You are correct.. Definitely saves electricity using a low powered box than a PC.. Even a laptop equipped with an Intel I series processor..

In addition.. you'll face issues at....
*Apps that require native hardware acceleration..there's only so much emulation software can handle.
*High bitrate content..Even some gaming grade GPUs suffer while trying to play certain x265 10 bit files.
*Your laptop... High chance will not support native 4K and or HDR10/Dolby Vision output via HDMI cable.
*Your laptop...High chance can't passthrough or process HD surround audio. Just downmix all to stereo or some pseudo-surround sound..
*What a sub RM400 box can do.. A RM1K laptop can't do.
*TV boxes sit there and do things while you are gone. Your guests/housemates have a remote and can enjoy content without worry much. Laptop? They need to know what they are doing and that's if you don't take the laptop along with you. This last part is optional..but you get the point.

All of the above are installed in your Mi Box S ? Because if they are and it's still snappy, that would mean mine's limited somewhere somehow. Cause I've near similar apps - but I removed some already, and it helped make the box less laggy now.

This post has been edited by etsuko: Jun 4 2019, 08:04 PM

Thanks for the advice. You didn't mention gaming using tvbox, which can't be done. You are right For sounds. Now i am thinking a cpu instead of laptop HDR10 my tv supported but i only need it when gaming. I don't watch much movies but standard 4k and below quality acceptable. I iwll get tvbox when tvb hk produce Dolby vision and HDR1X!

These are not from the Google play store right? 😅

What do you think ?

Gaming can be done.. It's called the Nvidia Shield, you should look up its gaming capabilities. Also, it's performance far supersedes any laptop of HTPC of similar pricing.. Then there's tons of almost PC level native games, various console emulators and gamepad compatibility.. I'd say getting an Android box is still the better way to go..

You want to wait till ehem iptv gets Dolby Vision/HDR10? You wait long long time..

You got see Coca-Cola store sell Pepsi?

I'm not using mibox, bro. Mine is X92 (3gb 16gb).. ok lar, can stream, utube for my kids, and sometimes gaming.. got 4 usb slots some more..

Yeah shield is the way to go with good quality graphics but it only stream game not executed locally. So there's a limitation. Anyway, good that you mentioned i almost overlooked this awesome device.
For ppl with very least usage of the box, for me at least, a laptop serve just fine for now. And for those who got a unused laptop laying around, just plug it into your tv and run emulator. You still get all channels if you got the right apk.

I want to buy android box. Is there any pro buying mi box s compare to other cheaper n higher spec brand. Thinking of mecool m8s pro L. Any other recommendation.

Any recommendations for Android TV box that support these apps?

1. Astro Go
2. Unifi Playtv
3. Live TV apps (free/subscription)
4. Chinese VOD apps
5. YouTube/Smart YouTube TV
6. Netflix 4k if possible
7. TeaTV or other English VOD apps
8. Spotify
9. At least mirroring/casting
10. Kodi

Appreciate recommendations. Thanks

This post has been edited by jutamind: Jun 5 2019, 08:57 PM

Of course, I don't disagree.. if you have a used laptop laying around and have the simplest of needs AND the tech know how? Sure, use it.. just don't expect much or even ease of use out of it.

Kindly search this thread for both models.. Read.. Been discussed a gazillion times.. Tq

Want 4K.. Then i expect your TV is proper 4K TV and should ship with both Smart TV apps. Use those for 5 & 6 and it's easier to recommend what to use for the others. Else, hard to get all reliably in one box.

Yes I do have 4k TV but free years old but still support 4k content.

Assuming that I remove item 5 & 6, what would be the recommended TV box? I was looking at mibox S but not sure whether this box supports third party VOD or live TV apps, even though have to sideload the apks.

how to search this thread? there is 280 pages, i definitely can't read all 280 pages to find simple information i need.

read first 10pages + last 10pages

You too would do good to search this thread and see what's been said about the MiBox.. Else just grab the Minix Neo U9-H. It'll serve nicely...particularly for 1 & 2. If you'll only be watching 1080p content for the next few years? Then the Minix Neo U1 is sufficient. The Mecool M8S Pro L you mentioned can do what is asked. Problem is that, 1 & 2.. So far, only Minix boxes have reliably and consistently kept pace with both apps.. Update after Update.. Still works.

Search the thread =/= read all the pages.. How to search? C'mon, you joined this forum in 2009, you are a senior member with 6 stars. Don't tell me you still don't know how to use keywords to search threads.. An important feature on any discussion board. Don't be lazy.. The info is already here.. Spend an extra 5 minutes.

FYI, yes you can read all the pages.. It's just time you don't want to invest.. Searching intelligently will shorten this time drastically and get you the info.. Don't want? Then just go out and buy from one of those scrupulous sellers in Plaza Lowyat. Return here to complain when it's a shit experience.

I got my WeTek Core when HEVC 10bit encoded files (which was unplayable) was just getting into circulation. Now wut Kodi-best boxes I should get to replace it?

not many source out there using hevc.
unless u recorded it urself

btw, i use this page regularly to test on the hardware feature
https://kodi.wiki/view/Samples

The fastest I would say (personal testing) would be the Beelink GT-King. Else the usual range from Minix, Mecool, HiMedia...etc.. Their flagship models.

Plenty bro.. H.265 is the future.. Double the compression, about half the bitrates yet same quality, and increased bandwidt .. It's a win.. Plenty sources out there. Just need to know where to look.. .. I've gradually been updating my local library with the 4K HDR10/DV counterparts..

Hi. Actually a lot now.

My copy 90% out of 1.980+ titles is in H.265 format where 280+ titles is in 4K HDR. My 1.980+ titles is just a little part of available titles in the market now, it can be nearly to said every title in H.264 will have in H.265 format as well.

I only pick H.264 if don't have H.265 or the H.264 quality is better. Soon or later all will switch over to H.265 (HEVC).

This post has been edited by Andrewtst: Jun 10 2019, 03:43 AM

Anyone try the Beelink GT-King.

How is it in term of performance, sound support, auto switch frame rate and resolution is it working? Can this play remux copy of 4K HDR source smoothly? If cannot then I will forget about it.

No need Netflix as I still have my Apple TV 4K.

Just feel like take one play play.

This post has been edited by Andrewtst: Jun 9 2019, 06:42 PM