Not all people have yet managed to switch to modern multifunctional televisions, which have a convenient digital media player, access to the Internet, and other innovative technologies. Many people today still have televisions of fairly good quality, but they do not support Smart TV technology and do not have the necessary software and hardware.
If you do not want to change your TV to a newer model and spend a lot of money, or buying a modern TV is for you this moment you can’t afford it, but you still want to try Smart TV, then you need to turn your attention to Android TV Box. This device is a special television set-top box with high productivity. By connecting it to your TV, you will discover a large number of new features that were previously unavailable.
Many people call Android TV a media player, but this is not entirely true. It is rather a multifunctional player with more features than a regular media player. On the modern market you can find several manufacturing companies whose products are very similar to each other and work on Android. Today we will look at what a Smart TV Box is, what advantages it has and how to choose it correctly.
Features of the Smart TV set-top box
Let's look at the main features of the Android TV set-top box:
- Media player. And with using Android TV Box you can watch videos in absolutely any format and quality, both via the Internet and from a memory card. In addition, you can view photos, presentations, or simply listen to your favorite music and other media. You can also access IPTV, but for this you will need to download a special application from Google Play.
- Large selection of games. Thanks to this console, you can install any Android game and enjoy it on the big screen. Don't think that Android games are just entertaining toys with simple graphics designed for phones or tablets. There are also a large number of games created specifically for Smart TV. You can also connect a gamepad to this console and enjoy the game to the fullest.
- Video communication. With the media player, you can communicate with your friends and family using a webcam. To do this, you will need to purchase a camera and attach it to your TV or any other place convenient for you. You will also need to download and install on Smart TV free program for communication, for example, Skype, ISQ or Viber.
- Internet. With Android TV, you can go online to check your email, listen to online music, videos, play flash games, or surf a social network. You won't have to fight for your computer anymore. The Android TV Box will turn your TV into it.
Android TV Specifications
All Smart TV set-top boxes that exist today are very similar to each other in their technical parameters. All of them have a dual or quad-core Rockchip processor with Cortex A9 architecture, as well as a Mail 400 graphics accelerator. Only the clock speed of the processor differs in one model or another.
Also, the Android Smart TV set-top box has 2-4 gigabytes random access memory DDR3, as well as built-in flash memory of 8-16 gigabytes. Its volume depends on the cost of the device and the class of the set-top box. If desired, it can be increased using a memory card. In addition, the Android Smart TV set-top box has a built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapter, thanks to which you can connect your TV to a wireless network.
Some Android Box consoles also come with a wireless “pointer” remote control, which makes it much easier to use all the functions. Smart TV Box has good performance, so the video will not freeze even when viewed in high quality. True, when watching videos from the Internet in Full HD format, some stutters were still observed.
Also, when choosing a device of this kind, you should pay attention to the build quality and test as many functions as possible. It is best to pre-record some heavy videos and applications onto the memory card. This will allow you to find out which ones are weak sides at the media player. However, this is not the only thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a Smart TV set-top box.
How to choose Android TV
When choosing a set-top box for a TV, you need to start from the same thing as when choosing a smartphone. Android TV Box should be universal and have good performance. To do this, it must meet the following parameters:
- The more cores a processor has and the higher its frequency, the faster data is processed.
- The same applies to graphics accelerator media player.
- RAM should be at least 1 gigabyte, or better yet, more. A modern TV will not have enough volume.
- It is also advisable to have more built-in memory for media player programs.
- Android TV must have ports and slots for connecting flash drives, keyboards, mice, SD cards, tulip-type connectors, HDMI, as well as a network connector for connecting an Internet cable.
- Availability of built-in Wi-Fi adapter and Bluetooth.
- Remote control support.
- The operating system is no older than Android 4.2.
It is also better to choose TV Box models that support the use of special additional control panels, or you can install applications on your smartphone and control the set-top box with it.
– a pretty good set-top box for the operating room Android system 5.1. The low cost will attract attention even more, because the device will cost about $52 . For this price the user will receive good modern functionality and fast work, which will be provided by the 64-bit Amlogic S905 processor, which includes 4 ARM Cortex A53 cores with a decent clock frequency 2 GHz. The manufacturer equipped the smart TV set-top box with a small amount of RAM of 1 GB. This is quite enough to watch videos in FullHD or UltraHD format. You can even download not very demanding games or install almost any application.
As for the total memory, the 8 GB of built-in flash drive is clearly not enough to store high-quality movies, so there are four USB 2.0 ports through which you can connect a larger external drive. The gadget also supports a slot for SD memory cards. A LAN connector with a maximum speed of 1000 Mb/s is provided for connecting to the Internet. Wireless functions include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. To connect to TV there is a special HDMI 2.0 connection. The device also supports download manager via HTTPS protocol and viewing digital television IPTV.
If you liked the MXQ Pro TV Box and are thinking of buying an Android set-top box for your TV, then you can’t go wrong with choosing this model. For a reasonable price, the user will receive pretty good performance and a large set of installed applications. True, most of them are simply not needed, but you can always download the programs you like via Google Play.
Quite an interesting media center that uses a not new, but very good central chip called Realtek RTD1186DD, which allows you to play 3D video content via HDMI version 1.4. This processor also supports audio standards such as DTS and Dolby Digital. This system also includes support for 5.1 channel sound. For this purpose, corresponding audio outputs are provided on the rear panel. Two operating systems are definitely a plus, but this is a controversial issue. The device has two operating systems - RTD OS 4.5 and Android, which edition is Google? shell It’s not clear, but most likely version 2.3.
One of the features is support for a regular 3.5-inch computer HDD drive. Just remove the cover, install the hard drive on special holders, secure it and connect via a SATA cable. If desired, you can even attach hard drives for a 2.5-inch laptop. This option is much cheaper than buying an external drive to connect through one of the two USB connectors 2.0 or the only USB 3.0. Also on the back panel you can find a connector local network LAN with speeds up to 1000 Mb/s and optical audio output.
We decided to buy an Android TV and noticed this model– you can rest assured in your choice. Although the cost of this gadget is not the lowest and ranges from $140 , the TV box has its own interesting advantages, including a nice design and support for all possible video and audio codecs. It also includes high-quality FullHD 3D cinema and a built-in amplifier for connecting 5.1 audio to create a home theater with wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
The next Android TV set-top box is notable for its very fast characteristics. The device can easily be called a mini-computer that connects to a large television panel and turns it into a multimedia station with a lot of possibilities. The device runs on a fairly recent version of the operating system from Google – Android 5.1. This OS is familiar to most users, since the bulk mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets use it. It will be easy for the user to understand the controls.
As for the characteristics, high performance is ensured by an 8-core processor chip called Rockchip RK3368, which has ARM Cortex-A53 cores with a frequency of 1.5 GHz each. Quite good characteristics for watching videos with high quality UltraHD and installation of games and applications for entertainment on the big screen. The RAM is also a good size at 2GB, which is enough for most programs. A shared 16 GB drive will suit most users, because you can always connect an external drive, or even more than one, through the two USB 2.0 ports that are present on the case.
The device also supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a microSD slot for memory cards. There is also a mandatory connection to the Internet network at 1000 Mb/s via the LAN port and a connection to the TV via the HDMI connector. If you decide to buy an Android set-top box Enybox EKB368, you will have to fork out for $95 , which is quite accessible and relatively inexpensive for such a device.
This device is well worth standing next to your large diagonal television panel. The characteristics are quite good for creating a multimedia entertainment center. This is watching movies and other video content in the new modern UltraHD format, and of course FullHD resolution is supported. It will also be possible to download undemanding games and install a lot of applications running on the latest Android 5.1 operating system. The system will interest you with its compact size and quite affordable cost within $85 .
The internal filling consists of an Amlogic S905 processor, which boasts the speed of 4 cores and a high clock speed of 2 GHz. This is more than enough for most modern Andeoid programs. The modest amount of RAM of 1 GB should not be confusing. This is more than enough for watching movies, listening to music and even simple games. The general storage is also not very capacious and is 8 GB. To increase the volume, you cannot do without an external hard drive, which is connected via USB 2.0, which is on the device’s body.
You can use microSD memory cards, for example, from a camera to view footage directly from the Android set-top box for the Rikomagic MK06 TV. There are also HDMI and wireless communication channels Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. There is a mandatory port for a LAN network with speeds up to 1000 Mb/s. This smart TV set-top box is very good and you can safely opt for it.
A very attractive smart TV set-top box running on the latest Android 5.1 operating system. The device is attractive not only for its good specifications and pleasant appearance, but also at an affordable price $60 . Quite average among numerous models, especially on Chinese market. The media center will allow you to watch movies in 4K UltraHD format and download entertainment applications, including undemanding games.
The Android TV box's specifications include a quad-core processor called Amlogic S905, which includes ARM Cortex A53 cores in its 64-bit architecture, each clocked at 2 GHz. The RAM is not very large and is 1 GB, which is enough for all the entertainment on the TV panel. The total memory is also very modest and has a size of 8 GB. But here you can always increase the storage space for video content using external storage by connecting it via USB 2.0.
If you are interested in the device and decide to buy an Android set-top box for your TV, you will also receive support for wireless options Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and wired HDMI connections for connecting to TV and a LAN port for creating an Internet network at speeds of up to 1000 Mb/s. With the device you can plunge into the world of entertainment on Android OS.
Android TV box is a popular item in today's time, which allows the user to use a wide range of applications from web surfing. Streaming video plays directly on the TV screen and is mainly used for streaming video content.
TV Boxes can turn most TV models into smart TVs with a wide range of options. Most people use them to stream movies or TV shows from their favorite sites.
How it works?
TV Box connects to the TV and the Internet via a wired Ethernet or Wi Fi connection.
Setting up Android Box
Once the TV box is connected to the TV and the Internet, any applications can be installed. For example, YouTube app can be installed to stream videos on YouTube channel.
Android is an operating system like Windows or iOS that was created by Google mainly for mobile phones. It is powered by ARM processors, making it portable to any device running the same hardware.
Because Android operating system the system is free, much cheaper to produce and Hardware based on it, it is accessible to almost anyone.
What can Android TV Box do?
What is Android TV Box
Despite their primary use, TV Boxes can also do almost all standard computer operations. Same as for smartphones based on Android programs and applications for TV Box can be installed from the Google Play store which can do almost everything you can think of. For example, the mi TV box 3 model will satisfy the requirements of most buyers.
You can install a very wide variety of applications, from creating a document to checking the weather.
What type of TV Box are available for sale?
Models come in different shapes, sizes and prices.
Budget TV Boxes are available alongside high-quality models equipped with the latest technology.
Each TV Box will come with its own android a code that is tied to a specific piece of equipment.
Popular options include Nvidia Sheild or Matricom G-Box. Which TV Box model is right for your TV is up to you to choose, a lot depends on what suits your needs and which price range you have determined for yourself.
The functionality of a Smart TV is significantly inferior to that of a PC, so those who dream of a computer with a TV-sized screen should find out what an Android TV Box is and how it should be used to make their TV “smart”.
What is the attachment for?
The fact is that almost any modern TV can be a regular monitor for a computer (they have this function initially) and if you purchase a TV Box, which is actually a tablet without a display, you can eliminate, at least partially, many of the shortcomings of Smart TV.
Manufacturers, in the hope of increasing sales, are trying to make TV elements similar to PCs, but so far they have not succeeded very well. Although you can already connect USB drives and the Internet to them. Therefore, the capabilities of Smart TV are much weaker than those of an Android tablet, not to mention a full-fledged PC.
The functionality of a TV (almost any TV, even with a cathode ray tube) can be improved by an Android TV box, which can turn it into an almost full-fledged computer or turn an ordinary TV into a real Smart TV. This is easy to do if you have the necessary cables and do all the work correctly.
For TVs with an HDMI connector, the set-top box is connected through this connector using a special HDMI cable; older TVs can also be connected using a cable, colloquially called a “tulip”.
So it makes no sense to specifically purchase a Smart TV, since the problem is easily solved by purchasing a TV Box based on multi-core processors and having powerful graphics accelerators.
And if you add a substantial amount of built-in memory and the possibility of expanding it due to MicroSD cards And connecting hard disks, then you will see a real full-fledged computer with a huge screen, and not a functionally stripped-down Smart TV that periodically slows down.
What are its advantages
I will try to list the main advantages of the smart TV android TV box:
- A modern set-top box allows you to make your TV “smart” without requiring too much Internet speed, unlike Smart TV.
- It allows you to watch videos of almost any format and resolution on your TV without restrictions.
- A large number of USB ports allows you to connect to it, if necessary, a full-fledged keyboard and mouse.
- Using an Android set-top box you can use all the functionality Play Market, and not just the small app stores of LG or Samsung, which allows you to organize viewing of thousands of programs after selecting the appropriate applications.
- You can connect a webcam, headphones, speakers and a microphone from any manufacturer to the set-top box, not just branded ones from the TV manufacturer.
- For lovers computer games The console provides much greater opportunities compared to Smart TV, allowing you to play your favorite Android games.
Owners of a TV set-top box will especially be pleased android smart TV box in places where there is no connection cable TV, providing, thanks to the Internet, the opportunity to watch your favorite TV channels.
You can install almost any application from Google Play. It is possible to connect a WEB camera and use all the features of Skype, you can surf social networks and Internet sites, you can watch IPTV or connect to it HDD By uploading torrents to it, you can watch videos from YouTube or movies online by going to any online cinemas. Everything that previously could only be done on a tablet or Android smartphone can now be done via TV.
And if we add here the low cost (compared to Smart TV) and the compactness of the device, then all this gives 100 points ahead to a similar TV. Once you understand what an Android TV Box is, you can understand the true value of this device.
- 10 - MXQ PRO 4K
- 9 - iconBIT Movie ULTRA HD 4K
- 8 - Invin KM9
- 7 - Dune HD Neo 4K T2 Plus
- 6 - Beelink GT1 Ultimate
- 5 - Google Chromecast Ultra
- 4 - Ugoos AM3
- 3 - Apple TV 4K
- 2 - Xiaomi Mi Box
- 1 - Minix NEO U9-H
TV manufacturers are very conservative; for them, showing programs from the broadcast network still remains more important than operating systems, programs and browsers. Often, programmers stop developing “smart” TV receivers, leaving users with nothing. Therefore, small boxes will take up space near plasma and LCD panels for a long time. Despite the fact that there are devices on Windows, smart TV set-top boxes on Android in 2019 are the best.
The most modern models are capable of displaying video in 4K resolution - this is a future that is just around the corner. In addition, Ultra HD support ensures that there will be no problems with regular definition films. Read more in our TOP 10 TV set-top boxes.
8.0 Rating
- Low price for a device capable of displaying 4K video
- Sufficient equipment for work
- Compact, medium-sized body
- Problems with heat dissipation, the case gets very hot
- Software errors, firmware needs to be changed
- Not enough memory, out of the box the flash drive is full of unnecessary software
The TOP 10 opens with the MXQ brand with the PRO 4K smart set-top box; the thrifty Chinese have decided to take their place in the competitive market and are putting pressure on the price. A simple black box with a matte top and glossy sides stands out with three USB ports. Inside lies motherboard with a mid-range Amlogic S905X processor, the chipset heats up during operation due to poor heat dissipation.
They brought in little memory - 1 GB RAM and 8 GB ROM (3 GB available to the user), so applications launch with a delay.
The launcher based on Android 6.0 with huge tiles looks beautiful, but is not very convenient to use, in addition, a lot of unnecessary software is installed in the memory. Technically, the player should play video in 4K, but you need to select the program and codecs. The advantage is that the price for Ultra HD video is half the price.
7.4 Evaluation
- Modern chipset with 4K support
- Universal learning remote control
- Low RAM and storage
- Low speed network interfaces
- Non-core phone OS used
The Hong Kong scooter manufacturer iconBIT is one step ahead of the Chinese with its Movie ULTRA HD 4K product. The tiny lightweight box with an unusual 3D print on the top panel is equipped with USB ports 2.0 and 3.0, and also has an analog video output. The hardware is based on a good 2016 Rockchip RK3229 chipset, supports 4K/60 frames video, but very little memory was installed - 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage.
The platform runs Android 7.1 Nougat tablet with a simple shell.
The manufacturer claims a business mode - showing videos and slides from a folder with remote control via browser. For such purposes, VESA mounts are needed on the monitor, but they were not made. 4K video works, but only with local disk To launch IPTV, you need to look for suitable software.
8.0 Rating
- Modern chipset and plenty of memory
- Convenient shell in Russian and with additions
- Stable operation of the system and programs
- Gigabit Ethernet not implemented
- The third USB port is not connected to the case
Review continues best smart TV set-top boxes of 2019 from the Russian brand Invin with the KM9 model. The device is completely Russified, including the text on the cardboard box. The complex-shaped case looks more interesting than its rectangular rivals - top panel decorated with figured stripes. All important connectors are in place, there is analog AV and a couple of USB ports.
They didn’t skimp on the hardware platform; it has the latest Amlogic S912 with eight cores, a lot of memory - 3 RAM and 16 ROM.
The device has Android 7.1 with its own shell, all texts are translated into Russian, and popular programs in Russia are also installed: HD Videobox, Torrent TV and Torrent Stream Controller - no search among unverified sources is required.
Everything works, including displaying 4K video from a local drive.
7.4 Evaluation
- The best of the worlds of Dune and Android
- High definition video up to 4K
- Additional TV function
- Unstable firmware after migration to Android
- Outdated interface vs. "Robot" style
- There is no slot for the CAM module, TV is only free
The gadget from the pioneer of TV boxes, the cult company Dune, moved up one position. A device with a long name Dune HD Neo 4K T2 Plus belongs to new series, running on Android, but remembering its origins.
The motherboard is based on the average Amlogic S905D specifications, the memory is 2 GB RAM and 16 GB ROM. On board is Android 6.0.1 with a shell in the style of the old Dunes; programs from the Google and Duna Store are available simultaneously. In general, the hybrid works, video in resolutions up to 4K with a frequency of up to 60 frames per second is played back normally, there is support for DRM protection. Unfortunately, after switching to Android, the software is poorly debugged and there are errors.
8.4 Evaluation
- Lots of memory, all applications fly
- Pure Android with root access for enthusiasts
- Compact case with good cooling
- High-speed interfaces for network playback
- No autoframe feature for smooth video
- Few USB ports, speed limited by version 2.0
- Errors in firmware, need to be updated regularly
The bottom half of the rating of smart TV set-top boxes for TV 2019 is completed by the Beelink GT1 Ultimate player. The case is very small and thin, with a side of 8 centimeters, weighs almost 200 g - there is clearly a large radiator inside. All the main ports are present, there is a pair of USB, an SD card and S/PDIF optics. The hardware lives up to the Ultimate title: eight-core Amlogic S912, solid 3 GB of RAM and as much as 32 GB internal memory, Gigabit Ethernet and dual Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
Inside there is Android 6.0 and a shell with tile icons, the user has already been granted root access, the correct Youtube is loaded at the factory, accustomed to the remote control. On such hardware, the interface flies, applications launch instantly, and there is enough power even for simple 3D games. The player supports many formats, including 4K/60 frames. Happiness is overshadowed only by errors in the firmware.
7.0 Rating
- Good reserve for development, plays video in 4K
- There is an Ethernet port for a local network, the videos will be more stable
- Easy connection to TV and smartphone
- Functionality limited to Google services
- High price for reduced player capabilities
- Doesn't work from the USB port, you need a proprietary power supply
The top five is opened by an unusual product from the search giant Google. The round, glossy Chromecast Ultra tablet plugs directly into the connector HDMI TV. The power source is separate; the current in the USB port of the receiver will not be enough. Communications are provided by an RJ-45 socket in the gigabit network adapter and a dual-band Wi-Fi module.
The set-top box is controlled from your mobile phone Google apps Home, through which Chromecast receives instructions on what to show and how. You can display a browser screen on TV or run a YouTube video, including 3840x2160 (4K) - perhaps the most popular scenario in Russia.
Other services - Netflix, Spotify, Twitch and others - are paid or not available in our country. It takes some effort to watch your video.
8.2 Evaluation
- Aluminum body cools well
- Stable firmware out of the box with excellent Russification
- Honestly supports Ultra HD without skipping
- Based on a chipset without DTS/Dolby Digital support
- Minor bugs in the software
Ugoos Industrial professionals continue the TOP TV set-top boxes for Android in 2019 with the AM3 model. The brushed aluminum case weighs almost 300 g, because it also works as a radiator. All three USB ports are available for connecting a disk or mouse; there is HDMI, RJ-45 and S/PDIF. The platform is based on:
- New Amlogic S912;
- Memory – 2 GB RAM and 16 GB ROM;
- Ethernet support - 1 Gbps and dual-band Wi-Fi;
- Possibility to connect an external antenna.
Android 6.0.1 with Ugoos Launcher shell is installed on the system. Thanks to our programmers on the team, everything has been translated into Russian and works quickly and stably. According to rumors, competitors use Ugoos firmware for their developments. Needless to say, all declared formats are readable, 4K video is played from a disk, the network, via YouTube or HD VideoBox. As a result: an excellent player with high-quality firmware out of the box.
8.0 Rating
- Compact body and advanced control panel
- Ultra-high resolution 4K video support
- Fast network and wireless connections
- High price of the device, overpayment for the brand
- Apple's limitations, focus on paid content
- The implementation of 4K is not ideal at Apple and in the world
The top three in the ranking included a smart TV set-top box from Apple; the fifth version of the iconic device finally gained the ability to display video in 4K. The minimalistic black gadget connects to a power outlet, local network and TV - it has no other ports. The Wi-Fi wireless interface operates in two bands.
The control panel is advanced, in addition to buttons it has touchpad, gyroscope and accelerometer - works in games.
It is desirable that the set-top box works with a 4K TV; the user interfaces are redrawn in 3840x2160. Inside, tvOS works, closely connected with the Apple ecosystem, an Apple ID is connected to it, and an application store operates. Apple TV can display videos from the iTunes library, as well as paid services. However, real 4K is not always available; for example, YouTube has not yet been updated.
8.2 Evaluation
- Great design for any interior
- Comfortable and functional control panel
- Stable version of the profile Android TV operating system
- Small storage capacity and no expandability
- One USB, for experiments you need a port expander
- Compatibility problems between programs and modern codecs
One step away from the top of the 2019 TV box rating is another object of close attention of Russian users - Xiaomi Mi Box. Like Apple TV, it looks modest and stylish, a black square with a side of 10 cm is equipped USB port, HDMI, as well as a headphone output combined with Mini Toslink optics.
Remote control works via Bluetooth, implemented together with Google voice control. Inside is the coolest hardware - AMLogic S905X-H with support for Dolbi Digital and DTS. The amount of memory is not encouraging, 2 GB of RAM and only 8 GB of ROM (5 GB available) without expansion.
Thanks to friendship with the search giant, the console contains Google Android TV 6. The advantage is the industrial quality of the firmware, YouTube works from the remote control and in transfer mode from a smartphone (cast). Disadvantage: it is focused on online services.
The platform is loaded with Android 6.0.1 with MINIX Metro launcher. The firmware is high-quality and stable; competitors often copy it for their devices. There are practically no problems with showing videos; IPTV, Torrent Stream Controller and HD VideoBox are configured.
YouTube and paid services, so they don’t provide videos in UHD resolution.
Let's sum it up
Special consoles for the “kinescope” with primitive games appeared 30 years ago. Smart TVs created in the new century have difficulty competing with TV boxes, built-in programs are limited, and there are difficulties with supporting and updating versions.
The spiral of history has reached a new level - in 2019, small compact gadgets add “intelligence” to any television receiver, allowing you not only to watch movies in good quality And YouTube videos, but also play games, in half the cases replacing an expensive console.
Set-top boxes are produced by famous companies - Apple, Google or Xiaomi, specialized teams - MINIX or Ugoos, as well as not very experienced followers - MXQ, Invin or iconBIT. Grandees use their software, however, the best consoles of 2019 work on Android. The open operating system installs on the TV box with minimal modifications, makes life easier for programmers, and gives the owner access to all previous and future applications and updates.
Memory card support
