Android boxes and non Netflix apps

by heybart

I'm intrigued by the relatively cheap Android boxes with 4GB ram and gigabit Ethernet and USB port. I understand the gotcha is they're not Netflix certified. But I don't care about Netflix because my TV has Netflix and prime video etc all in 4k and I can just use that. I want the box for apps my TV is missing, like HBO max, and to have Ethernet port with no dongle (my house is wired up so I prefer to use Ethernet on all my stationary devices) and to maybe play back media directly from USB drive

Reviews almost never mention apps besides Netflix and prime like HBO max. If the box isn't Netflix certified does that mean it can't play HBO max in hd or 4k either? Not to mention other services like paramount+ or whatever may crop up later. Surely all these services don't require certification individually?

(PS Yes I know I can just buy the shield but, you know, money)

heybart

So what I've figured out is hardware is pretty cheap, software is pretty much free, it's the certification that drives up the cost

JKodi

Buy a box that has Android TV for its OS..not Android Mobile

triplebeamz

You only need to worry about two things. Is it Android TV certified. And is it L1 certified.

As long as you have this pretty much any app will work with the exception of Netflix, as Netflix has their own certification.

That being said some apps may not show up in the Play Store and you'll have to sideload, like prime video and Disney perhaps

Guenni8003

I think the safe way is to buy a box that is prime and Netflix certified, caus then you can be sure that all the required DRM and Widevine stuff works, which might be needed for the Apps you want.

latinriky78

If the box isn't Netflix certified does that mean it can't play HBO max in hd or 4k either?

The fact that a GOOGLE CERTIFIED Android TV box lacks a Netflix certification doesn't mean the other apps won't work very well, both the Google and the Netflix certifications run independently and the latter never affects the former, it's just something like a virtual permission the OEM receives to be able to install the app from the Play Store and to provide proper support to users from Netflix, you will be able to use Android TV without problems if you get a device without the Netflix cert, let me know if you need any recommendations.

VinCubed

The CCwGTV is pretty cheap and certified.