Need to ask a question based on the following image. For those who have not done their basic research, please do not take the info from the image fully.



So my question : based on your experience, which android box can do Dolby Atmos/DTS X passthrough via HDMI, AND deliver Netflix 4K/Atmos and Youtube 4K for UHD TVs?

From the image above, it seems the only one that can do that is the Nvidea Shield. Second place goes to the Mi Box but no Dolby Atmos/DTS passthrough.

Second question: Is the chart anywhere near accurate?

I just want a box that can do these three things: a) Dolby Atmos/DTS X passthrough using Kodi or some other media player, b) Netflix UHD with Atmos passthrough, c) Youtube 4K.


fuad

First of all, thanks for the reply. Secondly, don't fight.

Seems to be my conclusion as well. Makes me want to get a NUC instead.

I believe - I'm not sure - that the Mi Box can do Dolby Atmos because when installed, Kodi can do bypass if you play Atmos movies.

Some Netflix content does have Dolby Atmos - their own movies or Hollywood movies - so the Netflix app does Dolby Atmos passthrough if the hardware supports it. So I think if the device can do Netflix 4K, it can passthrough Dolby Atmos.

Okay. I guess somebody should tell Chigz Tech.




It see seems that most of the mid-range Android boxes (RM300 and up) can bypass Dolby Atmos and DTS X if the media is being played with Kodi or other players. This means that the hardware supports passthrough of these advanced codec.

I've come to some conclusion.

For Netflix 4K and Netflix Atmos, use the Netflix app on your UHD TV, a PC, PS4, Microsoft XB1, Shield, the Roku Express Plus or Ultra, the FireStick, Chromecast, or the Mi Box.

For Dolby Atmos and DTS X, mid-range and up android boxes via Kodi.

For .DSF and .DFF files, use the DSF/DFF capable receiver to retrieve them and stream them from your NAS server. Unless you have a premium networked media player or the Oppo BD players.

The Ethernet port issue can be resolved with buying a USB hub with an Ethernet adapter. The "phone home" thing might be Google/Netflix checking that you didn't root the device or Xiaomi tracking what you're doing. :/


fuad

If the media player is running off an Android box, I think the go-to software/app is Kodi. Go to the Play Store to download it.

If you play a HDR content using an Android box that can handle HDR but a monitor/TV that cannot, you get washed out video. To fix this, Kodi has enable tone-mapping feature with 4 settings. However, it seems that only Kodi on Windows and NVidia Shield can enable this feature due to the GPU involved.

It could be the Android box. Can you play Netflix HDR content without it looking washed out?

Only the UI is in 1080p. 4K content will play in 4K. See this discussion on Reddit.

So... no sales then.

Hope you can uninstall the update. The Reddit thread mentions it and gave links.

If you're looking to replace it, a good one is Tivo 4K Stream if all you want to do is stream content.

Are you sure Google Play Movies & TV has been terminated? It could be that it's terminated on your Samsung TV perhaps, due to hardware issues as in not upgradeable?

I believe most Netflix certified Android box can passthrough DD 5.1 audio via HDMI. Non-certified boxes with powerful SOC can do it (above say RM150) but lower ends one probably not, or at least not without hiccups.

So the question is - what audio content do you really want to passthrough to your Sony?

Since the Sony can handle core Dolby Digital (640kbps) and DTS (1.5 Mbps) via HDMI, your Android box should be set to Dolby Digital and DTS only. No Dolby Digital Plus.

That's how passthrough work with Kodi.

Don't forget to enable DTS.

You could get a new/used 5.1 receiver with your Sony satellite speakers. That way you have less worry about the modern formats as the new receiver will handle it. Just need to get a powered subwoofer as well.