UPDATE 22 June 2021

As best to my knowledge Tx3 mini or Tx3 can still support Official Apkpure UstoGoal app. Do confirm this with sellers if their stocks comply. If they avoid answering or don't know, then better take your business elsewhere if the app is a priority.

Other wise there is a very active modder who has released at least 3 Mod apks of the latest version. Sadly the modder's sharing group has gone underground due to multiples copyright infringement notices on various platforms. If you search long and hard, you may find it. If I am not mistaken, the mod apk will work as it has been extensively tested on Amlogic devices, even on Mecool KM2 and KM6 with ATV remote.

Sadly though, the advice given by the modder is to avoid Allwinner boxes except for one Tx6.

If Tx6 or Tx6S is your consideration, then I advise against Tx6S. Tx6s is actually an inferior model to Tx6. S - just meaning SLIM while others thought it is SPECIAL. Although it has Android 10, I find its wifi suspect albeit both equally powerful. Both though is stil operates at a very high temperature.

=====================================

30 December 2020

Tx3 banned in Malaysia?
Is it now "officially acknowledged" as the best and most compatible box for AsterosakGo app?

If anyone looking specifically for Tx3 or Tx3mini, just do a search for Tx6 in Shopee or Lazada and private message the Tx6 big sellers about Tx3 availability while they still have stock. Read further below for recommended local and overseas sellers. Given the Tx3 search has been blocked, it is only a matter of time before sellers stop importing or re-stock this box.

=====================================

EDIT 31th Oct 2020

Recent issues with regards to Astrogo login error on all types of tvboxes addressed in the few posts linked below :-
First post on the matter.
Possible solution but only for rooted box.
Credits to others
Bromite Webview Solution for Rooted devices


It is my opinion recent changes to a more secured Astrogo login along with this webview changes is to counter illegal account, rather than to hamper tvbox usage with Astrogo. Just my 2 cents.

As for playtv@unifi, Tx3 mini also works well with it provided Root Switch is closed. My comments below :-
Review of the new playTV@unifi (fireball) apk on Tx3mini
Difference between UnifiTV app(android TV OS) and playTV@unifi app, and where to get the mod apk for UnifiTV
Do note, that you need to receive a message notification on your Old playTV@unifi app that your account has been migrated before you can login to the new playTV@unifi (fireball) app. As for UnifiTV app, you need a dedicated Unifi ID given to you to login. Won't login with just a mobile number.

Majority of the contributors to this thread bought from this Shopee
https://shopee.com.my/linglang.my

=================================================================

EDIT 19 December 2019
Quote from AVFAN
"today the worthy successor tx3 s905x3 is my recommendation - for just another rm60-70."

Tx3 mini has upgraded 2 times since my last edit on the 17th August. Tx3 mini has upgraded to Android 8 and even comes with bluetooth and 5GHz wifi on some variations.

Seems recently Tx3 model itself, has a major upgrade to S905X3 SOC, from its older S905W. The new Tx3 S905X3 model Antutu benchmark is very impressive. Upwards of 70k according to others.

Regardless of old or new Tx3, they are still the best value box for Astro GO 2.194.2/AC19.4.2/3c4f19c ( Released 2019-12-13) in HD quality. The box comes with Root Switch to open or close root access with ease which is required for Astro Go to work. Tx3 Mini Android 8 or Tx3 S905X3 Android 9 would be fine. But to be on the safe side, do ask sellers if their Tx3 Mini Android 8 is updated with Root Open /Close Setting option as explained back in the 17 August amendment of this post.

Contributors to this thread been buying the box from various sellers, and last I checked
https://shopee.com.my/linglang.my
is selling this upgraded Tx3 S905X3 and this overseas seller is still getting lots of 5 Star rating with great customers' review. You wouldn't go wrong buying from this store if you don't have any preferred seller.

Recommended to get the 4GB version for Tx3 S905X3. The 2Gb boxes version will suffer under the Android 9 system.
https://shopee.com.my/TX3-Android9.0-TV-Box...2295.4608625088

=================================================

EDIT 17 August :-
Tx3 still remains the best value box to run the new Astro Go new app v2.192.5/AC/9.2.5.
However, do take note that only Tx3 mini Android 7.1.2 is suitable at the moment.
Most of the new batch of stocks are Tx3 Mini Android 8.1 with Alice UX which is not suitable.


Majority of the contributors to this thread bought from this Shopee seller which still has lots of Android 7 stocks :-
https://shopee.com.my/linglang.my

If you do buy from this seller or any other seller, please make sure you are getting Android 7.1.2 and suitable to run Astro Go Version 8.2.6 (modded) or Astro Go v2.192.5.
Ask the seller specifically what Android Version you are getting, even though the Description says it is Android 7. OEM manufacturers has released Android 8 Tx3 mini which is not suitable for Astro Go or Unifi Play TV at the time of this post. It seems they are working on this issue.

=================================================================
EDIT 29 April :- 3 months later and came back to read the first 8 pages of this thread, and others confirm Tx3 Mini is a
'BANG FOR BUCK android box'...
'it is a no brainer, best value for money for simple use'...AVFAN.
It is also the cheapest box that can run UNIFI PLAY TV app fro Google Play Store and Modded ASTRO ON THE GO v8.2.6 official app.

Majority of the contributors to this thread bought from this Shopee

https://shopee.com.my/linglang.my

============================================================================
============================================================================


This box has been around for a few years.
I believe there are a few manufacturers manufacturing the same design.
What is different is merely the branding on the box.

I think even the kernel and rom is the same for all the different manufacturers (I might be wrong)

Because it has been so long, its hardware and software is pretty stable. Not much problem of crash or brick.

Albeit, 1GB is not recommended to get unless you know what apps you want to install. And Generally recommended not more than a handful of extra apps on top of the already built in Android 7.1. The android OS plus all the google play/services stuff.. can take up to a big chunk out of the 1GB ram.

Mostly recommend 2GB ram, as it should be sufficient for most casual users.

Generally, the hardcore experts now play with 3GB or 4GB ram boxes.

However with that being said, the TX3 is the best affordable ENTRY-LEVEL box for new enthusiast in to this field. It can handle a lot and perform admirably for the low price.

That is why you see lots of "a-hem"sellers, sell their stuff with this box.

This post has been edited by password8431: Jun 22 2021, 04:18 PM

Not just this box.. most of the other boxes (even latest models) suffer internet speed degradation from 2.4G wifi performance.

5G is always recommended, but 5G is best when the router is in the same room.
But if the router in the same room, might as well just connect Ethernet LAN cable...lol

If Wifi Router is far or in another room.. 2.4G wifi is the better option in most cases, unless your house is surrounded with a lot of neighbours' wifi routers also on 2.4G. Then guarantee, got problem.. only Channel 1,6,11 on the band spectrum does not interfere with each other. no matter which channel you set, you are guaranteed to have a clash with neighbours wifi. Thus you won't get your full internet speed.

As said by mych, best to connect a LAN Cable.

Are you planning to get a box to go with your Unifi Internet that doesn't come with STB ?

I have been reading that new Unifi fibre internet package doesn't come with STB anymore to watch free HypptV channels.

WOW, some good information on this thread.

I am not the thread starter, but I am probably the first serious thread contributor. It is nice to come back 3 months later and see a thriving discussions on this topic. Although it seems to have veered from talking about Tx3 to discussions getting Astro on the Go app up and running, LOL.

It is a coincidence that I too bought from the Tx3 seller in Shopee who everyone has been praising.
I installed Astro and Unifi, and surprise surprise, they work with a simple setting change.

I am not too sure why the modded apk file is not shared in a post. Maybe forum moderators deleted them.

Here is a link to android republika's vault.

https_ --androidrepublica_website-Apk-


I have edited my comment on the first page to reflect on the proceeding Unifi and Astro app discussions in the next 8 pages. As I notice lots of forumers keep asking in other threads on what box to get for Astro on the go.

I have consulted a few local sellers, and they confirmed that the Tx6 can run Astro on the go, after FULL unrooting.

The unrooting is a one-way ticket, no turning back. Unlike the Tx3 which has the option to open or close root acccess.

The process of unrooting is done manually it seems as sellers commented about "Manual Unroot" in their replies.

Just to add the the question of "which box can run Astro on the go".
It is probably fair to say, all android boxes can run Astro Go provided the root access is closed, or can be closed back.

As to how to close the root access, there are a variety of methods and a variety of difficulty and also a variety of outcome, LOL.

you are in luck, lol
you don't need to read through 8 pages of comments, just scroll higher abit from this comment and you find your answer, lol

Don't have it, but I have pmed one of the thread contributors for it.

I am certainly looking forward to your post on this because of your dissection of Astro Go in earlier post is bloody accurate and the first time in the whole of lowyat forum, I have come across of the 2 part-solution. Only downside is that it only works with Tx3 and the other few Tx series models.

Thank you for this post as well, and obviously a big thanks for the pm. I understand why you can't share it publicly. It is not only that, the IP link address you shared looks like someone's home private server.

And this as well. I always wonder what the Wifi Emulator setting does. As it doesn't seem to do anything when I tried it, in fact it even causes my ES Explorer ftp remote to stop working.

I think I will address you as the Tx3 Mini Expert, LOL.

This post has been edited by password8431: May 3 2019, 12:59 PM

If I am not mistaken, another requirement to run Unifi without error is to keep Android WIFI setting turned on even if you are using LAN connection.

This is what I understand of the earlier posts written from the tx3 expert (sorry forgotten the expert name :-p) and AVFAN.

Something else I found out :-

And NEVER NEVER, Open the Root setting again. Otherwise you would have to clear cache/data of the OFFICIAL version Unifi App as you will receive permanent error on root detection. And you will need to login again. If you are not comfortable with keeping Root Setting closed permanently, then consider getting a modded unifi apk of older version.

The two part solution mentioned by SCThong is with regards to AstroGo whereby a modded apk is required.

For Unifi, you can use the official version from playstore. You just need to avoid the two types of Error that can be detected by the official app.
Wifi detection and Root detection.
- Keep Android Wifi setting on always.
- Permanently Keep Root Close setting. (otherwise you will need to clear data and cache and relogin to Unifi)

If you buy from the China Shopee seller, they might be able to provide you with the modded unifi apk. Mean time, please ask for the Filelinked pincode from them as well, and post it here to share with us.

Tx6 operating temperature is high, I can confirm that. Definitely higher than the Tx3 mini. Much warmer on the fingers.
Whether it is overheating, is tough to confirm. If really overheating after a period of time and the Tx6 autoshuts down, then that is a real concern. But as far as previous users comments are concerned, there are none such complaints.

It is all in the hardware design, Amlogic chips operates at a lower temperature, and that is why Tx3 mini enclosure does not need any ventilation holes for cooling. Tx6 running on Allwinner operates on a higher temperature, and that is why the much needed ventilation holes designed on to the enclosure. So it can be argued that Tx6 needs passive cooling and even the design engineers admit that.

As for the Tx3, and this coming from experience. 24 hours non stop binge watching Game of Thrones in a ceiling fan room, the box is still good there after. I wouldn't do the same with the Tx6.

Albeit the price difference is Rm40 between the two models with the huge upgrade in RAM+ROM, it is a tough call which is worth buying more than the other. Previously it was a meagre RM30 difference, and Tx6 sales shot up. Now things are back in balance.

Since your requirement is Astro App, then the obvious choice is Tx3 mini. Tx6 directly out from the factory is rooted with Alice UX, and unable to run Astro App. Some local sellers were able to unroot the box manually, and promote their boxes as Astro Compatible.

As for HHD (Hokkien Channel), the dramas in this channel is mostly available in youtube and quite commonly found in Taiwan Channels easily obtainable in free IPTV apps (however stability of these channels are questionable, as is all things free)
If you wish for the actual Astro HHD Channel, then it depends if your Astro Account package has this channel. AEC is confirmed free even with a free registrered account. Other wise, subscribe to the ahem ahem iptv services which we shall not discuss here.

The Shopee China Seller doesn't not sell boxes with pre-install apps, but has a great repository of apks shared by a local Malaysian that caters to a variety of audience. If you do buy from this seller, be sure to ask for the latest Filelinked pin and make sure you share it in here or pm me.... . Dunno what Filelinked is, ask the seller to explain.

This post has been edited by password8431: Jun 19 2019, 12:32 PM

Tx3 can do 1080p. Can watch Twitch > DOTA 2 games comfortably at 1080p
Once you have the sellers repository, you would use the Modded Smart Youtube TV and the Youtube Vanced instead of the official Youtube app.

H265, some videos can, some videos cannot, depends on video source. Normally I notice it is not the hardware problem, but more to the necessary codec not available. So it is hard to say, you may even have the latest Amlogic AM905X2, and still have problems playing certain H265 streams. This from my own experience.

be sure to get an air mouse for your parents to use the Astro Go app.
The IR remote can do the job but a bit of hassle selecting and changing channels.
And I find out old folks don't like the Wireless keyboard with the touch pad for mouse, fingers just not steady enough.

Probably forgot to mention, all the apps are freely available on the internet. With a good filelinked repository, it makes it easier to find and download them. Depending on the filelinked, the creator might put a short description or comment of the apps. Some filelinked are frequently updated as a convenience to the users.

Google and you probably find the lot of them even in facebook.

I visited android Republica vault a few days ago, the 8.2.6 mod was updated in one of its folders. But I believe there is another mod APK which is Zip Aligned version. Both works just fine.

Astro Paying money to hire professionals , ha ha ha.
I am more incline to believe there is a Technology Transfer between their partnership with HBO.

Will see how the new astroGo comes about. If they make AstroGo harder to install/run, then I see IPTV will be getting good business in the coming days, and brisk business like yourself to help others fully unroot boxes manually. I notice you do charge for services like these... ha ha ha.

Tx3 Mini is good, but is it the best in everything? No!! there is no such device other than the king of android boxes which is the Nvidia Shield.

It has been pointed out that Tx3 Mini is a good value buy. A value buy for all manners of streaming.

Majority of people will ask for compatibility with AoTG and Unifi Play TV. Tx3 ticks all that currently (unknown that will happen when new app is released). The intelligent guess is that the app is easier to install and run in a fair bit more boxes if the beta testing is to be taken into account.

Then there are people who wishes like 3D gaming most of all, then nothing beats the Nvidia shield for Android System.

Then there are people who puts Netflix above all else.
And if you ask 10 person to recommend a box for netflix, 7 of them will recommend Xiaomi Mibox S MDZ-22-AB.

The Mibox S is only a 2GB RAM and 8GB ROM but it costs almost 2.5 times of a Tx3 mini with 2/16GB. Apart from the voice remote, other wise all other hardware of both are identical or similar.

So why is Mibox S so expensive, it is because it is one of the affordable boxes with Widevine L1 certification. Basically means it is Google Approve, and Xiaomi paid License fee to Google to have this certification. With this certification, the box is the able to Play NETFLIX in TRUE 4K quality. So you are paying google to enjoy the 4K feature of Netflix.

If Netflix is the number 1 priority, go for the mibox S. You won't have any regrets, until a time where you will notice certain limitations of the box. ( lack of USB ports, lack of LAN port, low 8GB ROM)

Prior to last month, a lot of local sellers was selling this box by buying the box from the States and selling it locally to make a profit. The price in the states is less than RM200, but sold here for RM300 and above. And obviously no Xiaomi Malaysia warranty. If the box fails, it is down the rubbish bin. Doubt the seller will take responsibility.

Here is a a tip... there is a new Xiaomi Store in Shopee. It is a cross border Xiaomi Retail online store operating from Hong Kong.

They are selling MiBox S MDX-22-AB for RM 249. And it comes with local Malaysia Warranty. Last month was only selling for RM235 promotion price.

https://shopee.com.my/Xiaomi-Mi-Box-S-Globa...1550.2274451566


There is another way to get Mibox S for free, but I am not sure if the Credit Card Promotion is still on. Even then, you have to wait 1 month or more for the credit card approval and the delivery of the box. Forgot which local site is offering it.

So if Netflix is SUPER IMPORTANT, and 4K NETFLIX is ESSENTIAL - go for MiboX S. Other wise, if you are comfortable with 480p - Tx3 mini delivers. Bang for buck, best value for for general streaming at 1080p60 on Youtube. In some cases Netflix 480p shows looks like it is 720p or HD when displayed on TV.



--------------------------
Edit : - It was Ringgit Plus and Citibank Credit Card I think but the promotion for Free Mibox is no longer on the site.

This post has been edited by password8431: Jul 10 2019, 04:54 PM

Edited my First post to reflect on the recent changes and discussions.
Please highlight to me if the information is incorrect.

EDIT 17 August :-
Tx3 still remains the best value box to run the new Astro Go new app v2.192.5/AC/9.2.5.
However, do take note that only Tx3 mini Android 7.1.2 is suitable at the moment.
Most of the new batch of stocks are Tx3 Mini Android 8.1 with Alice UX which is not suitable.


Majority of the contributors to this thread bought from this Shopee seller which still has lots of Android 7 stocks :-
https://shopee.com.my/linglang.my

If you do buy from this seller or any other seller, please make sure you are getting Android 7.1.2 and suitable to run Astro Go Version 8.2.6 (modded) or Astro Go v2.192.5.
Ask the seller specifically what Android Version you are getting, even though the Description says it is Android 7. OEM manufacturers has released Android 8 Tx3 mini which is not suitable for Astro Go or Unifi Play TV at the time this post. It seems they are working on this issue.

This post has been edited by password8431: Aug 17 2019, 05:06 PM

If you mean cast to TV feature, where the mobile device acts as a remote control to control the YouTube App on the Tx3, then yes.
I think can continue surfing other YouTube clips on mobile and add more clips to the current TV YouTube play list. All this done by linking both apps via a TV code serial number, if I am not mistaken.

Other than that, dunno any other YouTube cast youi might be referring to.

This feature very convenient to search YouTube on mobile devices and have the clip shown on TV via the Tx3 YouTube app. I think Smart YouTube app is also capable of this.