HD homerun.

Then you can use the built in live TV app or things like plex for a full dvr. You'd have to check if it has EPG support in Portugal though.

It's not perfect though and I use it more as a recording device rather than live tv.

brakeinup · 27 Sep 2018 at 11:59

Metallifux said:
I'm curious as to why you are classing this as an upgrade, is it purely cause it is Linux rather than droid?

The Shield is a great all rounder and a powerful unit, but I only use it for movies. Tried the game streaming side - works great but not used (I game on a PC and Xbox). Netflix/Amazon I use from the TV or Xbox. I never use the game controller. I run Plex (for kids stuff) from a server so can use the app on the TV or Xbox so don't need to run Plex from the Shield. For me the focus is video playback.

Moving to the Vero gives me a dedicated video device with better support for playback. The sale of the Shield will cover the cost of the Vero. Its an upgrade to me purely based on video, not all the other functionality the Shield gives.

Cyclone · 27 Sep 2018 at 16:48

Another vote for Nvidia Shield. Powerful box and I've just updated my IPTV service. Works very good with it!

Phate · 8 Nov 2018 at 15:38

MonkeyMan said:
Be interested to hear what you think about it once you get set up.

Big delay but the thing finally turned up today. It got stuck in customs for 3 weeks! Fun times. Anyway, will be setting this up tonight. The device itself looks like a nice quality (especially for a chinese box

) and the build quality seems pretty good.

It came with a euro power cable, hdmi cable and remote. Hopefully I can tune in my Logitech Harmony remote also.

Will post more tonight

Puzzled · 9 Nov 2018 at 11:02

Phate said:
Big delay but the thing finally turned up today. It got stuck in customs for 3 weeks! Fun times. Anyway, will be setting this up tonight. The device itself looks like a nice quality (especially for a chinese box ) and the build quality seems pretty good.

It came with a euro power cable, hdmi cable and remote. Hopefully I can tune in my Logitech Harmony remote also.

Will post more tonight

Just seen your pics in the purchased thread. Does it run Android TV or the mobile version?

Phate · 9 Nov 2018 at 11:44

MonkeyMan said:
Just seen your pics in the purchased thread. Does it run Android TV or the mobile version?

I "think" its the mobile version.

I'll post up some photos of the OS tonight to show you.

Last night most of it was spent messing around with the thing. Kodi came pre-loaded, I signed into my Google account on it and enabled auto update of apps. Kodi instantly went from 17.3 to 17.6. Kodi itself is really nice and snappy, plays .265 without struggling and skimming through videos is instant, so a huge upgrade in performance there.

The TV works excellently as well. Plugged the antenna in, told it to scan for channels and it picked up around 40 freeview channels inc some HD ones. That will keep the wifes family happy when they visit.

My only "bug bear" with it is using my Logitech Harmony remote. Its a flaky experience. Its not a recognised device so I had to use the IR blaster to try and tune it in. Play/Pause works in Kodi and arrows for browsing around works as well as does the back button, but no stop/ff & rewind, also some other mappings are off. It would be really great if I could get the IR codes from the original remote and then speak with Logitech to see if they can help from there. So I'll look into that over the weekend, but otherwise its great.

Youtube works with 1080p content really well. Loaded Spotify as well and the interface is clunky as its designed for touch navigation but its fine to act as a place to play through and I control it via my phone or desktop app elsewhere, its all I ever did with the firestick anyway.

I was also able to install an app called "Open on boot" and configured it to boot Kodi when switching on as we'll be using that for nearly everything anyway. Makes it easier for it to switch on and open that instantly. That works well. Pretty happy with it overall!

Oh one thing, leds on the front of the device, there is this ridiculously bright blue one when its switched on. That will be getting the elctrical tape treatment! Overall I am happy with the purchase. It was a MUCH needed upgrade from my ageing Firestick.