Cheap DVB-T2 STB from PRC

albertlee

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This thread is all about cheap set-top box (STB) made in PRC (China) for tuning into the digital TV channels here and oversea (Malaysia/Indonesia). There are existing discussion about these STB but I hoped to consolidate new one here for easy reference and discussion.

I personally owned two similar model, namely K2 and K3 which was brought over a year ago from Qoo10. Free to post your query/question regarding these STB.

There are also new models like Ukobox and J&Jay which allow access to Internet services like Youtube via wifi. Hope to see review/posting on these STB or other alike.


Note: Kindly keep all discussion to only DVB-T2 or Hybrid (DVB-T/C/S) STB from PRC not STB with Android functionality. Thank you.
 
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albertlee

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Specs & "Innards" - last update on 2023/11/09

Note: Information published here only serve as a guide. URL links are not updated regularly and may no longer be working/relevant. Please do your own due diligence research.


Set-top Box (STB) made in PRC (China)

K2

Model: GHANA | SINGAPORE
SW Version: 20150312V4.0 | 20150728V4.0 | 20160519V4.0 | 20160520V4.0 | 20180605V5.0
HW Version: 7T01836650 | 7T01836650B
  • SoC: Mstar MSD7T01 @600MHz (MIPS34K)
  • RAM: 512Mb (64MB) DDR2
  • Flash: 32Mb (4MB)
  • Tuner: Maxlinear MXL201
  • PCB: K2 20150403V8.0 | K2 20160913V10.2
  • Wifi: No
  • Network: No
ED9gmaP.jpg

Image provided by albertlee



K3
Model: GHANA | SINGAPORE | TNT BOSSESTAR
SW Version: 20150312V4.0 | 20160706V4.0 | 20160519V4.0 | 20170325V5.0 | 20180131V5.0
HW Version: 7T01836650 | 7T01836650B
  • SoC: Mstar MSD7T01 @600MHz (MIPS34K)
  • RAM: 512Mb (64MB) DDR2
  • Flash: 32Mb (4MB)
  • Tuner: Maxlinear MXL201
  • PCB: K3 20160628V6.0 | K3 20170217V7.1
  • Wifi: No
  • Network: No
hxS9TrG.jpg

Image provided by albertlee



K2 (2018)
Model: GHANA
SW Version: 20180820V1.0
HW Version: 7T00_R836
  • SoC: Mstar MSD7T00 @600MHz (MIPS34K)
  • RAM: 512Mb (64MB) DDR2
  • Flash: 32Mb (4MB)
  • Tuner: Altobeam ATM 2040
  • PCB: T282F-20180622V3.0 (Vmade)
  • Wifi: Yes
  • Network: No
1Zn9gaf.jpg

Image provided by Kiwi8



M2 (2018)
Model: GHANA
SW Version: 20180817V1.0
HW Version: 7T00_2040
  • SoC: Mstar MSD7T00 @600MHz (MIPS34K)
  • RAM: 512Mb (64MB) DDR2
  • Flash: 32Mb (4MB)
  • Tuner: Altobeam ATM 2040
  • PCB: T291-20180625V2.0 (Vmade)
  • Wifi: Yes
  • Network: No
SVRwzX0.jpg

Image provided by jeuda




K2 plus (Note: display clock in standby mode)
SoC: ??
RAM: 512Mb (64MB) DDR3
Flash: ??
Tuner: ??
PCB: ??
Support Wifi: Yes

Model: ??
SW Version: 512MbT2
HW Version: 1509_DVBT2_512M
FW Version: 1_0_16777216_538314516



Ukobox
Model: W180918A-1 <-- need verification
SW Version: ??
HW Version: ??
  • SoC: Availink AVL1509C
  • RAM: 512MB <-- need verification
  • Flash: 64Mb (8MB)
  • Tuner: ??
  • PCB: ??
  • Wifi: Yes
  • Network: No
s0Hlgvb.jpg

Image provided by jeuda



"Universal" remote controller

RM-D1155+5 @Shopee
Pros:
- inexpensive
- support a wide range of PRC made STB
- confirmed working with K2 & K3 STB including K2 Plus firmware
- 2-in-1 feature, meaning can do away with TV remote
- settings not lost when replacing batteries

Cons:
- need a number of attempts for auto-learning mode to work on certain TV
- only 3 buttons available for controlling TV functions, namely power on/off, volume +/- and AV/TV
- either the button(s) nor RF transmitter is that sensitive
- USB button not working after flashing firmware



L336 Learning Remote (Confirmed by honestguy/albertlee to work on K2)
Pros:
- inexpensive compared to branded one
- easy to set-up but will take a while to program all relevant buttons
- auto-learning for individual button
- simple user manual with easy to understand instruction

Cons:
- battery cover damn difficult to open on first try
- certain button(s) not that responsive, need additional try
- require a working remote control to start with
- lack additional buttons for features in STB



Wireless Adapter

EDUP EP - MS8551 (Confirmed by jeuda to work on M2 and Ukobox)
 
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albertlee

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Waiting for ukobox owner's review.
Believe this box SOC is Sunplus 1509c.

Me too, would have got one to play around but have enough STB including the recent free NMS box.

Was also wondering if there is sufficient power to drive the wifi dongle, external HDD and the box itself since it is tapping from TV USB port.
 

weeza77

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Took the plunge and bought the ukobox with wifi adapter.

- Set top box is very small.
- This box is the answer to those who want to receive RTM 1/2 using only one box. RTM 1/2 received is streamed together with other 42 channels(free) and is not in HD.
- Need to buy packaged wifi adapter to received the above free 42 channels.
- With the wifi adapter, can access built-in Youtube app and also IPTV called Mavis Tv(7 days trial).
- Subtitles are pixelated
- Option to supply power to antenna.
- Box powered by 3 Pin 2A adapter with female USB port.
 
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albertlee

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Thanks for providing info on this STB.

Does the power adapter come with the purchase or need to pay? This box is advertised to power from TV USB port, have you try it?

I am able to get 8 IPTV channels streamed on my PC. What are the other 42 channels, don't think Malaysia has that many channels?

When you have the time, do post screenshot of the GUI.
 

Sambuca78

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Took the plunge and bought the ukobox with wifi adapter.

- Set top box is very small.
- This box is the answer to those who want to receive RTM 1/2 using only one box. RTM 1/2 received is streamed together with other 42 channels(free) and is not in HD.
- Need to buy packaged wifi adapter to received the above free 42 channels.
- With the wifi adapter, can access built-in Youtube app and also IPTV called Mavis Tv(7 days trial).
- Subtitles are pixelated
- Option to supply power to antenna.
- Box powered by 3 Pin 2A adapter with female USB port.

Dun quite understand what is this free 42 channels, is this IPTV or DVB channels?

I also looking at this Mecool android box with DVB but a bit turn off by the 1gb ram. :(

Anyone tried or using it now? Thanks.

https://shopee.sg/*Computer*-MECOOL-M8S-Plus-DVB-T2-T-C-TV-Box-Amlogic-S905D-Android-7.1-1GB-i.10370448.1408529184
 

albertlee

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Oic, then a normal browser can liao. :)

Standard STB doesn't support browser or Internet, so this additional addon is a plus. Basically converting your normal non-DTV into a Smart TV but how well it function will have to wait for weeza77 review.
 

Sambuca78

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Standard STB doesn't support browser or Internet, so this additional addon is a plus. Basically converting your normal non-DTV into a Smart TV but how well it function will have to wait for weeza77 review.

Ok ok... in fact I m more keen in Mecool android box with DVB.

Hope someone have it and able to review/comment. :(
 

Kiwi8

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albertlee

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I have this box. Might be seeking a refund because the DVB-C function is not working even though it is listed in the product listing.

Care to do a review on this box?

A quick question here, can you running multiple apps including DVB and toggle between the apps?
 

Kiwi8

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Care to do a review on this box?

A quick question here, can you running multiple apps including DVB and toggle between the apps?

Kinda hard. I'm new to using android boxes and it's a problem navigating using just the remote control.

Maybe need to use a USB keyboard and mouse for better navigation.

I might want to buy another sole set top box without the android function, for faster tuning, as for this box, getting to tune TV takes some time.
 

albertlee

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Kinda hard. I'm new to using android boxes and it's a problem navigating using just the remote control.

Maybe need to use a USB keyboard and mouse for better navigation.

I might want to buy another sole set top box without the android function, for faster tuning, as for this box, getting to tune TV takes some time.

Faster tuning as in initial set-up or switching between channels? K2/K3 will serve your needs.
 

Kiwi8

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Faster tuning as in initial set-up or switching between channels? K2/K3 will serve your needs.

Yah, cos for the Mecool hybrid TV/android box, it takes some time to boot up, and it doesn't go straight to TV tuning from the main menu. Got to navigate by oneself to TV tuning, and only then will it tune to the last tuned channel.

Anyway, I'm still looking for TV boxes that can tune to DVB-C too in addition to DVB-T2.
 

albertlee

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Yah, cos for the Mecool hybrid TV/android box, it takes some time to boot up, and it doesn't go straight to TV tuning from the main menu. Got to navigate by oneself to TV tuning, and only then will it tune to the last tuned channel.

Anyway, I'm still looking for TV boxes that can tune to DVB-C too in addition to DVB-T2.

Most hybrid box work this way.

Multiple tuner box easily cost 3-4 times the price of DVB-T2 one. Also why bother with DVB-C when there is just over 2 yrs left before SH pull the plug?
 

Sambuca78

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I have this box. Might be seeking a refund because the DVB-C function is not working even though it is listed in the product listing.

But how its dvb-t2 reception and it is slow in general due to the 1gb ram?
 
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