Android TV Box

[gregory_choo]

Read mybposts in page 94 of this thread to get more detailed answer.

Basically if you need Netflix or Chromecast (for SingTel Cast, Starhub Go, HBO Go, etc) offered by official Android TV OS, buy Mi Box S.

If not, then you can consider Tanix TX5 Max which has better HW specifications -- faster CPU, more memory, more storage, one more USB 3.0 port, Gigabit Ethernet.

You can say Tanix TX5 Max has better HW and Mi Box S has better software.

Mi Box S should be your first proper box if you do not have any boxes prior. But if you already have a Chromecast Ultra dongle or Sony Android TV, then you do not need Mi Box S in general.

Xiaomi uses better quality components , and has better workmanship.

Tanix is a budget brand with reasonably good products.

 

[mankind66]

Thanks xiaofan
AliExpress tx5 max is at about $66. Cheapest when compared to other places except maybe taobao when there is no sales.

TX5 Max is from Tanix. Those without the Tanix logo are so called OEM version. As per Tanix, the OEM version is not fake (they have not found fake product so far). They prefer people buying the original version and say that there could be differences.

My two Tanix boxes from Taobao are the OEM version and I think they are okay, OTA FW updates work fine.

Gearbest Tanix official shop is selling boxes with Tanix logo.
https://www.gearbest.com/top-brands/brand/Tanix.html

Banggood is selling OEM version.
https://sea-m.banggood.com/Tanix-TX...uetooth4_2-1000M-LAN-4K-TV-Box-p-1416260.html

Geekbuying is selling a mixture of Tanix boxes, some with Tanix logo and some without.

BTW, Lazada price is on the high side now, previous price of S$75 is more fair price than the current S$89.5 price.

Posted with pocophone f1 HardwareZone Forums app

 

[xiaofan]

Thanks xiaofan
AliExpress tx5 max is at about $66. Cheapest when compared to other places except maybe taobao when there is no sales.

S$66 is a reasonable price to pay.

I got my TX5 Max (OEM version) from Taobao using Sea Shipping for RMB310 or S$62, adding 7% GST and about S$1 sea shipping fee, it comes to about S$68. Taobao price has since dropped to RMB290, so the total cost will be about S$64 now. I have to wait for about one month through 3rd party sea shipping service.

 

[llmarachll]

Anyone knows where I can pay to watch live channel like dmax, nat geo, mandarin movie and stuff ?

 

[xiaofan]

Anyone knows where I can pay to watch live channel like dmax, nat geo, mandarin movie and stuff ?

For Discovery Channels and National Geographics channels, I think you have to pay Starhub or SingTel to get the contents legitimately.

SingTel TV Channels
http://singteltv.com.sg/channels-on-demand_channels.html

Starhub Fibre TV Channels
http://www.starhub.com/personal/for-your-home/tv/channel-listing.html

For Mandarin movies, there are many free and paid apps. For example, you can use free Transocks VPN and free Youku/Tencent Video (TV version of the apps are also available, called 酷喵影视 and 云视听极光). If you pay for Youku VIP or Youku TV VIP (酷喵影视VIP), then no need VPN.

Or you can use Google if you do not want to go with the above options.

 

[xiaofan]

For Tanix TX6 user only, if you encounter overheating issue. I have not tried it myself. Better wait for official firmware. Just want to point out that at least Tanix knows the issue. For now better use it with a fan.

Good thing about this Tanix TX6 is that it is a low cost box with good hardware specifications. Hopefully they can sort out the overheating and sound related issues through frequent OTA uodate to make this a great low cost box just like their TX3 Mini box. BTW, OTA of Tanix TX3 Mini is still provided.

From Tanx Facebook Post.

TANIX TX6 BETA Firmware: Dear Tanixers, we are testing a new update for your TX6. The key points are a reported overheating after latest update and sound issues. Please, follow instructions here if you want to test a new update: http://www.tanix-box.com/5459/beta-firmware-tanix-tx6-allwinner-h6-android-9/

Ref: Taobao cost reference for low cost boxes below S$50.

1) Low cost: below S$50

Tanix TX3 Mini, S905W CPU, 1GB/16GB --RMB 138, S$28, not recommended to buy box with 1GB memory.

Tanix TX3 Mini, S905W CPU, 2GB/16GB -- RMB 165, S$33 (Recommended buy for low budget)

Tanix TX3 Max, S905W 2GB/16GB -- RMB 175, S$37
(Recommended buy for low budget)

Tanix TX6, H6 CPU, 2GB/16GB -- RMB170, S$34, not recommended now due to thermal issue

 

[llmarachll]

Wow . Thanks a lot

I will surely look into it

For Discovery Channels and National Geographics channels, I think you have to pay Starhub or SingTel to get the contents legitimately.

SingTel TV Channels
http://singteltv.com.sg/channels-on-demand_channels.html

Starhub Fibre TV Channels
http://www.starhub.com/personal/for-your-home/tv/channel-listing.html

For Mandarin movies, there are many free and paid apps. For example, you can use free Transocks VPN and free Youku/Tencent Video (TV version of the apps are also available, called 酷喵影视 and 云视听极光). If you pay for Youku VIP or Youku TV VIP (酷喵影视VIP), then no need VPN.

Or you can use Google if you do not want to go with the above options.

 

[alwaysbehind]

hi xiaofan,
thanks for the infos u shared.

currently I'm using a xtreamer prodigy to playback pass through of mkv/iso files to my Atmos avr then to my tv which is not 4k yet but soon to be.
have a cheap android box but can't update further and still android 5 to play apps for tv live streaming.
Also subscribed to Miotv for local channels and some kids channel and may cancel soon.

Able to recommend an unit that can All-in-1 of the above and future proof for my soon 4K tv to enjoy the full glory of 4K and Atmos, local channels and android live streaming.

Thinking to get Zidoo but if there is cheaper good alternative, why not.

Thanks.

 

[xiaofan]

hi xiaofan,
thanks for the infos u shared.

currently I'm using a xtreamer prodigy to playback pass through of mkv/iso files to my Atmos avr then to my tv which is not 4k yet but soon to be.
have a cheap android box but can't update further and still android 5 to play apps for tv live streaming.
Also subscribed to Miotv for local channels and some kids channel and may cancel soon.

Able to recommend an unit that can All-in-1 of the above and future proof for my soon 4K tv to enjoy the full glory of 4K and Atmos, local channels and android live streaming.

Thinking to get Zidoo but if there is cheaper good alternative, why not.

Thanks.

I think Nvidia Shield TV is the best device for your task. Not cheap but it does support Dolby Atmos along with 4K HDR. You can use Kodi app with your local/NAS media file including all kinds of formats.

For local channels you can cast from mobile phone using Toggle. Nvidia Shield TV box has built-in Google Chromecast function which is good for Starhub Go, HBO Go, SingTel Cast, SingTel TV Go, etc.

Nvidia Shield TV also supports Netflix 4k, unfortunately no Dolby Atmos support under Netflix. But hopefully your new 4k TV will take care of that.

For kids channel you can consider subscription of SingTel Cast Learning Plus pack at S$4.9 per month. You can cast from your mobile phone or just install SingTel Cast onto the Nvidia Shield TV.

Zidoo is mainly for ripped Blu-ray contents.

Mi Box S is much cheaper than Nvidia Shield TV but it does not support Dolby Atmos pass through. Its CPU is also a bit weak to handle some 4K media files.
https://androidpctv.com/review-xiaomi-mi-box-s/

Nvidia Shield TV box spec and latest reviews.
https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/shield/specs/
https://9to5google.com/2019/01/04/nvidia-shield-tv-review/

https://www.techhive.com/article/31...econd-generation-review-this-the-best-media-s

 

[Elon Jobs]

Check out Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Android 6.0 Smart 4K Quad Core HD WiFi Bluetooth Box at 13% off! $73.00 only. Get it on Shopee now! https://shopee.sg/product/61512439/1011608927?smtt=0.0.9

Good deal right?

 

[Ranger885]

mypadtv ??

Anyone knows where I can pay to watch live channel like dmax, nat geo, mandarin movie and stuff ?

 

[alwaysbehind]

I think Nvidia Shield TV is the best device for your task. Not cheap but it does support Dolby Atmos along with 4K HDR. You can use Kodi app with your local/NAS media file including all kinds of formats.

For local channels you can cast from mobile phone using Toggle. Nvidia Shield TV box has built-in Google Chromecast function which is good for Starhub Go, HBO Go, SingTel Cast, SingTel TV Go, etc.

Nvidia Shield TV also supports Netflix 4k, unfortunately no Dolby Atmos support under Netflix. But hopefully your new 4k TV will take care of that.

For kids channel you can consider subscription of SingTel Cast Learning Plus pack at S$4.9 per month. You can cast from your mobile phone or just install SingTel Cast onto the Nvidia Shield TV.

Zidoo is mainly for ripped Blu-ray contents.

Mi Box S is much cheaper than Nvidia Shield TV but it does not support Dolby Atmos pass through. Its CPU is also a bit weak to handle some 4K media files.
https://androidpctv.com/review-xiaomi-mi-box-s/

Nvidia Shield TV box spec and latest reviews.
https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/shield/specs/
https://9to5google.com/2019/01/04/nvidia-shield-tv-review/

https://www.techhive.com/article/31...econd-generation-review-this-the-best-media-s

thanks, did heard about Nvidia. Will check out on it.

 

[Sambuca78]

Check out Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Android 6.0 Smart 4K Quad Core HD WiFi Bluetooth Box at 13% off! $73.00 only. Get it on Shopee now! https://shopee.sg/product/61512439/1011608927?smtt=0.0.9

Good deal right?

I also wanna know, BTW what is the diff between UK adapter and Standard package?

This one cheaper... $62.69 after store discount.

https://www.lazada.sg/products/i270828673-s527122869.html?spm=a2o42.cart.0.0.14c57a936Ps0Y3&urlFlag=true&mp=1

Worth getting Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 now since Xiaomi Mi TV Box S already out liao?

 

[Shawncck]

Update my previous post.

Depending on your needs you may consider the following streaming hardware options, from easy to more difficult. Option 8/9/10 can be easy to use but since I do not recommend them so they are put in the bottom.

For streaming I think Mi Box S should be a very good choice especially for new users. Then Nvidia Shield TV is another good choice if you are willing to pay for the performance. If for some reasons you do not like these two, you may want to consider Option 7, especially S905X2 boxes.

1) Starhub fibre TV or SingTel TV

2) Starhub Go Streaming Box, running operator version of Android TV OS, not yet support Netflix but support Chromecast.

3) Google Chromecast dongles, including the 4k option called Chromecast Ultra

4) Apple TV and Apple TV 4k which are good option for Apple users

5) Mi Box S or Nvidia Shield TV running official Android TV OS whch supports Netflix 4k and YouTube 4k. You can load other apps as well with some exceptions like Starhub Go and TVB Anywhere SG. But you can use Starhub Go on the mobile and cast to TV.

6) Amazon Fire TV stick 4k or Amazon Fire TV Cube, which supports Netflix 4k as well, again you can side load other apps.

7) Other barebone Android TV boxes, say those from Zidoo, Minix, Beelink and Tanix. Or those generic boxes. No Netflix HD/4k support, no ChromeCast function.

Brand is one important factor in choosing the box. Android OS version and CPU/Memory/Storage/WiFi/Ethernet/etc are important factor as well.

Avoid 1GB memory boxes in this category for new purchases.

Hi, can I check cAn the mi box s install with Singtel tv go itself instead of casting? I want find an android box that can install Singtel tv go.

 

[sieghart2heart]

Hi xiaofan, thanks for your suggestions. I've gotten a Tx5 max myself and it arrive today, looks like a pretty powerful box! Just abit of hassle getting used to the UX from preious Minix box.

Is there a way to remove the Alice UX and reinstate a stock OS, or is it impossible? Using my A3 mouse to surf Chrome ends up highlighting the whole area. Hahaha

 

[xiaofan]

Hi, can I check cAn the mi box s install with Singtel tv go itself instead of casting? I want find an android box that can install Singtel tv go.

Replied on the Mio TV thread. Just copy here as well.

Hi Xiaofan, you try installing on Mi box s? I have a android box but was unable to launch due to the error rooted. I dun mind getting a Mi box S if it is cfm working. Can you cfm that? TIA.

I do not have Mi Box S myself but as I mentioned, there are reports here and elsewhere that SingTel Cast and SingTel TV work on Mi Box S.

Ref: report for SingTel TV Go
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-show-central-show-2019-394/android-tv-box-5678618-87.html

Report for SingTel Cast working on Sony Android TV and Nvidia Shield TV.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-show-central-show-2019-394/android-tv-box-5678618-86.html

Report for SingTel cast working on Mi Box S is from a Facebook group.

"Yes confirm. I have Mi Box S and subscribed to Singtel CAST sports. You can download the app on the tv box from Play Store and watch directly on box. Don't have to cast from phone or tablet".

 

[xiaofan]

Hi xiaofan, thanks for your suggestions. I've gotten a Tx5 max myself and it arrive today, looks like a pretty powerful box! Just abit of hassle getting used to the UX from preious Minix box.

Is there a way to remove the Alice UX and reinstate a stock OS, or is it impossible? Using my A3 mouse to surf Chrome ends up highlighting the whole area. Hahaha

Not so sure what do you mean by stock OS here since the stock OS from Tanix is the Alice UX. You can try other launchers if you want. Do not try to remove Alice UX. Some people in YouTube review mentioned ADW Launcher 2. But I think that is also different from Minix.

As for alternative ROM, yes there are alternative S905X2 Android ROM but I tend to stay away from them.

https://forum.freaktab.com/forum/tv...x5-max-amlogic-905x2-4-32gb-dual-wifi-lan-bt4

 

[xiaofan]

Check out Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 Android 6.0 Smart 4K Quad Core HD WiFi Bluetooth Box at 13% off! $73.00 only. Get it on Shopee now! https://shopee.sg/product/61512439/1011608927?smtt=0.0.9

Good deal right?

https://s.lazada.sg/s.3zKQ
This one is cheaper and it is a good deal at S$66. And there is a 5% discount voucher.

Mi Box Global version is still a good buy at S$66. There was reported problem of Android 8.0 Oreo upgrade last year but it is said now it is okay.

The user experiences should be the same as Mi Box S. The HW specifications are basically the same except the remote and some say internal wifi chipset.

 

[Shawncck]

Hi

using XiaoMi MiBox S International (official with netflix version)
*not china one

i am using it with Singtel TV Go app directly on the box
*install from google store
.. no need to cast or anything

Hi Reborns,

Are you using mi box s and able to install Singtel TV go directly and run from it? I mean Singtel TV go.. not Singtel TV cast... I want to find an android box that is able to run Singtel TV go directly instead of casting... Hope you can advise me... Thanks...

 

[Elon Jobs]

I also wanna know, BTW what is the diff between UK adapter and Standard package?

This one cheaper... $62.69 after store discount.

https://www.lazada.sg/products/i270...o42.cart.0.0.14c57a936Ps0Y3&urlFlag=true&mp=1

Worth getting Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3 now since Xiaomi Mi TV Box S already out liao?

https://s.lazada.sg/s.3zKQ
This one is cheaper and it is a good deal at S$66. And there is a 5% discount voucher.

Mi Box Global version is still a good buy at S$66. There was reported problem of Android 8.0 Oreo upgrade last year but it is said now it is okay.

The user experiences should be the same as Mi Box S. The HW specifications are basically the same except the remote and some say internal wifi chipset.

Thanks for the suggestion and advice guys, appreciate it!