Hi,
I am trying to decide between one of these devices to hook up to my 4k TV. I have seen many mixed reviews for the mi box s not being able to handle 4k streaming for netflix/etc. I am mainly looking for something that can cast netflix/hulu from my phone but also cast 4k video that is saved on my desktop. Will the mibox adequately handle that?
I am mainly looking for something that can cast netflix/hulu from my phone but also cast 4k video that is saved on my desktop. Will the mibox adequately handle that ?
I seriously doubt any Chromecast hardware or Android TV device using Casting can stream 4K video from a Desktop PC and 4K "Cast" it to a 4K Chromecast receiver. You are asking way to much of such a casting protocol. There would need to be transcoding and degradation of 4K video on the desktop PC first.
Android TV Chromecasting is not 100% bulletproof vs actual Chromecast hardware. What may work for some people will hit a snag with another users specific usage scenario.
Buy Chromecast hardware if that is you primary usage scenario.
The Mi Box has 5.1 DD+ audio dropouts. It's no good for any 5.1 DD+ audio like you would get from Netflix.
Frankly Dolby audio handling on the Mi Box is a mess.
4K HDR Bluray Rips need Gigabit Ethernet - seriously buy a NVIDIA Shield if that is your usage scenario - it has inbuilt Gigabit.
Low bitrate 4K video streaming/casting from Netflix, YouTube etc should be fine so long as you have top spec - AC WiFi - in the same room. Whichever devices have MISO or MIMO (Multiple Antennas) WiFi will be better.
I still would not rely on WiFi, Hardwired Ethernet is always better.
If you are only casting, I'd suggest getting the ultra. Less issues overall as long as your network is top notch.
I have a mi box s and a chromecast. The Mi box S can't cast al my apps and the chromecast will cast everything i want. The cast function is just not the same as the chromecast on a Mi Box S. And no its not network related because its on the same network and i tried al know sollutions to get the mi box s to cast everything but it just don't starts the stream you want to cast (you see the screen that its cast ready and you can change sound but streams don't start). The Mi Box S is maybe 60% compatible with a real chromecast!
My advice iff you want only Chromcast..buy a Chromecast!!
I can't complain about my mibox so far. Handling everything I throw at it with grace. From time to time, apps like Plex would act around and freeze the playback while sound is still going, but I guess it's the developer's fault. 4k works perfect on netflix. About the Chromecast, I believe is just a cast-to device(I owned a regular Chromecast, 2nd gen) and hbo cast from phone would crash often. The mibox s acts as a standalone android device, you can install multiple apps, from what I've heard even games from playstore if you pair a Bluetooth controller. Can't say for sure, I haven't tried this.
I recommend you go for the mibox, far more possibilities(did I mention keyboard/mouse support, and connection via ethernet with a dongle? 3.5mm jack port, and storage extension capabilities)