Purchased a Samsung TV - cheapest and best way to get Android TV?

by TuckingFypoz

For 2 years I've had a privilege of using my father's Sony TV which had Android TV on it, I got so used to it, but then I had to move out and I've decided to purchase a TV. However, I bought a Samsung TV and the app store.. it lacks a lot of things. I would love to use Kodi or VLC. I thought Chromecast was basically Android TV, but upon little research I found out it's just a way to stream things on your TV, and I don't find that necessary.

Then I found out about Nvidia Shield, a box that has Android TV in it and does much more things. However, when I have found out the price of it I wanted to cry! What's the best and cheapest 'Android TV' thing I can get that can do 4K HDR, with a possibility of getting apps like Kodi or VLC?

Thank you.

Tomjr78

Keep an eye on a 16gb Nvidia Shield deal, you won't regret spending a bit extra, there's just a bit of a learning curve which the community can help with!

keeflookeem

Xiaomi mi box 3. I've had one for a few months and I'm pretty happy with it

OwnStorm

I am using Mi Box 3, more than 1 year. It has replaced my cable connection. Except, physical remote issue. I am happy with this little box. It always in use in weekends running some songs or movies.

With android box, you have all freedom to install any app.

Dirt cheaper than alternative nVidia Shield.

TSwizzlesNipples

MiBox 3 is probably the cheapest, but it can be hit or miss. I've been lucky with the two that I have. Only problem I've had is when they did the Oreo(?) update a few months back, audio over HDMI for non-standard monitors was fucked up, so I had no audio in the office for about a week or so. Other than that, they've been solid for me.

If you want something that's solid, but costs a bit more, get the Shield Console. I bought one when they first came out in 2015 and I've never had a problem with it.

BiggussDikkuss

Define 4K HDR please. Does that only mean 4K HDR Netflix and Amazon Prime etc Apps or 4K HDR Bluray Rips playback as well over a home Network from a file server ?

tb21666

Get a Mi Box, unless you want to Gamestream than get a Shield/Shield Pro.

You get what you pay for in the end; I have both a Mi Box which is a 'Bedroom Box' for media & the Shield Pro in my Theater for Media & Gamestream access, they're both great for their intended functionality with the use of 3rd party remotes IME.

CuvisTheConqueror

If you're doing 4K HDR, do yourself a favor and get the Shield. It really is the best option on the market (as long as you don't need Dolby Vision).

It's a bit pricier than other options, but you get what you pay for. And you can probably score a refurb model close to $130 if you are a careful shopper.

JimboLodisC

Cheapest is Mi Box, best is Shield.

PalebloodSky

You only have 2 choices, cheapest is Mi Box (mine works great with latest Oreo update), and best is Shield TV.

norhor

What apps are you going to use? Do you stream a lot? What kind of content(4K, HDR, etc)?

I've had both the Shield and the Mibox, and both of them have strong sides and weak sides. All depends on what you want to do.

Edit: tldr breakdown: Mibox: crappy network. very good otherwise considering the price. this is the one to go for, for general content and use. Sheild: expensive, but a solid choice. no support for VP9.2(HDR on Youtube for example). you pay for a lot of gaming stuff.

rinkydinkwestcoast

Chromecast with an Amazon fire HD running Android.

Works pretty good. You can even screen mirror.

roofuskit

You can't have cheapest and best with Android TV. It's the Shield TV or buggy headache inducing crap.