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 Guide 4 first time buyers of Android Boxes & IPTV, Help to answer some common questions

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TSpassword8431
post Mar 6 2020, 03:34 PM, updated 4y ago

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Newbies buying android boxes, will surely ask about IPTV. I cannot fault you guys for asking, and I don't deny everyone new to android boxes will ask for it. After all android boxes are meant for Home entertainment.

In this forum, we try not to discuss about the pirated IPTV - as it is forbidden by Forum rules, and the thread will be deleted by moderators. There are other platform where they are openly discussed and apps share without limitations.

Only official legitimate IPTV services i.e. AstroGO, UnifiPlay TV, Netflix, Prime, Viu, dimsum, iflix, Disney+... can be openly discussed here. But by no means to say, the contributors do not know about the pirated IPTV. I can assure you, a lot of them in here are upto date with latest free pirated IPTV in the market.

Let it be known, that if casual people like us who knows where to get them - I can guarantee any Android box sellers worth their salt will also know of the latest free IPTV. The problem with these free IPTV is that, they come and go. Users have to be diligent and hardworking enough to keep up to date with latest apps.

It is for this reason, if newbies are buying Android Boxes for older parents that are not technically inclined - please consider subscribing to a 'legitimate' IPTV that can offer guaranteed streaming.

If newbies are still incline on getting affordable solution of android boxes + IPTV apps - DO REMEMBER THIS, the free apps won't work perfectly all the time, and will stop working at some time. Buy your android boxes from Specialist Sellers who can provide good after sales service, and not be fooled by sellers promoting 10,000 movies and 10,000 IPTV channels in their android boxes.

Normally these sellers, sell and then forget about you. Avoid sellers who can't even offer any extra services, as they are merely traders - they obtained the consignment stocks to shore up their store shelf only. Whether they sell or don't, they don't lose money. Also try avoid items where it states "Pre-Order" if you are not certain of the sellers reputation.

If still dunno what to get and feel insecure about unbranded OEM OTT boxes - then get Mibox S. Buy it for the EXPERIENCE of using android boxes for the first time, and when you are more confident - you can sell off the mibox S and get a box that suits your needs.


WORK IN PROGRESS :-
-links will appear here linking directly to the posts of interest.

This post has been edited by password8431: Mar 13 2020, 02:54 PM
TSpassword8431
post Mar 6 2020, 03:35 PM

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If you already have prior experience buying andorid boxes ,,.. then this thread not for you... sweat.gif However anyone is welcome to contribute their advise for first time buyers. I will link good sharing to the first page so it is easy to find your post.

As first time buyers, affordability is the majorly the issue when users don't understand the product well. Thus recommendation is catered to entry-level boxes with good reputation among previous users.


##########
First time Buyers' dilemma - "So Expensive meh"
People walk around Shopping malls and see a small stall parading Android TV boxes. Prices around 350-550.
They ask around and think they could get cheaper at IT malls where competition is higher.
They walk into Lowyat or Digital Mall or even visit AlliT, and meet with prices only a little bit lower than outside. Dilemma sets in - "So expensive meh! I read from others only RM100+. How leh?"
Here is a experience of such a person SCThong who decided just take the leap of faith.
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...&#entry92042011

######
Tx3 Mini or the Tx3 S905X3 thread.
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...&#entry91567263
Reviews -
AVFAN
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4722095?author=AVFAN


####
Xiaomi Mibox User Club
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3561305
Mibox S [GLOBAL Version]
MDZ-20-AB, please make sure it is this model number.
Retail Price around RM219 to RM320 from online shopping platform.
Most important is to ask if Warranty can be use in Malaysia. If cannot then ask the seller how?
I believe with Malaysia Warranty is around RM236 from official Xiaomi Retailer in Shopee. There are a few official XIaomi stores in Shopee.


##########
I still want the best Android box can offer to complement my 60" 4K TV and sound system. Money is not the problem. I want HDR. I want Dolby, I want Atmos etc etc.
HDR is best done in the TV, as for others requirements you best post your queries in this thread where there are a number of AV experts to help offer their professional recommendations.
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4200167

This post has been edited by password8431: Mar 14 2020, 12:28 PM
TSpassword8431
post Mar 6 2020, 03:36 PM

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Other common questions here
A big thank you to the contributors whose post I will link up here to which I find useful for newbies, instead of scattering all over Lowyat forum.
AVFAN, SCThong, others will be included when this post updates.

###################
IPTV, VOD, OTT, PVR, KODI?? What are these abbreviations?


############
Lifetime boxes? what do they mean?
The boxes comes preinstalled with a special app that allows the user to watch all sorts of "pirated" contents. The app only works with the box and will not work with any 3rd party boxes. As long as the box is still working, the app will continue streaming albeit you will notice as time passes, the quality of the stream deteriorates especially during peak hours. If The box fails over time, so is your investment of it. You can't migrate the app to a new box.


#########
Seller asks if I want annual/monthly based IPTV?
Normally the lifetime boxes are over priced, and comes with a low quality hardware. Common sense, as the manufacturer don't want their boxes to last a lifetime. So there comes an avenue for entrepeneurs who offers just the app alone. The app will stream "pirated" contents. The subscription based app is normally monthly, quarterly and annually.



##################
Some sellers sell Netflix, Amazon Prime and even AstroGo accounts at very affordable price? How is that possible.
International IPTV options like Netflix, Prime, Disney+ Fubo, DAZN, etc etc are sold in various countries. Some local sellers, purchase them cheap from other countries using their own Credit card and after conversion rate still makes a handsome profit.
Some local sellers, purchases them using "stolen" or "fake" Credit Card information. Some even offer 1 year guarantee or 1 time renew ID in case the old ID fails, which ever comes first. So if all is good, you can use the app for 1 year. Say the account ID fails within 2 months, the seller will reinstate with a different ID and that is it. That is the warranty the seller is willing to give.
Whatever the case, normally they all require a use of VPN (Virtual Private Network) along with the apps. Thus a lot of hassle.

However it is quite safe if the account belongs personally to the seller.

As for AstroGo - again there are two types, legitimate accounts, and illegal stolen accounts.
Legitimate accounts allows 4 devices to share an account ID. Problem here is that the settings, favourite listing, and storage are all meant for 1 person to use over 4 devices and not designed for 4 person to use over 4 devices. So a bit of problem if you wish for a shared account that is all for your own.

Illegal accounts, are super cheap - reason is simple, they are stolen. How they are stolen is out of the boundaries of this topic. You buy these AstroGo accounts - you can win big time or lose big time. They are normally sold online as the seller can make a quick escape if the goods are found out to be unuseable

This post has been edited by password8431: Mar 14 2020, 12:30 PM
TSpassword8431
post Mar 6 2020, 03:36 PM

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Links to my other postsof all discussions related to the industry and news.

##################
Those who like to know more about One Time Pay Android Boxes so called legitimate MCMC SIRIM approved boxes, I submitted a writeup on them in another thread.
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...&#entry95466590
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...&#entry95472402

#######################
Tx3 S905 X3 vs. Tx6 All winner H6
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...&#entry95702286

##########################
Local sellers peddling their Tx6 with "One time Pay" IPTV
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...&#entry95702821

This post has been edited by password8431: Mar 13 2020, 01:46 PM
TSpassword8431
post Mar 6 2020, 03:42 PM

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Apk Download links here.

Since it is forbidden to share links directly, users would have to do their own leg work. As I have said before, if you wish for affordable solution, you need to dedicate effort and time on searching and updating by yourself. It is also this reason why when you buy an android box, you will need to learn to install apps which is not available in Google Playstore sooner or later. So no point buying boxes fully loaded with 20-30 apps which you don't need and consume resources. It is only a matter of time you will need to do it on your own.

#############
How to install apps not available in Google Playstore?



####################
Western centric apps
- The global internet trafic is 50% video streaming, so it is not too difficult to just google some key words and you are directly taken to all sorts of sites and how the apps are shared. free iptv, free drama, free vod, free movies, apktime, filelinked
- Google playstore "Stremio" and read a lot.

SEA centric apps
- Google Playstore Telegram
- lowyat.net very own IPTV sharing ,albeit not so upto date.
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3115619


East Asia centric apps
- Google search terms like, google VOD, google Free VOD, google free to watch drama, google free US TV series, google new, google fast, google search 新快, google tv, google search 视频, google free GOT for Game of Thrones, google free TWD for The Walking Dead, etc etc etc.
- google RSS player
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4765131
- QQ groups is where these apps are disseminated.
- lots of private facebook groups as well, you find one, you find them all through the users who posts them. Check what groups the user has joined.
- HK & Tw forums has plenty of them.

This post has been edited by password8431: Mar 14 2020, 12:21 PM
wailam
post Mar 6 2020, 03:48 PM

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Can Unifi TV Box (White) be downgraded? The new UI update sucks. Its slow loading and will always quit when hang. Plus they disable the usage of 3-party apk.
TSpassword8431
post Mar 6 2020, 03:57 PM

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QUOTE(wailam @ Mar 6 2020, 03:48 PM)
Can Unifi TV Box (White) be downgraded? The new UI update sucks. Its slow loading and will always quit when hang. Plus they disable the usage of 3-party apk.
*
Yes, I have heard. I believe there is a way but can't be certain. I can't help you on this, very sorry. Also out of topic as well. Don't want this thread to be hijacked.. tongue.gif
TSpassword8431
post Mar 6 2020, 04:15 PM

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A write up about IR Remote, Mouse, wireless keyboard and Air Mouse to use with Android boxes.

- Is it necessary to get a air mouse?
- can a normal USB mouse or a wireless USB mouse work?
- Normal Keyboard works or not?
- what remote is suitable for old folks.
- these accessories are very dear, can I do without them?

This post has been edited by password8431: Mar 11 2020, 02:55 PM
TSpassword8431
post Mar 6 2020, 04:39 PM

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Brand name or Models Name of the box? What is it actually I am buying?

Xiaomi
VideoStrong
Beelink
Tanix
Pendoo

Apple
Amazon
Nvidia
Roku
Zidoo
Minix

Charts and Ranking
The very popular UK Youtuber, ChigzTech who started off reviewing Andoird Boxes and now expanded to all Tech stuff. From my experience, most times his review is pretty spot on as he concentrates on a few aspects of the TB box to compare (Wifi performance and Antutu Benchmark being my concern all times). Though good, boxes performance and suitability depends on the user and the region it is employed, i.e. in Malaysia AstroGo and Unifi Play TV is the most requested app and users seek suitability of android boxes to these two apps.
http://chigztech.com/charts.html

This post has been edited by password8431: Mar 13 2020, 09:30 PM
TSpassword8431
post Mar 6 2020, 04:49 PM

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Common questions pertaining AstroGo from first time buyers.
- Google Playstore not available?
- Official app and Modded App?
- Root and Unrooted?
- Root swtich setting?
- How to update?
- Air mouse really required?
- Sellers selling AstroGo account - Safe or not?


This post has been edited by password8431: Mar 11 2020, 02:42 PM
TSpassword8431
post Mar 6 2020, 04:50 PM

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Questions pertaining Myfreeview, DVB-T2, and Android boxes from firs time buyers

- Android Boxes and DVB-T2 boxes are TOTALLY DIFFERENT THINGS.......
- which is better for me, DVB-T2 or Android Boxes?
- how to differentiate which box the seller is selling?

This post has been edited by password8431: Mar 13 2020, 09:31 PM
SCThong
post Mar 8 2020, 12:41 AM

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I remembered 14 months ago, I asked the linglang Shopee seller all sorts of noobish questions. They were patient and answered all my dumb queries as professional as they could. It wouldn't be too far fetch to say I asked from A to Z before ordering even when their prices were a few ringgit higher back then. Cuzed I know the after sales service is just as valuable.
TSpassword8431
post Mar 11 2020, 02:38 PM

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QUOTE(SCThong @ Mar 8 2020, 12:41 AM)
I remembered 14 months ago, I asked the linglang Shopee  seller all sorts of noobish questions. They were patient and answered all my dumb queries as professional as they could. It wouldn't be too far fetch to say I asked from A to Z before ordering even when their prices were a few ringgit higher back then. Cuzed I know the after sales service is just as valuable.
*
I would appreciate if you can contribute your cast experience as a Tx3 mini first time user to this thread. The same goes out to anyone who wishes to share their purchase and IPTV knowledge to first time buyers. From what I notice, the same noobish questions are posed all over the forum asking some "un-intelligent" questions. Most of the time, it is hard to offer advise as the we would need to explain repeatedly the same basics of boxes and IPTV. I will try to make this thread easy to read and understand, thereby eliminating the need to repeat the same basic concepts of Android Boxes, IPTV and their features and functionality.
TSpassword8431
post Mar 13 2020, 01:48 PM

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I see a need for more sections as I keep updating.
SCThong
post Mar 14 2020, 12:14 AM

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QUOTE(password8431 @ Mar 11 2020, 02:38 PM)
I would appreciate if you can contribute your cast experience as a Tx3 mini first time user to this thread. The same goes out to anyone who wishes to share their purchase and IPTV knowledge to first time buyers. From what I notice, the same noobish questions are posed all over the forum asking some "un-intelligent" questions. Most of the time, it is hard to offer advise as the we  would need to explain repeatedly the same basics of  boxes and IPTV. I will try to make this thread easy to read and understand, thereby eliminating the need to repeat the same basic concepts of Android Boxes, IPTV and their features and functionality.
*
Ha ha ha, you took my idea and developed it your own. It is alright, all for the benefit of others. I will help as I see fit.
voncrane
post May 24 2020, 10:56 PM

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Thanks for the assist password8431, It does get tiring having to answer more or less the same type of questions repeatedly. Although dwRK and a bunch of forummers have done an excellent job with an Intro 101 write up + follow ups. Here's the thread...Android / Other TV Box, see Page 1 first... V2 and as the title suggests.. One merely needs to sit down and have the patience to read through the first page at least. ge t an idea of what is required and then narrow down to a few brands and or models. I nay we are here to help. It's just frustrating that some people simply refuse to at least attempt calmly reading and understanding the first page. Then if you have more questions to aid in box selection.. Plenty available to help along as I've done in the past. But first la.. newbies need to show some initiative by arming themselves with the basics. You can't walk into a car thread asking what car should i buy. How does one even begin to answers such a question. When obviously you should have already had some options or requirements in mind. Similarly with TV boxes. icon_rolleyes.gif

P.S. I'll be posting this in the other thread as well.. As I returned and noticed quite a bunch of the more recent questions revolved around this.
TSpassword8431
post May 25 2020, 11:32 AM

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QUOTE(voncrane @ May 24 2020, 10:56 PM)
Thanks for the assist password8431, It does get tiring having to answer more or less the same type of questions repeatedly. Although dwRK and a bunch of forummers have done an excellent job with an Intro 101 write up + follow ups. Here's the thread...Android / Other TV Box, see Page 1 first... V2 and as the title suggests.. One merely needs to sit down and have the patience to read through the first page at least. ge t an idea of what is required and then narrow down to a few brands and or models. I nay we are here to help. It's just frustrating that some people simply refuse to at least attempt calmly reading and understanding the first page. Then if you have more questions to aid in box selection.. Plenty available to help along as I've done in the past. But first la.. newbies need to show some initiative by arming themselves with the basics. You can't walk into a car thread asking what car should i buy. How does one even begin to answers such a question. When obviously you should have already had some options or requirements in mind. Similarly with TV boxes.  icon_rolleyes.gif

P.S. I'll be posting this in the other thread as well.. As I returned and noticed quite a bunch of the more recent questions revolved around this.
*
Thanks for dropping by. The purpose of this thread was initially conceive by others, to give SHORT concise one or two line answers to people with little to zero knowledge on IPTV and thus android boxes.

I took it upon myself to do it, but as you can see, it is still "WORK in PROGRESS" after 3 months for reasons explain below

The framework of this thread is then limited to HIGHLY recommended ENTRY Level Boxes with affordable prices. I don't wish to steal any of the thunder or work down by dwRK in the other thread, and even made reference to it for those who wish for Expert advise to put their 'out of topic' query there.

There are lots of manners of introduction on this TOPIC, and I wish to bring this thread to answer some of the more common questions or ODD questions posed by Local Malaysians to Sellers of Android Boxes or IPTV sellers, and not necessarily explain A to Z of everything and anything about Android Boxes akin to being a encyclopedia.

Why still "Work in Progress"
- primarily due to my inability to give good 1 line answers to most of the common questions.
- other engagements
- need more fact finding as I am not a seller, thus I may not have much knowledge of the Odd questions customers pose.

Hope the above addresses your concern, and lastly thank you for your dedication in attending to the questions pertaining Android boxes in the other thread for the last few years. Your comments were ever present in there.


QUOTE(password8431 @ Mar 11 2020, 02:38 PM)
I would appreciate if you can contribute your cast experience as a Tx3 mini first time user to this thread. The same goes out to anyone who wishes to share their purchase and IPTV knowledge to first time buyers. From what I notice, the same noobish questions are posed all over the forum asking some "un-intelligent" questions. Most of the time, it is hard to offer advise as the we  would need to explain repeatedly the same basics of  boxes and IPTV. I will try to make this thread easy to read and understand, thereby eliminating the need to repeat the same basic concepts of Android Boxes, IPTV and their features and functionality.
*
This post has been edited by password8431: May 25 2020, 11:35 AM
AVFAN
post May 25 2020, 12:40 PM

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android boxes have been around for almost a decade now.
some of us started way back then, some are totally new to it.
newbies typically do not read much and hence do not even know what questions to ask.

with all that has happened, and knowing the questions most often asked, i came to the conclusion it is rather futile to attempt to deal with all questions of all boxes at all times in a single thread.
much better to deal with it by model or at least by brand.

primarily, i only comment on brands and models i know - himedia and tanix - becos i have several of each brand.
secondarily, i comment on apps that i use a lot, incl astrogo, kodi.
the rest... i don't really comment becos i do not know enough of them, never used them.


voncrane
post May 25 2020, 04:41 PM

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From: Wakanda


QUOTE(password8431 @ May 25 2020, 11:32 AM)
Thanks for dropping by. The purpose of this thread was initially conceive by others, to give SHORT concise one or two line answers to people with little to zero knowledge on IPTV and thus android boxes.

I took it upon myself to do it, but as you can see, it is still "WORK in PROGRESS" after 3 months for reasons explain below

The framework of this thread is then limited to HIGHLY recommended ENTRY Level Boxes with affordable prices. I don't wish to steal any of the thunder or work down by dwRK in the other thread, and even made reference to it for those who wish for Expert advise to put their 'out of topic' query there.

There are lots of manners of  introduction on this TOPIC, and I wish to bring this thread to answer some of the more common questions or ODD questions posed by Local Malaysians to Sellers of Android Boxes or IPTV sellers, and not necessarily explain A to Z of everything and anything about Android Boxes akin to being a encyclopedia.

Why still "Work in Progress"
- primarily due to my inability to give good 1 line answers to most of the common questions.
- other engagements
- need more fact finding as I am not a seller, thus I may not have much knowledge of the Odd questions customers pose.

Hope the above addresses your concern, and lastly thank you for your dedication in attending to the questions pertaining Android boxes in the other thread for the last few years. Your comments were ever present in there.
*
It's alright fam...I'm alright with what you are doing, cuz I understand the why.. As for the WIP? it's never finished cuz devices will keep getting released.. Comparisons will be made and noobs will always be noobs. As veteran AVFAN below attests to as well.. We've been at it for years and even user dwrk's job still wasn't enough.. I'll continue to chip in where I can and try to remember to be patient cuz lawdddd... laugh.gif

QUOTE(AVFAN @ May 25 2020, 12:40 PM)
android boxes have been around for almost a decade now.
some of us started way back then, some are totally new to it.
newbies typically do not read much and hence do not even know what questions to ask.

with all that has happened, and knowing the questions most often asked, i came to the conclusion it is rather futile to attempt to deal with all questions of all boxes at all times in a single thread.
much better to deal with it by model or at least by brand.

primarily, i only comment on brands and models i know - himedia and tanix - becos i have several of each brand.
secondarily, i comment on apps that i use a lot, incl astrogo, kodi.
the rest... i don't really comment becos i do not know enough of them, never used them.
*
Well said.. smile.gif
serenmathias234 P
post Oct 31 2020, 03:20 PM

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QUOTE(password8431 @ Mar 6 2020, 03:34 PM)
Newbies buying android boxes, will surely ask about IPTV. I cannot fault you guys for asking, and I don't deny everyone new to android boxes will ask for it. After all android boxes are meant for Home entertainment.

In this forum, we try not to discuss about the pirated IPTV - as it is forbidden by Forum rules, and the thread will be deleted by moderators. There are other platform where they are openly discussed and apps share without limitations.

Only official legitimate IPTV services i.e. AstroGO, UnifiPlay TV, Netflix, Prime, Viu, dimsum, iflix, Disney+... can be openly discussed here. But by no means to say, the contributors do not know about the pirated IPTV. I can assure you, a lot of them in here are upto date with latest free pirated IPTV in the market.

Let it be known, that if casual people like us who knows where to get them - I can guarantee any Android box sellers worth their salt will also know of the latest free IPTV. The problem with these free IPTV is that, they come and go. Users have to be diligent and hardworking enough to keep up to date with latest apps.

It is for this reason, if newbies are buying Android Boxes for older parents that are not technically inclined -  please consider subscribing to a 'legitimate' IPTV that can offer guaranteed streaming.

If newbies are still incline on getting affordable solution of android boxes + IPTV apps - DO REMEMBER THIS, the free apps won't work perfectly all the time, and will stop working at some time. Buy your android boxes from Specialist Sellers who can provide good after sales service, and not be fooled by sellers promoting 10,000 movies and 10,000 IPTV channels  in their android boxes.

Normally these sellers, sell and then forget about you. Avoid sellers who can't even offer any extra services, as they are merely traders - they obtained the consignment stocks to shore up their store shelf only. Whether they sell or don't, they don't lose money. Also try avoid items where it states "Pre-Order" if you are not certain of the sellers reputation.

If still dunno what to get and feel insecure about unbranded OEM OTT boxes - then get Mibox S. Buy it for the EXPERIENCE of using android boxes for the first time, and when you are more confident - you can sell off the mibox S and get a box that suits your needs.
WORK IN PROGRESS :-
-links will appear here linking directly to the posts of interest.
*
If you Have a TV BOX, it would be ideal if you could get and 3rd part app store like Filelinked AppFilelinked and install movies apps on your device


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