android tv box

KIPAX

KIPAX

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KIPAX Lancashire UK
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android tv box ..anyone know about them... am after one but no idea what latest one is?
 
You probably know more about this than me but I've been on the lookout for one of these things too. I've kept an eye on this site which seems to suggest that the Quad core RK3188 devices are the latest and fastest.

This youtube review of a device with the same chip gives quite a good overview of functionality.

In general terms I thought it would be useful for viewing Youtube, Flickr and general web browsing but it'd be interesting to hear if anyone else has got one up and running.
 
KIPAX said:
android tv box ..anyone know about them... am after one but no idea what latest one is?
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Do you want one to use with Xbmc or just for streaming and you tube..?
 
My brother has one they're great i'm surprised they've not taken off more. knocks spots off smart tv features at the price as what the brands try and charge for there wireless tv dongles.
 
sep9001 said:
Do you want one to use with Xbmc or just for streaming and you tube..?
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I have no idea what xbmc is or what it does I am afraid?

I was pointed towards these things.. told i could get onbe wiht a remote for decent prices and that its like a smart phone but on TV .. thats all I know.. thought it would be good for youtube and the like.. whatever i can get out of it without going to techie... would love one ready to plug in and go.. but so many different ones.. cant figure out whats what :(
 
KIPAX said:
I have no idea what xbmc is or what it does I am afraid?

I was pointed towards these things.. told i could get onbe wiht a remote for decent prices and that its like a smart phone but on TV .. thats all I know.. thought it would be good for youtube and the like.. whatever i can get out of it without going to techie... would love one ready to plug in and go.. but so many different ones.. cant figure out whats what :(
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If you do get a chance have a look at youtube vids on xbmc. It does the youtube bits plus more.
 
Haa right yes Kev.. I ahve laods of films on an external terrabyre HD (powered) so xbmc is a media center yes? would be perfect for that..

so any reccomendations what i would go get off ebay?
 
KIPAX said:
Haa right yes Kev.. I ahve laods of films on an external terrabyre HD (powered) so xbmc is a media center yes? would be perfect for that..

so any reccomendations what i would go get off ebay?
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A friend bought one and I set it up for him but cannot remember the name. Have texted him. Also how for is your router from where you are planning on putting the box? The wifi is not very good and causes the movies to freeze.
 
I have both a WDTV and the apple tv. Both do similar jobs, the apple one is better for streaming from an ipad or phone, but the WDTV is better for running movies through via usb port. It'll take just about any type of HD file you can throw at it. There's apps for both to control them with your pad or phone.

Both have youtube, Netflix ... all the usual stuff. both are sluggish at times, even with a 50mb connection.

Google have a new one now that only costs about $35 - looks just like a usb key, and supposedly does all and more than the current ones, for much cheaper.

Not available in the UK just yet though.

http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/#netflix
 
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Looks okay, installing Xbmc is straight forward. Do you have an android phone or tablet? If you do give Xbmc a go on it first.

More than happy to talk you through the install process.
 
neil_g said:
I've got a wdtv, love it to bits.
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It wasn't a bad buy for the money at all.

I updated the network on mine last night though, and found there was a firmware update - I had only been using it to run HD movies through it via usb for a while - after this update it seemed to be a little sluggish! Have you experienced this?
 
Cagey75 said:
It wasn't a bad buy for the money at all.

I updated the network on mine last night though, and found there was a firmware update - I had only been using it to run HD movies through it via usb for a while - after this update it seemed to be a little sluggish! Have you experienced this?
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Don't think so, havent noticed any slow down. what fw version was it? It's not rescanning your media in the background?

Mines currently packed in a box ready to move house so not 100% sure what version mines on. I stream my content from a Microserver too across a LAN.
 
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I was in the same boat a few months ago but couldn't decide on any particular box as they all seem to have their pros and cons. It all boils down to what you want from it.

I just wanted one for xbmc so went down the Raspberry Pi route. Just make sure you have the model B, boot from a class 10 sd card and run the software from a usb3 memory stick and it's silky smooth. Xbmc with certain addons is sublime as a home entertainment unit :)

If I wanted Google TV, I'd probably go for the new Sony unit as it seems to be hands down the best bet.
 
Well I've bitten the bullet and ordered the iMito MX1 plus an RC11 Air Mouse/Keypad. The MX1 is reviewed here. It's only dual core but should be enough for my needs or at least until the quad core devices become a bit more available.

It should arrive tomorrow so chance to mess around with it for the weekend :)
 
yes thats the brand my brother has might be the mx2 though.
 
This one does:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Western-D...?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item4170f28e30

That's the one I have, and it does what it says on the box.

One thing I note about the Android one, it upscales from 720p to 1080, where the WDTV is 1080p native, I think.

I do know that it runs full HD, full screen on a 40" tv with no hassles. the only time I find it slow really is when it's booting up. But then, no slower than our sky HD box.
 
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