Ive been using 1 for more than 6 months already. It comes wit micro usb cable but without power adaptor. But that’s not an issue as you can just use any adaptor or even plug in directly to your usb on your tv. Yes its very convenient as you can just plug into your hdmi port and you’re good to go.

In terms of performance, its acceptable. Not as fast and smooth as the mi box but works pretty well and has certified android tv status. Unlike mi box that supports 4K, this supports up to 1080P but it does the job well.

Sounds like it fits my need very well, thanks for the review!

Will source one from online shopping platform

No worries mate. But imo if you’re looking for something long term, mi box s is still much better la.

Care to elaborate why?

I only need it for Youtube and casting from laptop to replace my obsolete Apple TV, as Youtube stopped supporting their app with the old version of Apple TV

Don't bother others like Netflix etc.

Oh, then for your use mi stick is ok. Mi box s is just faster and smoother in the UI. All other functionality is the same as mi stick except mi stick only supports up to 1080p as i mentioned. Mi stick is a little bit slower and sometimes has a slight lag in the UI but no issues when viewing.

Should be fine as my TV is only FHD anyway

Laggy UI too bad but I think I can live with it for a RM100 difference (Box RM200+ vs Stick RM100+)

Thanks!

Hi
I've a 4K Panasonic smart TV which has only two usable apps - netflix and youtube.
Thinking of getting mi box s to watch Korean and other channels.
In particular:
1.would one able to watch from Internet browser? ( that's right - Panasonic browser app is unusable).
2.would a sealed (non jail break) version sold able to side load with apk apps?
3. I saw lazada some selling mi box s Pro for rm388 Chinese version. Probably not required for me since my TV is only 4K and not 8K. Wondering if it's worth getting it - any opinions? Curious if Chinese version meant all written in Chinese with weird plug though. I don't read Chinese.
4. Should I get only international/globai box s specifically or it's fine even if it's Chinese version?
5.so far I'm able to use my phone to cast Internet browser movie to watch on big screen - it's a bit cumbersome to get it to maximise TV screen and it could pause on its own. Also I wonder if screen will be sharper using mi box s..
Thanks in advance for your response - I did read the thread here - seems like sideloaded apps can only be seen with an installed launcher - is that right?
6. Any apps recommended with extensive korean dramas or recent English movies? In particular I would like to watch lee min ho pachinko when it's out in apple plus...
7. Also how to install vpn to watch international netflix with no country border?

This post has been edited by atisha: May 1 2021, 01:28 AM

1. There are few browser available on Android TV play store.
Personally will recommend JioPagesTV or TV-Bro(need sideload) which both have built-in adblocker & ability to download files. For JioPagesTV there is one downside which is the recommendation/suggestions are more focus to Indian region but it is still usable to access preferred website & it support EME(widevine).
2. Almost all Google certified Android TV devices for consumer can install/sideload apps but not all sideload app will work or will have compatibility issue.
For sideload app, it will not appear under the main apps UI but there are few solution for this issue. One of the solution is by using sideload app launcher which is available on the Playstore & there are more similiar apps but u can try which is best for you.
3. Not recommended, it is for China region & it runs MIUI OS. Not suitable for global user.
Only buy Google certified android tv especially if u plan to use it with legal streaming service.
4. Get global version.
5. Google Certified box will have built-in chromecast which can cast from supported video player on your phone/browser to it & u can use your phone without disturbing the video playing on the box.
Even better if u know how to get direct link of the source video & cast it directly.
The picture quality will depends on the video resolution & bitrate. Higher is better.
6. I'm not sure about this but i think there are few legal apps with korean content. One of it is Netflix with both english & korean content available.
For more can refer this: https://amanz.my/2021277334/

Since you mention Apple TV+, then there is only one option available for you & that is Chromecast with Google TV which is made by Google.
At the moment, only this Google streaming device support Apple TV+.
So just get this device if you really need Apple TV+ & the OS is basically new/future version of Android TV.
The device is not officially available in Malaysia but you can get the import unit from local seller at shopee/lazada. The price should be around RM280..

7. Need to subscribe to reliable VPN service & install/run the VPN app on the device. Connect to preferred region server & launch netflix app. It will show content from the choosen region.

Thanks for taking time to reply. I've since able to use my smart TV browser to view dramas and movies - I'm able to fit the TV screen perfectly this way. Everything good except that it paused a lot - for one drama episode it could pause a few seconds every ten minutes. What is wrong? I didn't watch the same show on my laptop but hardly hard such encounter when I watch on laptop. I use normal
LAN cable to connect to Time Internet box. Would WiFi 5Gh wireless give better experience?

You're welcome..👍

I believe the issue is related to your TV OS or more specifically it may be caused by lack of RAM for cache/buffer.

Usually Smart TV web browser are not optimized for video streaming & are outdated.

Best solution is to get external streaming device as per my previous reply.
U'll notice the differences once u experienced it.

This post has been edited by juzmafia: May 2 2021, 02:25 PM

Ordered mi box s yesterday and received just now. I also ordered gyro air mouse with voice earlier but yet to arrive. Should I plug the air mouse to the smart tv? It should be able to control the tv and mibox s then, am I right? Just notice the mi box s remote control is voice control which means air mouse is not required then right?

Hi
Received mi box s yesterday - indeed less frequent pause but also paused in the end. But biggest gripe is that the colour from mi box s is so dull and less clear compared to that directly from smart Tv itself. Netflix 4K looks different. I do get more channels I guess but not sure I'll pay viu premium to get such a dull picture... I'll just make do watching from my laptop and smartphone. Thinking to return the box

Need to plug-in to the Mibox.
The air mouse is suitable for sideload app(mobile) that does not support remote(D-PAD) navigation.
Voice command only work for some supported features & apps.

This should not happen..
Need to check the display settings on the box.
Also check at TV's hdmi setting if the HDMI is set to enhanced(deep color or Pure Direct) mode.
Not sure what is the feature name on your Panasonic TV for the enhanced HDMI mode.
Maybe this guide would help>> https://support-uk.panasonic.eu/app/answers...ect-on-my-tv%3F

Btw, what is the TV model & if you don't mind can u share the link of the video.

I thought, u'll purchase the new Chromecast which would have been better choice since it has newer specs & up to date OS.


This post has been edited by juzmafia: May 7 2021, 04:54 PM

I don't think there's display setting for hdmi, first time I heard of such. Only one display setting for all .
Attached is the model and also my tv has similar colour work as the bloke described in reddit screenshot attached as well.
Chrome cast - yeah I might get this instead...



This post has been edited by atisha: May 7 2021, 10:15 PM


Attached thumbnail(s)

Wait.. i forgot to ask, is the dull issue happening on all video including youtube, netflix & etc?

Emm..hard to assist since i've no experience with Panasonic tv..
Since your is 4k with HDR, those settings should be there..
From google i found one article on dull issue, might wanna try this:
http://eng-au.faq.panasonic.com/app/answer...WQvVS14RWdtYXA=

That reddit post is from 3years back & since then the box has been updated many times so i don't think it's still valid. Futhermore, that post is refering to older mibox 3 & sony tv.

Do note that the new Chromecast do not have extra usb port & if u plan to use it with other usb accessories(air mouse/pendrive) then u need to get compatible USB-C hub with PD passthrough which will cost around RM90+..😅

This post has been edited by juzmafia: May 8 2021, 12:08 AM

Hi
Thanks - I did venture into hdmi set up and already set to dynamic to give the dull colour. The tv was set to econ mode which I turned off and now brighter but colour still as faded and dull. Skin tone dull and so is everything - faded and grey/yellow hue..
Yesterday when I watched streaming from browser it did pause and gave me colour work similar to reddit but green mainly..
Hoping vendor would accept return else - the deal breaker was the dull colour...

Emm..need more info to diagnose this issue..

Does this issue happen on the mibox home screen?
Is this issue only happen when playing video on browser? Is it JiopagesTV?

Does this issue also happen when playing video on Youtube app?
If it does not, can you try playing youtube video on the broswer..

Btw, under the mibox display setting disable SDR to HDR option if it is enabled.

Emm..good luck with your return request, usually local seller won't accept any opened sealed return..
If it didn't, u can try reselling with reduced price..

Fyi, there is another new box (Mecool KM2) with newer specs than mibox s that has usb ports but no Apple TV+ support. Soon or later sure local seller will start selling it.

This post has been edited by juzmafia: May 9 2021, 12:30 AM

Indeed disable HDR to SDR mode makes screen brighter and acceptable. Direct smart tv has better colour while under mi boX it is slightly washed but acceptable now. This is for all youtube and netflix.

JioPagesTV or TV-Bro are Internet browser for tv box is it? I'm not able to find it in Google play.
Is mecool km2 branded and reliable? I had two tv boxes before I own smart tv and both broke - the last one broke under a year - bought even the best spec. Preinstalled with apps by vendor but only one I use which was popcorn. Problem was it downloads and started seeding from my tv box too.. So had to clear cache file and restart - after so many times the power button broke literally. So I learn never to get unbranded tv box..

My issue is I watch korean drama by certain actors so no one app will do - streaming from Internet browser is the best but mi box s Internet streaming not so great. The website I use is xemovie. Com
I read Google chrome cast is a newer thing having with Google tv - only problem is that it can't side load apps right? Like its compactNess and not having extra power point for it..
Vendor allows return - mind you bought during offer so seller can resell at promo price I guess.

1. Glad to hear that..
That was indeed the culprit. Didn't except that SDR-HDR feature is enabled by default.
Try playing around with color space settings under the same mibox's display setting.

2. Ya, both are Android TV browser. The JiopagesTV app should be able to download via Playstore while TV-Bro is not available on Android TV playstore & need to be sideload. I'll recommend JiopagesTV, it's really suitable for Android TV & make sure to enable the adblock.
If you still can't find it, u can download & sideload it:
https://apkcombo.com/en-my/jiopagestv-safe-...tv/download/apk

Curious..
which browser did u used to watch video in your previous reply if you haven't Install those android tv browser?

3. For reliability it's hard say & it's depend on many factors. Those unbranded box usually are built by companies that only focus on profit & does not care about quality or after sales service/support. Personally, those box are suitable for people that like to tinker, coding & etc.

Google certified tv box are only built by Google approved OEM & they need to passed certain QA/QC requirements set by Google to receive the certification.
For Mecool KM2, the OEM is the same company that built Unifi Plus Box for TM which is Skyworth Digital.
Even though Mecool has their own OEM & Google certificate, for this box(KM2) they had to source it from Skyworth due to Netflix certification.
I have seen few reviews on this box & it's been positive so far.

That Popcorn is a P2P(torrent) streaming app & require high resources to work. Need to configure the settings to prevent seeding at some point or best to avoid using it if not familiar. There few other alternative to this apps.
I think in long term or non-stop use(seeding), it can affect your device lifespan.

4. I've checked the website & i see that the content are mostly in 1080p(AVC) but the bitrate are low @ 1188kbps. This can cause the video to look blurry & pixelated on big screen especially on 55" TV & afaik, can't do anything to improve it. 😅

Actually, not necessary to use browser on mibox to watch from that website. U can just cast the video from your phone(android).
If your phone browser not showing the cast icon or failed to cast, u can use app like Web Video Cast to cast directly from the phone.
Here is the link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?...s.cast.webvideo

5. The new Chromecast with Google TV can sideload app like normal Android TV box. There are few ways to sideload app that does not require the use of pendrive like via wifi transfer or directly sideload via ADB.
One of the downside as per mentioned in my previous replies is that it require compatible USB-C Hub w/ PD passthrough to connect usb drive/peripheral & in some cases, it will also require high wattage power supply to power the usb hub.

The new Chromecast must be powered directly from power point with the supplied power adapter or with 3rd party multiple usb power supply that can output at least 5V/1.5A on single usb port.
It can't be powered with TV usb port due to low power output.

There is no perfect box, each box has its own pros & cons so it depends on user requirements to find best suitable box.

6. Wow..lucky u. Very rare case vendor willing to accept open seal return..

This post has been edited by juzmafia: May 10 2021, 06:07 PM

I managed to watch one episode of mouse on Internet browser you of recommended - Jia TV or Jin TV - it's very good - no pause. The subsequent episode couldn't load but neither could my laptop. As such I've no reason to return the box. Yeah, I was thinking would be harder for him to resell opened unit - since I can watch it on Internet browser I'll most likely keep the item..

I reach a phase in my life - if it works well I'll make do with it and stop searching for new box.. This box hopefully can last me long...

Thanks for your recommendation of Internet browser (before was using puffin and whatever I could see from Google play store). Casting from my phone a bit fiddly - I need to keep adjusting to fit the screen fully - rather annoying.

Do recommend where I can get newest Hollywood cinema movies etc.. Apart from the one I mentioned.