Actually the Quad core only on the GPU...but i can tell you, the Rico MK802 IV Quad core performance is really better than those Himedia box...the 2GB RAM and Quadcore GPU on the MK802 IV not there for show only....

Downside is there's no optical output, so if you want to connect to AVR, you will need one of those box with optical output. I doubt these mini stick can passthrough the bitstream as they don't even support DTS...only downmix DD5.1 i think.

So actually, there is no perfect solution yet....or just wait for an Android box with better specs and proper optical out. (or build a HTPC if you don't mind paying more!!!)

If your concern is just to watch local HD movies on external hdd and output audio to AVR, then one of those HiMedia (or similar) box, will be more suitable for you (just make sure they support whatever standard you are looking at...DTS-MA, DD True HD etc). If you are concern about streaming HD from online service, the MK 802 IV will be better. Low quality streaming (like those gazillion crap chinese service like PPTV) shouldn't be a problem on any of these devices.

btw, the link you provide is a clone of the Riko MK III. You should check out the original Riko product models here.

http://www.rikomagic.co.uk/
Yes. I can't believe it also....after testing this and a HiMedia Q5, this mini stick actually performs better than the big boxes...and super stable ..runs Netflix 7 hours straight...no problem. Just don't go itchy hand and upgrade the firmware...many reports the latest firmware actually breaks the wifi...if it ain't broken...DON'T UPGRADE FIRMWARE!!! LOL.

Bro, i would advise you buy the original...no two android boxes ever made the same...i have tested one for you liao, you don't have to take risk buy another different model...and it's only RM299 bought locally from one guy here in Garage sales. Yes, it have 2 USB port actually, one full sized USB and one mini-USB (it comes with a mini-USB->USB adapter as well). If not enough, you can always plug in a USB port extender.

I haven't try playing from hard disk....coz all my movies store in a 6.6TB USB Hard disk storage box and stream over from my PC......file over 10GB also not a problem. But again...it does not support DTS...one downside. So i still use my WDTV Live to playback the movies...in this case, maybe a proper box like Himedia will be more suitable for you.
scratch that...apparently, somehow i can get the DTS sound from the MX Player and other players...maybe need to download the codec and do some tweaking from the settings. Sure better than no sound!

Yeah, playing music will be easy...tons of music players to choose from Google PlayStore!!

oklah, seen u so cham.. i give u some tips. But u gotta very hardworking toteach ur mom how to use it.

1st. Buy a android box (any brand) cheapest is MK808 around RM130.
2nd Buy a wireless mouse.
3rd Its for your mom. Open browser in the android tv. search for azdrama.info . Tada! you can watch all the tvb and korean drama in 720p quality for free. Wait.. your mom need immediate showtime like Astro on demand?! No worry, go download a chinese app at play store call 风云直播 。you can watch direct live telecast of TVB, TVB HD, J2 and more channel
4th It for you! Install XBMC, insert add on Navi-X and you can watch the latest HD movie and live tv all around the world. plus its free.
5th It for you and your mom, if you still not satisfy with tons of show. Go play store install app call AMO TV.

It is so simple to use even my dad know how to use it to watch live sport in HD.

I think with this you can stick to TV whole day long.

hope it help you to save money.