This is Rockchip chipset, could not compare with HiSilicon specification. The USB port and input output is influenced by the Chipset. Rockchip and HiSilicon has it own strength.

Rockchip has HDMI 2.0 for higher audio video throughput.

http://www.rk3368.com/#!/cpu

1). To be honest, it is not fair to compare the 2014 chip-set with 2015 chip-set, definitely the new chip-set has better performance.
2). In term of performance speed the octa core is faster then quad core, but not double the speed or significant different. So far I tested most of the apps are running well in Lollipop, yet to find none compatible apps in Lollipop. Tested SHowbox, MovieHD, Kodi, TVapp.so, PopCornTime and etc are running well in Lollipop with Rockchip 3368.
3). HDMI 2.0 improve the throughput between TV and the player. This is industries standard which ready to support the upcoming TV industries market. New TV are already come with HDMI 2.0 port, the player has to follow the industries standard for future requirement.
4). DTS-HDMA, TrueHD, TruHD Atmos passthru are tested OK. But need to manual switch audio out from LPCM to HDMI. Hisilicon chip-set is auto switch.
5). Yes, Kodi and Skype are factory installed. But I do not see any different between the manual install. Google Play Store also factory install for Q16 & Q5 Quad core model.
6). No HITV and IMGOTV fro factory default. I have presintalled HITV, but IMGOTV not possible.
7). Ya, it could direct compete with Minix model.

AA
Frustrating with the mouse control on the H8 remote. Like to have feedback from other users on how they find the Air Mouse, wireless mouse etc. Difficulty in getting it to do what you want can take the enjoyment out in watching otherwise an entertaining movie. So like to sort this one out.

CC
Like to know whether it is ok to set up both cabling:
1. HDMI from H8 to TV
2. RCA cables from H8 to AVR, AVR to TV

Switch on AVR when I am watching action movies or concerts. Normal viewing will be from H8 to TV.

Thanks.

Using an old cable mouse. A lot better than using the H8 remote! Ha. Will keep my eyes open for a wireless mouse/keyboard later. Logitech comes to mind with a good review on TV box usage. Yes, that guy complained about the small buttons on air mouse etc.

Thanks for the infor on CC. Using optical cable on my Onkyo AVR. I thought optical cable handles both the audio and visual signals. No?

3. HiTV developed by Himedia supported by 6 main China stream sources but all have geoblock. HiTV or other apks/stream apps you pre-installed can really watch good quality HK/Taiwan/China/Korea movies/drama and western movies? These main China stream sources usually not working, either no access link or throated speed. Tried rounds of free VPN and switching, DNS as solution taught on website, all are not really works well. May be I have not explored enough but you all are expert, able to pre-configure before selling.
Thanks!

Ok. Will waiting it. Thanks bro

Have already signed up with Netflix and tested on H8. No buffering, good picture quality etc etc. Only complaint is I cannot pause the movie. Once you start it, no more control. Ha. Maybe it is because I do not know how to do that.

Cheerio.

Give me a shout if you see some good movies/documentaries in Netflix! Thanks.

I was reading the thread from the 1st page to find some discussion about sports streaming.

But your above comment broke my heart   

Do you mean we cant stream live sports at all ? in my case EPL

my intention was to cancel my Assteruk sports package so i can stream HD Sports with my unify..

movies and series mostly i just download so dont really need movie steaming

But the comments and reviews about H8 looks awesome and its is a must get device to stream movies and series.

i will definitely get one if really can stream live football without any issues.