[Help] Trying to find a decently priced Android TV box that meets a few requirements

by gardobus

Sup - I currently have a 2nd gen FireTV (not stick). It's been great but I'd love to use Android TV's interface and flexibility instead of Amazon's skin and simplified remote.

We currently use the FireTV for:

  • Netflix
  • Hulu
  • Kodi (SPMC)

We don't really use Amazon's video or music services even though we have Prime. I don't like the interface, the content is lacking, and usually they have dumb combinations of seasons (sweet I can watch season 2 and 7!).

I'd love to use it for local TV. I have an antenna, but the FireTV doesn't support USB tuners natively so we have to change sources right now. It would be great if I could access the local OTA channels using the same remote/box that we use for Netflix, Hulu, etc. So a box with a built in tuner or at least support for an external USB tuner would be awesome!

We've been thinking of trying Sling or Vue so it would need to run those (which I think they all do?).

Bonus points if it's powerful enough to play emulators. I have an Xbox 360 wired controller, an 8bitdo NES30 Pro, and a G3s so if any of those would work fairly easily, that could be fun. Up to SNES/Genesis is plenty, no need for more graphic intensive games.

I know that this is reaching, but something that is known to be updated often would be nice. Or something that has an unlockable bootloader... I'm pretty familiar with rooting, roms, recoveries, etc. if that helps anything.

Ethernet port would be nice, but wifi-only should suffice also.

Damn, that ended up longer than I expected... so any recommendations that meet most/all of those points without being ridiculously pricey?

Thanks!

EDIT: Forgot to mention, I don't have a 4K TV and don't plan on having one any time soon, so 1080p is plenty for me!

ralphyb0b

Try a mibox from Walmart. If it isn't good enough, return it and buy a shield.

simiwood

Nvidia shield

Ausernameneeded

Mi Box is your best option for $70. Unless you need to stream PC games or want to have a Plex server on it, it's a waste of money. If you do want that (many do), than it is worth the money. Shield has Google Assist as well.

Kodi, Netflix, Hulu, Vue/Sling, and 1990's gaming emulators are no problem for the Mi Box. The 4k is a hit or miss from what I read, but like me you don't have a 4k TV anyway. As for Ethernet, I ended up getting a cheap USB one with 3 or 4 USB ports on it. It's hardwired with a flash drive and works great.

Ultimately figure out what you need and want. There are a few here tend to try hard to sell what they own so that they don't feel they wasted money on something they don't need. Listen to those who tell both sides (if you are or were into gaming, think of the flame wars on gaming sites).

jamesking420

Join us.... /r/ShieldAndroidTV it's great, does everything you want. Might be a bit over your desired budget you do have quite a few requirements.

You won't regret it.