True, that's the beauty of having options.

I know right... Nthg against "China-made" feel ,as practically all such devices are actually made in China. I'm currently using SquareHome.Tablet launcher (link is a few posts above), other popular launchers includes Nova, Apex, Smart or Go Launcher. Some boxes do come with the ability to choose the manufacturer's version or stock vanilla android version.. Available in settings. Some launchers on Google Play Store. Unlike IOS where most are stuck with Apple's idea of what a home screen should look like, Android allows for nitpicking & customizations. So it's really up to your taste & preferences.

In addition to what @AVFAN wrote, sounds like you are good to go then. Personally, I was offered the Hypptv mega pack for free, so for news, the occasional programme & those special guests, I just hand em the remote .

This post has been edited by voncrane: Nov 18 2015, 02:44 PM

Minix X8-H Plus > Apple TV
Android > IOS
Ongoing KODI Support (V15.2) > Ended with v14.2
Beast > Bunny

Firstly, try running Namebench. It's an free and portable open-source DNS benchmark software that helps you find the fastest DNS servers available for your network. However, beware of the "Include censorship checks" option. That option, while noble, involves making DNS requests for some fairly shady websites you may not wish to be seen making DNS requests for, especially if your requests are being logged by say your employer... Last time, I ran the test, left the option on and no issues. Tests takes awhile to complete.

As per Google DNS vs Open DNS.... I'd recommend OpenDNS over Google's, simply because I value my privacy (despite what Google says about their public DNS service) and Google has an advertising reputation to keep.. . Been using OpenDNS service for years and quite satisfied with it.

This post has been edited by voncrane: Nov 23 2015, 10:51 AM

Err.. Why use android browser when u can use the official Astro on the Go android app... I can confirm the app works..

Yup.... Just tried it on a rooted Nexus and it detects root and refuses to run. He could try running Hide my Root or the xposed module RootCloak (feeling adventurous), to temporarily hide the root feature from specific apps.

Firstly... Android TV OS is not the same as a media box running regular Android. Astro on the Go.

Yes you can... Find the source...Watch!!

Check out the garage section... Discuss with the sellers.. Make sure their apks will run properly on your box, most offer testing for a couple of hours to a day.. Make use of it to try the service. However, only do so with true and ready intention to buy from the seller... Don't taunt em... Its a business.

Depends.... If watching Chinese channels is your only criteria and you are buying the IPTV service from the same seller as a package... Seek proof from the seller that the app and channels work without much hassle on the box... Then purchase.

RM900 - RM1000?? Mind sharing the link to such a box.. Cuz even the Minix Neo X8-H Plus (4K UHD) is around RM500+ depending on the seller. As for getting a HTPC vs an Android box, that depends on your requirements & expectations. Both O.S have their advantages and disadvantages.

Hmmm, the Veolo 4k is a good device but I would suggest the Minix due to better support.

This post has been edited by voncrane: Dec 7 2015, 01:17 AM

The successor to the Minix Neo X8-H Plus is out.. The Minix Neo U1... Here are some of the hardware differences/upgrade... Runs Android Lollipop 5.1.1, boasts the Amlogic S905 Quad-core CPU (64-bit), Penta core Mali-450 GPU, 2GB RAM, 16GB eMMC storage with HDMI 2.0, up to 4K @ 60hz and Dual-Band 2 x 2 MIMO ac WiFi.... More interestingly, it supports 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound, DD+/DTS/Dolby TrueHD pass-through via HDMI. Sadly no love yet for USB 3.0 or confirmation on DTS-HD MA pass-through or SPDIF pass-through yet.

This post has been edited by voncrane: Dec 7 2015, 02:22 AM

Oh I see.... That's just sales tactics. Some sellers heavily inflate the prices of their goods and then during "sales", they mark it back down. Its mainly to fool some consumers, so don't take heed. Lots of verified sellers on Lazada and here in the forum (Garage Section). As for the "2160p" tag, that's another gimmick, its the same Minix Neo X8-H Plus (4K UHD = 3840 x 2160). Firmware upgrades are decided on by the Minix team. I'm unsure about the Neo X8, but the X8-H Plus will get upgraded. If its within budget and you can wait awhile, I suggest you check out the latest Minix Neo U1, it ships with Android Lollipop 5.1.1.


Alternatively, we discuss via PM & I let go my nicely pre-configured Neo X8-H Plus + A2 Lite Airmouse to you....

Hey, this MovieHD? I downloaded the latest version from there. Launching it after installation and it's reporting "No Connection. Retry." .. No fun there.. Anyway, the Showtime app still works & kept updated... So good!

I feel your pain, same here. But then, for the occasional content.... after selection, simply push to KODI player. Much better.

Haha.... That happens. However, for now, I'm not that into the Neo U1, particularly because there's still no USB 3.0 or higher support and initial reports say it doesn't support DTS-HD MA (quite popular now with Blue-ray encodes available online) pass-through either thru SPDIF/HDMI. The Neo X8-H Plus is still quite capable. Guess they are saving such upgrades for next year and the U2...

Hi, this question has been phrased in many ways, yet the answer remains the same. It's subjective. Settle for a box which ticks the most boxes within your list of requirements.





P.S. IMO..... Minix > Xiaomi > Himedia... In case "it" starts, I must warn all... I know

This post has been edited by voncrane: Dec 9 2015, 09:18 PM

Best you read thru this thread a bit, also check out the Himedia, Xiaomi & KODI threads here on LYN.. Lots of recommendations and personal reviews here. You get to read about those with the most issues. No offense, but every few pages, this question pops up again and again. Standard minimal specs for a decent android box includes, 2GB RAM, 16GB eMMC storage, solid Quad-core CPU & GPU that's proven capable of running KODI smoothly even with the heaviest of skins (future proof). Also, after purchase support.

The most vocal on here use boxes from Minix, Himedia, Xiaomi, Nvidia, Amazon and even RPIs. So you see, it's a personal choice.

What AVFAN says.... Don't bite, as there's nthg like "permanent" live TV gotten illegally.

Not just any octacore will do... That's just like saying any octacore-equipped smartphone will give the best experience in cell phone usage. All boxes are definitely not equal... PLEASE, read this thread then come back and ask more specific questions. So current users or those who have researched the boxes before can assist. Even reading a few posts back would have told you this. There is no do-it-all box, as all boxes have their advantages & disadvantages.

This post has been edited by voncrane: Dec 15 2015, 08:11 PM

Hmmm.... Major concern here would be getting sources to stream from. I can only comment about EPL sources. Some live matches can be viewed using "free" sources (addons) within the KODI app. Most probably, you should visit the garage sales section for IPTV apks and service sellers, they'll offer some advice as to which package suits you. A two-way or more HDMI splitter should take care of duplicating signals between two displays.

Note: An Astro subscription still remains the most reliable source.

Here's a simple answer then... Nvidia Shield powered by Android TV.

Hey, thanks for the share.. However, source?...

At that price range, perhaps post a couple of boxes you are already interested in.. Easier to give recommendations.. Most boxes can handle items 1, 3 and 4. Watching Asxxx really depends on source, find the source, then yes. A decent quad core equipped box should be okay. Finally, there's a difference between 1GB & 2GB RAM, cuz most apps like KODI prefer caching to RAM storage which allows for a smoother playback. With 2GB RAM, one has more workspace for apps to run & can increase buffering cache size. Ultimately, decent hardware with poor software & support will result in poorer performance.

Yup the X8-H Plus is out of budget.. IMO, between the M8S+ & the Xiaomi box, better go with the Xiaomi brand cuz there's better support for it despite packing only 1GB RAM & 4GB eMMC ROM. The M8S+ specs-wise is sufficient as long as after sales support isn't at the top of your list. Also I think the the M8S+ has an 8GB NAND storage.. eMMC > NAND.