Hi,
I'm not sure if this is the correct forum to ask this. But since the members visiting this sub-forum might have better idea of android tv box/stick i am putting forward my query here.
My requirements are 24/7 torrenting and playing movies in Sony FHD TV.. I don't care much about playing games or browsing in TV..
is there any android stick/box (preferably around $80) which can play high bitrate full hd movies without any hiccups while simultaneously downloading torrents? or am i better off with a raspberry pi??
vic6888 said:
Hi,
I'm not sure if this is the correct forum to ask this. But since the members visiting this sub-forum might have better idea of android tv box/stick i am putting forward my query here.
My requirements are 24/7 torrenting and playing movies in Sony FHD TV.. I don't care much about playing games or browsing in TV..
is there any android stick/box (preferably around $80) which can play high bitrate full hd movies without any hiccups while simultaneously downloading torrents? or am i better off with a raspberry pi??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Ugoos UT1 and I'm happy with that, I also picked up the stick version that is the UM2. I spent quite a bit of time checking out the Pi's and I found their raw power to be way too little for things like 3D gaming or 1080p playback. Good little devices, but I prefer the Quad Core units such as the ones I mentioned above. A new box is coming out called the Ugoos UT2 which is also looking good.
For installing custom firmwares, tweeking and maybe configuring the device via scripts and so on, then maybe the Pi will have more of a larger community with more projects. But for the items you've highlighted the Pi wouldn't be very suitable. Please correct me if I'm wrong Pi owners,
BlobLobba said:
I have a Ugoos UT1 and I'm happy with that, I also picked up the stick version that is the UM2. I spent quite a bit of time checking out the Pi's and I found their raw power to be way too little for things like 3D gaming or 1080p playback. Good little devices, but I prefer the Quad Core units such as the ones I mentioned above. A new box is coming out called the Ugoos UT2 which is also looking good.
For installing custom firmwares, tweeking and maybe configuring the device via scripts and so on, then maybe the Pi will have more of a larger community with more projects. But for the items you've highlighted the Pi wouldn't be very suitable. Please correct me if I'm wrong Pi owners,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from what i have read Pi is pretty good as a media playback device but i'm not sure whether it can handle torrenting and media playback simultaneously.. one of my room mate has got a Pi.. will have to test it this weekend and see if it holds up well for my requirement..
vic6888 said:
from what i have read Pi is pretty good as a media playback device but i'm not sure whether it can handle torrenting and media playback simultaneously.. one of my room mate has got a Pi.. will have to test it this weekend and see if it holds up well for my requirement..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One option could be to get two low price sticks, use one for torrent and one for media playback. Using media sharing to access the files between them. In that configuration I would suggest a UM2 and a Pi
BlobLobba said:
One option could be to get two low price sticks, use one for torrent and one for media playback. Using media sharing to access the files between them. In that configuration I would suggest a UM2 and a Pi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is also an option.. hearing rumors that Android 4.4 will bring a new UI for TV. Are these sticks upgradeable??
vic6888 said:
that is also an option.. hearing rumors that Android 4.4 will bring a new UI for TV. Are these sticks upgradeable??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I think regarding 4.4 upgradability, I imagine the first possibility of that maybe via custom ROM. I checked out the stock firmware updates for the Ugoos regularly, as I have the UT1 and UM2. Let's wait and see what they release.
BlobLobba said:
Well I think regarding 4.4 upgradability, I imagine the first possibility of that maybe via custom ROM. I checked out the stock firmware updates for the Ugoos regularly, as I have the UT1 and UM2. Let's wait and see what they release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an android stick (MK908, quad-core 2GB RAM) and a Raspberry Pi. In terms of movie playback, the RPi is far superior due to better software support. The XBMC software is much more mature on the RPi.
I have no experience on the RPi with torrents, but I leave that to my NAS. An android stick's hardware is more powerful, so I guess it'll be better for torrenting. That being said, I use Openelec for my RPi and it comes with a transmission add-on for torrenting, so I assume it'll work ok.
Anyway, if movies are the main focus, definately go for an RPi and find another solution for torrenting if the RPi is not sufficient.
my setup:
A NAS for media storage and downloading
RPi with Openelec for media
I had a Pi, to be honest it was bloody hard work. My MK808 is MUCH better at everthing. It plays 720p perfectly (I don't bother with 1080p) it downloads torrents running Ttorrent and I can plug my 1Tb hard drive (passport) directly into it without a hub!
The Pi was a pain compared to the MK808, the 908 should be even better.
Pete
Sent from my GT-I9205 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I believe the 808 received much better support than the 908 does.
I think (custom) developer support is essential for setting up a working system.
I'm running it stock, works fine. I was blown away by how well it plays my film collection. Avi, mkv, mp4 or whatever, it just works!
Pete
Sent from my GT-I9205 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
BlobLobba said:
I checked out the stock firmware updates for the Ugoos regularly, as I have the UT1 and UM2. Let's wait and see what they release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What websites do u check for firmware updates UT1 and UM2 and what Air mouse Keyboard work best for UT1 and UM2 you know any?
el_easy said:
What websites do u check for firmware updates UT1 and UM2 and what Air mouse Keyboard work best for UT1 and UM2 you know any?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'd be interested in this too. I have a Kaiboer F4 (same box different name).
All I could find was this chinese site with update 1.1.0 - which I already have. It's dated August 20th 2013.
http://www.evolvetechsolutions.com/collections/kaiboer/products/kaiboer-f4.htm
mad_sunday said:
I had a Pi, to be honest it was bloody hard work. My MK808 is MUCH better at everthing. It plays 720p perfectly (I don't bother with 1080p) it downloads torrents running Ttorrent and I can plug my 1Tb hard drive (passport) directly into it without a hub!
The Pi was a pain compared to the MK808, the 908 should be even better.
Pete
Sent from my GT-I9205 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Erm...what? Just flash OpenELEC on a SD and be done with it basically. H.264 videos play perfect out of the box for me even 1080p isn't any problem at all. The Pi is much better at playing videos (exception of DivX but who uses that anymore) than any Stick could be in my opinion.
Kevi754 said:
Erm...what? Just flash OpenELEC on a SD and be done with it basically. H.264 videos play perfect out of the box for me even 1080p isn't any problem at all. The Pi is much better at playing videos (exception of DivX but who uses that anymore) than any Stick could be in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried playing movies which are more than 8GB? how does Pi performs for those movies? And can i run transmission or any other torrenting software if i use OpenELEC ??
Kevi754 said:
Erm...what? Just flash OpenELEC on a SD and be done with it basically. H.264 videos play perfect out of the box for me even 1080p isn't any problem at all. The Pi is much better at playing videos (exception of DivX but who uses that anymore) than any Stick could be in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was just so unreliable due I suspect to the ****ty USB implementation. I tried OpenElec (and several others) but I could never get it to work as I wanted it (and I've been running Linux on my PC's for 10 years). I threw it in the bin once I'd got the Android stick plugged in. The MK808 is faster, more reliable, easier to setsetup, and works perfectly with my USB 1TB hard drive without a hub (try that with a Pi). I find the video playback far superior too using MX player without having to cough money for codecs that you need for the Pi.
Pete
Sent from my GT-I9205 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
You should probably use the pi as a 244/7 torrent box and the android mini pc as a game/ video player. Its way easier to use the pi as a cheap, power efficient torrent while not wasting processing power from the android on something like that. Thats what I do and it works great!
el_easy said:
What websites do u check for firmware updates UT1 and UM2 and what Air mouse Keyboard work best for UT1 and UM2 you know any?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I check this Ugoos Firmware download archive they maintain on this page here.
minix x5 with new 1080 rom works great for me, have not had a ras pi
I used to use my CX919 for what you mention, until it died.
Played everything fine, Did not try 1080P content.
Great features, horrible build quality.
These quadcore tv sticks seam to die because of poor thermal design. I have bought a T-R42 (like CS918/K-R42 but with bluetooth) and I'm going to run an Ubuntu on this box.
I don't mind the RPi and actually I have one and I like it but keep in mind that you get only 512MB of memory and a 700MHz single core while you get 2GB of memory and a 1.6GHz quad core on these rk3188 tv boxes/sticks.
Also keep in mind that you might need a case, a power adapter and a wifi-stick for the pi which might cost you at least additional 25$ while this was all included in the T-R42 box I got and which sells now at 80$ including shipping from some chinese sellers (I payed 90€ and got it from a local seller).
One big advantage of the RPi is that there have been millions of them sold and there exists a vast community.
cheers
CRizziR
Related
Where do you watch them? (Sites)
Jack Daddy said:
Where do you watch them? (Sites)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are several threads here in General and Themes and Apps that talk about this.
I don't know of any reliable site that lets you stream movies on our gTabs at the moment (that doesn't mean one doesn't exist). I rip movies and move them to my gTab to watch. I also use my iPad/iPhone to watch NetFlix streaming movies (they have announced they will release a NetFlix app for Android soon).
Try using search and you will see this issue has been around for a while.
Jack Daddy said:
Where do you watch them? (Sites)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Epixhd.com works. Uses Flash I think. It's included w some cable Co. services, e.g., Cox.
Jim
androidvideo.net has movies and TV shows. You used to be able to just go to the site and watch but the admin says people were stealing the content. Now you have to sign up for a free or premium paid account.
Yeah i rip my dvds too but looking to watch at hotel and a week long stay can be lots of dvds
what you use to rip your dvds?
I use dvd fab.
+1 for DVD Fab. It is by far the most full featured and easy to use movie ripping tool.
I watch on justin tv. Its really not on demand but sometimes there are some good movies.
sjmoreno said:
+1 for DVD Fab. It is by far the most full featured and easy to use movie ripping tool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What version??? DVD Copy 8.0.6.8??? Also, they offer the GTab configuration or that is something that you have to do on your own?
Thanks
jcarlospr said:
What version??? DVD Copy 8.0.6.8??? Also, they offer the GTab configuration or that is something that you have to do on your own?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the latest version (I don't remember what it is as the app auto-updates). I rip all of my movies as xvid avi files resulting in movie files sizes between 400 MB to 1.2 GB depending on length of the movie or tv episode I rip.
They have profiles for different video format outputs already built in to the app and you have the ability to create your own custom format profiles as well. The full app with all of the options is pretty expensive in my opinion but you can find it from 3rd-party sellers for way less.
The quality of the resulting video for me looks fine on the gTab but don't expect it to look good if you have a dock and are using the HDMI out to view it on your big television (it will look pretty bad).
sjmoreno said:
I'm using the latest version (I don't remember what it is as the app auto-updates). I rip all of my movies as xvid avi files resulting in movie files sizes between 400 MB to 1.2 GB depending on length of the movie or tv episode I rip.
They have profiles for different video format outputs already built in to the app and you have the ability to create your own custom format profiles as well. The full app with all of the options is pretty expensive in my opinion but you can find it from 3rd-party sellers for way less.
The quality of the resulting video for me looks fine on the gTab but don't expect it to look good if you have a dock and are using the HDMI out to view it on your big television (it will look pretty bad).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need it for my kid’s movies - so I am not looking to use the HDMI or the docking station.
Yes, I noticed is kind of pricey – when you said third party you mean Google it to find it cheaper?
And as far of the format I am looking something really easy to use like plug and play without many configurations to set. Is this something like that?
handbrake works really well for ripping movies as well and is free.
csi15 said:
handbrake works really well for ripping movies as well and is free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Handbrake does not work for me - I don't know if is because I have a 64 computer or what.
I have reinstalled 3 times and I always get an error with any DVD that I tried.
Just navigate on over to either of these sites and enjoy, they work beautifully on my Gtab running Vegan Beta 5
www.surfthechannel.com
www.ch131.com
jcarlospr said:
Handbrake does not work for me - I don't know if is because I have a 64 computer or what.
I have reinstalled 3 times and I always get an error with any DVD that I tried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I bought my copy of DVDFab from a company called Tarzan Media for like $30 with lifetime upgrades.
Here's the link: Click Here
great price for lifetime updates!!
sjmoreno said:
I think I bought my copy of DVDFab from a company called Tarzan Media for like $30 with lifetime upgrades.
Here's the link: Click Here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sjmoreno thanks for the info I am going to buy it right now, just one more question. What configuration you use for the GTab?
Here's my favorite so far. Some old school cartoon series and older shows but full lengh good movies too. Looks like it was set up by the same people as Hulu but actually works.
crackle.com
ThinkinBig said:
Just navigate on over to either of these sites and enjoy, they work beautifully on my Gtab running Vegan Beta 5
www.surfthechannel.com
www.ch131.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All require xVid codec...
Sent from my VEGAn-TAB-v1.0.0B5.1 using Tapatalk
This is a bit of a placeholder for what I hope will be discussion about using the XBMC app (not the remote), on the GTab.
I found that XBMC has a "page" on the nVidia Tegra development site. With their feet truly wet from the Apple A4 (ARM-based) release on the iThings, how long must we wait for a release?
http://tegradeveloper.nvidia.com/tegra/project/xbmc
Discussion thread:
http://developer.nvidia.com/tegra/forum/xbmc-tegra2-development
Tegra 2 branch:
https://github.com/Phaeodaria/xbmc-tegra2/
sdavilla's thread on XBMC.org forums:
http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=71297
XBMC on ARM discussion at XBMC.org:
http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=35139
Brain Fart.
Would someone please move this thread to Themes and Apps? (ugh)
Keep in mind that the original prototypes for Boxee (which is based off of XBMC) was running on a tegra2 (but was ultimately dropped b/c of its 1080p video compatibility).
Very good point there, I'd not put those together.
I've gone through these threads and it looks like there's a lot of work been done for ARM compatibility by many, and that it's an ongoing project.
Nothing I've seen available for Android even approaches the level of sophistication and compatibility XBMC had the middle of the last decade on my XBox.
I've been using XBMC for like 10 years, going back to my original modded XBOX. I use Boxee today on a couple of computers. Nobody wants one of these for my G Tab more than I do.
Until that day happens, PlugPlayer isn't too bad. It lets me browse my UPnP media server and play a lot of the files. It's in no way a full blown media center app like XBMC, but once the episode of 24 is playing on the tab, it's all the same to me...
Cheers!
MC
upnpplay is a nice free alternative as well.
Sent from my VEGAn-TAB-v1.0.0B5.1 using Tapatalk
Likewise. I've still got an XBox running one of the T3CH builds of XBMC, and probably still have a copy of XBMP on it too, just because.
Thanks for the suggestions of other alternatives.
MicroChip said:
I've been using XBMC for like 10 years, going back to my original modded XBOX. I use Boxee today on a couple of computers. Nobody wants one of these for my G Tab more than I do.
Until that day happens, PlugPlayer isn't too bad. It lets me browse my UPnP media server and play a lot of the files. It's in no way a full blown media center app like XBMC, but once the episode of 24 is playing on the tab, it's all the same to me...
Cheers!
MC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shredness said:
upnpplay is a nice free alternative as well.
Sent from my VEGAn-TAB-v1.0.0B5.1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does UPnPlay play video as well? The site seems like just music.
Thanks!
MC
I recently got a deal where I'm now the owner of a 16GB iPad 3G.
XMBC -05 runs rather well on it. I've played many videos from the local storage, over SMB shares, and from an SD card using the Camera Connection Kit, and only High Profile 720/1080P videos have issue. The Iron Man 2 trailer, which I am confident is a 1080P Main profile MOV, runs seamlessly. Incredible considering the resources the iPad lacks (RAM specifically).
Unfortunately the sheer diversity of multi-core Android devices is going to make optimization difficult, but I am confident that this will happen at some point.
Hi,
I am looking for an android TV stick to make my TV smarter, there are tons of chinese varieties out there with huge pricing variations and therefore I need expert advice from you guys to make my buying decision. Here are my requirements :
1). Play 1080p (Full-HD) video over Wifi on my TV via a networked Samba Share.
2). Watch 3D movies on my TV.
3). Pair my iMac Bluetooth keyboard/mouse to control the stick.
Thanks
Best bet is to wait until quadcores hit the market. 1080 doesnt work as well as it should without mods done so you can overclock. Not sure on 3D working on any that are out now.
Are there any quad-cores out there yet ? Also, what would be the best suggestion from current options.
Quad cores should start coming out this month.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
My retired Dad living overseas has been playing with this device to stream shows from internet sites to his HDMI TV
Android 4.1 Dual core (A9) RK3066 1.2 - 1.6G, RAM DDR3 1GB, ROM 4GB WLAN WiFi 802.11 b/g/n.
and he is finding too much lag, breakup and buffering. When he watches the same source on his PC also connected via wifi there is no problem.
I want to find him an Android stick device with better performance than the one above that wont have the same problems.
We don't really need the processing power as he will not be using the device for anything else but do need hassle free video.
He wont be able to root, load roms etc. so it must work well out of the box.
What can the experts here recommend?
Thanks.
I would like to see a few comments as well.
vandyman said:
I would like to see a few comments as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am looking at the Tronsmart Mk908II or CX919.
samsat said:
I am looking at the Tronsmart Mk908II or CX919.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They both are good. The CX919 mite be better for me.
In any case a keyboard is a must.
I currently have a Pi and I cant waiting 30 secs for menus to load up anymore (I already have it OC'd running off of a USB) and I was looking at youtube videos of boxes like the geniatech atv520e and it seems much faster. What are the most popular boxes on here?
Do people run android or linux? I would prefer linux since I've heard its much more stable and you can watch 1080p video. I am willing to spend up too $100 but the cheaper the better.
Im only buying it to use add ons like 1channel and icefilms not for streaming videos to the box using a NAS
n023b said:
I currently have a Pi and I cant waiting 30 secs for menus to load up anymore (I already have it OC'd running off of a USB) and I was looking at youtube videos of boxes like the geniatech atv520e and it seems much faster. What are the most popular boxes on here?
Do people run android or linux? I would prefer linux since I've heard its much more stable and you can watch 1080p video. I am willing to spend up too $100 but the cheaper the better.
Im only buying it to use add ons like 1channel and icefilms not for streaming videos to the box using a NAS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the mk808 with no problem for that.. Heck I'm using 1channel(primewire) right now as I type this. But I think they like 30$ now.. But if looking to spend up to $100 I did get tronsmart 908 (I think name is tronsmart or something like that)
Sent from my SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
n023b said:
I currently have a Pi and I cant waiting 30 secs for menus to load up anymore (I already have it OC'd running off of a USB) and I was looking at youtube videos of boxes like the geniatech atv520e and it seems much faster. What are the most popular boxes on here?
Do people run android or linux? I would prefer linux since I've heard its much more stable and you can watch 1080p video. I am willing to spend up too $100 but the cheaper the better.
Im only buying it to use add ons like 1channel and icefilms not for streaming videos to the box using a NAS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Under $100,you have lots of options.search on geekbuying, and use the beyond xbmc version.
leezrd said:
I use the mk808 with no problem for that.. Heck I'm using 1channel(primewire) right now as I type this. But I think they like 30$ now.. But if looking to spend up to $100 I did get tronsmart 908 (I think name is tronsmart or something like that)
Sent from my SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should be Tronsmart MK908, lol, i get the tronsmart mk908ii, better wifi signal.
leezrd said:
I use the mk808 with no problem for that.. Heck I'm using 1channel(primewire) right now as I type this. But I think they like 30$ now.. But if looking to spend up to $100 I did get tronsmart 908 (I think name is tronsmart or something like that)
Sent from my SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which brand are you using for the mk808 tronsmart?
GeekEric said:
Under $100,you have lots of options.search on geekbuying, and use the beyond xbmc version.
It should be Tronsmart MK908, lol, i get the tronsmart mk908ii, better wifi signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the problem there are too many options I rather just buy one somebody recommends
If you want to buy one for around 100$ there is a big problem right now. Most companys switched from the RK3188 SoC to the RK3188T. So in this price segment, you will probably only get a RK3188T SoC. The RK3188T is a cheap version of the RK3188 that brings some problems especially with custom ROMs and kernels. The only "real" RK3188 box (non T) i know of is the Minix Neo X7 but this one is about 140$. The other option is a MK808 with a dual core RK3066 SoC for about 40$, this is an older device with weaker hardware, you might have problems playing high bitrate HD videos with it.
You chose a rather bad time to buy a TV Stick/Box . If you don't want to spend 140$ for the X7, i would wait for 2-3 month and see if it gets better.
n023b said:
Which brand are you using for the mk808 tronsmart?
Thats the problem there are too many options I rather just buy one somebody recommends
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not sure the exact maker the packaging only aid mk808. I got it over a year and some months ago. It not a clone though because I'm always flashing roms and kernels with never any problem
Sent from my SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app