On the Beelink GT-King front... Here's my real world usage review on it.

Beelink GT-King (Amlogic S922X /4GB RAM /64GB ROM), (Review)

I couldn't agree more.. I'm guessing the strategy is to corner as much segments in the markets as possible. You know, the something for everyone..

I believe after the Beta runs it's course.. They'll lock it right back up.. It's just the sensible thing to do. For now, probably gathering info on all the "new" devices that they didn't allow before.. Tips, tricks, etc.. All leading to increased security for the official release.. Sad but have to expect this eventuality. We'll see when they are done.

Yup.. I was going to post a statement regarding this.. Still awaiting added confirmation on the Netflix support. Will update then.. Meanwhile, I'll release info on what I have so far.

The Beelink GT1-Mini gets a hardware upgrade (S905X2 ---> S905X3)

Some Images showing top, bottom and sides.. See video for more.




The new version called the GT1 mini② will be launched at the end of this month (July 2019) and will be equipped with the AMLogic S905X3 SoC and completely replaces the GT1-Mini. So why the upgrade/replacement? Beelink offers the following reasons..

In comparison to the S905X2, S905X3 presents the Cortex-A55 cores, which delivers increased performance over the Cortex-A53. Subsequently, where memory is concerned, benchmarks runs indicate around 20 to 30% performance improvement for tasks at the same frequency. The Amlogic S905X3 also has some optional features like the “Neural Network Accelerator” and a Cortex-M4 core for always-on processing.

S905X3 integrates a powerful CPU/GPU subsystem and as such, is regarded as an advanced application processor, designed for hybrid OTT/IP Set Top Box (STB) and high-end media box applications. The main system CPU is a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU with unified L3 cache to improve system performance.
In addition, the Cortex-A55 Cores includes the NEON SIMD co-processor to improve software media processing capability. The graphics subsystem consists of two graphics engines and a flexible video/graphics output pipeline. The ARM G31 MP2 GPU handles all OpenGL ES 3.2 Vulkan 1.0 and OpenCL 2.0 graphics programs, while the 2.5D graphics processor handles additional scaling, alpha, rotation, and colour space conversion operations. Together, the CPU and GPU handle all operating systems, networking, user-interface and gaming related tasks.

The video output pipeline includes Dolby Vision (optional), HDR10+, HDR10, HLG and PRIME HDR processing, BT.709/BT.2020/BT.2100 processing, motion adaptive edge enhancing de-interlacing, flexible programmable scalar, and many picture enhancements filters before passing the enhanced image to the video output ports. The Amlogic Video Engine (AVE-10) also includes a dedicated hardware video decoder and encoder, thereby off-loading the Cortex-A55 Cores from all video CODEC processing. The AVE-10 is capable of decoding 4Kx2K resolution video at 60fps with complete Trusted Video Path (TVP) for secure applications and supports full formats including MVC, MPEG-1/2/4, VC-1/WMV, AVS, AVS+, AVS2 RealVideo, MJPEG streams, H.264, H265-10, VP9 and also JPEG pictures with no size limitation. The independent encoder is able to encode in JPEG or H.265/H.264 up to 1080p at 60fps.

This new VPU also support 3D, Dynamic HDR (w/EMP), CEC and HDCP2.2, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) support, stereo audio DAC, a CVBS output, multiple TDM, PCM, I2S and SPDIF digital audio input/output interfaces, and 8 channel far-field PDM digital microphone (DMIC) inputs. It also has built-in Voice Activity Detection (VAD) module for ultra-low power operations during system standby.
S905X3 also integrates a set of functional blocks for digital TV broadcasting streams. The built-in two demuxers can process the TV streams from the serial and parallel transport stream input interface, which can connect to an external tuner/ demodulator. The processor has the rich advanced network and peripheral interfaces, including a 10/100/1000M Ethernet MAC with RGMII, 10/100M Ethernet PHY, a set of multi-PHY for USB2, USB3 and PCIe, and multiple SDIO/SD card controllers, UART, I2C, high-speed SP I and PWMs. The standard development environment utilizing GNU/GCC Android toolchain is also supported.

Now that we’ve gotten the advanced “gibberish” out of the way. Here are some actual data tests comparisons. To show actual differences between the S905X3 and S905X2.

After testing the data, it can be clearly seen that the performance of all aspects of S905X3 is higher than that of S905X2. As mentioned earlier, the GT1 mini② is being introduced to replace the GT1 mini sales. I'll also endeavor to confirm if it supports Netflix up to UHD out of the box.. So stay tuned. If you wish to order Beelink devices in bulk or become a Beelink distributor? Feel free to contact their Foreign trade sales at the email below. Customized services and further discounts can be provided.

Contact information
Email: business@bee-link.com
Beelink's official website!

This post has been edited by voncrane: Jul 9 2019, 11:11 PM


Attached thumbnail(s)

I feedback all this to them and they promised improvements.. Then regarding Netflix compatibility, the upcoming GT1-Mini 2...Same like the GT-King. While they both have Widevine L1 level permissions and HDCP 2.2 keys, still can't support Netflix 4K out of the box. I suspect the usual..non-ATV OS, etc.. Also the GT1 mini-A will be upgraded with the Amlogic S905X3 SoC as well. The "GT1 Mini-A2" should ship with ATV OS (They did also mention that their ATV OS system does support Netflix up to 4K,) and can support Netflix 4K. No word on dates yet.

This post has been edited by voncrane: Jul 10 2019, 12:54 PM

Bruh... The rapid models changes bests me too.. Heck, even the just recently released GT-KING has had a hardware refresh .. So now, there are 2 versions of this same "GT-KING". One with an S/N code starting with B922 and the other "922X".. Unfortunately or fortunately, however one may read it. It appears, it isn't entirely Beelink's fault. As it's AMLOGIC that began shipping out processors of new revision B. This is faster as the cores frequency improves from 1.8 to 2.2. Problem now is the device tree is different and as such, some who flashed custom ROMs on the revised hardware are facing bootloops, as the ROMs were made for the initial hardware.. Issh..

I can't speak for all Beelink devices as yet. But I do know that core DTS and DD can be gotten from those both formats. And yeah, Astrogo does work on the GT-King.

True.. I'm hoping that Minix and HiMedia taking their sweet time to release another flagship will pay off.. We already know their current flagships are excellent at what they do. Particularly PQ and HD Audio compatibility. As for Astrogo, Yup.. We'll know more once they are done beta testing and a new stable is released.

Last I checked mine.. It was okay... Smooth playback and no lag.. Rapid ramp to HD.. But this was last week Thursday or so. Unless they've made changes by now.. Will check again later tonight..

Checked.. No such issue on either the Minix Neo U1 or Beelink GT-King.. I actually prefer this beta version over the older stable version. Definitely, more high res channels included.. As for a fix for ATV? Nope.. Don't expect it.. Asterruk has their decoder boxes.. It's just plain business sense to want people to have their own dedicated subs to their service versus just the app option.. Remember, the app option was (should still be "is") meant for account owners to be able to watch stuff on the go. It's not meant as a separate service like Netflix and one which can be shared. Now, should they go down that route? Like TM it'll simply open up a whole world of problems for them. Cuz there are tons of devices out there to support and people will call to complain.. More stress.. One of the reasons as shared by Netflix too.. Only entertain complaints from certified devices. Others? don't bother.

For those interested....Beelink is hosting a Beelink Gemini J45 giveaway campaign.... I did a write-up below.. Contains the howto, etc..

Link to write-up, etc....

Yeah, they were gracious enough to provide a review unit. Yet unboxed.. but I'll sort that and put it through its paces.. See how it measures up against the L55.. Naturally I expect the latter to perform better. So won't be surprised if it does. Got any concerns I can check out for you?

Sure, I can test that.. Do you have an account I could use to test? Can PM me..

Though not necessarily a good device..The rest.. I dunno..


Oh yeah.. This really tiny tiny bundle will be dropped soon.. Still under production, working on squashing a few FW bugs first.. after the update and given the all clear... Will run it through it's paces.


And this is it beside the GT-King..

Finally, some FW love for the following devices.. GT-King, GT1 mini, and the GT1 mini 95X2 version can now be upgraded to Android 9.0. For details, please see the links below:

GT-King 922X
GT-King B922
GT1 mini 95X2
GT1 mini B95X

Beelink GT-King latest firmware build number: 905P0 announced.
Firmware version: Build number 905P0
System: Android version 9.0

Change-logs
1. Add the top status bar.
2. Optimize the compatibility of Ethernet cards to some Gigabit routers.
3. The version number is changed to 905P0.
Note：B922 version 904P0 can be upgraded to 905P0 OTA; 922X version 903P0 can be upgraded to 905P0 too. This update is available for both the 922X and B922 hardware versions. So ensure you are flashing the right firmware for your variant.

Download Links
S/N code：922X（LPDDR4)
S/N code：B922（DDR4)

About section upon successful flashing


Since flashing via USB method wipes all data. This is the amount of space remaining after flashing 905P0.


Official Website
Service Email
Official YouTube Page
Official Facebook Page
Official Instagram Page

Note: Beelink has also uploaded a new GT-King SDK for both DDR4 version and LPDDR4 version.

This post has been edited by voncrane: Sep 21 2019, 12:21 AM

Only through the Kodi Addon for now (Have to recheck after this new fw flash.. As on the Neo U1, the addon was throwing errors upon Kodi startup).. Previous modded apk doesn't work anymore.. Beelink does have fixes in the works.. Will update once I get further confirmation.

Yup.. That's the plan..

I see.. Oh well... On the Neo U1, could coax it to get FHD and possibly UHD even via the Kodi addon. Didnt have a UHD account to test and I didn't want to create one just yet for that. But the addon did ask me if I wanted to setup as UHD or just FHD.. But yeah, as you point out.. Most likely requires Widevine L1. Else 1080p trumps 480p..

Personally, I'm not bugged out about all these as my TV is Netflix certified and is what the household uses to watch Netflix... The rest I do is merely tinkering.

Does the LED come on too? Perhaps you could try reflashing the stock ROM. Though logically, sitting unused shouldn't simply soft brick it.

Hey, Just arrived...Legit DTS & Dolby licenses from the get go.. As for the RS232 port, at one point it was the most widely used form of communication between devices... Though quite slow..Likes of USB and Ethernet are much faster. I'm awaiting an official response. Will update.



This post has been edited by voncrane: Oct 8 2019, 07:45 PM

Sure.. I'll endeavor to do all the HD audio testing I can.. As for DTS:X testing, me seeking an AVR to confirm it myself, else Beelink's word would have to do. You in KV area & got ATMOS & or DTS:X capable system? I don't mind dropping by with it.. ..Nevertheless, the GT-King Pro should support Dolby TrueHD/ATMOS, THX & DTS:X, cuz it's already confirmed that the normal GT-King does (well, I'm not sure on the DTS:X 7.1. yet)..but definitely ATMOS & THX, etc.. Besides, the SoC bump, audio superiority is the major marketing factor here... According to Beelink, The Pro supports DTS listen + Dolby Audio decoding technology. Two dedicated processors (ESS Hi-Fi decoding chips) will provide Hi-Fi sound without loss of sound quality.

I expect it to be rooted and so stable Astro Go would be a no no with stock settings. Unless the needed is done. Fingers crossed, Beelink included an Advanced Root switch this time. In the meantime, i also expect the beta app should still work fine on it. Given the proven performance of the "weaker" GT-King, I would be surprised if the HW bump to S922X-H won't perform at minimum, similarly. It'd be great for gaming too. Rest assured, I'll pit both Pro & normal against each other.

Haha.. Folks like us obvioulsy wouldn't be bothered about Netflix HD+, etc... That's what dem smart TV apps are for.

Comparable somewhat but the GT-King Pro stays ahead with better HW..We'll see how it's software side holds up... on the GT-King, there are options to enable and disable Dolby Vision too. I expect the Pro to have it too and it better work. HW differences btw the AM6 Pro vs GT-King Pro includes;
*S922X vs S922X-H
*32GB vs 64GB eMMC storage
*1 vs 3 USB 3.0 ports
*4K@60FPS vs 4K@75FPS
*Widevine L3 vs L1 (expected)

According to the YouTube video above..Benchmarks-wise, the AM6 > AM6 Pro (prolly cuz lower clocked CPU..2.2 to 1.8) > GT King. Hmm.. As for auto frame rate switching etc.. Hopefully that's fixed right out of the box, else might have to install & configure the AFRd app on the GT-King Pro as well, pending a fw update that does it for good.

This post has been edited by voncrane: Oct 10 2019, 01:34 PM

Yup.. AVFAN is right.. Decoding and or pass-through goes beyond just having a compatible AVR. Software (Box's) plays an important part too.. Else, as he mentioned earlier.. Folks wouldn't simply spend so much to buy devices like the Nvidia Shield or the recently released GT-King Pro.

Speaking of the Beelink GT-King Pro...my review is up...Do check it out and I'm open to further testing and or clarifications.

This post has been edited by voncrane: Oct 25 2019, 12:11 AM

Haha... You and I both.. Been mulling over it.. Time & entry cost.. .. It's on the table no doubt. See future how..






Watched the review and was pleasantly surprised at the differences in PQ output vs the Nvidia Shield. IMO, the PQ from the GT-King Pro looks better. Especially being OOTD with little to no fine PQ settings to tweak. Unlike the Shield, I'm going to assume that the Shield too can be tweaked to look better.




I was also able to get the latest Antutu version to install and complete it's tests on the GT-King Pro.. Chigz probably didn't install the accompanying Antutu 3D package and grant that data access first, before running the benchmark test. From my review, and the images above, we can see that the GT-King Pro scored 147479 on the Antutu benchmark test. This indicates (also mirrors my earlier conclusion) that the Beelink GT-King Pro belongs to the 3rd or at most, the fourth spot on his chart. Though outside the Nvidia Shield offerings, it's indeed the second best TV box currently available for purchase. So I'll stand by that.

This post has been edited by voncrane: Nov 10 2019, 03:13 PM