Don't buy Chinese TV Boxes (with one exception)

by pazvanti2003

I have a rather old TV (first gen LG with WebOS) and a few months ago I decided to do an upgrade. Since the TV still works perfect from an image quality point of view, I decided that the best approach would be to buy an Android TV Box. There are many Chinese brands that offer such devices but, having a Zidoo in the abst that was really really bad, I wanted something made for TV us. So I decided to go with one that has AndroidTV, not the standard Android with a buggy skin on top. There were a few solutions: Xiaomi Mi Box and A no-name brand with only X88 in the name (this should be the first red flag).

Now, I though that because it has Android TV and Widevine L1, everything should be OK. Opened the box, started the device and at first everything seems OK. It was indeed Android TV.

First problem, Chromecast does not work. I see the device, but nothing can cast to it. Every time I try I get 'connection error'.
Second Problem. Netflix does not work. BIG Issue.
From time to time (but not frequent) the device will freeze and a restart is needed.

I contacted the seller and he said that they know and will have a fix soon. In about a week and a half an update was pushed an Netflix worked. I can even update the app and everything was OK. So I started using the device for about 6 months. When suddenly, Netflix does not work again. Updated app, cleared cache, cleared data, etc. Nothing worked. Searching on the forums I saw that for others the same issue happened at the same time. It seems that Netflix probably no longer allows this device since it is not officially licensed.

I know that this is a problem for TV Boxes that do not have Widevine L1 or Android TV, but I was not expecting this box to have the problem.

So, as a warning, stick to the Xiaomi boxes. They are officially licensed by Google and should not have this problem.

allanfarrell

Kodi 18 (Leia) now supports DRM, so you can install the official Netflix repo and watch it via Kodi.

Eddie2297

Yep. Totally agree. I will never use a crappy Chinese box again. I’ve now got a shield. Great for streaming and gaming. Wish I bought one ages ago.

mattld

Bad news. Netflix is screwed on mibox3 for a lot of people too.

geekonamotorcycle

Honestly after having several of these boxes, there doesn't seem to be a point in getting anything that isn't a shield. if you are out there considering getting something don't even waste your time like I did and like so many other people did. Just save up for an extra couple weeks and buy a shield. You will never know the anguish of or settle with a half working box.

tolylou

I use Tanix TX6 box. Works great. Never tried Chromcast on it, but it does have its own app that does the same thing. Netflix from Play store will not load because Google does not recognize it. So, I loaded Aptoide TV app (it is third party app store) and loaded Netflix through it. Works like a charm and stable as a rock. You can pick one up for $50-60 on ebay.

meowman8000

Try a netflix APK from here:

https://apps.atvxperience.com/

Or Aptoide TV could have a netflix that works for you. The Chromecast will never work unfortunately, because its proprietary Google. Firefox has a "send tab" functionality that could potentially work, I've not tried it yet.

Saurabh4982

I am using T96 Pro which costed around 80USD. It’s a pretty decent device and actually plays all apps fairly well. I had trouble with Netflix but since I installed through Aptoide TV it’s working fine. I believe if all you need is a device for streaming apps and playing your own media then the Chinese devices are alright particularly if you select the slightly higher range ones. Don’t go for the really cheap ones they would certainly trouble you. My initial experience wasn’t good because that’s just what I did. Also it doesn’t harm if you have an Ethernet connection as the WiFi receiver on these boxes isn’t great.