Android TV Box to Replace ageing Roku 3

by sivartk

I'm looking to replace my aging Roku 3 from 2013 as it seems to have issues with the apps I use. I don't want another Roku because lately they are becoming more like Amazon (a lot of ads) and Apple (apps just "appearing" on a weekly basis -- like they know what is right for me). So, I'm looking at an Android TV box. I've already decided I'm going to get an nVidia Sheild Pro for the theater room, but don't need something that powerful for my living room. Here is what I'm wanting for the living room.

Setup: 2014 Insignia 1080p "dumb" TV and a 3.1 Vizio Soundbar.

Must Have:

  1. Ethernet (minimum 10/100 -- Gigabit is a nice bonus)
  2. Ability to watch live TV from my HDHomeRun without pixellation / stuttering
  3. Plex - ability to direct play full .ts recordings and full DVD rips.
  4. Amazon Prime app (I have a few movies / shows I've "purchased" from their service)
  5. YouTube (standard app)
  6. Pluto TV / Tubi TV / Xumo TV (at least one of these)

Nice to Have:

  1. Netflix -- in case I want to subscribe someday.
  2. IR Remote (I would like to keep using my Harmony 650)

I would like to keep it under $75. If it is up around $100 I might as well find a used nVidia Sheild.

Any thoughts on some good choices that would meet all my "must have's"?

BiggussDikkuss

https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/cguehm/androidtv_device_comparison_table/

Be aware none of the AMLogic chipset S9Xx devices have fully sorted out Android deinterlacing for watching high quality TV with a HDHomerun .ts recordings or interlaced DVD Rips. You WILL get pixelation of mpeg2 or stuttering of h264 interlaced TV content.
Personally I would avoid those for broadcast TV viewing all together if sticking with the Android TV OS.

So that leaves you with three choices:

  • a Nvidia Shield TV and a FLIRC Infra Red receiver USB dongle. (Hunt around for a 2nd hand one)

  • a 4GB KM3 / KM9 and then you Dual Boot to CoreELEC Kodi for properly deinterlaced TV viewing: https://coreelec.org/

  • The CoreELEC OS is really good for interlaced HDHomerun TV viewing and DVD Rips. You can run the PlexKodiconnect Addon for Plex viewing. There is a lot of user and developer support for CoreELEC OS tweaking and configurability.

  • an Apple TV 4K that has both inbuilt easily self programmable Infra Red control and can do high quality deinterlacing for TV viewing using the Channels or MrMC Apps: https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=335219

[deleted]

Current inexpensive devices with Netflix certification are:

- Ematic Jetstream available only at walmart:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Jetstream-4K-Ultra-HD-Android-TV-Box-with-Voice-Search-Remote-AGT418/316458576

- Xiaomi Mi Box S: https://www.mi.com/global/mi-box-s

- AirTV Player: https://www.airtv.net/products/airtv_player/

- AirTV Mini: https://www.airtv.net/products/airtv_mini/

Current inexpensive devices without Netflix certification are:

- Mecool KM3: http://www.videostrong.com/Google%20Certified/100.html

- Mecool KM9 Pro: http://www.videostrong.com/Google%20Certified/98.html

- Channel Master Stream Plus (With ATSC tuner built-in but outdated Android TV OS):

https://www.channelmaster.com/OTA_DVR_s/336.htm

For more information about every Android TV device certified by Google, head over this website:

Android TV Guide

Max_Roc

Correct me if I'm wrong but Shield is the only Android Tv that checks off all your boxes, and the only android tv box to officially support Prime. Mibox and jetstream must have prime sideloaded.

The new shield dongle is 149 and google express often has a 20% off first purchase. Likely to be more seller deals over BF.

s_sayan

Too many requirements for a cheap box under $75 (new). In that case, just get an used 2017 Shield for $100 or something like that.

I mean, you could just sideload Amazon Prime on the Jetstream and I guess it would check most of your requirements, but it looks like you want it to be official for some reason. As far as I know, Prime app works pretty much the same on different Android TV devices. Basically the same crappy app. I believe the app is taken directly from the Shield. Fire TV devices are the only ones that really provide a decent Prime experience. If you only use Prime occasionally, then I would just sideload the Prime app on the Jetstream.

Alternatively, you could get an used Fire TV Box 2nd Gen. It has Ethernet Port and pretty much everything you require. Most powerful Fire TV device after the new 2nd Gen Cube, but it doesn't have HDR, only standard 4k.