Introduction

You are looking for an Android box or media player? You are not sure what to get? You want a second opinion? You just want to hang out here with cool people? Well, you came to the right place!

We will try our best to help...where to buy, what type of box, official TV apps, etc. You want to ask about ahem apps/add-ons/IPTV services? Well I think its OK for a brief discussions but please, sellers no selling, users no showing off, and buyers no asking where to get them...Google is your friend. Provide some background, context and budget so that we can better recommend a box to suit your needs...

Everyone is welcome to participate, lets keep things civil. With that, let's get rolling...

Read post 3 below for some ideas on a few good boxes... Do us a favor, don't simply ask for new recommendation...you'd be asked to come back here & read Page 1. Do your own research, show what other boxes you're interested in, and we will chip in to help.


PS: First pages has been updated, sorry first few pages of comments may seem out of place.

This post has been edited by dwRK: Jun 21 2017, 09:40 AM

Android Box 101 

You probably know what is an Android Box. If not, its just a TV gadget running Linux kernel/Android OS. You install apps to play local or stream online contents. These are some basics to consider...

Android OS
Get Android 5.1 or higher. Android 4.4 is just too old.

Some boxes come with Android TV (Nvidia Shield, Mi Box International, Nexus TV), MIUI TV/GITV (Mi Box 3C/3S), Mango TV (Himedia HK/China). These TV OS are based on Android, and are TV remote friendly. You will not get full Play Store with Android TV. MIUI/Mango TV is for China which ban Google, and is somewhat troublesome to install Play Store. If you need Google, easier to get something else.


Jailbreak/Root
Jailbreak is for Apple devices...while Root is for Android.
Jailbreak is freedom from Apple's control...Root is just write access rights to its root folder...

Rooting is not required for the box to work as a TV box, or to install TV apps. Some apps will not work after rooting.


RAM/ROM
I recommend 2GB RAM, 16GB ROM. 1GB RAM makes UI response slower, and could lead to buffering, depending on box/app. 8GB ROM is barely sufficient, after Kodi and a few apps you get about 1GB left. The box you like is only 8GB? Don't sweat it, just get it and manage your apk carefully. You can of course get more.


System on Chip (SoC)
Amlogic S905, S905X, S912 are the most common. Others from Rockchip, Mediatek, Hisilicon, Allwinner, etc. They all work, the top flagships are obviously better. Right now Kodi with V17 is taking a hard-line approach with non-Google standard firmware by chip makers, hence some chips perform better than others with audio pass through & down mix.


Dolby
If surround audio and video quality is critical, on-chip Dolby processing or licensed firmware is required. Everyone claims full support for pass-through and down-mix, but only a few does this well. Most other cheap boxes rely on software decoding and it can be a hit or miss.


Miracast/Chromecast
Mirracast - To stream from phone to box, phone is active sending data from phone to the box. Most box will have this.
Chromecast - To stream from internet to box, phone act as controller to set up the internet-to-box streaming connection. Only Chromecast certified boxes have this.

Box I/O
Standard are HDMI, USB, 3.5mm AV jack, remote control. A wired/wireless/air mouse is a must have IMHO. Other connections that may be important:


Wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, Bluetooth headsets, USB DAC, USB camera, USB microphone, etc., these mostly all work.

Wi-Fi
Some boxes comes with external antenna, these will likely give stronger wifi connection. Some are dual band. Some has ac in addition to b/g/n. These all add to the cost but improve functionality and user experience.


Codec Support
Some jargons you will see...VP9, HEVC, H.265, H.264, RMVB, HDR, CEC, HDCP, 10-bit, AC3, DTS, blah blah blah...

If you have 4K TV, 4K AVR, then HDR10 & HDMI 2.0 will be important, but most box support anyways.

Most box claims they play everything...but it doesn't claim flawless playback. Check reviews to confirm. Most streaming formats are geared for widespread distribution, backwards compatibility and hence easy to decode...so don't worry about this too much. Just be aware sometime some old oddball file or two may be encoded strangely and can't be played well on any box except the PC...

This post has been edited by dwRK: Jun 14 2017, 01:58 PM

What Android Box To Get?

1. Buy boxes from reputable manufacturers, the popular ones here are Himedia Q10/Q5 pro and Minix U9-H, U1, etc. If there is an issue, you get good OEM support, not to mention strong fan base. Is it worth paying about 2X the price of cheaper boxes?...It depends We are paying for better built, better components, better AV, better QA/QC, better firmware support, etc. You can't tell these from comparing specs alone.

For AV quality, Himedia > Minix. For TV apps compatibility, Minix > Himedia.


2. Buy boxes from strong brand and big fan base, such as from Bee-link, Alphawise, Tronsmart, Videostrong, etc. If something goes wrong, someone can help. There are vendor reps on Freaktab. These are cheaper so lots of people buy them. Be aware most S912 boxes (eg. Bee-link GT1) has a "dark screen/video" issue but has a quick workaround temporary fix. Those with latest Android 7.1 is fixed.


3. Buy boxes that are known to be working well. Some brave soul has tested it first, and you know you are not alone... see further below the box/user list...


4. Boxes to avoid?: Older generation Scishion V88 Plus, V99 Plus...many reports of problems. Also M9S Pro has few users complaining of fake amount of memory...

Boxes I Want For Myself (aka my recommendation):


Lowyat Dedicated Box Threads:
Beelink - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4044338/+760
Xiaomi - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3561305/+920 
Himedia - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1849024/+2060 
Minix U9 - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4057677
Divco - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1166235
Dune - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1879252
Unifi - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3594298/+1940
Chromecast - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2898757/+160

Lowyat User and Their Box
There are probably many more boxes working well and not reported here... most of these are fine.
MK22 Plus [JayceOoi].
Probox 2 [JayceOoi].
T95k Pro [JayceOoi].
Wetek Hub [JayceOoi].
R68 ii [Blurjoey].
GT1 [Blurjoey].
Z83-4 [JayceOoi].
S92 [JayceOoi].
M9S Pro 3/32GB [fruitie].
MX iv [BOTAK_WAI].
A95X S905X [GuyM].
H96 Pro+ [nikrizal].
Zidoo X1 ii [thena123].
Zidoo X6 Pro [thena123]...slow UI reported.
M9 Plus 4k [pluginbaby].
X92 [VeeJay].
KM8 pro [^pomen_GTR^] biggie
Vensmile U1 [dwRK]
KM8p


Old V1: https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3126605/+4940 


Some sample box list from Lazada, minimum Android 5, 2/8GB:


Find a box you fancy, Google research it first.  If lots of complains, don't buy.  There will be some complaints somewhere I guarantee you, need to assess if this is one-off or systemic problem. Boxes that benchmark well could still be problematic. Get those that have regular firmware updates and community support. 
 
Places to search for reviews
http://www.cnx-software.com/ 
http://freaktab.com/ 
http://www.eyalo.com/ 
https://androidtvbox.eu/ 
https://www.avforums.com/homecinema/reviews/ 
https://www.avforums.com/forums/network-vid...treamers.332/ 
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/39-networkin...nt-streaming/ 

This post has been edited by dwRK: Jun 14 2017, 10:49 AM

Android Apps

IPTV is short for Internet Protocol TV...ie, uses internet to deliver streaming content. This includes Live TV and Video on Demand (VOD).

Live TV, is like your normal TV, you keep switching channels until you find one you like. VOD, you select show / movies you wanna watch.

TV Apps
You download and install from Play Store, from other markets, or direct source. They are mostly designed for phones, tablets, TV, not Android boxes hence can have issues as they are not sanctioned as such. So be aware that it might work today and not work tomorrow. These are reported working at some point in time. Just remember geo-restriction applies...

Kodi 16 - All boxes work, except very old ones
Kodi 17 - Android 5 and above. Has surround pass-through issue when streaming online contents.
SPMC - Kodi fork. 16.5 above needs Android 5.
FTMC - Another Kodi fork, supports Android 4 boxes.
Netflix (4K) - Best use your Smart TV, Nvidia Shield, Mi Box, sanctioned devices only.
Netflix (SD) - Netflix recently (2Q17) says no more support for rooted device... will work on most boxes.
Netflix (hacked apk) - Heard about it, i know nothing...
iFlix - Q10 pro, Q5 pro, Q16, U1, T95m, U9-H (DIGI internet), KM8 pro, ... most will work some won't
AOTG - Minix U9-H/U1/X8-H, Mi Box, Huawei HyppTV V8, Vensmile U1, Remix Mini, H96 Pro+ (no more after aotg update), R-Box Pro(hacked box?), Fire TV... boxes that doesn't work (all Himedias, all rooted boxes... )
HyppTV - Remix Mini, Mi Box, U1
YouTube (4K) - Chromecast Ultra, Mi Box?
YouTube - All boxes
Fire TV - Amazon Fire TV / Stick
Tonton - Q16,
RTM Mobile - Q16,

Fully loaded is a keyword for ahem apps, and normally they all work...unless abandoned by developer or its content blocked. Some apps are subscription-based.

Lifetime IPTV is ahem service, you're paying someone to manage the ahem app & content. I don't know what lifetime means... Forever? Your lifetime? Box life? IPTV still in business? The boxes sold together are typically low spec, worth RM 100-180...

Google "free TV movie streaming" and you get lots of hit what apk is what...a lot of these apks operates in the legally grey and black area...

Most of the TV apps above are geared for the western / English speaking market. For Mandarin speakers, the Shafa Market apk has links to whole bunch of China based TV apps, however most need VPN to work nowadays outside of China.


Lowyat TV App Threads
Kodi - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3943906/+2580
SPMC - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4182519
Netflix - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3828808/+680 
iFlix - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3841807/+120
Astro - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4156566/+660
HyppTV - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2918894/+2260


Utilities I Find Interesting
1. Set Orientation or Rotation Locker - Force landscape mode for Android TV OS with some sideloaded apks.
2. Network Monitor - View network speed between box & router while streaming.
3. Internet Speed Meter Lite - Shows daily/weekly/monthly data usage.
4. Teamviewer - remote access, control & mirror via phone. https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=83827691
5. CetusPlay - somewhat like Teamviewer but without mirroring; for remote control within the local network only.
6. Shafa Market - Lots of goodies try it. Lots of links to China based TV apps, a few great utilities...
7. Droid buddy - A bit like Shafa, but only apps for the western market.


ROMs I Find Interesting
Superceleron – Selective boxes for more streamline/bug-free experience.
AndroidTV - Selective boxes for TV OS experience.
Nexus port -

This post has been edited by dwRK: Jul 6 2017, 05:39 PM

Other Media Boxes

DVD Player/Media Center/HTPC/etc.
These are some really awesome media players, focusing on audio & video excellence. They are solidly built and really well supported by the OEM. They come with selected streaming apps and sometimes even browser. Mostly don't have Play Store.


Closed System Boxes
Alternatives to Android boxes. Some have their own limited "App Store".


The free TM HyppTV box is an Android Box too...lots of folks trying to exploit it's full potential while TM tries to lock it down.

Satellite TV
The legal ones, only Astro. It's the most reliable (when not raining hard). A lot of program recycle, but for live sports & HK series, it's usually the most dependable.

Illegal ones tap into India, Taiwan, etc.

This post has been edited by dwRK: May 23 2017, 10:50 PM

Cheap Box Manufacturers & Rebrands
If you're interested in who makes these cheap boxes, these are the manufacturers. Some are big resellers, who's who is difficult to decipher.


FCC Search
You can find who are the manufacturer through their FCC registration to sell in the USA:
https://www.google.com/search?&q=android+box+site%3Afccid.io

This post has been edited by dwRK: Apr 15 2017, 10:39 AM

Network File Transfer and Streaming 
 
If you frequently transfer files to the box, this is the fast & easy method:


If you want to stream media from your PC or Phone, the services are already built into the box and PC. Phone may need some work


This post has been edited by dwRK: Mar 20 2017, 10:44 AM

Simplistic Buying Guide
We all want it cheap, but sometimes it is worth to pay a bit more.
 
* You have or going to get movie projector (4K/3D/FHD) with big screen > 120"; big TV > 72"; good hifi or surround sound; get the top dogs from Himedia or Minix, alternately OPPO, Dune or one of those.
 
* You have growing up kids or elderly non-tech savvy parents, get Astro, HyppTV, or one of those Android TV OS boxes that can play iFlix, Netflix, etc. If you still live with your parents and can provide IT support, then any reliable box that meets your apk needs will do.

* You and your kids play a lot of console games, get the Shield, Xbox or PS4. For light gaming, get the better boxes, not entry level SoC.
 
* You want to control music playback using your phone without starting your TV or Projector; Himedia players with supported HiControl apk, run Plex for local content, or run Teamviewer or Wukong apps.

* You want reliable live HD sports or HK series; official channel is Astro. Get a box that can run Astro Go.

This post has been edited by dwRK: Apr 17 2017, 05:14 PM

Streaming Bitrates & Internet Speed

Typical Movies & TV shows (Ahem APK Source)
4K / UHD file encoding 11.2 to 11.8 mbps; my Unifi Lite not fast enough, so stutter jer lor...
FHD file encoding 2.1 to 2.5 mbps; my Unifi DL speed ~3 mbps
HD file encoding 1.2 to 1.6 mbps; my Unifi DL speed ~2 mbps

(If you are using torrent sources...the bitrates are typically higher)

Providers' encoding variation for same movie/show varies about 0.1~0.2 mbps...of course there are some whose quality really sucks and I didn't even bother checking...

Info gathered during playback using Kodi & MX player...all streams are H264, AAC 2.0...

Interestingly most FHD/HD files are 23/24 fps...whilst the two 4K was 30 fps...


Netflix Recommend Internet Speed
4K / UHD - 25 mbps
FHD / HD - 5 mbps
SD - 3 mbps

This post has been edited by dwRK: Jun 27 2017, 03:47 PM

del

This post has been edited by dwRK: Mar 20 2017, 08:49 AM

del

This post has been edited by dwRK: Mar 20 2017, 08:53 AM

del

This post has been edited by dwRK: Mar 20 2017, 08:43 AM

Thanks for finally initiating this thread and hope it will benefit the rest.
However, no piracy discussion ya.

good reading for android box beginners

parking

Finally. An informative thread for tv boxes. It will definitely help newbies find the info they need and stop annoying senior members with the questions.

I remember asking for info in the previous thread as there was no TS 1st post info and getting shot for asking lol 😁...

Thanks TS for compiling!

Nice info before i proceed to buy the box.
Now which one to get...hermm

Thanks.

dwRK, suggestion to add/link for Android box review from our own k/tard JayceOoi & Blurjoey...

Congrats on V2

parking

Seem like most of us fall into group C

for me, need to see purpose of use?

if for overall (graphic, software compatible, gpu, streaming, picture quality) i will prefer take Nvidia Shield.

if budget range, i suggest minix as this good brand and got software support.

if you looking streaming device. please look that support HEVC. it is good for 4k steaming purpose. it got optimization streaming function.

This post has been edited by NyOx: Feb 18 2017, 06:07 PM

congrats to V2!

here's my contribution, much from the old thread:
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3126605/+4960









dedicated threads:

.. mibox
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3561305/+920
.. beelink
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4044338/+760
.. hyppbox
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3594298/+1720#bottom
.. himedia
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1849024/+2060
.. minix has no active dedicated thread, unfortunately.

This post has been edited by AVFAN: Feb 18 2017, 07:16 PM

I'm in Group D.

Thanks. Still work in progress...

Target one in each group...except junk of course

Thanks.

I am stock android tv fan, own a Nexus Player and Mibox International version, belongs to which category?

And it seems that Nvidia Shield TV 2017 is interesting.

Congrats V2

Joining v2. 😊

yr box is android 6, uses google android tv, not the normal android, right?

just curious.. r u able to sideload any app u want?

what app do u use to copy, delete, move files between this box and usb drive(s)?

you should test it. for gaming & streaming, it works fabulously. what did you expect when it comes NVidia company.

dwRK Could you recommend me a the best in the market box?!

Thanks dwrk...you did a splendid job...thanks alot...cheers mate.

Congrats on V2 and thank you TS for making info easily accessible.

Really? Page 2 and this question has already popped up?


dwRK
Excellent job on the V2.. Lord knows I would not have gone too detailed.. . I do have one gripe with the recommendations though. Noticed the Xiaomi Mi Box 3 Enhanced was ranked same (Power house?) as the Nvidia Shield, while others such as the Q10 Pro and even the unreleased Minix Neo U9/U9-H ranked lower. Point is, while the Xiaomi Mi Box 3 Enhanced is a decent box, performance-wise, it does not outperform the Minix Neo U1.. Much less the unreleased Minix Neo U9/U9-H.. Heck the HiMedia Q10 Pro- which boasts 4K H.265/H.264/VP9 decoding with Dolby Vision & HDR10 high dynamic range standards, native SATA, HDMI 2.0a, verified 7.1 HD Audio pass-through and USB 3.0 (to mention a few advantages)... So in order to avoid "confusion" (cuz Antutu isn't everything ), I suggest a modification. My 2 cents.


Seriously, thanks for such a brilliant start to the V2..

This post has been edited by voncrane: Feb 18 2017, 11:35 PM

Notable mentions I have plans but not on paper yet.

My 3 year old Minix qualifys me into group C
and newly bought H96 Pro+ falls into group D

Thanks for your feedback. Yeah, the groups ended up appearing like high to low per price & AV quality...not the intention. I'll add some comments to the Mi box.



This post has been edited by dwRK: Feb 19 2017, 08:05 AM

parking for future reference

Parking.. .

Hmmmm....Nexus player is on android 7.1 and Mibox is on android 6.0. Yeah both boxes are on google android tv and not normal android.

Yes, i am able to sideload apps via ES file explorer which is available from Playstore and I mainly uses this file explorer to manage files between the box and usb drives.

I notices some issues where some app for mobile that i side load could not work, as they would not turn landscape automatically on google android TV.
But if I installed these same mobile apps on normal android boxes they will auto turn to landscape mode making them workable (but need to have mouse or touchpad).

How about Evpad Pro/Unblock Tech3?

Ok, i follow.
I asked u that to confirm my experience with my smart android tv.
Looks like the same... as same platform, same google rules n restrictions.

The problem with es file explorer is starting android5, it prohibits certain functions like deleting a file on usb or copying from internal to usb. Delete internal and copy from usb to internal is ok. That is, one way only. Same with other file managers. Android box has same issue with es file exp but other file managers work fine.

But i do find some apps actually work better on androidtv compared to android box, e.g. kodi, popcorntime... besides netflix and youtube. And the voice search feature is very useful!

This post has been edited by AVFAN: Feb 19 2017, 12:20 PM

Based on HW specs, I estimate these to be RM110-150 boxes.

Not a big issue.

Over time, a user will get smart, converge on the right device for his/her needs.

Like everything, good things no cheap, cheap things no good.

But there can be human errors... paying too much for a box but not using the best features or paying too little for a box that don't have or can't do what is actually required by user.

It is for this reason that it makes no sense to respond to a question like "tell me which best box to buy".

Like buying a tv, a car or an apartment, there must be some reading and thinking process done first.

So the nvidia shield is just usd 200 for a basic 2/16 box?
Hmm let's see if got friends going to US or not

The box with foc lifetime 1000++ channels will cost RM5xx~RM6xx.


Actually worth to get it ?

The box with foc lifetime? Really can FOC forever?

IMHO...really not worth. I haven't run out of things to watch yet...plus I don't want to support illegal business.

Temptation is strong I know...don't succumb to the dark side...

What is good is not cheap; what is cheap is no good; what is free is best.

This post has been edited by dwRK: Feb 19 2017, 02:08 PM

if willing to give up warranty, it's a good price.

u probably know all else about it, but there may be one thing u should be aware - this box works on google androidtv, i.e. it is not like most other android boxes with their own launcher, settings, etc.

i do not know for sure but i think it works just like the androidtv in premium smart tv's.

it has its own playstore, own rules, not as comprehensive as the normal playstore.

some apps like hulu and amazon will probably not appear in playstore once it detects non-US user.

u can sideload apps but it does not like certain types of apps, e.g. will reject certain apps deemed a security threat; some apps, it gives portrait view rather than landscape.

on the plus side, it gives netflix 4k, youtube 4k (useful if yr tv is 4k but has no androidtv). some apps actually work better becos they are designed specifically for android tv use.



too bad that we do not have enough nvidia shieldtv users here to provide a good review for local usage.

This post has been edited by AVFAN: Feb 19 2017, 02:10 PM

that box w/ahem iptv is sold in pasar malam and coffeeshops.

we should not discuss illegal stuff here.

i would prefer not use andriod 6 above as not much app support now. maybe later when all people moving to new andriod it should work. my minix still stuck with andriod 4 kitkat. hahaha

I think so far it's okay, most apps that I use on android 6.0 is also working on android 7.1 but my experience is only limited to android tv.

Not sure if there are any boxes that have got the normal android 7.0 or above.

Basic? Have to meet em to know em. Enuf said..

I have android 4.4.2, 5.1, 6.0, 7.0.

I think 6 is most problematic.

7, all apps i have working on 4 and5, works good, no problem.

agree with you. i am having app compatibility issues using andriod 6 above. andriod 4 & 5 work like charm. meanwhile i will stick with it.

Probably not many here are using it since we can substitute to a cheaper box with decent hardware and use ehem2 stuffs than paying for subscription like Netflix and so on.

You want to check out "TV App Repo" apk? This to help sideloading on leanback launcher. I don't have smart TV to try.

There's also apk to force landscape.

We just need one shield user there's a thread in the hardware section...

Amazon ships it free to Singapore...there are more users there...

This post has been edited by dwRK: Feb 19 2017, 03:54 PM

As long as their business running ...the service will continue..

Those free apps always buffering, not loading.. very frustrated when watching movie...
Paid apps have people take care the server.. anything down.. they will service..


Ok...

This post has been edited by sgpdsmss: Feb 19 2017, 04:44 PM

I can stream 3 YouTube channels & 1 TV/movie at 720p without buffering on Unifi vip5...

I guess you need to find better sources...

Great list TS. Thumbs up

Do you have more information on this apk? Thank you.

Detailed description at the start of this V2.
Surely took mammoth effort.

Please suggest/add Ubox3 into your Group as it might be omething many might want to consider? I noticed not many using or not many have mentioned Unblocktech's Ubox3

The live TV option on it is sweet, and for the most important feature: can sideload apps !

U mean evpad/unblock tech are illegal?
Turbo box/small seven also?
Then with one is legal?

Pls check... about biz registration, warranty, guarantee, refunds, etc., i.e. homework.

Legal and legit locally = astro, hypptv, iflix, netlfix.

Really, i do not want to get into this kind of discussion.

Neither do u as u should well know.

This tv app repo is good to add shortcut to the homescreen for androidtv.

It does not sideload with usb.

U still need es file explorer or similar.

May I know what APK you using for movie ?

Buffering I referring to APK server... not that ISP..
Each APK have their own server right ?

Simple and user friendly only suitable for parents...

Use Kodi to stream movies and tv shows.

It uses method same as #sideloadtag ...google this

It will download & install directly...no need USB... It's quite new, no idea what apps are available...so meanwhile you may still need USB

This post has been edited by dwRK: Feb 19 2017, 08:45 PM

Set orientation

It's on play store

I m new in tvbox,just wanna buy a box that
not so complicated,no need to install apk. etc.
Open n watch,with self apps. that easy to update.
Turbo box/himedia H8 look good to me now,evpad/unlock tech look overprice.
Thanks bro for the above explanation.

need some tag or whatever. i think they are also limited to apps in generic playstore.

but we want !@#$%^ apps!

there is such a box - astro or hypptv box.

they are hardware driven, no need for u to do anything, auto update, you pay.

if u want box with paid illegal stuff, ok, but we cannot discuss here.

let's not put admin into trouble.

This post has been edited by AVFAN: Feb 19 2017, 08:54 PM

take yr time, read the first pages in this new thread, all the links given.

there are plenty of ways to get good stable free stuff if u have the good speed and right box.

and becos they are foc, they need maintenance, care and attention.

and that means they are not suitable for people who just press buttons.

for older people, my honest suggestion is u pay astro or hypptv.

if not, u will get non stop scolding.

Kodi troublesome... always need add add on...sources not active always.. need more steps to open movie , TV show..

Think not suitable for senior citizen..

My parents like to watch Taiwan channels...
Astro no have the channels...

lol...just pulling a quick, mate...hahaha

yup awesome info on first page.

I'm using Rotation Locker

Budget HDD enclosure for your TV Box with excellent performance!!! Read my ORICO 2569S3 Review @ https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4201283

If you have shafa market installed, you can use it's remote install method over network via your pc, no need USB.

Anyways just sharing methods...use whichever makes you happy

Good to share.

I had found shafa to contain all kinds of hidden stuff.

Shafa or others, I always get an apk on pc, try it on one of the boxes first.

If good enough, i will install on the others.

Playing safe not to screw up the tv since it has its own security feature, under warranty.

Yes.. So true. I think this info about Android box not for less tech savvy ppl should be included in opening post.

Minimum for ppl who know how to navigate a smart phone

Up to folks to learn. They can always start easy...gotta start somewhere right ...we are all newbie once...

Thanks. I added to front page.

Big business yes... Free either leach from others or use free servers

Buffering means you're not getting data fast enough...can be a lot of reasons. I have written a few lines on pg1

You do what you have to do

This post has been edited by dwRK: Feb 20 2017, 03:50 PM

Thank you for the recommendation I will give it a try later.