i spent a bit more time playing around with the android8 update.

i conclude there is definitely a problem with the detection of NTFS drives with androidtv's android8.
the same kind of problem has been reported in Mibox and Nvidia shield which also use androidtv months ago but have largely been resolved, i believe.
there's a youtube video where a mibox user says removal of es file explorer does the job - maybe for mibox, but not for this tv.

there is no reliable way to playback using the TV except the tv native player (which can't do dts).
i had tried... several file managers - es file explorer, es file exp pro, X-plore.
tried several player apps - vlc, mx, mx pro, kodi, Xplayer.

none of them did a proper job... es file exp + vlc or kodi or xplayer can play somewhat but inconsistent.
so, we wait... i wud think another update shud be coming soon.

____

minor stuff but FYI, with android8 update:

.. if u can't bring up the virtual keyboard when using playstore, install google indic keyboard, set it as default.
.. latest unifi playtv 7.8.19 tablet version works fine, all smooth.
.. latest astrogo 8.2.4 works smoother with this update than last one.