you don't need apps for streaming? you can stream out from the box? learnt something new today thanks.

Bro, what i mean is, if only streaming, those app is sooo god damn small, ur 16gb will be enough la my fren apu. u go see ur phone those app how big? maigu


This post has been edited by ben3003: May 27 2021, 04:44 PM

Not a fan of non-AMLogic SoCs (cuz flashy flashy me).. BUT in Zidoo's case, I make an exception as the bundled chipset is decent AND the guys at Zidoo know their stuff.. So yeah, if you are a light user (think storage-wise, mostly just streams stuff and no heavy 3D gaming), the 2/16GB config will be sufficient. What you need to understand is that the 16GB stated doesn't mean you have actual 16GB to play with.. The firmware, system & some bundled third-party apps will take up some space. Typically, I would expect you would have around 8 - 10GB of actual usable space to play with. Install a bunch of apps, they run a bit and you should see that number drop. Especially say Kodi, Kodi can easily gulp over 1GB space after a couple of months and depending on the number of addons, thumbnails etc.. basically its own data.. Kodi and other typically streaming-only apps such as YouTube, Netflix, etc.. just need enough room to breathe while streaming content. So I reckon as long as you have a few GB left storage space left after installing all the apps you need. You should be fine. You just won't be able to stream high bitrate files though using addons like Elementum in Kodi...Cuz those are usually larger and won't play if you don't have enough available space to cache while it "streams".

This post has been edited by voncrane: Jun 1 2021, 04:27 PM

ah shifu ar... u got any idea how to get Disney + to work on the zidoo z9s or hi media boh....

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This post has been edited by ultramoo: Jun 3 2021, 06:21 PM

Hi all, looking for a recommendation on Android TV box. Thought about getting chromecast, but apparently it doesnt support builtin VPN (am planning on using ExpressVPN).

Requirements are:
1. LAN port (prefer cabled connection)
2. Interface in English (got a TV Box many years ago, damn frust cos every now and then will suddenly default to menu in Chinese)
3. Easy to use remote/ navigation interface - the kids will also be using it, so if the UI needs to be easy to use/ simple.
4. Native support for VPN apps
5. Good heat management - the old box tended to overheat quite frequently.

I'm also willing to consider (actually would prefer) a HTPC setup, but am scared that those might be way too expensive/ hard to maintain. Any thoughts/ recommendations?

Hmm, you meant the new Disney+ Hotstar combo? I haven't tried it myself, but reckon it should be available for direct install from the Google Play Store? I assumed it will. Well, if it isn't, there's the usual download from apkmirror type sites and manually install. Can't speak for performance just yet.

Hi....As nice as the Chromecast is? Yeah, not an ideal option.. Similarly, with an HTPC, you'll need a significantly expensive model to match the media playing performance of a sub-RM300 Android TV Box. I'd recommend getting a box that ships with pure Android TV OS rather than the normal Android or a themed one. Typically, I'd also recommend the Xiaomi Mi Box S, but since you prefer it wired (I do too..always), it best to skip that.. next up would be either the recently released Google & Netflix certified Mecool KM2 or if your TV already supports Netflix and or you don't need it? Consider the "older" &slightly cheaper Google certified Mecool KM1 Deluxe (no official Netflix certification here). Android TV OS UI is super easy to use and you can further customize it for your kids, so only the safe stuff is displayed on the homescreen. Even if for some reason, you do not like the default launcher, There are other ATV OS-compatible launchers you can install. You can watch my review below to find out how well it works...got timestamps n everything for convenience... And I can guarantee that it ticks all 5 of your concerns.

P.S. There are talks about a new Mi Box S being launched soon.. Just got registered with the FCC all.. But rumors have it that it shares the same externals (meaning no LAN port, etc) and still the same old Amlogic S905-H quad-core processor that powers the original Mi Box and the Mi Box S. So I wouldn't call that an upgrade or a successor even..

On another note, Apple TV and Apple TV+ are now available on all Android TV devices. This is a huge move on Apple's part, cuz with its availability on the Android TV platform, even more people can subscribe to Apple’s streaming service without the need of purchasing an Apple device. That last part I'm sure is crucial. Hopefully, enough ppl join it, making Apple see the appeal to release it for regular Android too. One's device still needs to support Apple's DRM for the app to work properly though. Baby steps..

Mecool KM2?

Android TV + dedicated LAN Port + USB 3.0

https://www.mecoolonline.com/products/2021-...-ram-32gb-rom-1

The only downside is that a pitiful 8GB onboard eMMC storage, but there is always the USB to plug in an external.

A local seller was selling this on Lazada at around RM290, but seems to be out of stock. Importing it from China seems to be around RM320ish

MYR 282.20 36%OFF | Mecool KM2 For Netflix 4K Android TV Box Amlogic S905X2 2GB DDR4 USB3.0 SPDIF Ethernet WiFi Prime Video HDR 10 Widevine L1 TVBOX
https://a.aliexpress.com/_uGpCYn


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Ah, I never actually used Ali express before. Thanks for the heads up

Thinking getting mecool km2. It's currently best after nvidia right? If so I will likely get frm Lazada.

I wouldn't say it's the best after Nvidia.. There are definitely more powerful or better boxes out there. It's just a game-changer thanks to the Netflix certification.

I'd say the new Google Chromecast would be the best after Nvidia. But the price of that thing in Malaysia is not worth what you are getting. So yeah, get the KM2 or the KM6 (black version)

I have original chromecast was thinking of getting the new v4 I decided against since I see its a bit more steps installing 3rd party apps since there is no USB slots to plug install. Also 4gb storage seems limited amount of stuff you can install.

I bought all my Mecool boxes fro Aliexpress, no issue no need pay sirim shit and all

You have a point there, still no perfect box. Importantly is also firmware stability and reliability... I've M8S Pro, KM3, KM9 Pro all working well without drama all these years

If Netflix 4k is priority KM2, if not KM1, KM9 Pro can also do Netflix 1080HD now (I'm using it😜)

Yup this is the prob with chromecast...

BTW is it me only that thinks if one were to pair a good atv box with smart TV, somehow the TV tends to last much longer...

I dunno all my TVs ain't dying yet which doesnt give me reason to change upgrade etc... 🤔🤔🤔

My issue with Chromecast is that it sometimes can't connect to some Wifi 5GHz channels, which sometimes can be an issue if your AP has auto channel feature that avoids other channels that have been used by other APs near the area

I don't have such issues was using old router in past since I drop unifi snailyx I am now using 4G router B818 again no connection issues with chromecast v1.

I hope able to get mecool frm Lazada if not Shopee in few hours. If not i guess I can wait no biggie my chromecast v1 isn't dead yet anyway.

Seems got 2 local seller and few China seller in Lazada now. I bought frm one of them. Hmm I thought I got frm lazmall seller seems I didn't. I hope I didn't kena con....